Monday, January 28, 2013

Beginning Yesterday New Credit Card Fee Kicked In

Starting Sunday, paying by credit card could get more expensive. Under the terms of a $7.2 billion settlement reached last summer between credit card companies and merchants, merchants will be free to impose a surcharge on customers paying by credit card.

How big a surcharge depends on how much the merchant pays in processing fees, but the amount legally permissible will be between 1.5 percent and 4 percent of your purchase price.

No one knows how many merchants will exercise this right, but Gerri Detweiler, director of consumer education at Credit.com, expects the number to be small, at least at first.

READ MORE: Credit card settlement may not help consumers.

Smaller merchants, she says, typically feel gouged by processing fees and are more likely than big chains to pass the cost along to their customers. Service providers, she says—your accountant, your massage therapist—are the most likely to pass the charge along. Among big retailers, however, only gas stations have historically distinguished between cash and credit customers, offering a discount to customers paying cash or imposing a surcharge for those using credit cards.
      
Smaller merchants, says Detweiler, don't always know what they're paying in processing fees. "If you think your own credit card statement is confusing," she says, "take a look sometime at a merchant's credit card agreement with VISA or MasterCard." If she herself were a merchant, she says, she'd be hard pressed to figure out the right percentage to pass along to customers. "I wouldn't want to wade into those waters," she says.

MORE STORY....

Lowcost Rabies Vaccination Clinics


Hackers Take Over Sentencing Commission Website

WASHINGTON (AP) — The hacker-activist group Anonymous says it hijacked the website of the U.S. Sentencing Commission to avenge the death of Aaron Swartz, an Internet activist who committed suicide. The FBI is investigating.

The website of the commission, an independent agency of the judicial branch, was taken over early Saturday and replaced with a message warning that when Swartz killed himself two weeks ago "a line was crossed."

The hackers say they've infiltrated several government computer systems and copied secret information that they now threaten to make public.

READ MORE..........

National Review Online: Mickelson the Migrant

Mickelson the Migrant
The golfer is far from alone in seeking a place with lower taxes.
By Jim Pettit

"So if Governor Jerry Brown and the California legislature plan to
ever balance the budget, they can start by figuring out how to stop
nearly $380 million in annual income from leaving their state to Texas alone.

"However, there will be no public-policy changes if powerful elected
officials are in denial. And, make no mistake, they are in denial."
http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/338882/mickelson-migrant-jim-pettit

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Will This Be Confirmed As Arson #40?


 
Fire was reported in and unoccupied
structure last night (Saturday, Jan. 26) in Parksley, Virginia. 

The building, located in the Cassatt Avenue area,  received some fire damage but was not a total loss. 

The fire is being investigated and according to the Virginia State Police last nights fire is believed to be linked with the other fires that have occurred in Accomack County since November 2012.

No one has been injured and police are reminding citizens that if they have ANY information to call:
 1-800-582-8350 or (757) 424-6820; or call the Accomack County Sheriff's Office at (757) 787-1131.


A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest!

Sunday Specials ~ Riverside Grill Pocomoke

Photo/Riverside Grill  Pocomoke

SUNDAY
JANUARY 27, 2013
 
-New England Clam Chowder w/ 1/2 deli sandwich or side salad 6.99
 -Neptune Wrap (lump crab and shrimp salad) w/ fries 9.99
 -Open Face Roast Beef w/ mashed potatoes and green beans 6.99
 -1 Chili Cheese dog w/ fries 4.99 or 2 dogs 6.99
 -Taco Salad 6.99
 -Chili Nachos 5.99
 
 
 
 Happy Hour All Day w/ $1 off Appetizers! $2.50 Bloody Mary's and Mimosas
 $1.50 Coors light, Bud light, and Yuengling drafts
 $5 bombs
 
 

TIME MACHINE ... 1983, 1948, 1925, 1941, 1890

 
(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)


July, 1983
(Frederick News Post- Frederick, Md.)

Somerset group prepares to fight state prison plan

Princess Anne, Md., (AP)- A Somerset County attorney said Friday a group of Princess Anne residents is gearing up to fight location of a new state prison near this lower Eastern Shore community.

Alexander Jones said the group, which calls itself The Lower Eastern Shore Citizens Opposed to the Prison, or LESCOP, hopes to raise $20,000 to carry on the battle against location of the prison in the area.

