Saturday, March 27, 2010

The History Of Pocomoke by Murray James

This is a great read, well written and very interesting times of old in and around Pocomoke, Stevens Ferry, New town, and Back to Pocomoke.

It's long a story (book) that tells of City merchants, the ship yard, trading and people of interest from the poor to the well-to-do from the years of old when Pocomoke was first settled.

I will be posting chapter by chapter (somewhat) on at least a weekly basis, maybe more often when I think of it. Keep checking back for the latest on "The History Of Pocomoke" it's a wonderful story.


'To all my fellow-townsmen who feel an interest
in Pocomoke City, is this History
respectfully dedicated by the
Author.



CONTENTS.



Page.

History, Preface of 7

Author's Life, Sketch of 9

New Town, Origin of 40

" " Limits of 44

Growth, Change of Name, Etc 47

Mercantile Aspect 50

Manufacturing 86

Trades 91

Shipping Interests 106

Eastern Shore Steamboat Co 108

^Ship-Building in

Hotels, Livery Stables, Etc 121

Physicians 123

Lawyers 138

Post Office 144

Printing Offices 149

Social Aspect 151

Moral Aspect 161

Temperance 163

Schools 168

Churches 196

Secret Societies 233

5



PREFACE.

In writing a history of Pocomoke City, formely New Town, I wilF
say, the subject never presented itself to my mind until recently,
and then I only contemplated a brief sketch of some of the early
inhabitants together with their business life, the habits, customs
and social bearing of society in "ye olden times." But as the
subject loomed up before me into greater proportions, and as there
never had been written a history of the place, only in scraps for
newspaper publication, and as I have been repeatedly solicited to
write such a history, I have submitted to undertake the arduous
task.

The subjects comprised in this history will, therefore, be the
geographical position or town limits of the place together with a
description of its Houses, Streets, County Wharf and Public
Square. The Mercantile, Shipping, Manufacturing, Steam
Milling, Hotel and Livery Stable Business. The Practice of
Medicine and Law. The Post-Office, Press, Social Life, Moral
Outlook, Temperance, Schools, Churches and a brief sketch of the
lives of its leading business and professional men.

In writing this history I have not aimed at literary display, if I
had, the book itself would expose my weakness. But I have
simply aimed at giving a statement of facts, and chief among my
aspirations has been the rescuing from oblivion, the names and
history of persons living in New Town in the days of yore, names
precious and dear to many who are still living in Pocomoke City,
together with Incidents of Social Life that will be of interest to
read. The whole history covering a period of over two hundred
years.

8 PREFACE.

In giving a sketch of my own life, separately, I must say, in

justice to myself, that the subject never once entered my mind

until I had been repeatedly requested to do so, finally I yielded,

hoping that my eventful life would be both a warning to the youn

not to pursue those paths of vice into which I had fallen, and an

encouragement to all, that it is never too late to turn over a new

leaf, never too late to do good. The, fact of my joining the

Virginia Conference, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, when I

was in the fifty-sixth year of my age, undertaking a four years

course of Conference studies, leaving a loving home and going

among strangers for three successive years, in the valley of

Virginia, and on the Mountains of West Virginia, and traveling

in that Conference for six years, averaging the first three years,

probably, fifteen hundred miles a year on horse-back, is an

adventure of my life, at which I am truly amazed. Although I

was in Orders when I entered the Conference, I was required to

go through the usual course of studies, and I mention, in detail,

the subjects upon which I was examined and the books to be

read, simply to show the amount of labor I had to perform at my

advanced age, and yet by application I succeeded.

J. M.



A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE

AUTHOR'S LIFE



I was born in New Town, Worcester County, Maryland, on the
11th day of August, 1814. My father's name was Michael Murray.
He was born in the town of Armagh, in Armagh County, in the
North of Ireland. He received quite a liberal education in his
native country, and was reared, by his parents in the Roman
Catholic faith. My mother's name before she married my father,
was Nancy Maddux. She was born and raised in Potatoe Neck,
now Fair Mount, Somerset County, Maryland. She received such
an education as the schools of her day were prepared to
impart, and in her religious faith she was brought up a Methodist.
My father came to. America soon after the revolutionary war
ended and engaged in merchandising, at Maddux's Island,
Somerset County, Maryland. How long he continued there I
cannot say, it was there, however, that he married my mother. In
the course of time he moved to Rehoboth and continued mer-
chandising some years, when, in 1803, he moved to New Town
and continued in the mercantile and shipping trade in New Town
for fifteen years. Of my mother were born seven sons and one
daughter, all of whom lived to be grown. All of the boys learned
trades except the youngest, and after their majority they all
pursued other avocations, more or less. Of my six brothers and
sister, I am happy to say, they all had good minds, and some of
them shown with lustre, and of my sister, especially. I would say
if the fair sex would not look at it with an eye of egotism, that
she had an intellect above the ordinary class of her sex* They
have all passed away except my youngest brother William who
lives in Sumner County, Tennessee. I have said my father was a



10 A Brief History of the AiUhoi^s Life.

Roman Catholic. He would bold family prayer on Sabbath
morning, and would teach the children the prayers of that Church,
such as the Lord's prayer, the Salutation and Invocation to the
Holy Virgin Mary, the Apostles Creed, etc. But with these facts
before me I must conclude that he was a broad minded, liberal
man, for he contributed to the building of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, in New Town, and had all his children baptized by
Protestant Ministers. I have been at a loss to account for my
early religious impressions, in view of the fact that my father was
but a nominal christian, while my mother, during the lifetime of
my father, did not belong to church. I can recollect distinctly,
when but a child, that I was not afraid to die, and when the good
spirit of the Lord so moved upon my little heart, as to soften it
into tenderness and love.

