Bernie Madoff vs The Government

Why did Bernie Madoff go to prison? 

To make it simple, he talked people  into investing with him.  Trouble was, he didn't invest their money. 

As  time rolled on he simply took the money from the new investors to pay off the old investors. Finally there were too many old investors and not enough money from new investors coming in to keep the payments going. Sound familiar? Lets take a look.

 Next thing you know Madoff is one of the most hated men in America and he is off to jail. Some of you know this. But not enough of you. 

Madoff did to his investors what the government has been doing to us for over 70 years with Social Security. There is no meaningful difference between the two schemes, except that one was operated by a private individual who is now in jail, and the other is operated by politicians who enjoy perks, privileges and status in spite of their actions.

Do you need a side-by-side comparison here?  Well here's a nifty little comparison.


 BERNIE MADOFF vs SOCIAL SECURITY

Madoff) Takes money from investors with the promise that the money will be invested and made available to them later.

Government) Takes money from wage earners with the promise that the money will be invested in a "Trust Fund" and made available later.

Madoff) Instead of investing the money Madoff spends it on nice homes in the Hamptons and yachts.

Government) Instead of depositing money in a Trust Fund the politicians use it for general spending and vote buying.

Madoff) When the time comes to pay the investors back, Madoff simply uses some of  the new funds from newer investors to pay back the older investors.

Government) When benefits for older investors become due the politicians pay them with money taken from younger and newer wage earners to pay the new beneficiary.

Madoff) When Madoff's scheme is discovered all hell breaks loose.  New investors won't give him any more cash.

Government) When Social Security runs out of money they simply force the taxpayers to send them some more.

Bernie Madoff is in jail. 

Politicians remain in  Washington ...and in office

"The taxpayer: That's someone who works for the federal government but doesn't have to take the civil service examination." [Ronald Reagan]

"If you put the federal government in charge of the Sahara Desert , in five years there'd be a shortage of sand." [Milton Friedman]

Lighten Up On Hussein Obama

I think people should start to lighten-up on the POTUS Hussein Obama.

It's been a long 2 years for him I'm sure. The man gets more death threats per day then most POTUS's have in some of their complete terms.

He keeps telling us all the things that he's done since he took office so I'm not going to compile a list of the things he said [roll eyes] he has done because it's irrelevant to the point I'm about to make.

The one and most important point thing is; The stimulus must be working.

Why you ask? Well..... just one month ago he got jobs for 63 republicans. 

Could You Drive This Car?

Are we too old to DRIVE this Car?

No joke! Scary, but true?

Scroll down

Presenting the New Mercedes Benz SCL600

Pretty, isn't it?

So?

What's different about this car? 

Not this...

????

Here is the real difference  

WHOA ! 

No Steering Wheel 

No Pedals either 

You drive this car with a joystick

Do you think that you
can drive with a joystick?

Your kids and grandkids can. 

The influence of video games in our lives
has really arrived, wouldn't you say?

But there is more!

The SCARY THOUGHT is:
NOW a 3-YEAR-OLD can STEAL your car
AND DRIVE IT BETTER
THAN YOU CAN !

Yep - looks like I better start checking the senior bus schedule!!!!

A GIGGLE with the GOATS Jingle Bells Holiday Performance

This was sent in by an astute reader, it's great!


Hat Tip; Mrs M.

Christmas Lights

Lets see your Christmas lights.

As the story goes, the guy that owns this house lives north of Cincinnati , Ohio.  Police were constantly being called for traffic jams and accidents in the neighborhood so they asked him to shut it down during certain hours.  Instead he started charging by the car load to  pay off-duty police to be there..  The guy is supposedly a real computer GEEK, and obviously a great decorator!

If you'd like to take some pictures and want to show them off send them to Brenda and/or myself at the email address' on the right hand column of the page we sure would be glad to publish them for you and for all to see.

Are your lights better than your neighbor's? Lets see'em

1 Day Before Christmas

Oh my!

Level One Restrictions On Bridge Tunnel

Chesapeake Bay Bridge tunnel has placed level one restrictions on it's use.

This means that the following types of vehicles will not be allowed to cross the bridge ... large pick-up's with campers ... towed camping trailers ... house trailers ... anything being towed ... automobiles with car top carriers, luggage racks etc.

Santa Paws raises $8700 & 3355 toys are delivered!

SURF DOG RICOCHET WAS SURFING IN A SEA OF 3355 TOYS AFTER RAISING MORE THAN $8700 DURING HER KIDS & KRITTERS TOY DRIVE!

$5000 CHRISTMAS WISH GRANTED TO WOMAN WITH DISABILITY

Surf dog Ricochet, the SURFice dog who raises funds and awareness for human and animal causes was surfing in a sea of toys as she delivered more than 3300 toys to Rady Children's Hospital, and Helen Woodward Animal Center on Wednesday.

Ricochet had been leading the "Surfin' Santa Paws Toy Drive for Kids & Kritters" since December 1st. The $8710, raised in just three weeks, was used toward the purchase of toys.  Donations came in from all over the world, including Japan, Canada, Switzerland, France, and the Bahamas thanks to her donors, and 16,000 Facebook FURiends. The drop boxes provided by her sponsor, SanDiegoSunCoast.com were overflowing with toys, and pet related businesses both locally, and across the country donated scores of toys and treats. 


