The Pocomoke Public Eye

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Free Cell Phone Plans To Those Who Qualify

Assurance Wireless, a division of Virgin Mobile, launched a service yesterday that provides a free cellphone and 200 free monthly minutes to qualifying low-income Maryland residents, the company said.

Assurance is able to offer the free service because it obtains a per-customer subsidy through a federal program whose goal is to improve land-line and wireless phone access. Customers who exceed the 200-minute allowance have to pay for subsequent service at 10 cents per minute.

The subsidy comes from the Federal Communications Commission's Universal Service Fund, which supports a program called Lifeline. The program helps provide for telephone access in under-served areas across the United States.

Assurance is the second company in six months to offer low-income residents with free cellphone plans in Maryland. In November, TracFone Wireless Inc. announced they would give free cell phones and 64 free minutes a month to eligible low-income customers in Maryland through its service, Safelink Wireless.

Customers eligibile for the cell phone programs typically have to be participating in a federal program, such as Medicaid, food stamps, public housing, or they may qualify based on low income. Potential customers can call 800-395-2171 or visit www.assurancewireless.com on the Internet.

www.baltimoresun.com

Don't Forget To Buy Your Tax Free Hurricane Items

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) - Forecasters are expecting the Atlantic Hurricane season to be busier than normal, as the 2010 season approaches and a low pressure cell off the coast has caught the attention of Super Doppler 10 meteorologists.

It's not supposed to bother us, but it's nature's way of reminding everybody of the season to come.

A low pressure cell lingering off the Virginia and Carolina coasts has already generated rough surf along the beaches. Forecasters do not expect any real trouble from this one, but they continue to monitor its movement.

But preparing for an approaching storm or hurricane involves a lot more than just keeping an eye on the weather.

"Every family should have an emergency preparedness kit," said Wayne Lousteau, a manager at Home Depot.

Lousteau says there are a number of relatively inexpensive items you should have to meet basic necessities when riding out a storm.

"You want to make sure that you have light available to you, that you have water and food available to you and that you have a source of information," he said.

It's information that could save your life.

"What I'm holding...is a radio that will always have access to the NOAA Weather Radio Stations and can be provided power via two methods," Lousteau said.

Standard batteries, or the hand crank, generates electricity for the radio. Lousteau also says you should make sure you have plenty of batteries on hand, ranging from Double-A to D-cell, depending on your power requirements.

From now through the end of the month, most of these items are exempt from sales tax, which means buy now and save money. Of course your Hurricane kit should include more than just basic necessities. There are certain things you absolutely must have.

"Your critical medical needs in terms of do you have your medications," said Mark Marchbank, deputy coordinator Emergency Management of Virginia Beach.

Marchbank says to have your emergency kit ready throughout the year for any kind of natural or man-made disaster.

www.wavy.com

Please take time to prepare for the bad weather this season and take advantage of the tax free items.

Aircraft Test Landings At Melfa Airport

The Melfa Airport Commission met to hear a presentation from the United States Navy regarding the prop aircraft test landings on Tuesday night. Mark Anthony, who was in the Navy for 30 years, gave the presentation at the Melfa Airport to give the guides for how the process would work.

Melfa Airport is one of 6 airports in the radius the Navy is looking that is currently in the process, which could grow to more.

These aircraft tests that the Navy would run will be for experienced pilots who are entering the final stages of their training. The exercises will mirror an actual landing on an aircraft carrier and will be run by E-2C Hawkeye aircraft and C-2A Greyhound aircraft. These planes will make touch and go landings at the airport chosen approximately 15 hours a week for the duration of the contract. The planes will generally spend about 3 hours in the area at a time and will mainly do night runs which will begin 30 minutes after sundown. Anthony said no weekend runs will be done under normally circumstances. However, unforeseen situations, such as inclement weather, could force the Navy to conduct weekend flights.

Anywhere between 2-5 planes will come at a time, each containing 8 pilots. The first plane will make a touch landing, take back off and then begin a "race track" like path back to the runway approach. During this time, the other aircraft will complete a touch and go and begin their circle. While in their circle, the pilots will rotate. The first plane will make a total of 8 landings, one for each pilot, per trip. The "race track" path the planes will take can be altered to exclude certain areas, such as the town of Melfa.

The planes will generally fly at about 600 feet. Anthony said the sound volume between these planes and the much larger jets is "vastly different." Noise of larger jets is about 124 decibels at 600 feet, while noise of the E-2 and C-2 is roughly 92 decibels. Anthony added the noise is doubled every time the decibel amount rises by 3.

The Navy will hold open hearings for the public of the Eastern Shore to attend, where they will provide a test run of the aircraft that will be landing here for people to be able to see for themselves what exactly these test landings will entail and how much noise they will bring.

Other airports currently interested in allowing the Navy to use their airport include Emporia, Suffolk, Franklin, Dinwiddy and Chesterfield. Any other of the 10 airports which are in the zone and did not ask for more information can enter the bidding process at anytime.

As of right now, it will be up to the Airport to Commission whether they would like the Navy to use the Melfa Airport. If that is the case, the Melfa Airport will make an offer to the Navy. If the offer is made, the Navy will decide between the Melfa offer and all other offers made by other airports. Also, if Melfa wins the bid, the money paid by the Navy will only be able to be used by the Melfa Airport.

The Navy hopes to touch the first plane at the winning airport by January of 2012. After the airport is chosen, a small amount of equipment will have to be installed at the airport. This will all be paid for by the Navy, Accomack County and the Melfa Airport will incur no costs.

www.shoredailynews.com

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

( UPDATE) HELP! One of our Advertisers is Going to JAIL, Immediate Action Required!!