I can also recollect, when in my early youth, that I was afraid
to die, that I had a consciousness of sin and was afraid of God,
and in view of such convictions, when I would retire to my bed at
night, I have engaged in prayer, repeating the Lord's prayer and
those my father taught me and concluding -with : Now I lay me
down to sleep, etc., until my little eyes would close in balmy sleep
"nature's sweet restorer." I pursued this course under the impres,
sion that Satan would not come after a person while they were
praying, for I was frequently afraid the Devil Mould get me
before morning. The reader will recollect the Cat Story in
relation to myself, which is told under the head of Social Life in
New Town.

I have, if possible, a thousand times reviewed my father's course
in raising his children. While in some instances he was very
strict, yet in others he was remiss in his oversight of them. I
suppose there have been but few families, especially in the days of
my boyhood, but what there would be more or less fighting by the
boys. Sometimes when my brothers and myselfwould be at work,
we would get into a fight, and as I was the youngest, I would



A Brief History of the Author's Life. 11

generally get whipped. I recollect instances when I was not in
fault, I would go to my father and tell him of it, instead of
inquiring into the matter, he would give me another whipping and
send me off to work again. I then had no appeal, and many a hard
fight I have had with my dear brothers. I have said my father
was very strict. If he promised me a whipping I was sure to get
it. I recollect times when I would run from him to avoid punish-
ment and he would say, in his broad Irish accent, "niver mind boy
I will pay you." I felt that moment that my doom was sealed,
and my feathers fell.

My lather whipped his boys with the cowhide. It has been said
of the Irish that they were the greatest people in the world for
whipping the Devil out of their children. But it is a problem for
solution, whether such whipping whips the Devil out of, or whips
the Devil into, the children. I recollect very well my brothers and
myself would get hold of the old cowhide, that had punished us so
severely, and we would take it to the wood-pile and chop it into
mince meat with the axe.

There was no Sabbath School, in New Town, in my little boy-
hood days, and the boys to a great extent, were suffered to roam
about on the Sabbatb day. On such occasions I would learn a
great deal of wickedness. I learned to swear profusely, to play
cards, and as early as eight years of age I learned to chew tobacco.
I was the first one in my father's family to use tobacco, my father
and mother never using it. Many a night, after I would go to
sleep, my father would search my pockets for my tobacco and burn
it ; but it was all to no use, I conquered my father in my wicked
course, and when I grew larger I chewed, with impunity, in his
presence. This one instance of my boyhood life has caused me
many a heartache since, and often times in contemplating the sub-
ject, I have been so mortified and humbled that the tears unbidden
would steal from my eyes. At a very early age I learned to swim
and finally I became quite an expert at it. I was like a duck in



12 A Brief History of the Author's Life.

the water for diving, and several times I have been nearly drowned
by trying how far I could swim at the bottom of the river before I
would come to the surface again. At other times I have been
nearly drowned in playing with larger boys who would hold me
under the water too long. It used to be quite common for the
town boys to take their canoes, and go to the river swamps for
shingle billets and bring them home to burn. Frequently, after
loading my canoe with billets, I have taken the tow line in my
mouth aud swam along with the canoe as it would drift with the
tide.

In eighteen hundred and twenty-seven, my father moved with his family to Baltimore. I was then thirteen years old. Another event occurred in my early history of which I have, ever since felt deeply ashamed, and humbled. After my father moved to Baltimore, for sometime, I had nothing to do, and consequently I would be down at the wharves and on board the Eastern Shore vessels to see those I was acquainted with, and would engage in boyish sports, such as standing on the waist or spars of the vessel and jumping to a rope and catching hold of it with one hand, and exhibiting my activity ; during these visits I became acquainted with a man who had gone from this place. He followed the sea. He took a great liking to me for my activity and venturesome spirit, and persuaded me to go to sea. The pleasures of a seafaring life that loomed up before me, together with the idea of visiting foreign countries, were truly captivating. I determined on such a course at all hazards. I had not consulted my father or mother. I knew it would be of no use, that they would not give their consent and so I determined to act for myself. I had made seme little engagements with a captain of a Dutch Ship bound to Bremen. I was but a boy and had no where to stay of nights and consequently would sceak home at night and run off in the morning. This state of things lasted several days. I have since heard my mother say that my father has walked the A Brief History of the Author's Life. 13 floor wringing his hands and saying, in deep agony : "What shall I do with my boy James." Finally, he overtook me on Fell's Point, I was about to run from him, when he told me he wanted to talk with me, that he wanted to know where I was going, what ship I was going in, and how Jong I would be gone, and the wages I would get, &c. I had had premonitions that I was acting wickedly, but on this occasion I realized the heinousness of my crime. I felt as though the ground ought to open and swallow me up. I think the good Spirit of the Lord was showing me how wicked I was. I shall never be able fully to explain my feelings on that occasion. I was completely conquered. I went home and purposed to be a better boy. There was another event, during my first years residence in the City of Baltimore, which has been, ever since, a pleasurable thought to me. I attended the first Sabbath School that I was ever in, that year. It was at a little frame church called Frog- Eye, in South Baltimore. The Superintendent talked so sweetly about Jesus that my little boyish heart was completely captivated. I was all humility. I went home. It was on Sabbath afternoon, and at the supper table. I could not help weeping. I have often thought since, that if I had had any one to explain to me the nature of Christianity, its blessedness and experience, that then I would have become a Christian. In my fourteenth year, I was thought to be rather young to go to a trade, consequently I obtained work in a brick yard, with a man by the name of George Cline. This man was so illnatured, crabbed and peevish that I hated him. I recollect one day I was on the kiln tossing bricks to him, on the ground, and as he was not looking the bricks struck him on the foot. It was a terrible blow, he took up a half brick and said : "I have a great mind to knock you off that kiln." I had no faith in him, and was ready, if he raised his hand to throw, to jump off the kiln on the other side. I disliked this man so mnch, on account of his disposition .and the small pay I received, 14 A Brief History of the Author^ Life, which was one dollar a week and I board myself, that I framed a lie, and told my father, that he did not want me any longer. I then went to work with another man, in an adjoining yard, by the name of John Reese. This man gave me kind words, treated me like a father, and gave me a dollar and a half a week. The one I love to think of, tbe other I have long since forgiven.

