Thursday, December 1, 2011

Horses Could Soon Be Slaughtered for Meat in U.S.

WASHINGTON -- Congress has lifted a de facto ban on the slaughter of horses, a move hailed by Missouri farmers and state political leaders who say the prohibition had inadvertently caused more harm to the animals than good.

But some animal-rights activists decried the little-noticed provision, which sailed to passage earlier this month and was signed into law by President Barack Obama on Nov. 18. And they vowed to keep the issue alive, pressing for an outright prohibition of horse slaughtering in the U.S.

At issue is a ban, first enacted in 2006, that prevented the U.S. Department of Agriculture from using federal funds to inspect any meat processing plants that slaughter horses. Plants that are not inspected by the USDA cannot ship meat across state lines, so the provision effectively ended domestic horse slaughter.

There is no U.S. market for the human consumption of horse meat. But it is seen as a delicacy overseas, especially in some European and Asian countries. In addition, horse meat has been used in the U.S. to feed zoo animals, because it's a good source of protein.

Farmers and some policymakers say the ban resulted in old horses being abandoned and neglected. In response, Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., successfully pushed for a provision requiring the non-partisan Government Accountability Office to study the impact of the ban. The GAO study, released in June, highlighted the concerns of Baucus and others.

The GAO report concluded that the slaughter of American horses didn't stop because of the ban, but simply shifted to Mexico and Canada. "From 2006 through 2010, U.S. horse exports for slaughter increased by 148 and 660 percent to Canada and Mexico, respectively," the GAO report states. "As a result, nearly the same number of U.S. horses was transported to Canada and Mexico for slaughter in 2010 -- nearly 138,000 -- as was slaughtered before domestic slaughter ceased."

In addition, horse prices declined for those animals most likely to be bought for slaughter, the report concluded. The GAO said that comprehensive data was not available on abandonment and neglect, but that state and local governments, along with some animal welfare groups, reported an increase in investigations of such incidents since 2007. "State, local, tribal, and horse industry officials generally attributed these increases in neglect and abandonments to cessation of domestic slaughter and the economic downturn," the GAO stated.

The agency suggested that Congress should either reconsider restrictions on the use of federal funds to inspect horse slaughtering facilities or consider a permanent ban of horse slaughtering.

Animal-rights groups have long pressed for the latter option -- and they hope they now have their opening.

Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, said he thinks that if horse slaughter plants reopen in the U.S. that will provide "juice" to the society's effort to pass a ban on the practice.

He said he agreed with GAO's conclusion that the federal USDA ban has not stopped horse slaughtering. But he questioned the contention that it has led to more abandonment or neglect of horses.

"It's largely fabrication," Pacelle said. He said that if about the same number of horses are being exported to Canada and Mexico for slaughter as were killed in the U.S. before the ban, it doesn't add up that there is also a spike in abandonment.

The lawmakers who have embraced the GAO study are "slaughter proponents," he charged. "And that they are crying crocodile tears over abandonment is essentially a cynical and hypocritical line of argument. And it's a little too convenient."

But for critics of the USDA ban, the GAO study provided the evidence they needed to move forward with repeal.

As the 2012 agriculture appropriations bill moved through Congress this year, Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Georgia, moved to strip out the USDA funding ban. A spokesman for Kingston, who is chairman of the House agriculture spending subcommittee, said the provision was ineffective in stopping slaughter, but it did kill jobs.

"It's a $65 million industry in America -- it was before it was banned," said Chris Crawford, Kingston's spokesman.

The Humane Society and other groups say they think the repeal will prompt renewed interest in the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act of 2011, which would ban the interstate transport and live export of horses for slaughter for human consumption. The bill was introduced earlier this year by Sens. Mary Landrieu, D-La., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. There is companion legislation in the House.

The measure has been introduced in previous sessions, but could pass this time, Pacelle said, if there's fresh evidence of horse slaughter in the U.S.

