Do You Know Your Kids' Facebook Friends?

In 2006, 13-year-old Megan Meier befriended a boy called “Josh” on MySpace. According to news reports, after engaging in friendly communication, Josh then ended his contacts with Megan, claiming she was mean and that “the world would be a better place without you.” Megan then hanged herself. Further investigation into the matter revealed that “Josh” was in fact a fake profile that had been created by neighbors who knew Megan.

The case was splashed across TV screens and newspapers as horrified parents across the country came to realize the potential dangers of social-networking websites, where impostors, predators and bullies can pose risks to their children.

"Nora,” a Toronto-based mother whose tween daughter is a Facebook user, explains that she closely monitors her daughter’s activities online and frequently checks her posts and friends’ lists. Even so, Nora says, “Kids can use the computers at their friends’ homes to go on Facebook, or even those at the library, at school or on their cell phones, so other than constantly checking their messages and posts, there’s not much you can do.”

Maria, the parent of a 13-year-old Facebook user, explains that social-networking is a “reality of life” for many tweens and teens, and it’s such an important communication tool that she believes schools should be responsible for teaching children about online safety. She draws parallels between parents’ disapproval of rock-and-roll 50 years ago and parents’ disapproval of social networking sites today: “The reality is, rock-and-roll was here to stay, and so are websites such as Facebook,” Maria says. The important thing is learning to set boundaries for your kids' online activities.

Safety programs for parents
In the great wide world of cyberspace, parents such as Maria and Nora need the reassurance that their children are conducting themselves safely online. Enter programs such as Net Nanny, SafeSocial.com and SafetyWeb.com, which allow parents to “watch” their children’s online activities and help prevent them from being exposed to inappropriate content.

SafeSocial, for example, monitors your child’s online friends by checking their information against several other websites to find out if a friend looks suspicious, or if, for example, the “friend” in question is actually an adult. In addition, SafeSocial scans the major social networks for posts involving your child that include trigger words like "drugs," "suicide" or "violence."

Net Nanny, on the other hand, is an Internet filter that can help prevent members of your family from being exposed to pornography or other content you deem inappropriate.

The importance of these programs is that they can alert parents to online predators, cyber-bullying or worrisome online discussions or activities in which a child is taking part.

Dangers of online activity
In addition to the dangers online predators pose, many parents also feel the need to monitor their children for other reasons as well. A Virginia parent we contacted says he closely monitors his son’s postings and online activities because “teenagers are impulsive….They often post tasteless or derogatory stuff about classmates, teachers and coaches. We've had to ask our son to remove some postings, usually complaints about teachers and their assignments. The second reason is security…It's critical to avoid posting information that identifies where you live or where you go to school, both in text and photos.”

He explains that his son had initially intended to write on his Facebook wall about where and when they were going on vacation, but his parents warned him not to because someone could read the post and find out that their house would be vacant.

Another reason to monitor kids online is because tweens and teens are frequently unaware of the consequences of their actions and statements. Maria recounts an incident in which her son joined the group “I hate Mrs. ‘X'” (the fictitious name of a school official). The school reprimanded her son and contacted the family to notify them that their son had joined a “hate group.” In another instance, her son who is on the football team was preparing for an upcoming game, and jokingly wrote on his Facebook wall that “We’re going to kill [the other team].” The post was then viewed by the parent of one of his Facebook contacts who interpreted it as a threat.

Taking necessary precautions
These examples drive home the point that most kids need some sort of supervision. In addition to talking to children about the realities of the online world, it’s also important to monitor their social-networking activities to avoid the possibility of potentially harmful interactions with strangers, or inappropriate discussions in which your child may be engaged.

SafeSocial: An Essential Tool for Parents

If your kids are active on social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter or MySpace, the new AOL SafeSocial helps parents understand what their kids are doing on these sites without "friending" them or hovering over their shoulders. You can try it free*, after which it's only $9.99 per month.
• Know where your kids have social networking accounts
• Find out more about their online "friends"
• See photos your children have posted -- and ones in which they've been "tagged"
• Get alerted to posts that contain trigger words about drugs or violence



By clicking "Try it now," you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Payment Terms. Scroll down or click here for details.
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VIA: AOL Discover

Ocean City Sunset This Evening

Please remember to drive safely during the holiday.

Missing Person Alex Arroyo-Flores Has Been Found

UPDATE

FROM Sgt. C. Wendlandt, Wicomico County Sheriff: Unfortunately on 09-4-10 Alex Arroyo-Flores’ body was found in the Rehobeth DE K-Mart shopping center in his car. His death is still under the investigation of the Delaware State Police.

The family would like to thank all those who offered their help, prayers and thoughts.

www.wboc.com

Let's hope that this is solved quickly!

Vehicle Found In Rehobeth Beach

DSP investigating a body found in a Silver Toyota Corolla with MD registration in the Rehoboth Beach Kmart.

The deceased male was found in the back seat of the car.

The car fits the same description as the car driven my a missing 21-year old Salisbury man.

www.wboc.com

US Cartoon of Mexican Flag Draws Ire

An American cartoonist's rendition of the Mexican flag is causing controversy south of the border, where Mexicans say it's offensive to taint their national symbol with images of drug violence.

Political cartoonist Daryl Cagle's drawing, which ran on the front page of several Mexican newspapers this week, shows what's normally a regal-looking eagle at the center of Mexico's flag riddled with bullets and bleeding. It's a reference to the drug wars that have riled Mexico and left more than 28,000 people dead there in less than four years.

"Editorial cartoonists look for readily recognizable metaphors and that's an obvious one for Mexico," Cagle told CNN.

But some Mexicans say they're offended by the cartoon. Like the American flag, Mexico's banner is a national symbol under which many soldiers and civilians have given their lives. They say Cagle overstepped his creative license in this case.

"It is a shame that a patriotic symbol like our flag, which is so beautiful to me, can be mocked by a stupid cartoonist," one angry reader complained to the Mexican newspaper El Universal. "I think there are many other ways to graphically protest what's happening in our country."