Former 6-Term Va. Congressman Stan Parris Dies

Stanford E. Parris, a former Virginia congressman who served six terms and was an Air Force pilot during the Korean War, has died. He was 80.

Parris' former chief of staff, Dick Leggett, tells The Associated Press that the former congressman died from heart disease Saturday at his home in Mathews County in rural northern Virginia. Leggett says Parris had a major impact on northern Virginia by supporting flood-control projects and bridges, among other things.

The Republican ran for governor in 1985 and 1989. He served in Congress from 1973-74 and then returned from 1981 through 1990. He was a member of the Banking and Finance Committee and cautioned about the looming savings and loan crisis.

He was born in Champaign, Ill.

Do You Support Obama's Health Care Plan?.

The poll results are listed below.
Special note: The poll results may include data for questions that were not included on the poll that you took.

The Government clearly (by the poll results) with over 100,000 analyzed went against the will of the people.

Vote in This Urgent Poll

Scroll down to vote.



one of America's leading online news services, is conducting an urgent national online poll about President Obama and the Democrat's plan for universal health care.

Newsmax will provide the results of this poll to major media outlets. Additionally, Newsmax's results will be shared with popular radio talk-show hosts across America.

Newsmax reports have been cited by major media outlets, including CNN, ABC News, Fox News, CBS, MSNBC and other major networks.

Don't miss this opportunity to let your voice be heard! Many media outlets and national leaders are interested in your opinion. Hundreds of media outlets have reported on Newsmax's online polls.

Vote today!


1) Do you support President Obama's and the Democrat's plan for universal health care?
Yes
No
2) Do you believe the Democratic health plan should include 45 million uninsured, including illegal aliens?
Yes, should include 45 million.
No, should not.
3) Do you approve of President Obama’s handling of health care reform?
Yes
No
4) Do you believe Obama’s health care plan is too expensive?
Yes
No
5) Do you agree that new health care costs should be paid for by increasing taxes on the "wealthy"?
Yes, increase taxes on the wealthy.
No, don't increase taxes.
6) If you were allowed to join the public health care system at rates cheaper than your private insurance, would you join it?
Yes, I would join.
No I would not join.
7) Who did you vote for in 2008?
McCain
Obama
Other
* Required
*E-mail Address:
*Postal Code:
*Country:
Or Go HERE to take the poll

Do You Support Obama's Health Care Plan? (105,324 Respondents)


Do you support President Obama's and the Democrat's plan for universal health care?
  • Yes
  • 27,960 (26.54%)

  • No
  • 77,385 (73.46%)


    Do you believe the Democratic health plan should include 45 million uninsured, including illegal aliens?
  • Yes, should include 45 million.
  • 20,335 (19.49%)

  • No, should not.
  • 83,981 (80.51%)


    Do you approve of President Obama�s handling of health care reform?
  • Yes
  • 27,045 (26.00%)

  • No
  • 76,983 (74.00%)


    Do you believe Obama�s health care plan is too expensive?
  • Yes
  • 78,351 (75.14%)

  • No
  • 25,926 (24.86%)


    Do you agree that new health care costs should be paid for by increasing taxes on the "wealthy"?
  • Yes, increase taxes on the wealthy.
  • 30,776 (29.61%)

  • No, don't increase taxes.
  • 73,167 (70.39%)


    If you were allowed to join the public health care system at rates cheaper than your private insurance, would you join it?
  • Yes, I would join.
  • 31,802 (30.69%)

  • No I would not join.
  • 71,807 (69.31%)


    Who did you vote for in 2008?
  • McCain
  • 57,234 (55.90%)

  • Obama
  • 29,249 (28.57%)

  • Other
  • 15,900 (15.53%)

    Napolitano: Supreme Court to Strike Down Obamacare

    President Barack Obama is one of the worst presidents ever in terms of respecting constitutional limitations on government, and the states suing the federal government over healthcare reform "have a pretty strong case" and are likely to prevail, according to author and judicial analyst Andrew P. Napolitano.

    In an exclusive interview with Newsmax.TV's Ashley Martella, Napolitano says the president's healthcare reforms amount to "commandeering" the state legislatures for federal purposes, which the Supreme Court has forbidden as unconstitutional.

    "The Constitution does not authorize the Congress to regulate the state governments," Napolitano says. "Nevertheless, in this piece of legislation, the Congress has told the state governments that they must modify their regulation of certain areas of healthcare, they must surrender their regulation of other areas of healthcare, and they must spend state taxpayer-generated dollars in a way that the Congress wants it done.

    Special: Do You Back Obama's Healthcare Plan? Vote Here Now!


    "That's called commandeering the legislature," he says. "That's the Congress taking away the discretion of the legislature with respect to regulation, and spending taxpayer dollars. That's prohibited in a couple of Supreme Court cases. So on that argument, the attorneys general have a pretty strong case and I think they will prevail.”

    Napolitano, author of his just-released “Lies the Government Told You: Myth, Power, and Deception in American History” and a Fox News senior judicial analyst, is the youngest Superior Court judge ever to attain lifetime tenure in the state of New Jersey. He served on the bench from 1987 to 1995.