Jones said the group, composed of about 20 county residents, has retained Baltimore attorney Melvin J. Sykes and attorney and lobbyist Bruce Bereano of Annapolis, to assist them in their opposition to the prison.

Jones, co-chairman of the group, said LESCOP will cite costs of building the prison at the site near Princess Anne, and costs of transporting prisoners to and from the Baltimore area, as arguments against locating the facility in the rural community.

In addition, Jones said location of the prison here would adversely affect the rural atmosphere of Somerset County, many residents of which are watermen and farmers.

"When all you have got is farmers and watermen and you put this thing (prison) here, you have totally destroyed the quality of life in this county," he said.

In April, the State Board of Public Works approved an option to buy a 603-acre site in Somerset County for the 1,500-cell medium-security prison.


September, 1948 

88-year-old Pocomoke native Dr. Edward A. Clarke..owner, publisher, and editor of The Worcester Democrat since 1922..was honored by his hometown citizens in an event given by the Pocomoke Rotary Club for his "service to the community as an honest newspaper spokesman." Prior to acquiring the local newspaper Dr. Clarke was a 30-year faculty member of Washington College and head of its' English Department, and earlier had taught in Eastern Shore public schools. Samuel M. Crockett, who died in 1922, had operated The Worcester Democrat prior to Dr. Clarke.


March, 1925 

The disappearance of steamships on Eastern Shore rivers had left just two lines still in operation according to a special correspondent to The Baltimore Sun. While there were direct lines remaining from Crisfield and Cambridge to Baltimore, inland operations to such points as Pocomoke City and Snow Hill no longer existed. A similar decline in steamship routes had been seen throughout the Eastern Shore. Expanding railroad lines were said to be the reason.


December, 1941 (TIME MACHINE Archive)

Pocomoke City and other other Eastern Shore residents were tuning in to a special statewide radio broadcast "WHEN THE BLITZ COMES KNOW YOUR TASK." A newspaper ad advised that officials will tell you what an enemy attack will mean to Maryland..to you..to your family..and what your part will be when that time comes. Front page news items such as Approaches To Bay Mined By Navy and Eastern Shore Guardsmen On Active Service reflected the worrisome news of that era.

 
February, 1890
(The Daily News- Frederick, Md)

The canners of Worcester County refuse the demands of the farmers to pledge themselves to pay $5.50 per ton for the next crop of tomatoes.
 

Memories of Accomac, 1890
John S. Wise Jr.. "Memories of Accomac, 1890" Peninsula Enterprise (Accomac, Va.: August 21, 1937)

(Introduction)

A friend recently said to me that after all, our memories remain with us and with many are all they get out of life. Certainly I cherish nothing more than my memories of old Drummondtown and Accomack County in 1890, now nearly half a century ago, when I spent a summer with my dear old cousin, Dr. John J. Wise, at his old home "Woodburn," about a mile north of Drummondtown.

I was then a lad of fourteen and full of youthful vitality and activity and interest and curiosity about all things of the Eastern Shore new to a boy who had spent most of his time in the inland country mountains.
 
(PART 5)

Dr. George Scarburgh was a gray bearded Confederate veteran and a familiar figure around the town.

Miss Sadie Bayly was living at her house Rural Hill and always neatly dressed and with her parasol would be seen on her afternoon walk. Then the croquet game on the lawn of the Episcopal Rectory.

Mr. Cammie Oldham was County Clerk and was beloved by everybody.

Fitchett was the indispensable harness maker of the town with his little shop on the road just at the end of the row of the law offices.

John Richardson was then building his sailing skiffs, the best the shore ever knew, and Welly Coard was beginning to build dead rise bateaux.

George Parker was then running a general store.

Boss Henry Melson was familiar figure. So was Mr. Alfred Lilliston.

Floyd Nock was then an established lawyer as was Sam Ross, afterward County Judge.

Judge Thomas C. Parramore was a great friend of Dr. Wise and in pleasant weather was usually at the gathering.

He was a bit irascible and it was proverbial that when the dinner bell of the hotel rang and the dog barked, the old judge swore blue streaks.

George Parramore was then a young lawyer, if he wasn't on one of his distant sea travels.

Miss Lizzie Parramore and Miss Betty Parramore were the young ladies of the day.

Bayly Brown was Congressman.

John Edmonds was running the Enterprise and James Rowles and Bob Coleburn were his main staff.