The Mexican Embassy in Washington weighed in on the issue, with a spokesman Ricardo Alday saying Thursday that Mexico "respects and defends freedom of speech and freedom of expression" but "differs" with Cagle "on the use he makes of the Mexican flag and the message it conveys."

In a letter to MSNBC.com, which employs Cagle, Alday said the cartoon "triggered a negative response from some sectors of Mexican public opinion."

On his blog, Cagle acknowledged that many people consider his cartoon "scandalous" and that it "struck a nerve with Mexican readers." He said he's received some "interesting, outraged emails" from readers.

"I think your idea of bringing the violence in Mexico to light is excellent. Too bad you butchered it along with the Mexican Flag," Ramon De Leon wrote on Cagle's blog comments section. "Laws in Mexico with regards to the use and depiction of the flag are in place to prevent this sort of stuff. Please consider taking it down and issuing an apology to the Mexican American community."

Cagle has not yet issued any apology, and newspapers continue to reprint his cartoon despite the controversy. The cartoonist also sought to defend his choice of material as a freedom that comes with his profession.

"National flags are common fodder for editorial cartoonists around the world, so the reaction to this cartoon was surprising to me," Cagle wrote.

Go HERE >>> to read more

~~STILL MISSING ~~

SALISBURY, Md. - Today marks one week since Alex Arroyo-Flores disappeared and everyone is searching every corner of the community, but volunteers have run into some roadblocks in their search.

Tears filled the eyes of family and friends of Alex Arroyo Flores. They joined police Friday afternoon to address the community.

Alex if you are watching please take a good look at your family and know that above all we love you we wish you the best and we would love to hear from you our life will never be the same until we see you or hear from you again," said Felipe Arroyo, his father.

With no evidence or even a location to search, the family is at their wits end and are asking the public to help them find Alex.
They say they can't cross private properties to search farms or local businesses.

With an extended holiday weekend upon us it would be great with extra time those individuals have off to spend 10 or 15 minutes searching their property," said Sheriff Mike Lewis of Wicomico County.

Police say they have used every resource possible, and now they are strongly encouraging land and homeowners to search their property thoroughly for any signs of Alex or his car.

The 21-year-old was last seen driving a 2007 Silver Toyota Corolla with Maryland tags 2-E-R-E-2-1.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Solver or the Sheriff's Office at 410-548-4891. http://www.wmdt.com/

Retribution is less than 2 months away!

Subject:Retribution is less than 2 months away!Take a look at this and just remember elections in November 2010.

* U..S. House & Senate have voted themselves $4,700 and $5,300 raises.

* They voted to NOT give you a S.S. Cost of living raise in  2010 and 2011.

* Your Medicare premiums will go up $285.60 for the 2-years * You will not get the 3% COLA: $660/yr.

* Your total 2-yr loss and cost is -$1,600 or -$3,200 for husband and wife.

* Over these same 2-years each Congress person will get $10,000 * Do you feel SCREWED?

* Will they have your cost of drugs - doctor fees - local taxes - food, etc., decrease?

* NO WAY.Congress received a raise and has better health and retirement benefits than you or I.?

Why should they care about you?? You never did anything about it in the past.? You obviously are too stupid or don't care.? Do you really think that Nancy, Harry, Chris, Charlie, Barney et al care about you?

Send the message to these individuals --- "YOU'RE FIRED!"In 2010 you will have a chance to get rid of the sitting Congress: up to 1/3 of the Senate and 100% of the House!Make sure you're still mad in November 2010 and remind their replacements not to screw-up.

Maybe it's time for Amendment 28 to the Constitution.."Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to the Senators or Representatives, and Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators or Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States .

"Let's get this passed around, folks - these people in Washington have brought this upon themselves! It's time for retribution. Let's take back Americ.


Hat Tip; Mrs. M.

The Arrogance of authority

DEA officer stops at a ranch in Texas, and talks with an old rancher. He tells the rancher, "I need to inspect your ranch for illegally grown drugs." The rancher says, "Okay , but don't go in that field over there," as he points out the location.

The DEA officer verbally explodes saying, " Mister,  I have the authority of the Federal Government with me."  Reaching into his rear pants pocket, he removes his badge and proudly displays it to the rancher.  "See this badge?  This badge means I am allowed to go wherever I wish.... On any land.  No questions asked or answers given.  Have I made myself clear?  Do you understand? "


The rancher nods politely, apologizes, and goes about his chores.


A short time later, the old rancher hears loud screams and sees the DEA officer running for his life chased by the rancher's big Santa Gertrudis bull......

With every step the bull is gaining ground on the officer, and it seems likely that he'll get gored  before he reaches safety.  The officer is clearly terrified. The rancher throws down his tools, runs to the fence and yells at the top of his lungs.....                 " Your badge. Show him your BADGE !"

Hat Tip; Eric

Amish Family With Newborn In Buggy Involved In Crash

PARKMAN TOWNSHIP, Ohio - When the driver of an SUV slammed into the back of a buggy in Geauga County Wednesday night, the impact ejected a pregnant Amish woman and several of her young children.

Barbara Kauffman suffered severe head injuries and was life-flighted to MetroHealth Medical Center, where doctors were able to deliver her child.

On Friday, a MetroHealth spokesperson said Barbara Kauffman is still in critical condition, but doctors have indicated her newborn baby boy is improving and is now in fair condition.

Troopers with the Ohio Highway Patrol said the driver who hit the buggy allegedly had drugs in her system.

Julie Pirtz, 31, of Warren, whose own infant daughter was in her SUV at the time of the collision, has been cited for operating a vehicle while under the influence, and for failing to keep a safe distance between her vehicle and the buggy.

"Anytime anyone is operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drug abuse, it's going to greatly diminish their fine motor skills and their ability to react, and their reactionary time, when they're operating a motor vehicle," OSP Sgt. George Biskup said. Meanwhile, Geauga County prosecutors say they plan to take the case to a grand jury and will seek additional charges against the driver of the SUV.

The criminal counts would reflect the injuries suffered by Barbara Kauffman and the other members of her family.