.

Ricochet injured her foot a few days before, so she wore a red bandage to match her Santa suit. Then, a total of 3355 kid & kritter toys were loaded into an 24 foot sleigh (actually... it was a moving truck) courtesy of San Diego Van & Storage/Mayflower Moving Co.

The first delivery took place at Rady Children's Hospital, with the help of her first fundraising beneficiary, quadriplegic surfer, Patrick Ivison.  Donning a red "Surfin' Santa Paws" surfboard, Ricochet left a tidal wave of toys in her wake.  Each year, thousands of children visit Rady Children's Hospital facilities and these donations will go a long way towards brightening a child's stay during a stressful time.

While at Rady Children's Hospital, Ricochet also made a Christmas wish come true for Tamandra Michaels, a woman who spent much of her childhood there due to spina bifida. Michaels was in dire need of a new wheelchair, so Ricochet contacted the TiLite Wheelchair Company.  In the spirit of the Toy Drive, they very generously donated a $5000 custom made wheelchair.  "This is totally rad", Michaels said as Ricochet revealed her surprise, complete with a big red bow.

There was one more stop on Santa Paw's route, so she got back into her sleigh with her 5 lb little elf helper, Spike and headed north (toward the North Pole) where she delivered toys to Helen Woodward Animal Center.  Helen Woodward Animal Center is a dynamic, evolving institution that is an agent of change for the animal welfare world.  The toys will offer enrichment to orphan dogs and cats until their new families adopt them.  Toys and treats were also provided to the birds, rabbits and horses.

Ricochet sincerely thanks SanDiegoSunCoast, San Diego Van & Storage, TiLite Wheelchairs, her donors, supporters, and Facebook FURiends for helping give kids & kritters a swell Christmas!
Next up for Ricochet is the Reality Rally, a three-day weekend event intended to raise funds for Michelle's Place, a resource center where women can go for help in coping with the challenges of breast cancer. Ricochet is challenging reality stars to raise more money than she can!

Note:  For more information, please contact Judy Fridono at 707-228-0679, or pawinspired@aol.com.  Ricochet's website: www.surfdogricochet.com Ricochet’s facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/SurfDogRicochet

2 Days Before Christmas

BEWARE- Possible Phone Scam In Virginia

THERE MAY BE A TELEPHONE SCAM BEING PERITRATED ON VIRGINIANS.

IT'S BEEN REPORTED THAT SOME VIRGINIANS HAVE RECEIVED TELEPHONE CALLS FROM AREA CODES: 809,284 AND 876.

THE CALLERS LEAVE MESSAGES THAT EITHER SOMETHING HAS HAPPENED TO A FAMILY MEMBER OR YOU HAVE WON A LARGE PRIZE AND LEAVE A NUMBER WITH ONE OF THE THREE AREA CODES FOR YOU TO CALL THEM BACK.

WHEN YOU CALL THE NUMBER YOU ARE CHARGED $24.00 A MINUTE FOR THE CALL.

THE SCAM IS COMING FROM SOMEWHERE IN THE DOMNICAN REPUBLIC.

IF YOU RECEIVE A CALL ON EITHER 809, 284 OR 876 DO NOT CALL BACK.

Christmas Wish To Help Dog Named JAZZ

OCEAN CITY – Worcester County Humane Society (WCHS) has sheltered and cared for a dog whose fight for life deserves for her Christmas wish to be answered.

According to Meggin McKnight of the Worcester County Humane Society, Jazz was left on the shelter’s doorstep a few months ago.
Jazz is the mother of the puppy featured in the beginning of October that was adopted by a family from Baltimore via Facebook.

“She was almost starved to death and was skin and bones with the exception of her swollen belly,” McKnight wrote. “A trip to Dr. Manniaty confirmed that she was indeed pregnant with 15 puppies.”

Out of the 15 puppies, only seven survived.

“They were all quickly adopted but Jazz remained,” she said.

Once the puppies were delivered and adopted, Jazz’s struggle remained.

“We were aware that she had some trauma to her hind legs as there were pins holding her ankles together,” McKnight wrote.

While being spayed, the doctor and staff discovered that her ankle was severely shattered and her hip was dislocated. She eventually stopped using that leg due to the pain. It was determined that she would have to loose that leg.

“We feared that she had bone cancer,” McKnight said. “However, Jazz finally caught a break when the biopsy showed no sign of cancer.”
Jazz’s surgery was a success, according to McKnight, who said, “she gets around almost better than before.”

After everything that Jazz has gone through, she continues to be sweet and loving, all at the shelter agree.

“It is nothing short of amazing,” McKnight said.

Jazz remains in foster care during recovery. Although she receives the proper attention, her follow-up visits to the vet and medication costs are astounding.

“We want to reach out to this amazing community of ours in the hopes that someone could possibly help us with her vet bill,” McKnight wrote.

Call the shelter at 410-213-0146 to help Jazz with her care or to check up on her adoption status. Jazz is also featured on the Worcester County Humane Society Facebook page.

www.mdcoastdispatch.com

Worcester County Opts Out On Sprinkler Systems

SNOW HILL -- Worcester County has opted out of a Maryland state law that would have required all new one- and two-family dwellings in unincorporated areas to contain residential sprinkler systems.