    Napolitano tells Newsmax that the longstanding precedent of state regulation of the healthcare industry makes the new federal regulations that much more problematic.

    "The Supreme Court has ruled that in areas of human behavior that are not delegated to the Congress in the Constitution, and that have been traditionally regulated by the states, the Congress can't simply move in there," Napolitano says. "And the states for 230 years have had near exclusive regulation over the delivery of healthcare. The states license hospitals. The states license medications. The states license healthcare providers whether they're doctors, nurses, or pharmacists. The feds have had nothing to do with it.

    "The Congress can't simply wake up one day and decide that it wants to regulate this. I predict that the Supreme Court will invalidate major portions of what the president just signed into law…"

    The judge also says he would rate President Obama as one of the worst presidents in terms of obedience to constitutional limitations.

    "I believe we have a one party system in this country, called the big-government party," Napolitano says. "There is a Republican branch that likes war and deficits and assaulting civil liberties. There is a Democratic branch that likes welfare and taxes and assaulting commercial liberties.

    "President Obama obviously is squarely within the Democratic branch. The president who had the least fidelity to the Constitution was Abraham Lincoln, who waged war on half the country, even though there's obviously no authority for that, a war that killed nearly 700,000 people. President Obama is close to that end of lacking fidelity to the Constitution. He wants to outdo his hero FDR."

    For those who oppose healthcare, the Fox legal expert says, the bad news is that many of the legal challenges to healthcare reform will have to wait until 2014, when the changes become fully operational.

    Until then, there would be no legal case that individuals had been actually harmed by the law. Moreover, Napolitano says it takes an average of four years for a case to work its way through the various federal courts the final hearing that's expected to come before the Supreme Court.

    "You're talking about 2018, which is eight years from now, before it is likely the Supreme Court will hear this," he says.

    Other issues that Napolitano addressed during the wide-ranging interview:
    • He believes American is in danger of becoming "a fascist country," which he defines as "private ownership, but government control." He adds, "The government doesn't have the money to own anything. But it has the force and the threat of violence to control just about anything it wants. That will rapidly expand under President Obama, unless and until the midterm elections give us a midterm correction – which everyone seems to think, and I'm in that group, is about to come our way.

    • Napolitano believes the federal government lacks the legal authority to order citizens to purchase healthcare insurance. The Congress [is] ordering human beings to purchase something that they might not want, might not need, might not be able to afford, and might not want -- that's never happened in our history before," Napolitano says. "My gut tells me that too is unconstitutional, because the Congress doesn't have that kind of power under the Constitution."

    • The sweetheart deals in the healthcare reform bill used that persuaded Democrats to vote for it – the Louisiana Purchase, Cornhusker Kickback, Gatorade Exception and others – create "a very unique and tricky constitutional problem" for Democrats, because they treat citizens differently based on which state they live in, running afoul of the Constitution's equal protection clause according to Napolitano. "So these bennies or bribes, whatever you want, or horse trading as it used to be called, clearly violate equal protection by forcing people in the other states to pay the bills of the states that don't have to pay what the rest of us do," Napolitano says.

    • Exempting union members from the so-called "Cadillac tax" on expensive health insurance policies, while imposing that tax on other citizens, is outright discrimination according to Napolitano. "The government cannot draw a bright line, with fidelity to the Constitution and the law, on the one side of which everybody pays, and the other side of which some people pay. It can't say, 'Here's a tax, but we're only going to apply it to nonunion people. Here's a tax, and we're only going to apply it to graduates of Ivy League institutions.' The Constitution does not permit that type of discrimination."

    • Politicians from both parties routinely disregard the Constitutional limits imposed on them by the nation's founding document, Napolitano says. "The problem with the Constitution is not any structural problem," says Napolitano. "The problem with the constitution is that those who take an oath to uphold it don't take their oath seriously. For example, just a month ago in interviewing Congressman Jim Clyburn, who's the No. 3 ranking Democrat in the House, I said to him, Congressman Clyburn, can you tell me where in the Constitution the Congress is authorized to regulate healthcare? He said, 'Judge, most of what we do down here,' referring to Washington, 'is not authorized by the Constitution. Can you tell me where in the Constitution we're prohibited from regulating healthcare.' Napolitano says that reflects a misunderstanding of what the Constitution actually is. "He's turning the Constitution on its head, because Congress is not a general legislature," he says. "It was not created in order to right every wrong. It exists only to legislate in the 17 specific, discrete, unique areas where the Constitution has given it power. All other areas of human area are reserved for the states."

    • Napolitano says that members of Congress infringe on Constitutional rights because they fail to recognize its basis. "They reject Jefferson's argument, in the Declaration of Independence, that our rights come from our Creator, therefore they're natural rights, therefore they can't be legislated away," Napolitano says. "They think they can legislate on any activity, regulate any behavior, tax any person or thing, as long as the politics will let them survive. They're wrong, and with this healthcare legislation, they may be proven wrong, in a very direct and in-your-face way."


    VIA; NewsMax.com

    Feds Seek Tanning Bed Restrictions

    Seriously! When are we going to wake-up and vote the 'Nanny' Government out of our lives?

    Oh we WILL see much, much more of this from the 'Nanny' Government in the near future. With the passage of 'FORCED' NoBamacare anything that the Government deems "un-healthy" will be banned from our lives.

    Enjoy a shake and fries before they are banned by our 'Nanny' Government.

    Federal health experts say more restrictions are needed to protect users from the cancer risks of tanning beds, including a potential ban for people under 18.