Troopers said the case illustrates the need for motorists to be cautious when they travel through Amish country.

"We encourage drivers, especially in the Amish communities, to slow down, be prepared for the unexpected basically, expect the unexpected," said Biskup.
www.fox8.com

Fundraiser Dance for Courtney Bloxom

Here's your chance to continue helping this young lady and her family.

Courtney Bloxom, a local teen and gradute of Arcadia High this past June but never got to attend her graduation. In May she was seriously injured in an auto accident and is still hospitalized and in a coma. While she is making wonderful progress daily more medical attention is needed.

Fundraiser Dance for the benefit of Courtney Bloxom

Moose Lodge in Belle Haven

September 4th, 2010 from 8:00 PM until midnight

Music by Karaoke Brian.

The price of admission is $10 per person.

There will also be a 50/50 raffle, tickets are $1 each, 6 for $5 or $10 for an arm length.

50% of the proceeds will go to Courtney Bloxom and 50% to the winner or the winner can donate the winnings back to Courtney.

Keep the tickets as there will be a door prize drawing throughout the night.

Come out and enjoy the fun and dance your heart out for a good cause.

Prayers are appreciated.

~~ SALE SATURDAY ~~

HUGE PORCELAIN DOLL SALE

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 4, 2010

8:00 A. M. or before Until

Cutler Court Road and Route 13 South

New Church, Virginia

(across from Bonnie's Bounty)

Many porcelain dolls from private collection

Various sizes and assortment of colors

Also an assortment of stuffed bears

Slightly used young men's shoes including white band shoes for marching and slightly used pair of baseball cleats.

Other items also

Ocean City This Afternoon

I suppose it is days like these that we should step back and pause for a moment

To remember just exactly how forceful Mother Nature can be, and to give thanks
to God that tomorrow will bring a new day with an ocean of calm..........

Thanks, Bro.

Murder Of Sharone Bailey Will Be Heard By Grand Jury

EASTVILLE — Sharone White Bailey’s accused killer allegedly stabbed her, chased her as she ran and then stabbed her repeatedly as she banged on a neighbor’s door for help.

Then, after she gained entry to the home of elderly neighbors, Derrick Epps broke through the door and continued to stab her.

“He must have killed her,” the neighbor, 84-year-old Alice Doughty, told a judge during a criminal hearing in Northampton court. “All that blood was on the floor.”

Later, while in custody, Epps made an escape attempt while using the restroom and apparent ran out of the sheriff’s office before being apprehended.

General District Court Judge Gordon Vincent certified the murder charge against Epps, 36, of Exmore, to a grand jury.

Witnesses presented by Commonwealth’s Attorney Bruce Jones told a horrifying story to a courtroom packed with the victim’s friends and family. Many wept quietly as they heard the story of her final moments on July 9.

The slaying of Bailey, 57, who had recently been named the 2010 Eastern Shore Citizen of the Year at a gala event, shocked the community.

On the day of her death, Bailey drove home from work in the middle of the day. Epps, her neighbor, saw her pull into her driveway and ran into his kitchen to get a long knife.

“He told her he wanted money,” testified Northampton County Sheriff’s Office investigator Terry Thomas, who said Epps told him the entire story of the slaying when he was arrested. Thomas said Epps told him he stabbed her “a few times.”

He told Thomas that Bailey fell to the ground and then got up and ran across the street. Thomas said Epps told him that Bailey was screaming for help when she got to the neighbor’s front door. He said he was continually stabbing her as she banged on the door.

Epps admitted he went back a few minutes later and broke through the Doughtys’ door, “because a voice told him she was not dead,” Thomas said.

The testimony of the neighbor, Joseph Doughty, 86, told more of the story.

“I heard a hard rap on the door. I jumped up. I opened the door, ” he said.

“She fell on the floor,” he said. “She asked me to call 911. She was trying to fight him off. He had this big, long knife.”

When Bailey fell, the defendant backed away, Doughty said. He testified that he quickly locked the storm door and the wooden door and ran to the telephone to call for help.

As he was talking to 911, Doughty said the defendant burst through the doors breaking the door frame and the wooden door.

“He came in the house and cut her again.”

His wife, Alice Doughty, appeared frail as she was helped to the witness stand by deputies.

Jones asked her if she knew Epps. She pointed to the defendant and said, “He lived next door.”

She recalled the scene with obvious pain, telling the same story as her husband.
“She came running in the door and he was right behind her,” she said, looking at Epps.

“When she fell, I was talking to her. He came into the house, cut her again,” she said.

In addition to the first degree murder charge, Epps is charged with entering a dwelling with a deadly weapon with the intent to commit murder and assault and battery of a police officer.

Northampton Sheriff’s Office Deputy William Smith transported Epps to the sheriff’s office after he was picked up walking on Broadwater Road.

He was being held in the conference room there when he insisted he had an urgent need to use the bathroom. Smith was instructed to take him.

Smith released one of the man’s handcuffs while in the bathroom. At that moment, he said, Epps shoved him into a wall and ran out the door.

Epps ran out the door of the building with Smith fifteen or twenty feet behind him. Smith said he deployed his Taser and Epps went down. He was again taken into custody.

“He made no bones about what he did,” investigator Thomas told the court, referring to Epps’ description of the day’s events. “He said it was not a robbery, that her people owed his people.”

www.easternshorenews.com

Wind Restrictions Have Been Lifted

All wind restrictions on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel have been lifted.

The hurricane is expected to head further off shore and continue northward and not cause any threats for closure of the bridge/tunnel facility.

Drive safely.

This Weekend In Crisfield

63rd National Hard Crab Derby
Schedule of Events 2010
At Somers Cove Marina grounds
7th Street, Crisfield, Maryland 21817

ADMISSION TO GROUNDS IS FREE ALL WEEKEND!!

Friday, Sept. 3rd
9:00 a.m. – Crab Cooking Contest – Baptist Church, Somerset Ave.

6:00 p.m. – Grounds open: rides, games, food, arts/crafts.