In a 5-2 vote, Commissioners Virgil Shockley, James Purnell, Bud Church, Merrill Lockfaw Jr. and Jim Bunting Jr. voted to opt out, while Louise Gulyas and Judy Boggs voted to retain the sprinkler requirement.

Several of the commissioners who voted to opt out said phone calls and e-mails from constituents expressing concern about the price of the sprinkler systems had convinced them opting out was the right choice.

"The majority of my constituents are in favor of the county opting out, and the main reason is economics," Lockfaw said.

He later said the Pocomoke City Fire Department is not in favor of mandating residential fire sprinklers either.

"There is mandate after mandate after mandate," Purnell said. "There are too many mandates."

At a Sept. 21 public hearing, commissioners listened to arguments for adopting the law from Worcester County Fire Marshal Jeff McMahon and the National Fallen Firefighter's Foundation. Real estate agents, developers and some residents spoke against letting the rule go into effect.

After attempts to get a consensus, commissioners were unable to reach a vote on opting out or amending the mandate. The legislation would have taken effect Jan. 1 if commissioners had not voted.

Boggs, who voted against the measure, said it is the responsibility of the government to protect citizens.

"I have been thinking back to the public hearing," Boggs said. "The welfare of residents and life safety would be better served by mandating."

Church said he had brought the item back up because several commissioners asked him to, noting Lockfaw and Bunting were not commissioners during the previous vote. Those two should have the opportunity to vote on the legislation, Church said, because they will represent their constituents when it takes effect.

Even though commissioners have opted the unincorporated areas of Worcester County out of the mandate, new homes with four or more stories, as well as new modular homes, will still be required to install the sprinklers.

In addition to Worcester County, Pocomoke City has opted out of requiring residents to install residential fire sprinklers; Ocean City has let the legislation stand; Berlin has opted out for one-family dwellings; and Snow Hill is scheduled to hold a vote Dec. 28.

www.delmarvanow.com

Domestic Assult Leads To Police Shooting

OCEAN CITY, Md.- Police have released the names of the couple involved in the domestic dispute that led to an officer-involved shooting Monday morning.

Ocean City Police officers responded to a 911 call for a domestic dispute at 11:07 am Monday. When officers arrived at the apartment on 82^nd Street, a man with a knife was attacking a woman, according to police.

Police say the suspect would not drop his weapon. One officer then shot the man.

The suspect is identified as Marvin Jefferson Mitchell, 27, of Berlin, Maryland. The female is Mitchell's estranged wife, Shanna Mitchell, 25, also of Berlin, Maryland.

Police say the couple's two children were inside the apartment during the stabbing and officer-involved shooting.

The police officer involved has been placed on paid administrative leave pending review of the incident.

Both the suspect and victim received care by the Ocean City Fire Department Paramedics before being transported to Peninsula Regional Medical Center. They are both hospitalized and in stable condition.

Shanna Mitchell had obtained an active Protective Order against her husband.

Marvin Mitchell has been charged by the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation with nine charges, including 1st Degree Attempted Murder, Reckless Endangerment and Violation of a Protective Order.

www.wboc.com

Arrests Made In Counterfeit Bill Use- Northampton County

According to a press release from the Northampton County Sheriff's Office, counterfeit $100 bills made from $5 bills were used at the Kiptopeke Inn on Lankford Highway in Cape Charles.

On December 18, Sheriff's Deputies responded to a complaint of counterfeit currency being passed from the Inn. After attaining a description of the suspects and the vehicle, the Northampton County Sheriff's Department arrested three suspects in the Eastville area. Shan Beamon, 31 of Portsmouth, Jamal Beamon, 28 of Chesapeake and Ronald Garret, 25 of Portsmouth were arrested and charged with utter or attempt to employ true a false, forged or base coin, note or bill, knowing it to be false, forged or base and conspiring to utter or attempt to employ true a false, forged or base coin, note or ill, knowing it to be false, forged or base. The three suspects are currently being held in Eastern Shore Regional Jail.

According to sources who wished to have their identity withheld, members of the United States Treasury Department as well as the United States Secret Service were in Northampton County Monday afternoon investigating the case.

According to Sheriff J.P. Robbins, Jr., the case is still under investigation.
www.shoredailynews.com

3 Days Before Christmas

Armed Robber Sentenced To Six Years

SNOW HILL – A Pocomoke man, one of three arrested in connection with an armed robbery spree in the south end of Worcester County in June, pleaded guilty last week to one count of conspiracy to commit robbery and was sentenced to 12 years in jail, half of which was suspended.

Around 11:35 p.m. on June 9, the clerk of the Goose Creek convenience store in Pocomoke was attempting to lock up for the night when she was confronted by three masked men who had just entered the store. One of the men was brandishing a handgun and all three demanded money from the clerk while one of the suspects pointed a gun at her, according to police reports. The suspects were able to get an undisclosed amount of money from the clerk before fleeing the area on foot.

During the subsequent investigation, it was learned that about 30 minutes earlier, the manager of a Pizza Hut restaurant nearby had contacted the Pocomoke Police Department to report three masked men had attempted to rob him at gunpoint as he closed the business for the night. The store manager was able to get into his car unharmed and drove away.