"I think what will happen now is we will see cosponsoring of both bills accelerate as there's more talk of opening slaughter houses in the United States," he said.


"Victorian Christmas Celebration" In Parksley On Friday

The Town of Parksley will welcome Christmas Friday night with their annual Christmas celebration on Dunne Avenue. The street will be blocked off and a big bonfire will warm the participants.

There will be hay rides so that riders can tour the town and vote on the Christmas decorations.

 Prizes of $100, $75 and $50 will be given to the top three deocrated homes in Parksley as determined by the vote of the hayriders.

There will also be carolers and Santa will arrive at 5:30 via firetruck.

Merchants will be open until 8 to allow for convenient local Christmas shopping.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

PLEASE Help Find "Shadow"

MISSING FOR A WEEK

His name is SHADOW

Black cat currently wearing no collar due to a skin disorder.

He is missing from the POCOMOKE HEIGHTS - PAYNE AVENUE AREA

  Be advised that SHADOW takes  daily medication  for a skin disorder AND SEIZURES. 

Family has looked for him and has found no sign of him.  If YOU have seen him or have any information at all PLEASE call  757-999-1041

Shadow is missed very much by his human family............

Pocomoke City's "An Old Fashioned Christmas Evening"

An Old Fashioned Christmas Evening
and food drive
in

Downtown Pocomoke City
Friday, December 2nd
5:30 - 8:00PM
In front of City Hall, 101 Clarke Ave.
*Bring non-perishable food items for free refreshments!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
5:30PM - 5:50PM Pocomoke Elementary School Afterschool Choir
5:50PM - 6:30PM The Larks
www.larksjazz.com
6:45PM - 7:30PM Sarah Bernstein www.thesarahbernstein.com
7:30PM - 7:35PM Mayor Bruce Morrison's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting

7:35PM - 8:00PM Pocomoke High School Show Choir  

Throughout the evening...
Visit Mr. & Mrs. Claus in Santa's House
Enjoy s'mores by the bonfire
Toast friends and family with local wine from
Layton's Chance Winery

Appreciate holiday decorations via a horse-drawn carriage
Keep tummies warm with hot dogs, hot cocoa & coffee
Enter fun contests and raffles
Visit with your neighbors and meet new friends...


Finish the evening by going to the Mar-Va to see "Elf" at 8PM! Tickets are only $5!

Bayside Arts - SALE

Just in time for your Christmas shopping.........
Select a gift created by local artist Jenny Somers

SALE   SALE   SALE   SALE

BAYSIDE ARTS
4215 Main Street
Chincoteague, Virginia

Saturday, December 3, 2011
10:00 AM  until  5:00 PM
10%   to  50% OFF
  ON MARKED MERCHANDISE

REFRESMENTS WILL BE SERVED TO SHOPPERS.

Visit Chincoteague for the day and be there for the Chincoteague Christmas Parade at 7 PM.

~MERRY CHRISTMAS from Jenny at
Bayside Arts !

From Dogwork.com- DOG PHILOSOPHY

Weezie
If you live by these dog rules, you will be a happier person!

There's a lot we humans can learn from dogs. If you live your life by the same philosophy that dogs do, you will be much better off in life. In the wild, animals fight only for two things, not a fancy car, not clothes or jewelry, they just fight for food or a mate, everything else they get after that is just pure happiness.

1. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.

2. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

3. When loved ones come home, always run and greet them.

4. When it's in your best interest, always practice obedience.

5. Let others know when they've invaded your territory.

6.Take naps and always stretch before rising.

Milton with his best cat friend
7. Run, romp and play daily.

8. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.

9. Be loyal.

10. Never pretend to be something you're not.

11. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

12. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

13. Delight in the simple joys of a long walk.

14. Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

15. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

16. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

17. When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

18. No matter how often you are criticized, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back and make friends.

Source;  http://www.dogwork.com/

This is a wonderful website.  Please take some time a visit.  If you love animals you will find alot to like.