7:00 p.m. – Live Entertainment - the "Funsters" - classic rock, country, Jimmy Buffet - type music

Saturday, Sept. 4th
7:30 a.m. – 10-K Race/Walk

9:00 a.m. – Lions Club Swim Meet – Marina Pool

11:00 a.m.–Street Parade – Main St.

12 noon - Gates open on grounds

12:30 – 1:30 – Skiff Races – Crisfield City Dock

2:00 p.m. – Governor’s Cup Crab Race – Crab Bowl

2:30 p.m. – 63rd Annual National Hard Crab Derby Race – Crab Bowl

3:30 p.m. - Crab Picking Contest – Crab Bowl

4:30 p.m. – Arm Wrestling Contest – Crab Bowl

7:00 p.m. - Live Band - "Draw The Line" - AEROSMITH Tribute Band - tickets sold in advance; call 1-800-782-3913

Sunday – Sept. 5th

8:00 a.m. – Open Air Religious Service – Crisfield City Dock

12 noon- Gates open on grounds

1:00 p.m. – Boat Docking Contest – Crisfield City Dock, end of Rt. 413 - admission $15.00 (also gives access to Crab Derby grounds)

7:00 p.m. – "Crisfield Idol" - admission fee

9:00 p.m. – Fireworks!!

Schools Ban Bracelets Promoting Cancer Awareness

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Cancer has ravaged several of Ann Aberson's relatives, so she doesn't have a problem with her two teenage daughters wearing bracelets to raise awareness of breast cancer.

But their school principal does.

This week, Baltic High School, just north of here, became one of the latest across the USA to ban the rubber bracelet, which has a message some say is in poor taste: "I love boobies."

The bracelets have caused controversy in schools in states including California, Colorado, Idaho, Florida and Wisconsin. Some districts allow students to wear them inside-out, and others ban them.

"When we had an assembly the first day of school, I basically told the students we are not insensitive to the cause," Baltic High Principal Jim Aisenbrey says. "I think everybody in the gym, including myself, has had a family member or relative or friend who has dealt with the issue. I do think there are more proper ways to bring this plight to the attention of people, and I don't think this is a proper way."

"I guess I never thought of them as offensive," Aberson says. Her grandmother and five of her grandmother's sisters battled breast cancer.

The bracelets, which sell for about $4 in stores, were created by Keep A Breast Foundation, a Carlsbad, Calif., non-profit group that seeks to increase breast cancer awareness among young people.

Proceeds from sales support the foundation's programs, founder Shaney Jo Darden says. She says the bracelets are meant to spark discussions.

"That's the whole idea, it's getting people to talk about breast cancer, it's getting people to share their feelings about how this disease has impacted their life," she says. "The bracelet is doing what it's meant to do — it's making people talk."

"Schools banning it? That's crazy," says Julie Hubbell of Lewisville, Texas. Hubbell helped organize an auction and barbeque named "Boobie Q" to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

In the Fresno area, students in the Clovis Unified School District were told not to wear the bracelets in class — or to turn them inside out so the message is not visible, spokeswoman Kelly Avants says. The school district's dress code outlaws jewelry with sexually suggestive language or images, she says.

www.usatoday.com

Chicago Police Chief Criticized For "Gang Summit"

CHICAGO -- The idea seemed simple though bold: Call reputed gang leaders to a meeting with top police and federal prosecutors and deliver an ultimatum to end killings in the nation's third-largest city.

But Chicago police Superintendent Jody Weis is facing mounting criticism for holding a so-called "gang summit" last month, even though several police departments across the country have relied on that approach for decades to help reduce crime.

Among the chief complaints: that Weis himself was at the meeting, that the department should instead be adding more officers on the streets and that gangs won't take the message seriously.

"What are we doing negotiating or having a sit-down with urban terrorists who are killing with guns and drugs on the streets?" Chicago Alderman Bob Fioretti said. "Gangs are not to be coddled.

The issue resonates deeply in Chicago, where the number of brazen shootings has escalated this year, even though the overall homicide rate is down. Earlier this year, two state lawmakers asked to send in the National Guard to patrol streets. On Wednesday, two cops were shot and injured while serving a warrant.

The Chicago Gang Violence Reduction Initiative launched at an unpublicized Aug. 17 meeting, when Weis met with parolees and reputed gang members from Chicago's west side. The meeting, which was also attended by family members of victims, was first reported by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Some reputed members of gangs like the Four Corner Hustlers and the Traveling Vice Lords said they were surprised to see Weis there after being told by their parole officers to show up. Many were visibly angry and some left during the meeting.

But Weis has defended the initiative with the support of Mayor Richard M. Daley and U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, who likened the tactic to his office holding parolee forums to warn people leaving prison that they'll be watched.

Weis said the message was simple: "If you should resort to violence, we'll sharpen our focus on you and really really make your lives uncomfortable. You have the ability to influence people within your sphere. You guys are in the position to stop the killing."

Weis said prosecutors at the meeting threatened attendees that they could be charged under the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act if killings were traced back to gangs with members attending the meeting. The federal law, commonly known as RICO, provides stiffer penalties for acts performed as part of a criminal organization such as the Mafia.

Experts say the tactic of meeting with gang leaders -- whether formally with top administrators or at the neighborhood level -- is just part of good police work.

"It's become almost standard practice in police departments around the country," said David Kennedy, director of the Center for Crime Prevention and Control at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York. "It's simply saying to people that violence is going to get special attention from law enforcement and that a whole lot of violence, especially in places like Chicago, is driven by gangs."

At least 50 jurisdictions nationwide use the approach. In Cincinnati, Chief Tom Streicher Jr. attends similar meetings, and the Los Angeles Police Department has started using the approach.

Among the pioneers was the Boston Police Department. In the early 1990s when the city's murder rate hovered around 150 a year, the department launched Operation Ceasefire, which continues today.

Parolees and other alleged criminals attend meetings with prosecutors where they're warned of consequences and given jobs information. Police say it has helped cut Boston's homicide rate.