The information obtained from the Pizza Hut manager matched the information provided by the Goose Creek clerk in terms of physical descriptions of the suspects and the types of clothing they were wearing at the time of the armed robberies. Based on the information provided by the victims, Worcester County Bureau of Investigation (WCBI) detectives were able to identify three suspects, including Dexter Wise, Jr., 23, of Laurel, Del.; Decarlo Marcus White, 19, of Pocomoke; and Dorian Rashawn Johnson, 19.

Warrants were sworn out on the three suspects and each was arrested a short time later. Each of the suspects were charged with 23 total counts including armed robbery, first-degree assault, reckless endangerment and conspiracy to commit armed robbery.

Last week in Circuit Court the first of three suspects, Wise, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and was sentenced to 12 years in jail, of which six months were suspended, netting Wise six years in jail. He was also placed on probation for two years after his release and was given credit for the 118 days he spent in jail awaiting trial. Wise was also ordered to pay roughly $1,500 in combined restitution to the victims, Goose Creek and Pizza Hut.

White is expected to appear for trial for his role in the robberies on Jan. 10, while Johnson’s trial is scheduled for Jan. 12.

www.mdcoastdispatch.com

Suspect In Handy Murder Has Been Arrested

I have been out of town for the past few days on a family matter and am so glad to see that this possible murderer has been arrested! Hopefully the Handy family will be working towards some closure. Great job police department!

POCOMOKE CITY — A suspect in a Pocomoke murder case was arrested without trouble outside the Walmart store Friday night, police said. They arrested Skylor Dupree Harmon, 19, who days ago was charged with murdering Reginald Handy Jr., 22, in May.

A state police fugitive apprehension team, assisted by a special team of Worcester sheriff's deputies, caught Harmon Friday at about 6 p.m., police said, and he is being held without bond.

At a news conference last week, prosecutors and police said they believe Harmon killed Handy. A different man, Alexander Crippen, 36, was the first person charged with murder in Handy's death, but those murder charges were dropped before Crippen's trial; he was later convicted of attempting to kill a different man, based on testimony about what he did at the same scene where Handy died.

Harmon is currently the sole suspect in Handy's death, and police had said he was at large in southern Worcester or Somerset counties, and possibly armed and dangerous.

www.delmarvanow.com

Commissioners To Discuss Sprinkler Law

SNOW HILL -- The Worcester Board of County Commissioners is bringing back for discussion a state law requiring all new one-and two-family dwellings built after Jan. 1 to contain residential fire sprinklers.

Although the meeting is not a public hearing, President Bud Church said it will allow new commissioners a chance to express their views and get all of the facts.

"A number of people requested it be brought back up, including the new commissioners," Church said. "We'll see if we can get a vote, whether it's up or down, so we're not in limbo anymore."

The commissioners originally held a public hearing Sept. 21, during which homeowners, firefighters, real estate agents and Fire Marshal Jeff McMahon expressed strong views on the issue. A motion to exempt all county homebuilding from the rule failed to win a majority of votes, and a proposal that well-water properties be allowed to forgo the sprinklers also failed. As a result, the rule is scheduled to take effect next year if commissioners take no further action.

Newly elected commissioners Jim Bunting Jr. and Merrill Lockfaw Jr. have expressed opposition to the legislation, saying if it were to be brought up, they would vote against it.

Several of the municipalities in Worcester County have also addressed the issue. So far, Pocomoke City has opted out; Berlin amended the law so new single-family homes will be free from the mandate; and Ocean City and Snow Hill have yet to take a vote.**

www.delmarvanow.com

** If my memory is correct Ocean City has already voted in favor for the new state law requiring sprinklers.

Welfare Check

A guy walks into the local welfare office to pick up his check. He marches straight up to the counter and says,

"Hi. You know.... I just HATE drawing welfare. I'd really rather have a job."

The social worker behind the counter says, "Your timing is excellent.

We just got a job opening from a very wealthy old man who wants a chauffeur and bodyguard for his beautiful daughter. You'll have to drive around in his 2010 Mercedes-Benz CL, and he will supply all of your clothes.

Because of the long hours, meals will be provided, and you'll also be expected to escort the daughter on her overseas holiday trips."

"This is rather awkward to say, but you will also have as part of your job assignment satisfying her ...'urges' as the daughter is in her mid-20's and has a rather strong sex drive."

The guy, just plain wide-eyed, stammers, "You're bullshi _- in' me!".

The social worker says, "Yeah, well ... You started it."

4 Days Before Christmas

Widespread White Christmas Expected Across US

For the second consecutive winter, a cold and stormy December has set the stage for a white Christmas across a significant part of the U.S. While snow cover is not likely to be quite as extensive as it was last year, a late-week storm might cover the ground in a magical white in parts of the East by the end of Christmas Day.

The depth of the current snow cover will guarantee a white Christmas in the Rockies and interior parts of the West, as well as in the northern Plains, much of the Ohio Valley, the Great Lakes and interior parts of the Northeast.

Snow cover is spotty or completely lacking in parts of the mid-Atlantic region and coastal Northeast, but meteorologists are watching a late-week storm that could change that. Computer models are projecting a storm to move from the central Plains on early Friday to along the New England coast by later on Saturday, spreading snow along its path.