Facebook Settles With FTC Over Deception Charges


Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg
AP Photo

AP
Facebook is settling with the Federal Trade Commission over charges it deceived consumers with its privacy settings to get people to share more personal information than they originally agreed to.

The FTC had charged that the social network told people they could keep the information they share private, then allowed it to be made public.

The charges go back to at least 2009, when Facebook changed its privacy settings so that information users may have deemed private, such as their list of friends, suddenly became viewable to everyone.

"They didn't warn users that this change was coming, or get their approval in advance," the FTC said.
The FTC said the settlement requires Facebook to get people's approval before changing how it shares their data.

In a blog post, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the company has made a "bunch of mistakes." But he adds that this has often overshadowed the good work Facebook has done. He says Facebook has addressed many of the FTC's concerns already.

The settlement is similar to one Google agreed to earlier this year over its Buzz social networking service. Like Google, Facebook has agreed to obtain assessments of its privacy practices by independent, third-party auditors for the next 20 years.

Facebook isn't paying anything to settle the case, though future violations could lead to civil fines.

Zuckerberg said Facebook has created two new executive positions - a chief privacy officer of products and a chief privacy officer of policy as part of its response to the settlement.

Source;  http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/2011/nov/29/facebook-settles-ftc-over-deception-charges-ar-1501709/

Shore Beef and BBQ - LUNCH SPECIAL

SERVING LUNCH
AT THEIR
NEW CHURCH LOCATION

WEDNESDAY LUNCH SPECIAL

Special Pit Beef Sandwich/ with Side
 and Drink ~ $7.50

SERVING HOURS:
11:00 to 3:00

Eastern Shore Madrigal Singers, Santa Train/ Other Christmas Entertainment

Christmas season is here and several traditional Christmas season events are happening this weekend. The Eastern Shore Madrigal Singers will perform their annual Christmas concerts Friday evening at7:30 PM at the Nandua High School Auditorium. Two WESR radio personalities will appear in the program. Saturday morning hostess Christy Northam will begin her second season with the singers and afternoon personality Will Russell will have an acting part during the program.

Tickets can be purchsed at the Book Bin in Onley as well as other locations. There will be two shows Friday night at 7:30 PM and Sunday afternoon at 2:30 PM.

Tickets are on sale at the Book Bin Four Corner Plaza, Marsh Jewelers, Runningers Pharmacies in Parksley and Onancock, H&H Pharmacies in Chincoteague and Oak Hall,Taylor Bank in Pocomoke City,
Bonnie's Bounty at T's Corner and Rayfield's Pharmacies in Nassawadox and Cape Charles.


Also the Santa Train will make it's run this weekend. The train will start at Cape Charles Saturday morning at 9 AM and make it's way up the Shore stopping at several times during the run. Santa will greet children at each stop up the line. The train will stop at:

Cape Charles, 9:00 a.m.
Cheriton, 9:50 a.m.
Eastville, 10:20 a.m.
Nassawadox, 11:25 a.m.
Exmore, 12:05 p.m.
Painter, 1:00 p.m.
Melfa, 1:35 p.m.
Onley, 2:15 p.m.
Parksley, 3:10 p.m.

Four Corner Plaza will celebrate Christmas at the Plaza on Saturday. There will be events throughout the day which include:


All stores will be having an Open House.

Santa will be arriving at 10am on the Onley Fire Truck.


Pictures with Santa will be available 10am-2pm Support the Blue Crab Bay Relay for Life Team.


Accomack Community Band 11am to 12pm.


Nandua High School Chorus will be caroling 12pm to 1pm.


Finally, Cape Charles will have their Grand Illumination Saturday December 3 at 6:30 PM at Central Park in Cape Charles.