UPDATE!! We have a start to help Joe make bail, lets come together and donate to Joe's bail for Jerry's Kids.
Thanks Pam, Joe and Randy for your generous donation and the beginning to help Joe get out of jail.
Click on the link to see the donation baromometer and your name when you donate.

I NEED YOUR HELP!

I'm going behind bars for "GOOD"
PLEASE HELP BAIL ME OUT!

Your donation is my key to freedom! Be proud of the fact that together we're providing help and hope to kids and adults served by MDA in our community.

STILLJOES will not be able to fix your car if I am in jail,how are you going to get that new muffler or custom exhaust? Just think of all people that can't get to work if stilljoes autorepair is not open to repair your engine! What will you do when you get to 125 clemwood st.in salisbury MD.Or when you call 410-677-1022 and no one answers the phone.

Thanks for making a difference!

2010 Salisbury Lock-Up

Location: Outback Steakhouse
Date: 05/26/10

PLEASE Go HERE to help bailout Joe

Well-being Check Finds Elderly Couple Buried Under Trash

CHICAGO (AP) - Authorities say two people in their 70s were found buried under mounds of trash in their home on Chicago's South Side.

Police Lt. Dale Kingsley says their home was "packed from floor to ceiling" with garbage and may have to be condemned.

Chicago Fire Department paramedics conducting a well-being check Monday evening found the stench so overpowering they had to don hazardous materials suits before going inside the home.

Fire Department spokesman Kevin MacGregor says the man and woman were taken to Jackson Park Hospital in critical condition. A hospital nurse says their condition had improved by Tuesday morning.

MacGregor says the couple hadn't been heard from in three weeks.

www.wavy.com

U.S. Naval Academy Continues 70 Year Old Tradition

As they have for 70 years, students at the U.S. Naval Academy celebrated the end of their grueling first year by scaling a 21-foot obelisk on Monday. But this time, without a lard coating on the monument, students completed the task in minutes.

For years, the Herndon Monument was slathered in the grease to make the event as challenging as possible. It often took hours for a group of first-year students, or "plebes," to hoist a peer on their shoulders to place an officer's hat atop the obelis.

On Monday, Midshipman Keegan Albi managed to grip the sides of the monument and shimmy his way to the top in just over two minutes after a human pyramid of classmates boosted him more than halfway up. As the ritual dictates, he snatched a first-year student's cap from the top and replaced it with the officer's hat.

Moments after reaching the top, Albi was upbeat, but he also sounded disappointed by the lack of lard.

"They should grease it, though, make it a lot harder," Albi, of Eugene, Ore., said.

Spectators, including alumni and current students who dealt with the lard coating, could be heard grumbling about how easy it is without the grease.

John Truesdell, who made the greasy climb in 1960, warmly recalled the bond of teamwork shared by those in tackling the task. He said the academy should keep the tradition.

"I would love to see it continue," Truesdell, of Tucson, Ariz., said. "I think it's such a big part of the tradition at the academy."

Even Albi's mom, Linda Albi, said it was much more exciting when her daughter participated several years ago.

"It happened way too fast," Linda Albi said, noting she hardly had time to take pictures.

Fowler said he would rather that the academy's Sea Trials exercise be seen as the culminating experience for plebes. The 14-hour competition, which began in 1998, involves every member of the class and requires teamwork to complete an obstacle course.

Fowler is slated to be replaced as superintendent by Navy Rear Adm. Michael H. Miller, who was nominated by President Barack Obama's administration in April to lead the school. Miller must first be confirmed by the U.S. Senate

First-year students began the yearly ritual of helping classmate to the top of the obelisk in 1940, and added the symbolic placement of an officer's cap on its tip seven years later, according a history of the event by James Cheevers, senior curator at the U.S. Naval Academy Museum. In 1949, upperclassmen began smearing on as much as 200 pounds of lard on the monument to increase the difficulty of the task.

Records are incomplete on how long the climb has taken every year. But the longest time is believed to be the span of more than four hours in 1995, a year when upperclassmen glued down the hat that must be removed from the top. The shortest on record is 1 ½ minutes in 1969, a year that the monument wasn't greased.

However, many students, parents and alumni find the tradition to be an endearing rite of passage.

"I just think at some point it will become not very interesting and it will just cease to be a climb," Fowler told reporters earlier this month, adding that there have been minor injuries in the past.

This year, the event drew more attention after Vice Adm. Jeffrey Fowler, the academy's superintendent, cited "unnecessary injury risk" as a reason the school could end the yearly ritual. He declined to offer a timetable for a decision that will likely rest with his successor

This year, the event drew more attention after Vice Adm. Jeffrey Fowler, the academy's superintendent, cited "unnecessary injury risk" as a reason the school could end the yearly ritual. He declined to offer a timetable for a decision that will likely rest with his successor.

"I just think at some point it will become not very interesting and it will just cease to be a climb," Fowler told reporters earlier this month, adding that there have been minor injuries in the past.

However, many students, parents and alumni find the tradition to be an endearing rite of passage.

On Monday, Midshipman Keegan Albi managed to grip the sides of the monument and shimmy his way to the top in just over two minutes after a human pyramid of classmates boosted him more than halfway up. As the ritual dictates, he snatched a first-year student's cap from the top and replaced it with the officer's hat.

Moments after reaching the top, Albi was upbeat, but he also sounded disappointed by the lack of lard.