If this storm track materializes, fresh snow would be dumped from Iowa to parts of the Virginias, with a brand-new snow cover a possibility for the major cities along the Eastern Seaboard, from Washington, D.C., to Boston.

Early-week storms moving through the West will increase the snow cover in the mountains of the West and Desert Southwest, expanding snow cover into some regions that are bare.

Even with the additional snow this week, snow cover was a little more extensive last Christmas when the combination of Arctic cold and a southern storm produced an abundance of snow.

Snow cover on Dec. 25, 2009, extended farther to the south in the Southwest and Plains than it will this year, with snow on the ground as far south as Dallas. Snow cover was also deep in the Virginias, Maryland, Delaware and southern New Jersey, following the first of a couple of monster snowstorms in what turned out to be the snowiest winter on record.

.

Typically, a white Christmas is a virtual certainty in the high mountains of the West, the extreme northern Plains and interior parts of northern New England, with a likelihood of greater than 90 percent. The likelihood drops to just 5 to 10 percent along a line extending from the Texas Panhandle to southern Virginia.

This year, a white Christmas is likely in much of the region, where there is just a 26 to 40 percent chance on average.

A white Christmas is generally defined as having an inch or more of snow on the ground.

Christmas Countdown

8 Days before Christmas

1928 Car Repair Mailer

Less than 100 yrs ago,
Automotive repair advertisement in 1928... sent on a penny postcard kinda makes ya wanna go back

Amish Christmas Lights

You know how creative and talented that the Amish are, well check out what they do with Christmas lights.

You know very well that the Amish don't use electricity!

I HAVE DECIDED TO BECOME A WRITE-IN CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT IN THE YEAR 2012..

HERE IS MY PLATFORM:

(1). Any use of the phrase: 'Press 1 for English' is immediately BANNED!!!. English is the official language; speak it or wait outside of our borders until you can.

(2). We will immediately go into a two year isolationist attitude in order to straighten out the greedy big business posture in this country. America will allow NO imports, and we'll do no exports. We will use the 'Wal-Mart 's policy, 'If we ain't got it, you don't need it.' We'll make it here and sell it here!

(3). When imports are allowed, there will be a 100% import tax on it coming in here.

(4). All retired military personnel will be required to man one of the many observation towers located on the southern border of the United States (six month tour). They will be under strict orders not to fire on SOUTHBOUND aliens.

(5). Social Security will immediately return to its original state. If you didn't put nuttin in, you AIN'T gettin nuttin out. Neither the President nor any other politician will be able to touch it.

(6). Welfare. -- Checks will be handed out on Fridays, at the end of the 40 hour school week, the successful completion of a urinalysis test for drugs, and passing grades.

(7). Professional Athletes -- Steroids? The FIRST time you check positive you're banned from sports ... for life.

(8). Crime -- We will adopt the Turkish method, i.e., the first time you steal, you lose your right hand. There is no more 'life sentences'. If convicted of murder, you will be put to death by the same method you chose for the victim you killed: gun, knife, strangulation, etc.

(9). One export of ours will be allowed: wheat; because the world needs to eat. However, a bushel of wheat will be the EXACT price of a barrel of oil.

(10). All foreign aid, using American taxpayer money, will immediately cease and the saved money will help to pay off the national debt and, ultimately, lower taxes. When disasters occur around the world, we'll ask The American People if they want to donate to a disaster fund, and each citizen can make the decision as to whether, or not, it's a worthy cause.

(11). The Pledge of Allegiance will be said EVERY day at school and every day in CONGRESS.

(12). The National Anthem will be played at all appropriate ceremonies, sporting events, outings, etc.

My apology is offered if I've stepped on anyone's toes .... nevertheless....

GOD BLESS AMERICA !

Guess What This Is?

picture was taken in 1956...
 It's a hard disk drive back in 1956...  with 5 MB of storage.   In September 1956 IBM launched the 305 RAMAC, the first 'SUPER' computer with a hard disk drive (HDD). The HDD weighed over a ton and stored a  'whopping' 5 MB of data. Do you appreciate your 8 GB memory stick a little more now?

Christmas Countdown

9 Days Until Christmas

Best Wishes

To All My Democrat Friends:

Please accept with no obligation, implied or explicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2011 but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great.  Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere.  Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.

To My Republican Friends:

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  

Hat Tip; Kack

What's Happening with Seniors Benefits

A federal district court in Virginia found a part of Obamacare unconstitutional, but judicial appeals may keep the law mired in the courts for several years.

Judge Henry Hudson ruled that Section 1501, the Minimum Essential Coverage Provision, of the law (officially called the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act), which requires everyone, beginning in 2014, to purchase health insurance is "beyond constitutional precedent" and "appears to forge new ground and extends the Commerce Clause powers beyond its current high water mark."

In his decision, Hudson also wrote that this provision "is neither within the letter nor the spirit of the Constitution" and that Congress lacks the power "to compel an individual to involuntarily engage in a private commercial transaction…The unchecked expansion of congressional power…would invite unbridled exercise of federal police powers."

However, only Section 1501 of the law was voided and Hudson left all other parts of Obamacare in force. 

Although the law lacked a severability clause (a routine provision in most laws stating that if any portion of it is found unconstitutional, the remaining portions are unaffected), Hudson cited several precedents in which courts stated that "the normal rule is that partial, rather than facial, invalidation is the required course."