Source;  shoredailynews.com

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Metal Theft Arrests Are Made - Warrants Issued

According to Accomack County Sheriff Todd Godwin, an extensive investigation into the theft of a variety of metal items has resulted in multiple arrests being made. Between July and October 2011, the Sheriff's Office received reports involving the theft of power line cables in addition to other property belonging to A&N Electric as well as the theft of equipment from several irrigation systems located throughout northern Accomack County.


The result of these thefts amounted to thousands of dollars worth of property loss and damages being incurred by the victims. During this investigation, suspects were developed, and subsequently, warrants were obtained against several individuals.


Kyle Branden Binder, 20 of Wattsville, was arrested on November 10, 2011 and charged with seven counts of grand larceny. Binder was released on a $14,000 PR bond.


Joshua Lee Brown, 23 of Sanford, was arrested on November 10, 2011 and charged with six counts of grand larceny. Brown was released on a $10,000 PR bond.


Antonio Orlando Flores, 23 of Bloxom, was arrested on November 4, 2011 and charged with six counts of grand larceny and one count of trespassing. Flores was released on a $1,000 secured bond.


Jonathon Gene Mears, 25 of Nelsonia, was arrested on November 19, 2011 and charged with seven counts of grand larceny. Mears was released on a $3,500 secured bond.


Arrest warrants have also been issued for Joseph Taylor Young, 20 of Bloxom, for 1 count of grand larceny and one count of trespassing. Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Young are asked to contact the Accomack County Sheriff's Office.


The investigation into these incidents is continuing and additional charges are expected.

Source;  shoredailynews.com

No More Turkey???

If you're tired of turkey leftovers or if you are lucky enough to have run out of turkey here's a nice change if you like seafood, or better yet, fish................

How about a 50 pound, 48 inch long Striped Bass for dinner?

 The weight may not be exact because the scale used to weigh the catch of the day only measured up to 50 pounds.  And the fisherman will recieve a citation for his catch.

Not bad for a hard days work.  According to the fisherman  it WAS a hard days work -  A fish that large isn't about to give up without a fight.


Theft of Metal - Berlin Man Charged



NEWS RELEASE
DATE:  November 23, 2011
CBI Case #     10-0253
LOCATION:     10300 BLK Research Lane
        Bishopville, MD
CHARGES:Burglary
Theft
MDOP
ACCUSED:     Christopher Charles SIMONE, W/M 31yoa Berlin, MD.

NARRATIVE:    On November 19, 2010 a Deputy of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office took an initial report of a Burglary, Theft and MDOP from a Perdue Facility. There are several chicken houses and an office building on the property. The report was forwarded to the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation for further investigation.

It was reported that entry was gained by forcing a door that secured the office building. Once entry was gained, access to the entire building was possible. The building was “gutted” for the valuable copper, aluminum and other precious metals. The interior walls and ceilings were damaged so that access could be gained these those metals.

SIMONE was immediately identified as a possible suspect after a neighbor reported seeing a vehicle registered to him in the immediate area. The same neighbor reported seeing a white male having similar physical characteristics to Simone walking across the Perdue property carrying buckets in the direction of where Simone’s vehicle was parked.
      
A lengthy and thorough search of invoices from area salvage yards where precious metals can be taken for cash was completed. Simone had many invoices in his name for the week prior to the initial report and they were for cooper and aluminum. The amounts are consistent with the estimated loss.
         
Based upon the above facts and the detailed investigation an Application for Charges was prepared for a District Court Commissioner’s review and consideration. As a result an Arrest Warrant was issued for SIMONE on the above charges.
      
On Wednesday, November 23, 2011 a Deputy of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office was able to locate SIMONE and place him in custody without incident. He was ultimately arraigned before a District Court Commissioner and released on his own recognizance pending a future court date.