"They should grease it, though, make it a lot harder," Albi, of Eugene, Ore., said.

Spectators, including alumni and current students who dealt with the lard coating, could be heard grumbling about how easy it is without the grease.

John Truesdell, who made the greasy climb in 1960, warmly recalled the bond of teamwork shared by those in tackling the task. He said the academy should keep the tradition.

"I would love to see it continue," Truesdell, of Tucson, Ariz., said. "I think it's such a big part of the tradition at the academy."

Even Albi's mom, Linda Albi, said it was much more exciting when her daughter participated several years ago.

"It happened way too fast," Linda Albi said, noting she hardly had time to take pictures.

Fowler said he would rather that the academy's Sea Trials exercise be seen as the culminating experience for plebes. The 14-hour competition, which began in 1998, involves every member of the class and requires teamwork to complete an obstacle course.

Fowler is slated to be replaced as superintendent by Navy Rear Adm. Michael H. Miller, who was nominated by President Barack Obama's administration in April to lead the school. Miller must first be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

First-year students began the yearly ritual of helping classmate to the top of the obelisk in 1940, and added the symbolic placement of an officer's cap on its tip seven years later, according a history of the event by James Cheevers, senior curator at the U.S. Naval Academy Museum. In 1949, upperclassmen began smearing on as much as 200 pounds of lard on the monument to increase the difficulty of the task.

Records are incomplete on how long the climb has taken every year. But the longest time is believed to be the span of more than four hours in 1995, a year when upperclassmen glued down the hat that must be removed from the top. The shortest on record is 1 ½ minutes in 1969, a year that the monument wasn't greased.

photos: Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun

http://www.wbal.com/

1800's Day Festival- Upper Fairmount

UPPER FAIRMOUNT -- Fairmount Academy will hold its 35th annual 1800's Days Festival on the preserved school grounds on Saturday, May 29, from 10:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Last of its kind. 2-story Gothic Revival Schoolhouse

Active 1839-1969

All day happenings include tours of the academy's museums and restored classrooms, weaving demonstrations, displays of new and antique quilts, and demonstrations of other handcrafts.

Entertainment offered throughout the day include a spelling bee, square dancing, singing, music, vendors selling home baked goods and crafts, prize drawings and fire engine rides.

Food will include homemade ice cream, fresh strawberry shortcake, old fashioned lemonade, and oyster or crab cake sandwiches prepared on site as well as other festival foods.

For information call 410-651-0781 or 410-651-3945.

June 5 is the rain date for the festival.

www.somersetherald.com

Washington State: Pickaxe Flies Off Truck Into Windshield

KIRKLAND -(Washington State) It came out of nowhere for a couple driving along Interstate 405 near Kirkland Sunday. A 4-foot pickaxe went flying right through their windshield as they were driving.

Pete Henning was with his wife, Maxine, when it happened. "All of a sudden I saw something fly up in the air, looked like an ice climbing axe," said Henning, "next thing there was a loud pop and it came through the windshield and got wedged in the seat between the two of us."

The Bellevue couple were driving their Mercedes SUV. They headed southbound on I-405 near Kirkland at 3:45 p.m. on Sunday. They say the pickaxe soared off the back of a truck just ahead of them.

"Thankfully both Maxine and I wear glasses so we didn't have any glass in our eyes," says Henning, "but I'm afraid that we might have, had we not had glasses."

"It could have easily taken off either of their heads," says Washington State Patrol Trooper T.M. John, "or caused major damage to them, it was a very scary situation."

Trooper John says a 911 caller saw it happen and was able to describe the truck where the pickaxe came from. It still has not been found.

Troopers says the truck is a late 1980's or early 1990's green or teal pickup truck with wood panels on each side of the bed.

"It wasn't one of those that just had some equipment here and there," says Trooper John, "it was described as jam packed full of debris that was clearly unsecured."

In Washington state, it's a serious crime for a load to come unsecured and hurt someone. Convictions usually result in a year in jail, and $5,000 in fines.

Henning says the lesson is, it can happen anytime, anywhere, and if he and his wife hadn't been so lucky, who knows what would have happened.

"It doesn't matter what sort of a road your on, whether it's a rough road or a smooth road, things can come off," says Henning, "and if you have a truck with anything that's loose that can come out, make sure it's tied down."

If you think you've seen the truck described above, give the Washington State Patrol a call at 425-401-7788.

www.Q13fox.com

Monday, May 24, 2010

Obama to DoD: Prepare for NKorea Aggression

"N-24" Hey... you sunk my battle ship!! "Awwww I'm sorry"

President Barack Obama has directed the U.S. military to coordinate with South Korea to "ensure readiness" and deter future aggression from North Korea, the White House said on Monday.

The United States gave strong backing to plans by South Korean President Lee Myung-bak to punish North Korea for sinking one of its naval ships, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said in a statement.

The White House urged North Korea to apologize and change its behavior, he said.

"We endorse President Lee's demand that North Korea immediately apologize and punish those responsible for the attack, and, most importantly, stop its belligerent and threatening behavior," Gibbs said.

"U.S. support for South Korea's defense is unequivocal, and the president has directed his military commanders to coordinate closely with their Republic of Korea counterparts to ensure readiness and to deter future aggression," he said.

Obama and Lee have agreed to meet at the G20 summit in Canada next month, he said.

Late last week, a team of international investigators accused North Korea of torpedoing the Cheonan corvette in March, killing 46 sailors in one of the deadliest clashes between the two since the 1950-53 Korean War.