Last year the department reported 49. "We give them a conversation about the fact that we know who they are, what they're up to and they have two options," said Boston police spokeswoman Elaine Driscoll. "Take advantage of the resources or end up in jail."

Still, criticism in Chicago has continued,"I don't think that's the way to go," Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn said. He suggested going after guns on the streets. Fioretti, who is mulling a run at Chicago mayor, said Weis shouldn't have been there with reputed gangsters.

"He brought them to a table and made them equal," Fioretti said.

Chicago Alderman Joe Moore has called it "a desperation tactic," while others have suggested younger and active gang members may not listen to the word of parolees. Some of the scrutiny could simply be because it was Weis' idea.

Since he took over in 2008, the department has been weary of Weis, a career FBI agent who continues to be seen as an outsider by many rank and file officers.

Weis noted the program hasn't incurred big costs and that if it doesn't work, the department will drop it. He said he thinks his presence at the meeting made it more meaningful and that attendees were chosen because of their influence.

Overall, Chicago's homicide rate has mirrored national trends and dropped significantly since the 1990s. It fell from a high of 943 in 1992 to 460 last year and has held steady in recent years.

But if residents and police need evidence that the city remains a dangerous place for officers -- four officers were killed in the line of duty this year -- they found it Wednesday morning. Two plainclothes officers were shot and wounded while serving a warrant on the city's South Side.

Weis said the next step is to determine if recent crimes can be traced to gangs at the meting.

"I don't view it as the panacea to stop all crimes," he said. "It certainly seemed like a worthwhile effort, even to try.

www.foxnews.com

Oil Platform Catches Fire Off Coast Of Louisiana - Crew Okay

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — An oil platform that burned off the Louisiana coast Thursday was the second such disaster in the Gulf of Mexico in less than five months. This time, the Coast Guard said there was no leak, and no one was killed.

The Coast Guard initially reported that an oil sheen a mile long and 100 feet wide had begun to spread from the site, about 200 miles west of the source of BP's massive spill. But hours later, Coast Guard Cmdr. Cheri Ben-Iesau said crews were unable to find any spill.

The company that owns the platform, Houston-based Mariner Energy, did not know what caused the fire. Workers who were pulled from the water told rescuers that there was a blast on board, but Mariner Energy's Patrick Cassidy said he considered what happened aboard the platform a fire, not an explosion.

"The platform is still intact and it was just a small portion of the platform that appears to be burned," he said.

Mariner officials said there were seven active production wells on the platform, and they were shut down shortly before the fire broke out.

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal said the company told him the fire began in 100 barrels of light oil condensate.

The Coast Guard said Mariner Energy reported the oil sheen. In a public statement, the company said an initial flyover did not show any oil.

Photos from the scene showed at least five ships floating near the platform. Three of them were shooting great plumes of water onto the machinery. Light smoke could be seen drifting across the deep blue waters of the gulf.

By late afternoon, the fire on the platform was out.

The platform is in about 340 feet of water and about 100 miles south of Louisiana's Vermilion Bay. Its location is considered shallow water, much less than the approximately 5,000 feet where BP's well spewed oil and gas for three months after the April rig explosion that killed 11 workers. Responding to any oil spill in shallow water would be much easier than in deep water, where crews depend on remote-operated vehicles to access equipment on the sea floor.

A Homeland Security update obtained by The Associated Press said the platform was producing 58,800 gallons of oil and 900,000 cubic feet of gas per day. The platform can store 4,200 gallons of oil.

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said the administration has "response assets ready for deployment should we receive reports of pollution in the water."

All 13 of the platform's crew members were rescued from the water. They were found huddled together in life jackets.

The captain of the boat that rescued the platform crew said his vessel was 25 miles away when it received a distress call Thursday morning from the platform.

The Crystal Clear, a 110-foot boat, was in the Gulf doing routine maintenance work on oil rigs and platforms. When Capt. Dan Shaw arrived at the scene of the blast, the workers were holding hands in the water, where they had been for two hours. They were thirsty and tired.

"We gave them soda and water, anything they wanted to drink," Shaw said. "They were just glad to be on board with us."

Shaw said the blast was so sudden that the crew did not have time to get into lifeboats. They did not mention what might have caused the blast.

"They just said there was an explosion, there was a fire," Shaw said. "It happened very quick."

Crew members were being flown to a hospital in Houma. The Coast Guard said one person was injured, but the company said there were no injuries. All of them were released by early Thursday evening.

Jindal met with some of the survivors. He would not identify them except to say most were from Louisiana.

Environmental groups and some lawmakers said the incident showed the dangers of offshore drilling, and urged the Obama administration to extend a temporary ban on deepwater drilling to shallow water, where this platform was located.

"How many accidents are needed and how much environmental and economic damage must we suffer before we act to contain and control the source of the danger: offshore drilling?" said Rep. Frank Pallone, a New Jersey Democrat.

Mike Gravitz, oceans advocate for Environment America, said President Barack Obama "should need no further wake-up call to permanently ban new drilling."

There are about 3,400 platforms operating in the Gulf, according to the American Petroleum Institute. Together they pump about a third of the America's domestic oil, forming the backbone of the country's petroleum industry.

Platforms are vastly different from oil rigs like BP's Deepwater Horizon. They are usually brought in after wells are already drilled and sealed.

"A production platform is much more stable," said Andy Radford, an API expert on offshore oil drilling. "On a drilling rig, you're actually drilling the well. You're cutting. You're pumping mud down the hole. You have a lot more activity on a drilling rig."

In contrast, platforms are usually placed atop stable wells where the oil is flowing at a predictable pressure, he said. A majority of platforms in the Gulf do not require crews on board.

Many platforms, especially those in shallower water, stand on legs that are drilled into the sea floor. Like a giant octopus, they spread numerous pipelines and can tap into many wells at once.

Platforms do not have blowout preventers, but they are usually equipped with a series of redundant valves that can shut off oil and gas at different points along the pipeline.

Numerous platforms were damaged during hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The storms broke pipelines, and oil spilled into the Gulf. But the platforms successfully kept major spills from happening, Radford said.