Pocomoke City Christmas Parade Results- 2011

Pocomoke City

Christmas Parade

Winner's List 2011

 CATEGORY
      PRIZE
     WINNER
Judges Choice #1
Plaque
 Powellville VFC
Judges Choice #2
Plaque
The Island Boys 
Best Equestrian Unit
Plaque
 Chinco. Drill Team

1st Place
Youth Float
Plaque/ $150
 PES K-Kids

2nd Place
Youth Float
Plaque / $125
Beaver Dam Church 

1st Place
Marching Unit
Plaque
Snow Hill ROTC 

2nd Place
Marching Unit
Plaque
SDHS ROTC

1st Place
Commercial Float
Plaque
 Lowes of Pocomoke

2nd Place
Commercial Float
Plaque
Bay Country 97.9 fm 

1st Place
Adult Float
Plaque / $150
Atlantic General Hosp. 

2nd Place
Adult Float
Plaque / $125
 Dash Rescue
1st & 2nd Dance/Cheer
Plaques
 Dynamics/ Dance Loft
Best Non-Motor Antique
Trophy
Princess Anne VFC 
Best Motor Antique
Trophy
 Berlin VFC
Best Modern Equipment
Trophy
Salisbury St. 2 
Best Marching Fire Co.
Trophy
New Church VFC 
2nd Best Appearing Fire Co.
Trophy
Greenbackville VFC 
Best Appearing Fire Co.
Trophy
Parksley VFC 

1st Place
Division III Band
$100 &Trophy
St. Francis de Sales School 

2nd Place
Division III Band
$75 & Trophy
Salisbury Middle School 

1st Place
Division II Band
$150  Trophy
 Snow Hill High School

2nd Place
Division II Band
$100 & Trophy
Crisfield High School 

1st Place
Division I Band
$150 & Trophy
 Mardela HIgh School

2nd Place
Division I Band
$100 & Trophy
 Cambridge HS
Grand Champion Band
$100 & Trophy
 Snow Hill High School
CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE!

Monday, November 28, 2011

Pocomoke City Christmas Parade

CONGRATULATIONS !!!
ON ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL

POCOMOKE CITY
 CHRISTMAS PARADE !!

Pocomoke Christmas Parade Tonight!

Grab your gloves and warm coat!  The turkey is gone and it's the first Monday after Thanksgiving!

That being so, it's time for one of the largest nighttime parades!!

THE POCOMOKE CITY
CHRISTMAS PARADE

"Winter Wonderland"


Clowns, Marching units
 Fire Departments
Equestrian Units,  Floats
and of course
~SANTA CLAUS~

The parade steps off at 7 PM   SHARP


In the event of inclement weather, the parade will be postponed until Tuesday, November 29, at 7:00 p.m.

Thanksgiving

Hope everyone had a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving.  The above drawing was done by my sweet great niece and was hanging on the doorway into the dining room on Thursday.  I think she did a very nice job.

I've been sort of missing in action the past few days but the holidays will do that sometimes.  No, not Christmas shopping - turkeying.  Dinner, as usual, was at my sisters on Thanksgiving day.  That always takes lots of hours........all of us love being together.

I had my Thanksgiving dinner today like I always do.  We like turkey sandwich's too. 

But I'm back now and hopefully within a few days I'll get back into the swing of things.

There's lots going on in Pocomoke these next few days and I just hope I can keep up  with the events.

Have a great day!

Sunday, November 27, 2011

TIME MACHINE ... 1922 Pocomoke City Fire Described

April, 1922

(The Frederick News Post- Frederick, Md.)

POCOMOKE CITY HALF IN ASHES; LOSS $2,000,000

Business And Resident Section Destroyed Yesterday

SOLDIERS ON GUARD

Pocomoke City, Md., April 17- More than half of the business section, including about fifty dwellings, of this city, were destroyed by the most disastrous fire in the history of the Eastern Shore yesterday. The heart of the business section including the telephone exchange, post office, Worcester Democrat office, and two hotels were wiped out. Fire companies from a dozen towns, within a radius of fifty miles, were called on for help. The flames were gotten under control about 6 o'clock last evening, and at time the damage was estimated at between $2,000,000 and $3,000,000.