His brother Ned Edmonds was a pretty regular attendant at the noon meeting.

FOOTNOTE: LOOK FOR MORE PORTIONS OF THIS ARTICLE ON FUTURE TIME MACHINE POSTINGS. 


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. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!




Legislative Updates By Delegate Mike McDermott

 
Field Notes
Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities
By Delegate Michael A. McDermott
 
Week 2 Jan. 21-25, 2013
Monday Regular Session:

As tradition dictates, a member of the Black Caucus deliver a speech relatvie to the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King on his recongized Holiday. This evening’s address was delivered by Delegate C.T. Wilson (D-Charles). He focussed on his own upbringing and how his life and opportunities had been make better by the civil rights path created by Dr. King and others.The speech was very personal and I believe everyone was touched by his words.

Tuesday Judiciary Committee Hearings:
HB-14 addresses a gap in the law which did not cover part-time school employees and coaches who may attempt to engage in sexual contact with a student. The current law only deals with “permanent, full time” personnel. The bill seeks to insure this custodial relationship is covered whether someone is full time or part time. We heard testimony about several cases in Maryland where sexual relations had occurred that, once found out, could not be prosecuted since they were only part time employees of the school.HB-31 attempts to cover the same gap in the law as the above stated HB-14. I will be offering an amendment to this bill which would also cover non-salaried personnel who are engaged in coaching and other activity within the school system.HB-1 seeks to make Cannabimimetic Agents illegal. These are the “bath salts” which are being abused by some people and used as synthetic marijuana. We heard testimony regarding the elimination of these drugs locally by ordinance in Worcester County. This bill seeks to do so statewide. We heard testimony about multiple adverse affects these new synthetic drugs are having on young people who are the targeted audience.HB-12 addresses the pointing or aiming of laser pointers at aircraft. We passed this bill last year but it was stalled in the Senate. We heard testimony from State Police Pilots who testified that this is a significant safety issue for them while operating their aircraft as the laser reflects upon striking their cockpit area and impacts their ability to safely operate. Some who have been caught doing this have been charged with Reckless Endangerment successfully. There was discussion about the need to create a new law if we are already seeing successful prosecution under existing statutes.HB-27 seeks to eliminate Diminution Credits for offenders convicted of Child Pornography. These are the credits provided for inmates who participating in various approved programs within the correctional facilities which allow them to reduce their prison sentences.“A Minute with Mike”: Keeping Government Local

Wednesday Judiciary Hearing:
HB-32 would require someone convicted of Transporting a Minor While Intoxicated to submit to having an Ignition Interlock System installed on their vehicle and would mandate their participation in the program. There were some questions regarding the cost  (which is born by the participant) and the impact on families economically. This has been before the committee in the past and I am unsure if it is going to get out to the floor this year.HB-8 seeks to address the specific amount of money which may be deposited into a single account belonging to a minor in cases before an Orphan’s Court. Currently there is a restriction placed upon the rules governing fiduciary estates which is $75,000. This bill seeks to lift the amount to $200,000. It seems the bill seeks to update the amounts to keep up with the times rather than alter any legislative language.

This afternoon I released this Press Release on my
School Safety proposals.

Thursday Judiciary Hearing:
HB-54 seeks to create a State Registry of Adult Abusers. The list would be maintained by the state in similar fashion as a Sex Offender Registry. We received statistics on the number of elder abuse occurring and the repetitive nature of these acts when employees that are abusive move from one job to another. This bill was opposed by Occupational Health Care Practitioners as they feel the reviews are already being conducted by employers through background checks. We heard from the Sex Offender defenders who do not believe the public should be entitled to this type of information.

Gun Bill-Speaker’s Special Committee: I attended the initial meeting of a newly formed Special Committee which will review the O’Malley-Brown Gun Bill and hear from various professionals who can speak to the many layers covered by this coprehensive legislation. There are three committees represented: Judiciary, Health & Government Operations, and Economic Matters. We will be meeting many times in the coming weeks as we break the bill down. I have reviewed the O’Malley-Brown Bill,
SB-281, and it would create a ban on assault weapons and magazines over 10-rounds. It also includes extensive registration and training requirements along with many fees. There are no provisions which address school safety or security in the bill, and the changes will not make us any safer. I will provide a complete breakdown on the bill next week for your review.