Interestingly, the Obama Administration had argued that Section 1501 "is the linchpin which provides financial viability to the other critical elements of the overall regulatory scheme" and "the vital kinetic link" of the "overall regulatory reform."  Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius had said that, without that provision, it "would undermine the comprehensive regulatory regime."

The Obama Administration scoffed at Hudson's ruling that the law was partially unconstitutional and predicted it would prevail on appeal, according to AFP.

But when Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli advocated immediate appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, which is permitted under certain circumstances, the Department of Justice said they would rather go through the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals.  "The Department believes this case should follow the ordinary course of allowing the courts of appeals to hear it first so the issues and arguments can be fully developed before the Supreme Court decides whether to consider it."

If that course is followed, "The ultimate outcome of this case is really up for grabs," Bloomberg reported, indicating "it may be years before the justices resolve the law's constitutionality."

The Washington Post listed the 23 other cases throughout the nation that have been filed against Obamacare. 

The most significant is being brought in Florida by 20 states, the National Federation of Independent Businesses, and two individuals.  In addition to arguing against Section 1501, this case also contends that Obamacare is unconstitutional by forcing massive new spending on the states for Medicaid.  More information is available on the Florida case online at http://www.healthcarelawsuit.us/
The Virginia win over Obamacare was hailed by ConservativeHQ.com's Richard Viguerie as "a victory for the entire Tea Party movement and constitutional conservatives everywhere."
Cuccinelli was praised by Viguerie for his leadership in the fight against Obamacare and said the Virginia Attorney General "has taken his place on the national stage as an important conservative leader."    

ConservativeHQ.com has created an online Pledge of Support and Thank You to Cuccinelli for "taking on the Obama administration on behalf of the American people… and appreciation for your leadership in this battle."

VIA: 60 Second Activist 

School Closings

All local schools are closing 2 hours early

Worcester county schools closing 2 hours early

Wicomico county schools closing 2 hours early

Somerset county schools closing 2 hours early

~MISSING~

DELMAR — Police are seeking the whereabouts of a 23-year-old Delmar woman who was last seen by family on Dec. 3.

The family of Whitney L. Bennett, of the 3600 block of Susan Beach Road, contacted police on Dec. 9 after becoming concerned about her welfare.

Delaware State Police learned that Bennett may have visited a friend in Fruitland, Md., on Dec. 4.

Anyone with information is asked to call Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or visit www.tipsubmit.com

Peacherine Rag

This is great!!

Lets Say Thanks

XEROX IS DOING SOMETHING COOL
  If you go to this web site, www.LetsSayThanks.com  you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving overseas.

You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the armed services.
   

How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!!   

It is FREE and it only takes a second.
   

Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these?  
 

Whether you are for or against the war, our soldiers over there need to know we are behind them.
   

This takes just 10 seconds and it's a wonderful way to say thank you.  
   Please take the time and please take the time to pass it on for others to do.
   

We can never say enough thank you's. 
  Thanks for taking to time to support our military!

"Walk through Bethlehem" Lynnhaven Baptist Church

Don't miss the "Walk through Bethlehem" at Lynnhaven Baptist Church, if you have never visited this wonderful event you have missed a really well orchestrated live Christmas display.

The "Walk through Bethlehem" at Lynnhaven Baptist Church is exactly that, it's a recreated Town of Bethlehem built and put together by volunteers. The Town has actual Bethlehem buildings, stable, manger, etc. it's complete with real animals and the scenic route and buildings are occupied by volunteers dressed in biblical attire.

This is admission free and a must see for all ages and will leave you with a life long memory.

Take the "Walk Through Bethlehem" today, you will not be disappointed. 

Please click on link below to hear our radio ad:

clientimages/43211/walk through bethleham.mp3 

  

"Walk through Bethlehem" Dates: 

December 11, 12,17,18 & 19 - 6:00 to 9:00 pm

To visit Lynnhaven Baptist Church web site CLICK HERE>>

Accomack County Sheriff's Office Asks Citizens Help In Two Robberies

According to Major Todd Godwin, on Sunday, December 12 at approximately 2:45 AM, the Accomack County Sheriffs Office received a report of a robbery at Shore Stop in Accomac, Virginia. Further investigation revealed that a white male entered the convenience store and robbed the clerk at gunpoint of an undisclosed amount of money and merchandise. The suspect fled the scene on foot prior to deputies' arrival.

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 30 years of age, 5'8, 180 lbs.

The Sheriff's Office is also looking for a suspect wanted in connection with a robbery that took place on Saturday, December 11 at approximately 6:44 PM, the Accomack County Sheriff's Office received a report of a robbery of two men at Captain's Quarters.

Further investigation revealed that two black males approached a vehicle occupied by two men parked in front of a residence at Captain's Quarters. The suspects robbed the victims at gunpoint of an undisclosed amount of money and property and then fled the scene prior to deputies' arrival.

During the investigation, information was received that led to the identification of one suspect to be Cardell Shavar Mears, age 22 of Drummondtown Road, Accomac. Mears is described as a black male, 5'11, 180lbs.
Felony warrants have been obtained by the Accomack County Sheriff's Office charging Mears with 2 counts of robbery and 1 count of use of firearm in commission of a felony. He has been entered into the Virginia Criminal Information Network and the National Crime Information Center as a wanted person.