The conflagration left the town in darkness. Shortly before 6 o'clock the mayor of the town called on Governor Richie for protection. The latter sent word to Col. D. John Markey, this city, Commander of the First Regiment, Maryland National Guards, and he at once ordered Company I of Salisbury to guard the town until further orders.

The fire started in a stable early in the day and fanned by a high southerly wind spread with great rapidity. Almost from the start it was apparent the town was doomed unless assistance arrived quickly. It was then that about a dozen adjoining towns were called upon for assistance. At 2 o'clock in the afternoon 20 buildings in the heart of the business and new residence sections were in ashes. Last night the burned area was surrounded by soldiers.

Working its way with unbelievable rapidity to Market and Willow Streets, the two principal business streets of the city, the fire burned in both directions. Proprietors of scores of places and homes in the neighborhood, seeing that the fire was spreading, grabbed up books and other valuable papers and raced with them to outlying sections, where they placed them in other hands for safe keeping.

Then the proprietors hurried back and began the removal of their stocks or as much of their stocks as they could carry. It was impossible to get wagons close to their places of business because of the lines of hoses laid by the fire department and what was saved was carried away.

Most of the buildings were of frame construction and the high southerly wind, blowing toward the river and with the better part of the town before it, carried the fire from building to building. In some places it leaped great distances or was carried long distances by embers.

Guests in the Parker House and the Landing House made preparations to leave when it was seen that the fire was moving in the direction of these two hostelries. Most of the guests saved their effects before the two hotels caught fire. At 2 o'clock the Landing House was totally destroyed and the Parker House seemed doomed to a like fate.

Thousands of persons in all of the surrounding (areas) were en route to Pocomoke City by automobile to see the biggest fire which has visited the Eastern Shore in its history. Some traveled by automobile, some by horse and wagon, while others walked. Some living along the Pocomoke river came down in boats.

Despite the fact that the fire was threatening the entire city and everybody else seemed on saving their homes or their contents, the telephone girls stayed at the exchange and helped the town officials in summoning assistance from the other towns on the Shore. Most of these places have motor fire-fighting apparatus of late design and within a short time after the first call was sent out these machines started to arrive.

Good roads helped the motor apparatus to get to the scene and immediately on arrival the men jumped into the fight and threw the weight of their forces against the raging flames.

The water supply was in excellent shape, and while firemen worked diligently they were unable to stem the forward progress of the conflagration. Some of the destroyed buildings would have supplied sufficient work for three or four fire companies. The fact that 50 or more buildings were destroyed ... shows what a handicap the fire department faced.

Footnote: A New York Times report listed the loss at $600,000. In earlier years major fires occurred in Pocomoke City in 1888 and 1892.


TIME-SNIP ... January, 1927

The Eastern Shore Gas And Electric Company announced that Vienna had been selected as the site for construction of a modern steam turbine generating station. Salisbury, Cambridge, Pocomoke City, and Seaford had also been considered.


October, 1984

(The Capital- Annapolis, Md.)

Pocomoke City, Md., is one of 17 cities from coast to coast that have been named finalists in the 1984-85 "All American Cities" program, The National Municipal League's Citizen's Forum On Self-Government announced yesterday.

The 12-member jury that selects the winner next month in San Antonia, Texas, has said it looks for cities that try harder to solve local problems, rather than cities that claim to be problem free. Finalists were chosen from almost 100 formal entries.



Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two or more if you wish. Your name won't be used unless you ask that it be. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

Saturday, November 26, 2011

TIME MACHINE Preview ... 1922 Pocomoke City Fire Described

A next day account of Pocomoke City's devastating fire of 1922.

It's this Sunday on the Pocomoke Public Eye!



Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two or more if you wish. Your name won't be used unless you ask that it be. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!