This afternoon I released this Press Release on the upcoming HB-106 Hearing, the Repeal of last years SB-236. It is a call for action for those concerned about their property rights.

This afternoon I released this
Press Release on the upcoming HB-106 Hearing. It is a call for action for those concerned about their property rights.

Friday Morning-Eastern Shore Delegation Meeting:
The delegation heard from Secretary Dominick Murray from the Department of Business and Economic Development. We also heard from the Commercial Watermen’s Association President Gibby Dean and several representatives from the regional Tri-County Councils. I will post up the minutes from the meeting in a later update.

REMINDER: The Crisfield Choir At The Mar-Va Theater TODAY



***BE ON TV***

Watch The Crisfield Choir
Led by International Choirmaster Sensation Gareth Malone as they perform for a television show on the USA network!
 
WHEN
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Audience Check-in will be at 5 PM at the Mar-Va Theater
103 Market Street, Pocomoke City, MD 21851
 
Come support and show your love for the community
 
Admission is FREE!!
 
(Minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian)
 

 

Support Our Troops Project In Pocomoke City

Another great thing in downtown Pocomoke

Here's something that I found to be very exciting and a very worthy cause.

Have you heard about Team Britt's Support Our Troops Project??

A local young lady by the name of Brittany Hines organized a Support Our Troops Project by adopting one troop and has now adopted a total of  6 soldiers and their group!

She is responsible for collecting and sending those  donations that our troops love to recieve from home.  How wonderful!  And how many times have so many of us wished we could send items to our soldiers in any country but didn't know how to start or where to send the items?

Well, here's the easiest part!  You can drop your items off at the Enchanted Florist Pocomoke  in downtown Pocomoke!  They have a list of  items these soldiers can use so be sure to contact them before you shop.  I am hoping to receive a copy of the list very soon and will post it.

See what Team Britt's Support Our Troops Project is all about on her face book page   Be sure to take a look at those bracelets!

LET'S ALL SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Unattended Death Being Investigated

Unattended Death Being Investigated by OCPD
 
On January 26, 2013, at approximately 1:30 a.m. Ocean City Police and Paramedics responded to 216 Somerset Street, in reference to a subject who was found unconscious on the street outside of the Harbor Inn bar.

EMS and Police personnel arrived at the scene and located an unresponsive male. The male was taken to Atlantic General Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The male has been identified as Michael Eric Post, 39, of Ocean City, Maryland.

Ocean City Police are currently investigating this incident as an unattended death. The deceased remains will be taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Maryland in Baltimore for autopsy to determine the manner and cause of Post’s death.

Ocean City Police Dept. Release

DOG FOUND ~ OWNERS LOST

Dog Found Saturday afternoon around 2:30 PM on Horsey Road, Accomack County, Virginia.

Dog is friendly, well mannered and seems to be used to riding in a vehicle. Nails are clipped and one eye appears to have been shaven recently.   One white spotted ear.  Other ear is all black.

 Very sweet and friendly dog but I CAN NOT keep her. She was extremely! COLD and hungry!



Does anyone know who may belong to this medium sized dog????

Riverside Grill ~ Saturday Specials

Saturday  January 26, 2013

 * N E Clam Chowder w/ 1/2 Ham Sand or Side Salad 6.99
 * Ale Battered Fried Shrimp Basket 8.99
 * Neptune Wrap- Our Shrimp Salad w/ MD Lump Crab served
 w/ Fries 9.99
 * N C Pulled Pork BBQ Sand w/ Hush Puppies and Cole Slaw
 6.99
 * Raspberry Walnut Salad 7.99



 ***** $ 1 off Shrimp Basket all day*****
 
 STARTING AT 5PM $ 4 BURGERS
 $ 2.50 Bloody Marys and Mimosas All Day!!!!

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview



1983.. Princess Anne group prepares to fight plan for new prison; 1948.. Honoring long-time head of Pocomoke City's newspaper; 1925.. What's happening to Eastern Shore steamship traffic?; 1941.. War preparations experienced on Eastern Shore; 1890.. Worcester canners shun tomato price demand; And Part 5 of Memories Of Accomac, 1890.

Although you may not find these items in a history book, they are a part of our local history and you can read more about it this Sunday right here at 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. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

Snowfall From the Riverside Grill - Photos

What a beautiful view from the Riverside Grill in downtown Pocomoke yesterday afternoon and early  evening while it was snowing......