Lee said on Monday South Korea would bring the issue before the U.N., whose past sanctions have damaged the already ruined North Korean economy.

The United States still has about 28,000 troops in South Korea to provide military support.

The two Koreas, still technically at war, have more than 1 million troops near their border.

"We will build on an already strong foundation of excellent cooperation between our militaries and explore further enhancements to our joint posture on the Peninsula as part of our ongoing dialogue," Gibbs said.

Gibbs said the United States supported Lee's plans to bring the issue to the United Nations Security Council and would work with allies to "reduce the threat that North Korea poses to regional stability."

Obama had also directed U.S. agencies to evaluate existing policies toward North Korea.

"This review is aimed at ensuring that we have adequate measures in place and to identify areas where adjustments would be appropriate," he said.

VIA: Newsmax.com

VDOT Needs Volunteers To Mow Roadside Grass

The Virginia Department of Transportation has an idea on how to save some money but they need some volunteers on four wheels.

Liz Hansen showed us how the grass in her west Mclean neighborhood has grown waist high.

"It used to be a great place where you'd have Fourth of July picnics... tick haven and everything else," said Hansen.

VDOT says $20 million in budget cuts has meant fewer summer mowings and not mowing as far off the street. While it will still make sure motorists can see safely.

VDOT's Jennifer McCord said, "That grass still can be taller than some citizens like to see, especially in their neighborhoods, so now there's a process in place where motorists and citizens can apply to mow those areas."

Volunteers can sign up to mow a specific stretch, similar to the Adopt-A-Highway Program. VDOT will issue safety vests and signs, but that's it. Some say that lack of extra help from VDOT is a problem.

Jonathan Rokita said, "I think it'll be hard for them to find volunteers to bring their own equipment, their own gas, their own time. They've got their own lawns to mow."

"First, they close all the rest stops, then they reopen them and now they're wanting people to mow? I hope they have good insurance," said Barbara Gribble.

Others say, everything's getting cut these days, so why not the grass, too?

Rebecca O'Neill said, "There's nothing wrong with asking for volunteers. They're not being forced to do it."

"If people have the time and the means to, why not?" asked Jean-Jacques DeMontebello.

VDOT says they won't ask for volunteers to mow along major roads and that safety comes first. To get contact someone in your community about mowing the grass for VDOT, call 703-383-VDOT.

www.wjla.com

The Mar-Va Theater Performing Arts Center

click to enlarge

National Seatbelt Effort

From May 24th until June 6th, several police agencies across the nation will be stepping up enforcement of seatbelt usage. The Virginia effort, called "Buckle Up Now Virginia", will mainly focus on children who should be buckled up in a child booster or safety seat.

"You can buckle up a child in a seat belt, booster seat or child safety seat in two seconds," explains Accomack County Sheriff's Deputy Eric Nottingham. "But in an entire lifetime you couldn't get over the grief of a child in your care not buckled up and dying in a traffic crash."

Accomack County Sheriff Larry Giddens says officers will be on the look out for seatbelt usage and that checkpoints will be set up to enhance the awareness.

The mobilization, expected to involve more than 10,000 police agencies, is supported by $8 million in national advertising funded through Congress and coordinated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

NHTSA statistics also show that those least likely to buckle-up are teens, young adults, males, nighttime riders, motorists traveling on rural roads and individuals traveling in pick-up trucks.

www.shoredailynews.com

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Bumper Sticker for the Day

Sarah Palin Hits Obama: BP Was Campaign Donor to Obama, Obama in Bed with Big Oil

Sarah Palin accused US President Barack Obama on Sunday of leading a lax response to the Gulf of Mexico spill because he is too close to the big oil companies.

The former vice presidential candidate and Alaska governor, who champions off-shore drilling, criticized the media for not drawing the link between Obama and big oil and said if this spill had happened under former Republican president George W. Bush the scrutiny would have been far tougher.

"I don't know why the question isn't asked by the mainstream media and by others if there's any connection with the contributions made to president Obama and his administration and the support by the oil companies to the administration," she told Fox News Sunday.

More than 3.5 million dollars has been given to candidates by BP over the last 20 years, with the largest single donation, 77,051 dollars, going to Obama, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

Palin suggested this close relationship explained why Obama was, "taking so doggone long to get in there, to dive in there, and grasp the complexity and the potential tragedy that we are seeing here in the Gulf of Mexico."

The BP-leased Deepwater Horizon rig exploded on April 20, killing 11 workers, and sank two days later. Ever since, hundreds of thousands of gallons of oil, perhaps millions, have been spewing each day into the sea.

The resulting slick, now the size of a small country, threatens to leave Louisiana's fishing and coastal tourism industries in tatters, ruin pristine nature reserves, and cause decades of harm to the ecology of fragile marshes that are a haven for rare wildlife and migratory birds.

The Obama administration has been forced to defend its response to the disaster as some Republicans have sought to portray it as their Katrina, an allusion to president Bush's mishandling of the response to the 2005 hurricane that devastated Louisiana.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs mocked Palin's suggestions that Obama was somehow in bed with big oil because of 2008 presidential campaign contributions.

"Sarah Palin was involved in that election, but I don't think, apparently, was paying a whole lot of attention," Gibbs said.

"I'm almost sure that the oil companies don't consider the Obama administration a huge ally. We proposed a windfall profits tax when they jacked their oil prices up to charge for gasoline.

"My suggestion to Sarah Palin would be to get slightly more informed as to what's going on in and around oil drilling in this country."

However, Gibbs did make it clear that reforms must be carried out to make sure that the incestuous relationship between oil firms and government regulators highlighted by the current disaster ended once and for all.