    A panel of advisers to the Food and Drug Administration recommended Thursday that the agency put tighter controls on artificial tanning, ranging from requiring parental consent forms in people under the age of 18 to banning the practice in younger teens.

    More than 30 states already have tanning salon regulations in place — including a handful that require parental consent for young users — but new FDA requirements would apply nationally.

    The panel also recommended the FDA add bolder warning labels to tanning beds and change how they are regulated.

    The FDA has regulated sunlamps for more than 20 years, but a recent report by the World Health Organization tied the devices to skin cancer, prompting a call for tougher rules.

    The WHO analysis showed that the deadliest form of skin cancer increases 75 percent in people who use tanning beds in their teens and 20s.

    The panel also recommended the FDA add bolder warning labels to tanning beds and change how they are regulated.

    Currently the machines are classified as low-risk devices, in the same group as bandages and tongue depressors. By increasing their classification to Class II, the FDA could limit the levels of radiation the devices emit and make other changes to their design.

    The FDA is not required to follow the advice of its expert panels, though it often does.

    Over the course of five hours, dozens of physicians and skin cancer survivors urged the FDA to ban indoor tanning for cosmetic uses, citing the dangers to younger Americans.

    Dr. William James, president of the American Academy of Dermatology Association, said his group has seen a startling increase in skin cancer among women in their teens and 20s.

    "What was formerly considered a disease of older men is ballooning in young women, the very target audience and number one customer of the tanning industry," James said.

    The Indoor Tanning Association says the evidence linking suntan lamps to cancer is drawn from decades-old studies that were merely lumped together and reanalyzed by the WHO.

    "FDA has known about the risks of 'ultraviolet' exposure for years, and has discussed the literature in multiple forums," said Dan Humiston, the group's president. "The literature hasn't changed."

    Humiston's group represents about 18,000 tanning operations along with manufacturers, including Indianapolis-based ETS Tan and Heartland Tanning Supply of Lee's Summit, Mo.

    The tanning industry has long argued that sunlamps can be an important source of Vitamin D, which is needed for healthy blood and strong bones.

    But both FDA scientists and other speakers dismissed that argument, pointing out that similar benefits can be had from dietary supplements.[PPE:The government wants us to take a pill]

    Earlier this year the Federal Trade Commission charged the Indoor Tanning Association with making false claims about the health benefits of their products. The group has entered a settlement agreement with the government and pulled the ads in question.

    The indoor tanning industry is approximately a $5 billion sector that is already being squeezed by a 10 percent tax on tanning included in the health overhaul plan that became law earlier this week.

    Nearly 69,000 U.S. cases of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, were diagnosed last year. Also linked to ultraviolet exposure are basal and squamous cell cancer carcinomas, which affect more than 1 million Americans a year. They're usually easily removed but the American Cancer Society counts 2,000 annual deaths.

    Fair-skinned people who don't tan easily are at highest risk for skin cancer. Melanoma is particularly linked to sunburns at a young age, though it is usually diagnosed in the 40s and 50s.

    (DOCTOROFMINDMD) 'Doctor of Mind' Under Scrutiny by Health Officials

    Being a hit on YouTube sometimes comes with a price.

    The Nevada Division of Mental Health and Developmental Services has begun an inquiry into the conduct of Dr. Mark Viner, a board-certified psychiatrist who films himself posing as his satirical alter ego, "Doctor of Mind." The investigation was prompted by complaints from a Nevada resident who viewed Viner's videos.

    According to KTNV News, the Division of Mental Health plans to meet with the Nevada attorney general's office this week to "determine the proper course of action." In addition to working in private practice, Viner works for the state-run Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services, specializing in suicide prevention.

    Reno Assemblywoman Sheila Leslie told the Las Vegas Sun she found the videos "extremely unprofessional and disappointing."



    In his roughly 600 videos, which have been viewed at YouTube more than a million times, Doctor of Mind appears disheveled, his brown hair purposefully tousled. Sometimes Viner wears pajamas for his webcam broadcasts. On other occasions he is dressed in an open robe and his underwear.

    Speaking in an affected monotone that many viewers may associate with mentally disturbed psychiatric patients rather than the doctors who treat them, Viner covers a range of topics in his videos. His character complains about everyday annoyances such as electronic billing, bureaucratic forms that Viner has to fill out in order to prescribe medicine and the post-earthquake situation in Haiti.

    But the majority of Viner's vignettes deal with how to treat mental illness -- albeit in a rather unconventional way.



    "I try to present this difficult material in an easier, creative way to understand using acting, comedy, tragedy, skits, with good intentions," Viner said in a video describing his project.

    More than 2,100 people have subscribed to Doctor of Mind's YouTube Channel and have left more than 1,000 comments.

    "Doc, you are the best. It is a very sensitive subject and you do a marvelous job bringing it to light," a YouTube viewer who goes by the name TheRNpsych wrote in response to one of Viner's videos.

    A fan who goes by the screen name ojdidit34 chimed in, "Never change the way you deliver your message, because right now it carries truth and purpose."

    Viner sells T-shirts featuring a likeness of his off-kilter character, as well as copies of the journal articles he has published over the years.



    In an interview with The Las Vegas Sun, Viner said he has never been contacted by anyone in the state government about his videos, but admits that there "are probably a few questionable ones."

    At present, the state of Nevada pays Viner an annual salary of $176,902, the Sun reported. It remains unclear what action, if any, the Division of Mental Health plans to take.

    VIA AOL NEWS

    Pocomoke City man sentenced in PNC bank robbery

    A Pocomoke City man convicted in the robbery of a PNC bank was sentenced to serve 10 years in prison by a Circuit Court judge on Thursday.

    Tommy Allen Grady, 31, is the second man convicted in the September armed bank robbery.