Anyone with information concerning these crimes is asked to contact the Accomack County Sheriff's Office at 787-1131 or 824-5666.
www.shoredailynews.com

This Weekend At The MarVa Theater

Friday, Dec 17 Saturday, Dec 18
Time: 7 p.m.
Sunday, Dec 19
Time: 2 p.m.
Tickets: $5


PLOT:
The long-haired Princess Rapunzel has spent her entire life in a tower, but when she falls in love with a bandit who was passing by she must venture into the outside world for the first time to find him.
Rated PG

Key Part Of Obama Health Care Law Rejected By Judge

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A federal judge declared the foundation of President Barack Obama's health care law unconstitutional Monday, ruling that the government cannot require Americans to purchase insurance. The case is expected to end up at the Supreme Court.

U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson wrote that no court had expanded the Commerce Clause of the Constitution to allow the government to regulate a person's decision not to buy a product.

"At its core, this dispute is not simply about regulating the business of insurance — or crafting a scheme of universal health insurance coverage — it's about an individual's right to choose to participate," Hudson wrote.


In his order, he said he will allow the law to remain in effect while appeals are heard, meaning there is unlikely to be any immediate impact on other provisions that have already taken effect. The insurance coverage mandate is not scheduled to begin until 2014.

"The outcome of this case has significant public policy implications," Hudson wrote. "And the final word will undoubtedly reside with a higher court."

Even so, Republicans in Congress celebrated the ruling as validation of the arguments they had made for months while the law was pending. Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Va., issued a statement urging the White House to agree to expedite a final ruling by appealing directly to the Supreme Court without first stopping at an appeals court.

Hudson is the first federal judge to strike down a key part of the law, which had been upheld by fellow federal judges in Virginia and Michigan. Several other lawsuits have been dismissed and still others are pending, including one filed in Florida by 20 states.

White House health reform director Nancy-Ann DeParle said the administration is encouraged by the two other judges who have upheld the law. She said the Justice Department is reviewing Hudson's ruling.

"We are disappointed in today's ruling but continue to believe — as other federal courts in Virginia and Michigan have found — that the Affordable Care Act is constitutional," said Justice Department spokeswoman Tracy Schmaler.

Hudson sided with Virginia Attorney General Kenneth Cuccinelli, who argued the mandate overstepped the bounds of the Constitution.

"The ruling is extremely positive for anyone who believes in the system of Federalism created by our founding fathers," Cuccinelli said. "It underscores that the Constitution's limitations on federal power really do mean something."

Cuccinelli, a Republican, filed the lawsuit to defend a new state law passed in reaction to the federal overhaul that prohibits the government from forcing state residents to buy health insurance.

He argued that while the government can regulate economic activity that substantially affects interstate commerce, the decision not to buy insurance amounts to economic inactivity that is beyond the government's reach.

"This lawsuit is not about health insurance, not about health care, it's about liberty," he said.

Hudson, a Republican appointed by President George W. Bush, sounded sympathetic to the state's case when he heard oral arguments in October, and the White House expected to lose this round.

Administration officials told reporters last week that a negative ruling would have virtually no impact on the law's implementation, noting that its two major provisions — the coverage mandate and the creation of new insurance markets — don't take effect until 2014.
www.wtkr.com

Man Says He Was Not Let Into Court Because Of His Hair

"I don't like looking like nobody else," says Todd.

But he says his look caused a stir at Southaven, Mississippi Traffic Court Friday.

"The bailiff said you can't come in here with your hair like that. I was like what are you saying. He said, I told you that last time. My captain didn't like how your hair was. I said how is a black man supposed to wear his hair. He asked me to leave," says Todd.

He never got to the courtroom.

"It shouldn't be a problem at all. I'm going in there to conduct business. You got people murdering, killing doing all kinds of stuff and you wanna pinpoint my hair. I just think it's wrong," he says.

At Southaven court, no one would talk to us about the incident.

There is a dress code posted outside the Southaven Court. No halter tops, revealing clothing, tank tops, shorts, t-shirts, but nothing about hair.

Todd says he usually adds ornaments and lights to his hair, but didn't Friday because he was going to court.

At the Razor Sharp Barber and Beauty Shop, he gets help putting it all together.

Workers don't think he was trying to disrespect court.

"It can be a little distracting but that's who he is. Dreadlocks can be a little distracting for some people. Loud hair color," says stylist Kori Randolph.

"Does it say in court you have to have your hair a certain way? You have to have a crew cut. Don't have no law against certain hair styles, do they?" says business owner Waheeb Hammad.

"I am not gonna change it. This is me. I'm just in the Christmas spirit. That's what I do," says Todd.

Bobby Todd says he's been wearing his hair style since 1999 and it's never been a problem, especially at the beauty supply company where he works.

No comment from a judge who sets court dress code.

www.wreg.com

Accomack And Northampton County Court

Accomack County Court

Ryan Bonniwell, 27, of Painter, was found guilty of burglary and grand larceny. A presentence report has been ordered.

Lavar Johnson, 30, of Mappsville, was found guilty of possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute. He was sentenced to 10 years with all but time served suspended.