"BP will pay for every bit of this," he said. "We have to figure out and make sure that the relationship that is had with government and oil companies is not a cozy relationship as the president said.

Gibbs also said there was no comparison with Katrina.

"If you look back at what happened in Katrina, the government wasn't there to respond to what was happening. That quite frankly was the problem.

"I think the difference in this case is we were there immediately. We have been there ever since."

Palin, who quit the Alaska governorship after serving less than half of one term, famously promoted the slogan "Drill, baby, drill!" that rallied supporters while dismissing possible environmental impact of off-shore drilling.

Her detractors switched the line to "Spill, baby, spill!"

VIA: Newsmax.com

Worcester schools to send text alerts

Next year, Worcester County parents and students will know about school closings and delays as quickly as they can read a text message.

Like many colleges and universities, Worcester public schools will soon have the automated notification system for high-priority messages, such as early dismissals, school closings and emergencies. The school board approved spending $12,400 to buy the SchoolMessenger notification system.

Jon Andes, superintendent of Worcester County schools, said the system would be good for alerting parents in situations such as this year's sudden closure of Pocomoke schools on the day a water main broke.

"This'll allow us, in an automated way, to alert parents in a situation such as that," Andes said.

SchoolMessenger was chosen over five other systems for its capabilities, which include language translation and e-mail notification, among other things. The system will even automatically call the homes of high school students who are absent from school, according to Student Information Technology Instructor Gil Beety.

A federal grant earmarked for technology will be used to buy and maintain the system, which is expected to be in use by the beginning of the 2010-11 school year.

VIA: DelmarvaNow.com

Bayou Breakfast "Breakfast on the Fly"

DIRECT LINK

Say What? Shocking Interview Stories

We've all had that perfect job interview at least once in our lives, when everything clicks. It's that moment when both interviewer and interviewee realize that each has found exactly what the other is looking for, a moment of happy bliss.

But then there are the other times, those moments when a job interview goes horribly wrong. Perhaps not so funny as it is actually happening, but afterward you can't help but laugh at how strange, bizarre, downright weird the experience was. We asked both recruiters and job applicants to recount the oddest things said in a job interview; and you won't believe some of the things we heard.

Job Hunting While Under the Influence

My first job out of college was working for a big box retailer in their management-training program. Throughout my time there, I interviewed over 1,000 candidates from all walks of life. Far and away the one that I remember the most was with a young male applying for an overnight position.

The least of his problems was that he showed up to the interview 15 minutes late, wearing jeans and a hooded sweatshirt. It went downhill from there.

After a few minutes of questioning, he turned the tables on me and asked, "Why do I have to answer these stupid questions anyway?"

Then followed up immediately with, "You know what, I'm drunk. Can't you just give me the job now so I can leave?"

As I began to list the already large amount of reasons why he couldn't work for us, he pulled a beer out of his pocket to sip on while he was listening.

As any good young professional would do, I asked two of my peers to join me, to continue the interview as if he was a promising candidate, since there was no way they would have believed my story if I hadn't proved it to them.

– By Joe Arends

Crazy Child-Care Interviews

While working as the director of a child-care and preschool facility, I often interviewed many people for positions like preschool teacher or school-bus driver. Surprisingly, many of the applicants were rejected, because in a nutshell, there was no way that I was going to let them within ten feet of a kid, let alone trust them in a room alone with a while classroom full of them. These are some of the crazy things I have heard over the years from those that thought they would make perfect preschool teachers:

Question: How long have you worked in the child development field?

Answer: "Well, I was a kid for like 12 years or so but I grew up fast so maybe 10 years of experience being a child."

Answer: "I was a teacher for about five years before I went to jail for killing my boyfriend, cause he slept with this girl, so now I am trying to get back into teaching."

Question: Do you have a criminal record that may prevent you from working with kids?

Answer: "I have a criminal record but there were not kids involved, so yeah, I can work with kids."

Answer: "I was busted a while ago for DUI, but now I am real careful when I drive drunk."

Answer: "What exactly do you mean by criminal?"

Question: What makes you want to work with children (asked to a male teaching candidate)?

Answer: "Well, honestly, I have heard that you can meet a lot of single moms in this profession."

Question: You said that you were terminated from the last school you worked at, what was the reason?

Answer: "Well, they said I hit this kid. But I didn't, I just pushed him a little, so they fired me."

Answer: "There was this one kid that I hated and I kinda got pissed off and smacked him – but I am sure I will like all the kids here and that would never happen."

Question: What qualities do you have that would make you work well with young children?

Answer: "Well, I am really immature so I can relate to them and I also like to play with toys and video games. I think that they would like that."

Question: Is there anything else you would like to tell me about yourself?

Answer: "Well, I want to make at least $40,000 a year." (This person had no experience, had just graduated from high school and showed up in sweats and a t-shirt that said "Bite me.")

Answer: "Yes, I wanted to know if you wanted to have dinner with me later and maybe a drink. I think you're really pretty."

Answer: "Yes, I was wondering how long I have until I have to take a drug test. I am going to need a few days at least."

Answer: "I was wondering what the policy was on drinking on your lunch break." (The person was interviewing to be a bus driver.)

Answer: "Do I really have to teach them stuff or can I just babysit them?"

Answer: "If you hire me today can you give me an advance on my first paycheck? I've got a lot of bills to pay."

Needless to say once I got these answers, the interview was over.

– By Richel Newborg

You Have 60 Seconds, GO!