    Matthew Devin Nielson, a 27-year-old Princess Anne resident, robbed the bank with a BB gun and left with $3,750 in cash on Sept. 8, according to the state's attorneys office. Grady drove the getaway car.

    The two men robbed the bank to support their heroin drug addiction, according to the prosecutor.

    Grady pleaded guilty to armed robbery in February.

    Nielson pleaded guilty to armed robbery on March 12 and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

    VIA: DelmarvaNow.com

    TWO EASTERN SHORE MEN ARRESTED BY DEA


    An Eastern Shore auto shop owner and his "right-hand man" were arrested this week on federal charges of leading a large-scale cocaine and marijuana distribution ring, the DEA said.

    Harry Byrd West, also known as "Kojak," and an associate, Terrance Durell Price, were responsible for distributing multiple pounds of cocaine, crack and marijuana throughout the Eastern Shore, according to the DEA. The investigation began when an informant told authorities that West was traveling to Florida, North Carolina and Delaware to obtain drugs, according to a court affidavit filed by DEA special agent Jack Faddis Jr. The investigation has been going on for about a year. The informant told agents that Price and West cooked cocaine into crack from West's auto shop, AA Auto, in Cheriton, the affidavit says. The informant began making DEA-controlled drug purchases from the pair, and the transactions were captured on video and audio tape.

    The DEA arranged multiple drug purchases from Price and West using different informants. The DEA said it also learned West was dealing drugs from a trailer in Capeville and a house in Machipongo. Another informant told agents West has been dealing for at least 10 years, the DEA said.

    West made an initial appearance in U.S. District Court on Thursday and will return Monday for a bond hearing. Price is expected to be brought to court next week.


    www.shoredailynews.com

    Gotta Love a Good Lawyer

    A Mafia Godfather finds out that his bookkeeper, Guido, has cheated him out of $10,000.000. His bookkeeper is deaf. That was the reason he got the job in the first place It was assumed that Guido would hear nothing so he would not have to testify in court.

    When the Godfather goes to confront Guido about his missing $10 million, he takes along his lawyer who knows sign language. The Godfather tells the lawyer, "Ask him where's the money? The lawyer, using sign language, asks Guido where's the money?

    Guido signs back, "I don't know what you are talking about." The lawyer tells the Godfather, "He says he doesn't know what you are talking about"

    The Godfather pulls out a pistol, puts it to Guido's temple and says, "Ask him again!"The lawyer signs to Guido, "He'll kill you if you don't tell him.."

    Guido signs back, "OK.!!!! You win! The money is in a brown briefcase, buried behind the shed at my cousin Bruno's house in Brooklyn.

    The Godfather asks the lawyer, "What did he say?" The lawyer replies, " He says you don't have the balls to pull the trigger."

    Don't you just LOVE lawyers?!

    What You'll See In The Future

    According to Seder, the enhanced vision system is comprised of a variety of forward-looking sensors -- infrared sensors, cameras, radar, and night vision equipment. That equipment records what's in front of the vehicle and relays that information to laser-generating equipment inside the vehicle. The unit analyzes the data and projects highlight lines that better define or identify those objects deemed worthy of extra driver attention. It can better define lane lines, identify obstacles in the road, point out animals at the roadside, or even highlight a destination building based on GPS route information. There are also cameras inside the vehicle to monitor the driver's position, helping to align the highlights over the corresponding objects in the real world.

    It may sound like science fiction, but GM is already showing a working prototype and says production should begin in just a few short years. Combined with other technologies, like intelligent lighting, side- and rear-view cameras, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warnings, collision avoidance braking systems and the like, the car of the not-too-distant future may be able to virtually drive itself.

    The car of the future could conceivably rely on cameras and external sensors to provide all of the outward views for a driver, eliminating the need for glass windows and windshields. Display screens could take their place, providing a variety of real-world and computer-generated information for the driver and passengers. Vehicle design could change dramatically, with no concern for A-pillar widths or rear-view mirrors. Although that may be several decades away, the current innovations in enhanced vision are helping to make it easier than ever for drivers to see better, in any direction and in any conditions.



    READ MORE HERE

    Mexican Words of the Day

    *1. *Cheese**
    The teacher told Pepito to use the word cheese in a sentence.
    Pepito replies: *Maria likes me, but cheese ugly.*

    * 2. *Mushroom**
    When all my family get in the car There's not mushroom.

    *3. *Shoulder**
    My fren wants 2 become a citizen, But che didn't know how to read, So I, shoulder.

    *4. * Texas **
    When I'm not home, My fren always Texas me, Che wonders where I am!

    *5. *Herpes**
    Me and my fren ordered pizza.
    I got mine piece Then che got herpes.

    *6. *July**
    Ju told me ju were going to tha store But ju went to see sum guy, July to me! Julyer!

    *7. *Rectum**
    I had 2 cars But my wife rectum!

    *8. *Chicken**
    I was going to go to the store with my wife But che said chicken go herself.

    *9. *Wheelchair**
    We only have one enchilada left But don't worry wheelchair

    *10. *Chicken* *wing**
    My wife plays the lottery so chicken wing.

    *11. *Harassment**
    My wife caught me in bed with another women.
    I told her, "Honey, harassment nothen to me.

    *12. * Bishop **
    My wife fell down the stair So I had to pick the bishop.

    *13. *Body wash**
    I want to go to the club But no body wash my kids.

    *14. *Budweiser**
    That women has a nice body, Budweiser face so ugly?

    Things That Make Me Smile (and it doesn't take much)

    This weekends weather won't be anything like we were blessed with last Saturday and Sunday. Days like that are fine with me all of the time and fortunately for all of you I don't control the weather............you would never see snow again!!