Christopher Barcroft, 21, of Cape Charles, was sentenced to four years for two counts of burglary and two counts of grand larceny.

Keenan Goodwine, 19, of Atlantic, was found guilty of robbery and the use of a firearm in commission of a robbery. A presentence report was ordered.

Thomas Bunting, 27, of Melfa, was found guilty of aggravated sexual assault. A presentence report has been ordered.

Joann Ball, 57, of Accomac, was sentenced to 10 years with all but 12 months suspended for possession of cocaine.

Michael Sample Jr., 25, of Painter, was sentenced to 10 years each on two counts of breaking and entering and two counts of grand larceny, to run concurrently, with all suspended upon completion of detention and diversion center programs.

Jonathan Stevens, 27, of Quinby, was sentenced to five years for burglary with all suspended after completion of community service.

Jesse Mariner, 28, of Keller, was sentenced to 10 years each on counts of burglary and grand larceny, with all but three years suspended.

Derrick Reid, 22, of Nassawadox, was sentenced to five years each on counts of breaking and entering, robbery and a firearms charge, to run consecutively, for a sentence of 15 years.

Keshawn Savage, 21, of New Church, was sentenced to three years with all but one year suspended for hit and run.

Terrell Robinson, 33, of Birdsnest, had his probation reinstated.

Northampton County

Yolanda O'Sha Stines, 35, of Accomac, was sentenced to five years with all but 2.5 years suspended for writing bad checks.

Leonard Tromell Brooks, 27, of Cape Charles, was sentenced to 10 years with all but two years suspended for possession with the intent to distribute more than one-half ounce but less than five pounds of marijuana.

Cynthia Rene Weathers, 35, of Pocomoke City, Md., was sentenced to five years with all but time served suspended for four counts of welfare fraud and ordered to pay $5,005.

Terry Wayne McGee Jr., 34, of Newport News, was sentenced to five years for forgery, 12 months for receiving stolen property, 12 months for using a false identity and 12 months for driving on a suspended license, to run concurrently, with all but 12 months suspended.

William Jerome Reid Jr., 31, of Machipongo, was sentenced to five years with four years suspended for possession with the intent to distribute more than one half ounce but less than five pounds of marijuana. He also had a previous sentence imposed and received indefinite probation.

Brian Dwayne Johnson, 31, of Tasley, had his probation revoked.

Deshaun Lamont Corney, 21, of Birdsnest, pleaded guilty of two counts of robbery, one count of entering in the nighttime while armed with a deadly weapon, one count of malicious wounding, and one count of displaying a firearm in a threatening manner during a robbery. A presentence report has been ordered.
www.easternshorenews.com

Crippen Found Guilty For Attempted Murder

Alexander Crippen could be facing life in jail for attempted murder with the possibility of an extra 20 added to those years for carrying an illegal weapon. Gee, that means for the rest of his life he gets to breath, eat, exist behind bars. No matter where he is and no matter where the man that he attempted to murder may be BOTH are alive. And good for them, I guess. But what about the family of Reginald Handy?

Forensics couldn't prove Crippen killed that young man. And no one saw? Not a soul saw anyone that night but a bullet into the back of Handy? I'm just wondering, because there doesn't seem to be any closure for the family that loved and had to bury Reginald Jerome Handy.

If it can't be proven that Crippen fired that bullet into Handy's back then who did? Or is that the family just has to accept that Crippen probably did do it...........it just can't be proven beyond that "shadow of a doubt"? Where is the closure for this family?

What do you say to them? Does anything happen for them?

SNOW HILL -- Friends and family members of Alexander Crippen cried and consoled each other in Circuit Court after Judge Richard R. Bloxom said Crippen was guilty of trying to kill a man.

Testimony in the trial for first- and second-degree attempted murder, first- and second-degree assault and gun charges concluded Dec. 7. Bloxom said he needed time to review the testimony and facts of the case before giving a verdict, which he issued Friday.

During his deliberations, he recalled the instructions given to jurors when they have trouble deciphering witness testimony: that they may believe all, part or none of what witnesses say.

Crippen, who has listed residences in Fort Washington, Md., and Pocomoke City, has been held without bond at the Worcester County Jail since late May, when he was charged in the murder of Reginald Jerome Handy Jr., 22. Handy was gunned down outside a Laurel Avenue home on May 27.

In June, a grand jury indicted Crippen on murder and other related charges connected to Handy's death in addition to attempted murder. But Bloxom dismissed the murder charge against Crippen during a criminal motions hearing. Prosecutors said forensic evidence would have made it impossible to prove Crippen killed Handy. Crippen was instead convicted of attempting to kill another man, Torrance Davis, 28, who was at the scene of the shooting in May.

After the verdict was read, Deputy State's Attorney Michael Farlow asked the judge to order a presentence investigation before Crippen is sentenced.

"Now that he has been found guilty on all counts, we will be seeking the maximum penalty," Farlow said. The maximum penalty life in prison. He said a second charge, wearing and carrying an illegal weapon, can carry an additional sentence of up to 20 years.

Crippen's defense attorney, Arthur McGreevy, said he expects his client to appeal the decision.

"We are obviously disappointed but respect the judge's decision," McGreevy said.

www.delmarvanow.com