Riverside Grill
Downtown Pocomoke City
Photo/Riverside Grill- John Price


Riverside Grill
Downtown Pocomoke City
Riverside Grill  Photo


 

Family Fun! Delmarva Discovery Center

 
Delmarva Discovery Center
Downtown Pocomoke City
 

OPEN TODAY
10 A.M.  UNTIL  4 P.M.
 
Stop by and say "hi" to Scorchy.....visit the many other exhibits
 
Browse through the gift shop.....
 
 

COMING SOON TO THE DELMARVA DISCOVERY CENTER !

NASA Wallops Rocket Mission January 29 Prepping for Future Projects

NASA Sounding Rocket Program
NASA Photo
WALLOPS ISLAND, VA -- A NASA rocket mission to test technology for gathering science data during future projects is scheduled for launch between 5:30 – 6:50 p.m. EST, January 29, from the NASA Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.

During the suborbital flight of the Terrier-Improved Orion sounding rocket, two red-colored lithium vapor trails will occur in space that may be seen throughout the mid-Atlantic region.

Cameras at Wallops and on a NASA aircraft will view the resulting red trails.

Libby West, mission project manager with the NASA Sounding Rocket Program Office at Wallops, said “This launch is a technology test flight for two upcoming missions. We will be testing two different methods for creating the lithium vapor to determine which configuration is best for observing various science phenomena in space.”

NASA has two missions later this year that will use the lithium trails to assist scientists in observing events in space. The first is scheduled for April in the central Pacific Ocean from Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands and the second will occur in June at Wallops.



In the technology test launch, two canisters in the rocket’s payload section will contain solid metal lithium rods or chips embedded in a thermite cake. The thermite is ignited and produces heat to vaporize the lithium. The vapor is released in space and can be detected and tracked optically.

During the flight, one vapor trail will occur at approximately 72 miles altitude and the second will occur at around 78 miles altitude.

The lithium combustion process poses no threat to the public during the release in space. When heated, the lithium rods change to lithium vapor and small amounts of lithium oxide. The thermite reaction produces iron and aluminum oxide.

The backup launch days for this project are January 30 through February 1.

The NASA Visitor Center at Wallops will be open on launch day for public viewing of the launch.


 

 

The mission will be available live on Ustream beginning at 4:30 p.m. on launch day at: http://www.ustream.com/channel/nasa-wallops

Mission status on launch day can be followed on Twitter and Facebook at:
http://www.twitter.com/NASA_Wallops or http://www.facebook.com/NASAWFF

Mission status also is available on the Wallops launch status line at 757-824-2050.

More information on the NASA Sounding Rocket Program is available at:
http://www.nasa.gov/soundingrockets

"A Minute With Mike" Featuring Delegate Mike McDermott

 
 "A Minute with Mike": Your Right to Keep & Bear Arms
Published on Jan 17, 2013
 
"A Minute with Mike" is a one minute vlog (video blog) where Delegate Mike McDermott, who proudly represents the people of District 38B in the Maryland General Assembly, speaks on various topics in Maryland Legislature. This video is on the 2nd Amendment, your right to keep and bear arms.
 
In this vlog, Delegate Mike McDermott shares his thoughts on 2nd Amendment Rights. 
 
 

 

A Minute With Mike:  Keeping Government Local
 Below:  Published on Jan 22, 2013
"A Minute with Mike" is an approximately one minute vlog (video blog) where Delegate Mike McDermott, who proudly represents the people of District 38B in the Maryland General Assembly, speaks on various topics in Maryland Legislature. This video is on keeping government local because
 "Government is at it's best when it's closest to the people."- Delegate Mike McDermott
In this vlog, Delegate Mike McDermott shares his thoughts on 2nd Amendment Rights.



www.delegatemcdermott.com
www.facebook.com/electmikemcdermott
www.twitter.com/Del_McDermott

Friday, January 25, 2013

Riverside Grill - Pocomoke- Closing Early Tonight

From the Riverside Grill.....

Due to the inclement weather and for the safety of our employees, we will be closing for the remainder of the evening.


Riverside Grill  Pocomoke
Photo John Price
We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow.

We will open at 11am for our normal hours.

Pocomoke City Elections ~ New District Maps

Anyone interested in filing for one of the two offices must file at city hall by February 1.

To file for one of the council seats, a person must be a registered voter and a resident of one of the two districts.