    Anyway, on the way home I happened to find these two happy "creatures" just south of T's Corner.


    Meet Zak the Pirate.............he was trying to lure customers to the seafood stand just off the highway.........and doing a good job!




    And this is ...........a hotdog, I guess. He was hanging out at Sonic waving to everyone passing by. What big hearts and a great sense of humor these two must have.



    Enjoy your weekend. Monday will be here before you know it.....

    Man Charged in Slaying of 7-Year-Old Florida Girl

    A 24-year-old unemployed restaurant worker was charged Friday with murder in the slaying of a 7-year-old Florida girl whose body was found in a Georgia landfill after she disappeared walking home from school, authorities said.

    Jarred Mitchell Harrell was charged in the death of Somer Thompson, who went missing Oct. 19. Her lifeless legs were discovered two days later in a landfill about 50 miles from Orange Park.

    During a press conference at the same church where Somer's memorial service was held in October, Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler said detectives used DNA evidence, witnesses and statements from Harrell himself to solve the case.

    DIRECT LINK

    "Our collective resolve to bring Somer's killer to justice is the only light in the darkness caused by this tragedy," Beseler said as about 50 members of "Team Somer" - the sheriff's office investigators and staff who worked the case - stood by.

    Harrell, who is being held at the Clay County Jail, has been in custody since Feb. 11, when authorities arrested him in Mississippi on child pornography charges in Florida.

    He was then extradited to Florida. His relatives have said they don't believe he is capable of violence.

    Clay County detectives said at the time of Somer's disappearance, Harrell was living at his parents' suburban Jacksonville home, near her elementary school and house.

    After Somer vanished, investigators on a hunch tailed nine garbage trucks from her neighborhood to the landfill, then picked through the trash as each rig spilled its load. They sorted through more than 225 tons of garbage before the gruesome find.

    The discovery of Somer's body touched off an outpouring of support in northeast Florida and southern Georgia for the Thompson family; days of vigils and fundraisers were held so Somer's mom, Diena Thompson, could financially afford to stay home with her other children. A mountain of stuffed animals, balloons and notes to the family sprung up near a tree across from the little girl's home.

    As officials searched for Somer, cable TV news outlets carried Diena Thompson's tear-filled statements and the candlelight vigils, where hundreds sang "You are My Sunshine" - Somer's favorite song.

    With each day that passed and no suspect was arrested, residents were on edge.

    Harrell had originally come to the attention of law enforcement in August, two months before Somer disappeared. His roommates said they kicked him out for stealing and he left behind his computer. They told police they looked at it and found child pornography. It was soon turned over to investigators.

    The parents of one the roommates drove by the home of Harrell's parents a few days after Somer disappeared and noticed how close they lived to the girl's house. When they saw Harrell's car in his parents' driveway, they told detectives.

    He was arrested Feb. 11 on child pornography charges at an aunt's home in Meridian, Miss., where he had moved a few weeks earlier. Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler called him a person of interest in Somer's slaying at the time.

    He has said Harrell wasn't arrested earlier because detectives had to prove Harrell downloaded the child porn.

    Harrell was charged with 29 counts of possessing child pornography in Florida, then charged with a dozen additional counts of child porn and child molestation.

    At the time of his February arrest, Harrell's aunt said she didn't think her nephew was capable of violence.

    "They tried to make it sound like he's some monster, but he's not," said Kriss Mizelle, who let Harrell stay with her in Meridian. "I could say all these good things about him, but nobody wants to hear that. They think you're delusional and don't know about his secret life, but he's a good kid."

    Harrell was originally from Lucedale, Miss., and was home-schooled before moving to Florida. He worked various jobs, from cooking to retail, Mizelle said. Friends described him as a "computer wiz."

    SOURCE

    Friday, March 26, 2010

    DIY Garage: Auto Lighting Basics

    Need a bulb replaced?
    Swing by Still Joe's Auto/Truck Repair and Custom Exhaust and they might just replace that bulb free of charge. It's a customer courtesy that I have come to learn that Still Joe's is more than willing to do.

    Check-out the video and article below on how to replace a bulb, yes it's easy on most vehicles but most people do not have the tools if the vehicle has anti-theft torx, twisted phillips, etc.

    DIY Garage: Auto Lighting Basics

    Now that Americans are keeping their cars longer than ever, more of us are going to have to deal with burnt out headlights, tail lamps, and turn signals. Find out how to keep your lights and indicators working properly, and how to replace them when necessary.

    AOL Autos has teamed up with AutoZone to bring you a series of DIY car maintenance tips and tricks, straight from our garage to yours.

    The DIY Garage video series covers common questions like how to change your own oil, or what the source of that pesky puddle on your garage floor might be. Host and AOL Autos Editor-at-Large Rex Roy will explain everything in plain English and is sure to have some fun along the way.

    Still Joe's Auto/Truck Repair and Custom Exhaust Salisbury Md.

    BTW: Still Joe's is running a Dual Exhaust special starting at $275.00 for cat back duals. Give them a call for ALL your vehicle needs @ (410) 677-1022

    LOSING A FRIEND:

    THIS IS A VERY TOUCHING STORY ABOUT LIFE & DEATH,

    AND THE FRIENDS THAT WE HAVE.

    IT'S CERTAIN TO STIR UP YOUR HEART, TOUCH YOUR SOUL.

    THIS IS ONE I COULD NOT AFFORD NOT TO SHARE WITH MY FRIENDS.

    I'M STILL CHOKED UP OVER IT!













     

    28th Amendment to the United States Constitution:

    HEAR, HEAR!
    This will take less than thirty seconds to read.  It makes sense.  If you agree, please pass it on.

    Subject:
    An idea whose time has come.  