"Those safety valves did their job," he said.

Industry representatives sought to minimize Thursday's incident and distance it from the well blowout in April.

"We have on these platforms on any given year roughly 100 fires," said Allen Verret, executive director of the Offshore Operators Committee.

Federal authorities have cited Mariner Energy and related entities for 10 accidents in the Gulf of Mexico over the last four years, according to safety records from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement.

The accidents range from platform fires to pollution spills and a blowout, according to accident-investigation reports from the agency formerly known as the Minerals Management Service.

In 2007, welding sparks falling onto an oil storage tank caused a flash fire that slightly burned a contract worker. The Minerals Management Service issued a $35,000 fine.

Mariner Energy Inc. focuses on oil and gas exploration and production in the Gulf. In April, Apache Corp., another independent oil company, announced plans to buy Mariner in a cash-and-stock deal valued at $3.9 billion, including the assumption of about $1.2 billion of Mariner's debt. That deal is pending.

On Friday, BP was expected to begin the process of removing the cap and failed blowout preventer from its ruptured well, another step toward completion of a relief well that would seal the leak permanently. The Deepwater Horizon exploded April 20, setting off a three-month leak that totaled 206 million gallons of oil.

www.baltimoresun.com

Hurricanes Of Maryland Through The Years

While Hurricane Earl is still on our minds go to the link below to see if you remember any of the past hurricanes that have passed through Maryland. Many of them are of Ocean City, Maryland.

Hurricanes that blew through Maryland through the years - baltimoresun.com

Hurricane Esther (George Cook, Baltimore Sun / September 21, 1961) Esther pushed high tides into some of the streets of Ocean City.

www.baltimoresun.com

"90210 Day" ~ woohoo.......

Unfortunately, it isn’t a joke: today is 90210 day.

For some reason, somebody noticed that today’s date, 9-02-10, looks a lot like the name of the show, and fans have taken the coincidental similarity as as an opportunity to celebrate the 90′s classic.

If anyone else is bothered by how tacky this situation is, they can take comfort in the fact that today will be the only 90210 day ever, assuming that the show will have been forgotten a hundred years from now. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

www.execte.com

OCEAN CITY BEACHES ARE CLOSED TO SWIMMERS !!

OCEAN CITY, Md. (AP) — The mayor of Ocean City says the resort town's beaches are closed to swimmers as the East Coast braces for strong winds and rain from Hurricane Earl.

Mayor Rick Meehan said Thursday the beaches are off limits to swimmers because of pending weather driven by the hurricane. Meehan says lifeguards are only allowing in experienced body-boarders and surfers.

The mayor says the restrictions would likely continue through Saturday.

www.delmarvanow.com

Offshore Oil Rig Explodes In Gulf/ Reported at 12:06 PM

An offshore oil rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico 80 miles off the Louisiana coastline Thursday, west of the site of the April BP blast that caused a massive oil spill, Coast Guard officials said.

There were 13 workers aboard the rig, U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Bill Colclough told CNN, reporting that all were accounted for with one person injured.

They will be transported to Terrebone General Medical Center in Houma, La., according to a report in the Times Picayune.

The blast was first reported by a commercial helicopter company about 9:30 a.m. CDT Thursday, Coast Guard Petty Officer Casey Ranel told the Associated Press.

Seven helicopters, two airplanes and four boats are en route to the site, about 80 miles south of Vermilion Bay along the central Louisiana coast.

Ranel says it hasn't been determined whether the structure is a production platform or a drilling rig or whether workers were aboard. Ranel says smoke was reported but it is unclear whether the rig is still burning.

www.nydailynews.com

Spike Express Youth Volleyball Offered

SNOW HILL -- Worcester County Recreation & Parks is currently offers Spike Express youth volleyball for those ages 9 to 14 at the Worcester County Recreation Center in Snow Hill.

This program provides an arena for young players to learn and practice skills needed to play the game of volleyball. Time will be allotted during each session for instruction, practice and game play. Teams will be formed based on age and skill level.

Beginners are welcome.

Practices take place on Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. from Sept. 7 through Nov. 23. Knee pads are recommended for this program.

The cost is $20. Financial aid is available to those who show a demonstrated need, and proof of eligibility is required.

For more information, contact Daryl Gross at 410-632-2144 ext. 106 or dgross@co.worcester.md.us.

www.delmarvanow.com

Son Ran Over His Mother On Purpose

BERLIN -- Police charged a Pennsylvania man with murder after he allegedly ran his mother over with a work van two to three times and tried to convince investigators it was an accident.

Police say 58-year-old Steven Frederick Molin of Darby, Pa., killed his mother, 85-year-old Emily Belle Molin, by running her over with a large work van on rural Carey Road, north of Berlin and west of Ocean Pines, late Tuesday night. The elder Molin, who was transported to Peninsula Regional Medical Center, died from injuries sustained from a motor vehicle.

Investigators from the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation said Steven Molin notified police around midnight Tuesday of a serious motor vehicle accident on Carey Road. He told them that as he and his mother were riding in his vehicle, which he was driving, his mother fell out. He told police that once he realized she had fallen out, he stopped and drove in reverse.

Accident reconstruction specialists looking at the scene could tell that the elderly woman had been driven over two to three times, police said. At that point, WCBI was notified and a criminal investigation ensued.

"He passed it off as, his mom fell out," WCBI Sgt. H. S. Brent said. "When the reconstructionist came out, things weren't adding up."

Based upon his interview with police and the forensic evidence from the scene, Molin was charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder and manslaughter. According to police, detectives "identified evidence that was not consistent with the reported incident."

Molin is being held in Worcester County Jail without bond, although a bond review hearing is scheduled for today.

Detectives continue to investigate the incident and are asking anyone who was traveling on Carey Road at the time who saw anything suspicious to contact WCBI at 410-352-3476, or the Sheriff's Office at 410-632-1111.

www.delmarvanow.com

Assateague Closings

BERLIN — Assateague Island National Seashore is telling all campers to leave by noon Thursday and will close its visitor centers on Friday.