About a year back, I was being interviewed for a position at an advertising agency. My interviewer was laid back and inquisitive, asking questions like, "Where do you see yourself in five years?" and "Why do you want to work here?" Seemingly typical interview questions.

I was completely thrown off when he suddenly plopped a pad of paper down in front of me and said, "Okay, now you have 60 seconds to draw a picture of a turtle!"

I just stared at him, open-mouthed, until he started counting down. I scrambled for a pen, and drew the best dang turtle I could conjure up. I guess my turtle was pretty good, because I got the job!

– By Samantha Carow

Crazy Interview Answers and Questions

The most interesting part of working in the personnel department of a large company was being privy to some of the resume reviewing and interviewing sessions. Quite often, it was the interviewers, not the jobless hopeful, who found themselves stumped for words when going through the hiring process; here are a few of the oddest:

When reviewing one application, the personnel manager was glancing over the candidate's previous employment to check for relevant experience for assembly line work. The interviewer was intrigued when the applicant had previous experience working on the assembly line at Frito Lay. However, interest soon waned when the space under "last position held" read "potato chip."
A woman owning her own mystery shopping company was meeting a new shopper at a nearby coffee shop to give her the scoop on what was expected when performing a mystery shop. She approached the new candidate outside, quickly shook her hand, and took a seat to get down to business. The owner rattled on and on about what she expected and what constituted an acceptable shop, while the candidate sat in silence never opening her mouth. Finally, the owner said, "You know, I'm not so sure this is the job for you; if you were to take this position, you'd really have to sink your teeth into it." Looking quite disappointed, the new candidate parted her lips as a huge sigh escaped her toothless mouth, and said, "Darn it! So, I'll need teeth to do this job?"
A writer was interviewing a young executive who hoped to appear on the cover of a local trade magazine. He was very professional and polished, seeming to know exactly what to say to every question. When asked how many hours a week the young executive worked, he admitted to being the most dedicated one in the firm, averaging approximately 120 to 130 hours a week. Later on in the interview when asked what was most important to the young executive, he responded, "Oh, definitely my family!"

– By Debi Siegel

Honesty Is the Best Policy

My friend was being interviewed for a retail position at Kohl's. The final interview process included all of the potential applicants to have a group interview. They were asked a series of questions as the human resources supervisor went around the room from person to person. When they got to my friend they asked her what she would do if she were to catch one of her friends stealing merchandise from the store.

Her response was, "Well, that depends."

The supervisor replied, "Depends on what?"

She said, "Well, if the person was poor and was stealing food or something they needed for their children, then no, I would have to say I would not rat them out."

The employer was so appalled he pulled her from the group, taking her into the hallway and privately asking her why she had responded the way she did. Her response? "I am an honest person at heart, you asked me and I gave you my honest answer. I would not turn someone in that was truly desperate to feed his children or clothe his children, but if it were some punk off of the streets, then yes, I would radio security immediately."

The supervisor looked seriously puzzled, not knowing what to think of her answer, then shook her hand, and thanked her for her time.

She thought she really blew that interview until the next day, when she got a call telling her she had been hired. The supervisor explained he had thought over what she had said and anyone that was brave enough to give a bold statement like that must truly be honest and loyal!

– By Amanda

What Would Your Perfect Job Be?

I once got asked "What would your perfect job be?"

I had gotten so comfortable with the interviewers (which is unlike me), that I just answered without thinking my answer through.

I said "My perfect job would consist of me lying on a beach, drinking a beer."

There was a panel of people interviewing me. As soon as I finished the sentence, I realized what I had done. The room was quiet for about two seconds. Then an explosion of laughter followed by a job offer.

Sometimes it really does pay to be completely honest. The best part is that I absolutely love the job and I wouldn't give up this great group of people for anything.

– By Rebecca Pointe

You're Here for What Position?

I manage a team of technical agents for an online company. Agents are expected to understand websites, online marketing and how the Internet works. Part of my position requires me to interview potential employees. As with any interview, some of the candidates get nervous and say some, well, unusual things. Here are a few of the statements I've heard over the years:

When asked how well a candidate knew web architecture, he said, "I used the Internet once. That's where that e-mail thing is, right?"
A 30-year-old male, when asked about a site he built, said, "It was awesome! It was pink and black and had My Little Pony and Care Bears everywhere. I love the Care Bears."
When asked about e-mail clients (e.g., Outlook, Mac Mail,) a job seeker said, "Oh, I use MySpace for all my e-mail. If I don't get it there, it's not important."
Responding to a question about online marketing, one candidate responded, "I don't know, I'd Google it, I guess."
Upon going over the job duties, the interviewee mumbled, "Um, I think I'm in the wrong place. I came in to interview for the janitorial position."
Regarding his knowledge of computer maintenance, one guy said, "I call Tech Support, what else would I do? Wait, what position is this again?"

– By Mark Miller

I Think You Sunk My Battleship

Coming from a small town, I was amazed, excited and nervous that I was chosen to be interviewed for a teaching position at a liberal arts preparatory school in Phoenix. The curriculum involved more than I was familiar with, but I am a Special Education teacher and I felt confident that my skills would umbrella my lack of knowledge about Latin. The interview was going quite well. I felt as if I had answered the questions with a good level of intelligence.

The headmaster finally mentioned that one of the subjects at the school was Chess. I smiled and commented that I loved to play Chess. He was happily amused at my answer and proceeded to ask me if I knew what E3 meant. Now I do love to play Chess, for recreational purposes. But I had no clue as to what he was talking about, but I had to come up with an answer.