    For too long we have been too complacent about the workings of Congress.  Many citizens had no idea that members of Congress could retire with the same pay after only one term, that they didn't pay into Social Security, that they specifically exempted themselves from many of the laws they have passed (such as being exempt from any fear of prosecution for sexual harassment) while ordinary citizens must live under those laws.  

    The latest is to exempt themselves from the Healthcare Reform that is being considered...in all of its forms.  Somehow, that doesn't seem logical.  We do not have an elite that is above the law.  I truly don't care if they are Democrat, Republican, Independent or whatever.  The self-serving must stop.  This is a good way to do that.  It is an idea whose time has come.

    Have each person contact a minimum of Twenty people on their Address list, in turn ask each of those to do likewise.
    In three days, most people in The  United States of America  will have the message.  This is one proposal that really should be passed around.

    Proposed 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution:"Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to the Senators and/or Representatives; and, Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators and/or Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the   United States  ".

    Rainy Day Friday

    Good grief! Another rainy day. Instead of "rainy days and Mondays always get me down" it's now on Fridays too. Oh, heck, with me it's any dark, wet day.


    Seems like whoever is in charge of the weather these days keeps forgetting to flip the "SUN" switch to the ON position.

    May I make a suggestion though?? Feed the sun. That's right! Just feed the sun so that maybe it will shine again.


    We've all seen these commercials.......................

    Works on TV! Is it possible that the sun just needs more nourishment?!

    I think I'll try one of those biscuits........just might give me a "sunny attitude" about the day. If not, I'll be under my rock!

    Delmarva Discovery Center

    Launch a lifetime   of learning &   discovery

    Buy a ticket for a chance to win one week at

    Space Flight Adventure Camp

    and a lifetime membership to

    the Delmarva Discovery Center

    A value of over $3,000!

    Space Flight Adventure Camp, presented by the Virginia Space Flight Academy, offers week-long residential summer camps for students. In 2010 seven residential camps will be held June through August for ages 11 to 15. For more information please go to www.vaspaceflightacademy.org.

    Tickets are 1 for $10 or 3 for $20.

    Free family admission pass to the DDC

    received with a raffle purchase.

    Drawing will be held on Friday, June 4, 2010

    Drawing must meet minimum tickets sold of 500

    and maximum sold of 1,000

    Tickets can be purchased through

    the Delmarva Discovery Center

    2 Market Street, Pocomoke City, MD

    410.957.9933

    www.delmarvadiscoverycenter.org

    ~ ~~~This sounds like a wonderful opportunity for a preteen interested in space. PLUS when you buy a raffle ticket you get lifetime membership to the discovery center. I'd say that's a pretty good deal.~~~~

    Thursday, March 25, 2010

    Judge Calls Dr. Phil 'A Terrible, Terrible Man'

    LOS ANGELES (March 24) -- A shoplifting case that began with a televised confession on the "Dr. Phil" show led a San Diego judge Monday to condemn TV personality Phil McGraw as "a terrible, terrible man" and "a charlatan."

    District Court Judge Irma Gonzalez unloaded on Dr. Phil as she sentenced a couple to prison for running a $100,000 shoplifting ring in which they used their three young children as decoys, and sold the stolen merchandise through Web sites. The couple discussed their exploits on a "Dr. Phil" episode, "Shoplifting Confessions," in November 2008. Five months later, their home was raided by federal officials, who found more than 500 boxes of toys and other items.

    Gonzalez sentenced Matthew Eaton, 34, to 27 months in prison, a year more than prosecutors had sought, and his wife, Laura Eaton, 27, to one year and a day.

    The Eatons went on the TV show to get help ending their compulsion to shoplift, but show officials pressed them to exaggerate their exploits, their lawyer told the court, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. The couple brought along a home video of one of their trips, using the children to distract store clerks, and seemed more interested in bragging than in getting help giving up their livelihood, according to earlier reports.

    The Eatons continued to shoplift after the show aired, the judge noted. She described Matthew Eaton as "despicable" for his role running the racket, but she reserved her harshest word for McGraw.

    "What a charlatan this man is," the judge was quoted as saying during the sentencing. "What a terrible, terrible man."

    A spokeswoman for McGraw declined comment.

    VIA

    Bin Laden Warns US Not to Execute Terrorists

    Osama bin Laden leveled a new threat against the U.S. in an audio recording released today, saying al-Qaida will kill American captives if the U.S. executes Sept. 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed or other terror suspects in its custody.

    Bin Laden named Mohammed specifically in the 74-second recording aired on Al-Jazeera television.

    "The White House announced they intend to sentence them to death," he said on the recording. "When the U.S. takes that decision, it means they will take a decision that any hostage who falls in our hands will be sentenced to death."



    The U.S. is weighing whether to try Mohammed and four alleged accomplices in a military tribunal or a civilian court, sparking debate and varying degrees of support regarding the location of a potential civilian trial. A decision is expected soon. Mohammed is charged with murder and war crimes and is being held at the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

    It remains unclear whether there are any U.S. captives in al-Qaida custody. In December, the Haqqani group of the Pakistan-based Taliban faction released a video of a U.S. soldier they captured in Afghanistan in June.

    Bin Laden also said U.S. President Barack Obama, like his predecessor George W. Bush, was being "unjust" to al-Qaida prisoners and condemned him for escalating the war in Afghanistan.

    "The leaders in the White House have been practicing oppression on us and they still do," he said. "They think the U.S. behind the oceans is in safety from the anger of the oppressed. Until the strong reaction in your homeland on the 11th of September. Happy is the one who has been forewarned. The treatment should be equal."

    The White House did not immediately comment on the audiotape.

    SOURCE