The park made the announcement on its Twitter page, @AssateagueNPS, as Hurricane Earl came closer to Delmarva. On Wednesday, park rangers had told campers in remote campsites accessible only by canoe or kayak to move out.

The park also closed its off-road vehicle areas, used by surf fishermen, to any traffic.

Homeless Man Calls 9-1-1 From Hot Tub

A homeless man who sneaked into a Beaverton hot tub, then called 9-1-1 to ask for towels, hot chocolate and a hug got cold comfort from police instead.

Mark Eskelsen called emergency dispatchers from his cell phone about 7:10 a.m. Sunday, identified himself as "the sheriff of Washington County," and asked for medical help.

The dispatcher asked Eskelsen, who later admitted he wasn't the sheriff, what was wrong.

"Well, I've been yelling for about an hour and a half," Eskelsen said.

But the dispatcher already knew that. Neighbors had called 9-1-1, concerned about the man bellowing from a fence-surrounded pool in the 15000 block of Southwest Village Lane.

Eskelsen said he had been sitting in the water for about 10 hours. His towels had gotten wet, and his fingers looked like prunes.

"I just need a hug and a warm cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows in it," he told the dispatcher.

Beaverton police officers arrived, found Eskelsen naked in the tub, and arrested him on accusations of second-degree criminal trespass and improper use of the 9-1-1 system.

www.oregonlive.com

Del. Man Accused Of Killing Officer Gets Trial Postponed

I can't help but feel sadness for the Spicer family. A trial postponement just IS NOT fair when lawyer's suddenly, after ONE year, seem to think this "animal" must be insane!


GEORGETOWN — The trial of a man accused of killing a Georgetown police officer last year has been postponed so his lawyers can do research for their client’s insanity defense.

Derrick J. Powell’s trial was scheduled to begin Oct. 11 in Georgetown. He is charged with first-degree murder in the September 2009 shooting of police officer Chad Spicer. The Attorney General’s office has said it will seek the death penalty.

Superior Court Judge T. Henley Graves and lawyers will meet Friday to discuss a new trial date.

www.delmarvanow.com

Virginia DMV Extends Licenses, And Hours After Computer Outage

Richmond, Va. --

Virginia expects to resume renewing driver's licenses today after a giant, weeklong computer failure. But that may not be reason to smile.

Because of continuing data headaches, the Department of Motor Vehicles still can't match thousands of photographs with driver information, potentially rendering 10,000 to 16,000 head shots unusable.

If the photos contained in giant electronic files can't be restored, affected Virginians would have to report to DMV offices to sit for fresh pictures.

"It's too early to say whether that next step is necessary," said Samuel A. Nixon Jr., the state's computer chief.

With officials saying Virginia's information-technology systems are fully operational again for the first time since the Aug. 25 crash that crippled 26 agencies, DMV -- the hardest-hit -- breathed 20 days' new life into most of the driver's licenses and identification cards that expired during the outage.

DMV said the 12,226 people whose licenses and ID cards became invalid during the outage will not have to prove their legal presence in the United States by producing additional documentation, such as a passport or birth certificate -- as the agency had advised earlier.

All told, 35,000 to 45,000 customers have been unable to get driver's licenses or ID cards during the service blackout.

The last of Virginia's stricken agencies were, for the most part, up and running yesterday.

That included the State Board of Elections and the departments of Social Services, Environmental Quality, and Taxation.

The tax agency, which handles millions of dollars a day, resumed issuing refunds and liens as well as processing returns via the Internet.

The tax department still has some gaps in its records, but, "we don't think it's as bad as we thought it might be," spokesman Joel Davison said.

Meantime, the state moved closer to opening an independent investigation of Virginia's biggest computer failure since the government hired Northrop Grumman in 2005 to run its IT networks.

Gov. Bob McDonnell, the Nixon-led Virginia Information Technologies Agency, and the General Assembly's investigative arm, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, will select an outside expert -- who would be paid by Northrop Grumman -- to study the crisis and report within three months.

McDonnell initially wanted VITA to choose the investigator, but legislative leaders said that would raise questions about the probe's independence.

JLARC, under state law, has oversight responsibility for VITA and Northrop Grumman, which is being paid more than $2.3 billion under Virginia's largest privatization contract.

Calling the results of the outage an emergency, DMV also said it will lengthen service hours at its 74 offices to accommodate tens of thousands of inconvenienced people.

"We're trying to get every [service counter] window open," DMV spokeswoman Melanie Stokes said. "We are planning to be extremely busy."

With employees working overtime, DMV will extend hours today and tomorrow until 6 p.m. Offices, which generally open at 8 a.m., usually close at 5 p.m.

During the Labor Day holiday weekend, DMV will extend hours at 14 offices on Saturday. Rather than close at noon, most of the offices will remain open until 6 p.m.

Using the DMV's authority to extend their validity periods, the agency will add 20 days to most licenses and ID cards that lapsed during the disruption.

As an example, licenses that expired Aug. 25 will be good until Sept. 14, giving customers time to renew before the new expiration date.

DMV headquarters workers are being sent to field offices to help with the expected influx of customers.

DMV is paying for the increased costs from the crisis out of its regular operating budget, Stokes said.

The 20-day extension on expired licenses and ID cards will shorten the new ones' validity period by the same amount.

However, the grace period will not apply to limited-duration licenses, such as those issued to foreigners temporarily in the U.S. on a work visa.

www.timesdispatch.com

MD. Senate Committee Chairman Indicted On Extortion and Bribery Charges

A federal grand jury has indicted powerful Maryland Senate committee chairman Ulysses S. Currie on charges of bribery, extortion, and mail fraud and making false statements.

Currie, a Democrat from Forestville in Prince George's County, is accused of taking an off-the-book job with Shoppers Food Warehouse in exchange for using his official position to influence government business to benefit the supermarket chain. He has been under federal investigation for more than two years for working as a consultant for Shoppers without disclosing the work in financial disclosure forms.

"Government officials cross a bright line when they accept payments in return for using the authority of their office, whether they take cash in envelopes or checks labeled as consulting payments," U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein said in a statement Wednesday.