So after a brief pause, and a few heavy thumps of my heartbeat, I replied, "I think you sunk my battleship." He laughed and I was hired.

– By S.R. Gates

Be Prepared

I went into my first interview three years ago at the young age of sixteen. It was for a little barbeque joint that was in my town. I stressed all day about the interview: what to wear, what to say, what not to say and even what cologne to wear. When the time finally came I nailed the interview, and I thought it was going great, until the interviewer asked, "Do you have any more gum?"

That's when I realized I was chewing vigorously on a piece of gum, and unfortunately, I had no other gum with me.

I didn't get the job, and to this day I think, "What if I would have had an extra piece of gum?"

– By Zachary Rowell

Next: 43 Things Actually Said in Job Interviews >>

VIA:AOLJOBS

Fox News Poll-Should the Flag Be Banned at Schools?

WHY would Fox News ask us to vote on this????? The left is winning big time........for whatever that means!

9.12 NE Freedom Project

The two enemies of the people are criminals and government, SO let us tie the second down with the chains of the constitution...so the second does not become the legalized version of the first...THOMAS JEFFERSON

Patriotic Resistance

A message to all members of Patriotic Resistance
Fox News Poll-Should the Flag Be Banned at Schools?

Moveon.org and Organizing for America, SEIU have been twittering today to go to Fox Poll and vote to ban the Flag.

SHOW THEM WHAT TRUE PATRIOTS BELIEVE!!! Let's flip those numbers and show the leftist we are organized and on the move....flip the numbers now-FLIP THE HOUSE in November!
GO HERE NOW:

Should the American Flag Be Banned -- in America? VOTE HERE

Thank you for your participation! We can switch the numbers if we all get in there and vote! After you vote, pass this information on to all sites you belong to and to all your friends!!

Visit Patriotic Resistance at: http://www.resistnet.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network/

Hat Tip; Eric

Gotta Love That Global Warmin'

One of our contributors (Pliansman) sent this to me a few days ago, it's a picture of his property in Nevada

Pocomoke Crime Reports so far This Month

Websleuths Recognized in a Newsweek article! "Would Bloggers Have Cracked Chandra's Case?"

"Now, when I cover any high-profile crime, I make sure to check out Web Sleuths, an Internet forum for armchair detectives who analyze cases and post court filings."

Would Bloggers Have Cracked Chandra's Case? A reporter who covered 24-year-old intern Chandra Levy's death looks at a new book about the case—and shares where the mainstream media went wrong.

When Chandra Levy went missing in 2001, she left a road map to her body. The 24-year-old intern quit her gym the day before she disappeared and spent her last known moments searching online for jogging paths in the same Washington, D.C., park where she would ultimately be found dead. But right from the start, a combination of police incompetence and media obsession with the politician Levy was sleeping with derailed the investigation. Finding Chandra, a new book about the case by Washington Post reporters Sari Horwitz and Scott Higham, details a shocking series of blunders by the police, who failed to retrieve security-camera footage showing Levy's final departure from home and somehow were unaware of a pattern of similar attacks on other female joggers. Meanwhile, Horwitz and Higham recount, the press corps failed to ask smart questions, instead jockeying for scoops concerning the most intriguing suspect: congressman Gary Condit.

The failure of both the police and journalists to properly investigate the crime could have tragic consequences. It seems clear now that the culprit was Ingmar Guandique, who was arrested for the other assaults just weeks after Levy vanished. But he may well be acquitted at his upcoming trial. Even though Guandique has confessed to murdering Levy, no forensic evidence exists. Thirteen months went by before Levy's bones were found. The evidence was so eroded that the medical examiner couldn't even determine how Levy died.

I am not proud to say that I was one of the dozens of reporters who succumbed to herd behavior, staking out Condit's home and investigating the underbelly of the Washington party circuit in a vain search for dirt on the congressman. A Vanity Fair columnist suggested that Condit frequented sex parties at Middle Eastern embassies and arranged for foreigners to kidnap Levy into sex slavery. Cable-news personalities speculated that the congressman, who happened to own a motorcycle, hired the Hells Angels to kill Levy. The anti-Condit mob drowned out all dissenting voices. Of course, we know that Condit was not a murderer, but something much more mundane—a politician who cheated on his wife.

The summer of Chandra Levy seems like yesterday, though almost a decade has passed. I'd like to think I'm a better reporter now, less likely to follow the pack. More important, the media landscape has changed. Blogs barely existed in 2001. Now, when I cover any high-profile crime, I make sure to check out Web Sleuths, an Internet forum for armchair detectives who analyze cases and post court filings. When I followed the Duke lacrosse rape story, blogs—many written by people with expertise about North Carolina politics, the law, or even, say, protocol for forensic nurses collecting rape kits—were the best source for appropriately skeptical reporting. The herd mentality of the mainstream media still exists, but it is no longer in control of the narrative. That's a good thing.

Bloggers are unrestrained by the orthodoxies of the professional reporter. They don't need to follow the conventions of the 800-word newspaper story and can instead toss out an idea in two sentences that will nonetheless spur national discussion. They can ask questions without necessarily supplying an answer. Critically, bloggers also do not typically rely on official sources for information. Reporters and their anonymous sources both benefit from the relationship. Reporters get exclusive information, which earns them promotions; sources weave narratives that serve their interests. This corrupting symbiosis makes the reporter all too quick to take an official's word at face value.