NOTE:   This year some minor changes have been made in Districts 2, 3, 4 and 5. Letters have been sent to all affected residents.

The deadline for registering to vote in the city election  is March 2.

 To be eligible to register a person must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, a resident of Maryland for the past six months and must have been a resident of Pocomoke City for at least 30 days prior to the election.

**The maps below show the few changes that have been made in  the election districts.  I am hoping that by clicking onto each one it will be enlarged for your viewing. ***


DISTRICT  1
 
DISTRICT 2
 
 
DISTRICT 3
 
DISTRICT 4
 
DISTRICT 5 ~ NORTH
 
DISTRICT 5 ~ SOUTH
 
CLICK EACH MAP TO ENLARGE

Riverside Grill Specials ~ Friday

Riverside Grill Specials
Friday   January 25, 2013
PHONE:  (410)957-0622
On the banks of the scenic Pocomoke River
Downtown Pocomoke City
 
 *New England Clam Chowder w/ 1/2 Turkey Sand or Side Salad 6.99
 *Apple Cranberry Salad 7.99
 *Ale Battered Fried Shrimp Basket w/ fries 8.99
 *Neptune Wrap W/ fries 9.99
 
Happy Hour 4-7 PM Monday-Friday
 
Appetizers $1 off during Happy Hour
 
Friday: starting at 8 pm- $3.50 Captain Morgan
and Sailor Jerry drinks
 $1.50 domestic drafts
 
 

Reminder From The Stockton Vol. Fire Company

REMINDER   From the Stockton Volunteer Fire Company


CRIME WATCH MEETING FOR TONIGHT
HAS BEEN POSTPONED
due to the winter weather advisory.
 The meeting will be rescheduled in the near future
 
 
 
To receive updated messages from the Stockton Volunteer Fire Dept. from facebook go HERE

Handheld Bullet Proof White Board For Classrooms

Bulletproof White Boards Act As Shields

George Tunis, CEO/Chairman
Hardwire- Pocomoke City
USA Today photo
Written by
Brian Shane
POCOMOKE CITY, Md. — In direct response to the deadly school shooting in Newtown, Conn., a Maryland armor manufacturer has developed a handheld white board for classrooms that can stop a bullet from a handgun fired at point-blank range.

"It's something I don't think any American can tolerate anymore, and we're in a position to do something about it," said George Tunis, CEO and chairman of Pocomoke City-based Hardwire. "I was like — all right, let's take everything we got, see what we can throw at this problem, figure out an innovative solution."

The 18-by-20-inch, 3.75-pound white boards are meant to slip unobtrusively into the classroom as a teaching tool while being large enough to cover the head and torso. Each has three rubberized handles on the back, handy for a teacher to carry. In an emergency, the user can slip a forearm inside the handles, and it becomes a shield.

Tunis called the white boards a last line of defense for teachers and students against attackers with handguns, one meant to buy them time — or to avert tragedy — before police arrive. Hardwire also offers a 10-by-13-inch ballistic clipboard with a white board surface.

"As teachers are doing their daily lesson plans, it's in their hands. And if there's a crisis, it's in their hands," Tunis said. "Teachers are not first responders, but sometimes they're thrust into that role."

The white boards are derivative of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle technology that Hardwire pioneered to protect military convoys in Iraq and Afghanistan. The armor is crafted from an ultra-strong, polyethylene-based textile called Dyneema.

Tunis donated 90 white boards, valued at $20,000, to Worcester Preparatory School, the Berlin school where he sends his children.

Headmaster Barry Tull declined to say how the school's 525 kindergarten through 12th-grade students were trained to use their white boards in case of an attack.

"We're very grateful to receive them," he said.

"The products he has provided for us, I have been able to (provide) widespread layered protection throughout all the buildings on our campus. I've had teachers say, every layer we add, it just makes people feel fundamentally a bit more secure."

Source:

Pets Get COLD Too!

In some cases it's ANIMAL CRUELTY.
 
 

Painting Classes At Delmarva Discovery Center

Watercolor Classes With Artist Willie Crockett
 
Artist Willie Crockett
 Photo/co-opliving
 
10 classes on Monday evenings beginning
 Monday  February 4th and ending April 8th 2013.
6:00 PM until  9:00 PM
 
Ten classes for the fee of $150.
Incredible price, incredible teacher and Artist.