Prosecutors said Currie received monthly payments of up to $7,600 for a total of nearly $240,000 during the six-year scheme.

The 18-count indictment alleges that after Currie became chairman of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee in 2002, he asked to be placed on the payroll of Shoppers Food Warehouse Corp.

Two former grocery store chain executives are also charged in the scheme. They are former Shoppers President William White, 67, of Annapolis, and grocery store real estate executive Kevin Small, 55, of Lewisburg, Pa.

Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. said Wednesday that Currie told him he will step aside as chairman.

The indictment alleges that in 2007, the 73-year-old Currie prepared a list called "Accomplishments on Behalf of Shoppers," to justify his payments and listed 12 projects he had furthered on behalf of the grocer.

As part of the conspiracy, prosecutors said Currie:

¥ Persuaded government officials to give up the right to purchase land in Chillum owned by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, so that the property could be bought to expand a Shoppers supermarket.

¥ Met with government officials to secure $2 million for a Baltimore supermarket to lower the costs of opening a Shoppers store.

¥ Lobbied the Prince George's County Liquor Board to allow the transfer of a liquor license from one Shoppers store to another, and then arranged for another state lawmaker to introduce legislation to approve the transfer and then voted on it.

¥ Convened meetings in his Senate office with state officials to obtain a grant of up to $3 million for road improvements for the supermarket.

¥ Used official letterhead to repeatedly lobby Maryland highway officials for traffic signals at Shoppers stores in Laurel and Baltimore County.

If convicted, Currie, White and Small face more than 80 years in prison.

In a separate criminal filing, Shoppers Food Warehouse Corp., has agreed to pay a $2.5 million penalty. The court must approve the agreement.

www.washingtonexaminer.com

Please Fly Your Flag

GET YOUR FLAG READY!
Please join us in this FLY THE FLAG campaign and PLEASE forward this Email immediately to everyone in your address book asking them to also forward it. If you forward this email to least 11 people and each of those people do the same ... you get the idea.

THE PROGRAM:
On Saturday, September 11th, 2010, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States . Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this seventh anniversary of one our country's worst tragedies. We do this honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.

 In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn't take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds.

 Action Plan:
So, here's what we need you to do ...
(1) Forward this email to everyone you know (at least 11 people). Please don't be the one to break this chain. Take a moment to think back to how you felt on 9/11 and let those sentiments guide you.

(2) Fly an American flag of any size on 9/11. Honestly, Americans should fly the flag year-round, but if you don't, then at least make it a priority on this day.

(3) Pray for our country and military and all elected officials... and remember to thank God for all our wonderful blessings.

Thank you for your participation. God Bless You and God Bless America !!!

Disaster Checklist For Seniors

The elderly are among the most vulnerable victims when hurricanes strike. Home Instead Senior Care has offered up some tips to help seniors prepare.

Disaster Prep Checklist For Seniors:

Tune in. Contact the local emergency management office to learn about the most likely natural disasters to strike your area. Stay abreast of what's going on through your local radio or television.

Take stock. Decide what your senior can or can't do in the event of a natural disaster. Make a list of what would be needed if a disaster occurred. For example, if your loved one uses a wheelchair, determine an evacuation strategy ahead of time. Prepare for whatever disaster could hit the area.

To go or to stay? When deciding to evacuate, older adults should go sooner rather than later. By waiting too long, they may be unable to leave if they require assistance.

Make a plan. Schedule a family meeting to develop a plan of action. Include in your plan key people - such as neighbors, friends, relatives and professional caregivers - who could help.

More than one way out. Seniors should develop at least two escape routes: one to evacuate their home and one to evacuate their community. The local emergency management office can tell you escape routes out of the community.

Meet up. Designate a place to meet relatives or key support network people outside the house, as well as a second location outside the neighborhood, such as a school or church. Practice the plan twice a year.

Get up and "Go Kit." Have an easy-to-carry backpack including three days non-perishable food and water with an additional four days of food and water readily accessible at home. Have at least one gallon of bottled water per person per day. Refresh and replace your supplies at least twice a year. And don't forget the blanket and paper products such as toilet paper.

Pack extras and copies. Have at least a one-month supply of medication on hand at all times. Make ready other important documents in a waterproof protector including copies of prescriptions, car title registration and driver's license, insurance documents and bank account numbers, and spare checkbook. Also take extra eyeglasses and hearing-aid batteries. Label every piece of important equipment or personal item in case they are lost.

Your contact list. Compile a contact list and include people on a senior's support network as well as doctors and other important health-care professionals.

If you can't be there. If you're not living close by to help your loved one, enlist the help of family or friends, or contact a professional caregiving company.

"We know that a disaster can be deadly for some seniors because of physical and other limitations," said Laura Bousman owner of the Home Instead Office serving Tidewater. "That's why the sooner the better for families to talk with their senior loved ones and begin preparing in advance for any kind of emergency that could threaten their health or safety. Consider this checklist as you help your older adult get ready."

For more information contact Home Instead Senior Care at (757) 631-7744 or online at www.homeinstead.com.

Day Camp For Dogs In South Florida

Your smile for today........
Even if you have never owned a dog in your entire life you must read this..........
And if you have owned a dog you will know just how much fun this must be for a four-legged best friend.

MIAMI (AP) - The yellow school bus makes its rounds, picking up one eager passenger after another en route to day camp. Small legs quickly climb the stairs, heads pop out of bus windows and excitement rises.


Each of these day campers has four legs and a tail and many wag those tails rapidly as the "Doggie Bus" pulls up at a southwest Miami camp created just for canines _ Totally Dog.
Dog trainer Elena Sweet says she opened Totally Dog in 1999 as a peaceful getaway for dogs to run free, socialize and beat urban stress. Husband Jeremy drives the bus and dogs bound off into a bone-shaped wading pool, then romp at play. Owners pay about $45 a day for camp. Kenny Reich says his three pooches go right to sleep after camp _ a sure sign they had a doggone "great time."

www.wtop.com