In the Levy case, this dynamic was clearly at work. At routine press conferences, all that reporters wanted to hear about was Condit. This suited the police just fine because they didn't have the slightest idea what had happened to Levy. And so, even as they were careful to say he was not a suspect, police dished on Condit, suggesting repeatedly that when the congressman was pressed for information regarding Levy, he was shifty and uncooperative. In fact, as Horwitz and Higham reveal, Condit disclosed his relationship with Levy in his first interview with police, agreed to three more interviews, allowed a search of his apartment, and voluntarily supplied DNA. But press coverage at the time propagated police officials' incomplete portrayal.

The pack tendencies of journalists are still evident, but skeptical outsiders are now part of the conversation. Take the Duke case: as the mainstream press became consumed with the racial melodrama, several bloggers zeroed in on the facts. History professor K. C. Johnson launched a blog that questioned the accuser's story early on. As the case went on, he spent hundreds of hours investigating and posting factual analysis that dismantled the prosecution's case. Unrestrained by the limits imposed on traditional reporters by periodic deadlines, source relationships, and their neutral pose, Johnson acted as a real-time historian, compiling original source material. Meanwhile, even five months into the case, The New York Times published a credulous 5,700-word story relying far too heavily on prosecutors' claims. Liestoppers, a second grassroots blog focused on the Duke case, tore the Times's story to shreds, finding several errors.

If a congressman's mistress went missing today, the media firestorm might even be more intense than it was during the summer of 2001. The bizarre conspiracy theories might spread faster. But it also is far more likely that a citizen journalist would think to search public reports of other attacks within days of the disappearance and start connecting the dots. We now know what happened to Chandra Levy. But given the time that was wasted and the evidence that has been lost, it may be too late for justice. We will find out when Guandique's trial begins this October—nearly a decade after Levy first disappeared.

VIA: NEWSWEEK.com

www.websleuths.com

~ Tell Them This........

I am not confused, I'm just well mixed.

~ Robert Frost ~

BAKE SALE

Bake Sale Today

Sunday May 23, 2010

8:00 AM until 2:00 PM

Location: Ocean Deli

Proceeds go towards the Travis Birch Scholarship Fund

Travis, the 19 year old Chincoteague resident lost his life as a result of an automobile accident recently.

The goal for this weekends bake sales is to reach $1,000.

They're almost there..........let's help them complete their mission.

Traveling Circus Stops In Onancock

ONANCOCK -- The spectators at a circus focus on the performance. The performers at the traveling circus that arrived in town for three shows this week focused on the spectators.

"The audience forgets about the things going on in their lives," said Ringmaster Rebecca Ostroff. "They become the act. It's so close, so kinetic."

After several years without stopping on the Eastern Shore, the Lewis and Clark Circus returned Monday and Tuesday to a warm welcome at the Onancock School grounds despite cloudy, rainy skies.

All ages came out to enjoy the one-ring, European-style circus featuring acts like trapeze artists, acrobats, clowns and animal acts, all under a big yellow-and-red-striped tent.

Traditional circus fare including cotton candy, popcorn and funnel cakes, and a midway featuring a petting zoo, face painting and camel rides made for a circus experience reminiscent of bygone days.

While for some the circus marks a fun evening out, for performers like Ostroff, it is a lifestyle.

Ostroff began her performing career as a dancer in New York City. In 1986, a friend convinced her to go to the International All-Star Circus to try her hand at it.

"My friend said I could earn $450 in three days," she said. "That was a lot in those days."

Realizing circus work allowed her to fulfill her passion for dance, Ostroff was hooked.

"I decided to get a trapeze and join," she said. "I ran away with the circus officially in 1987."

Since then Ostroff and her husband have worked under many circuses, she as a trapeze and silkscreen artist, he as a live musician. Ostroff began with the Lewis and Clark Circus in 2004.

In March of this year, Ostroff took over as ringmaster of the show, "because I like to talk," she joked.

She says that while circuses have had to downsize, the experience is "similar to how it was in the old, old days."

This year's big top housed performances ranging from the lighthearted antics of Jose Jose, a clown with a zest for music, to breath-holding physical feats as one performer dangled from the top of the tent by only her teeth.

All in all, about 30 people travel with the circus.

"We're like a family. We are a family," said Ostroff, saying her favorite part is "when people come and they love it."

www.easternshorenews.com

Friday, May 21, 2010

Teen suspended for Rosary beads

"Gang related" Rosary beads?

Freedom of religion or a breach of school policy?

"They might as well suspend me for the rest of the year because I'm not taking them off," said Raymond Hosier, who turned 13 Thursday.

He's been wearing his purple Rosary beads every day since the start of this school year. It wasn't a problem, until Tuesday when the seventh grader says a school administrator at Oneida Middle School told him to take the beads off or tuck them in his shirt.

Raymond refused. Wednesday he was suspended.

It's not religion necessarily that's behind this. They were his brother's beads. Joey died five years ago. He was hit by an SUV while test riding Raymond's bike. Raymond saw the whole thing.

In addition, two weeks ago Raymond's Uncle Tom died from brain cancer. The 13-year-old says the beads represent the relatives he's lost.

"Beads are one method that gangs use to identify each other," Superintendent Eric Ely explained.

The district has had a blanket policy on beads for a few years now. Students can wear them, but they must be tucked under their shirt.

"We certainly understand any youngster's desire to commemorate something, but we also understand our need to maintain a safe environment," said Ely.

Raymond's mom Chantell supports her son all the way.

"To be honest, after having the meetings I just had to think it's even more ridiculous. We have freedom of speech and freedom of religion. This is his freedom of religion. I will take this as far as It needs to go," she said.