Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Cosmic Tsunami Tonight

Earth is bracing for a cosmic tsunami Tuesday night as tons of plasma from a massive solar flare head directly toward the planet.

The Sun's surface erupted early Sunday morning, shooting a wall of ionized atoms directly at Earth, scientists say. It is expected to create a geomagnetic storm and a spectacular light show -- and it could pose a threat to satellites in orbit, as well.

"This eruption is directed right at us and is expected to get here early in the day on Aug. 4," said Leon Golub of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. "It's the first major Earth-directed eruption in quite some time."

The solar eruption, called a coronal mass ejection, was spotted by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, which captures high-definition views of the sun at a variety of wavelengths. SDO was launched in February and peers deep into the layers of the sun, investigating the mysteries of its inner workings.

"We got a beautiful view of this eruption," Golub said. "And there might be more beautiful views to come if it triggers aurorae."

Views of aurorae are usually associated with Canada and Alaska, but even skywatchers in the northern U.S. mainland are being told they can look toward the north Tuesday and Wednesday evenings for rippling "curtains" of green and red light.

When a coronal mass ejection reaches Earth, solar particles stream down our planet's magnetic field lines toward the poles. In the process, the particles collide with atoms of nitrogen and oxygen in the Earth's atmosphere, which then glow, creating an effect similar to miniature neon signs.

The interaction of the solar particles with our planet's magnetic field has the potential to create geomagnetic storms, or disturbances, in Earth's magnetosphere. And while aurorae are normally visible only at high latitudes, they can light up the sky even at lower latitudes during a geomagnetic storm.

Fortunately for Earth-bound observers, the atmosphere filters out nearly all of the radiation from the solar blast. The flare shouldn't pose a health hazard, Golub told FoxNews.com.

"It's because of our atmosphere," he explained, "which absorbs the radiation, as well as the magnetic field of the Earth, which deflects any magnetic particles produced."

The radiation "almost never" makes it to ground, he noted, though pilots and passengers in airplanes may experience increased radiation levels akin to getting an X-ray.

The solar particles also could affect satellites, though scientists think that possibility is remote. Orbital Sciences Corp. believe a similar blast may have knocked its Galaxy 15 satellite permanently out of action this year.

This type of solar event has both government officials and satellite manufacturers worrying.

NASA scientists warned recently that high-energy electric pulses from the sun could cripple our electrical grid for years, causing billions in damages. In fact, the House is so concerned that the Energy and Commerce committee voted unanimously to approve a bill allocating $100 million to protect the energy grid from this rare but potentially devastating occurrence.

The sun's activity usually ebbs and flows on a fairly predictable cycle. Typically, a cycle lasts about 11 years, taking roughly 5.5 years to move from a solar minimum, a period of time when there are few sunspots, to peak at the solar maximum, during which sunspot activity is amplified.

The last solar maximum occurred in 2001. The latest minimum was particularly weak and long- lasting.

The most recent solar eruption is one of the first signs that the sun is waking up -- and heading toward another maximum.

www.foxnews.com

UPDATE: Vote Clears Way For GROUND ZERO Mosque

NEW YORK — A New York City panel today denied landmark status to a building near ground zero, freeing organizers to build an Islamic center and mosque there.

The Landmarks Preservation Commission’s decision allows organizers to transform the 152-year-old building into an Islamic community center blocks from the site of the Sept. 11 attacks.

National and New York politicians and the Anti-Defamation League have come out in recent weeks against plans for the mosque, saying it disrespects the memory of Sept. 11 victims. Mayor Michael Bloomberg has supported the mosque.

The commission voted 9-0 against granting landmark status to the building.

Commissioners said the building didn’t meet historic criteria to qualify as a landmark.

A leading Jewish oranization come out against the mosque last week. The Anti-Defamation League said "some legitimate questions have been raised" about the Cordoba Initiative's funding and possible ties with "groups whose ideologies stand in contradiction to our shared values.

www.timesdispatch.com

Our Deepest Sympathy to the Condyles Family

Joan Condyles could often be seen early in the morning walking around her Pocomoke City neighborhood, lost in the Christian music piping through her headphones.

The strolls were one of many parts of Condyles's modest and unassuming life, said Anne Copeland, a friend and neighbor, marked by a love for her family, her work with disabled children, her garden and a devotion to her church.
Condyles was killed in a car accident in southern Worcester County. She was 54.
"She was salt of the earth -- good simple people," said Copeland, who described her as patient and kind. "She lived simply and was not into fancy clothes or make up or anything like that. She was a good Christian woman."
Shortly after 11:30 a.m., a 2005 Chrysler Town and Country Condyles was traveling in on northbound Route 113 was clipped in a rear corner by a 1999 Dodge Stratus as it crossed the highway from the stop sign at the intersection of Betheden Church Road outside of Pocomoke, police said. The minivan swerved and went into the shoulder, rolling over several times before it came to rest upside down on the grass.
Condyles was pronounced dead at the scene. Her husband Joe, who had been driving; children Curtis and Christina; daughter-in-law Rebecca; and 22-month-old grandson were taken to Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury. Rebecca Condyles, 25, is still in intensive care with head injuries, said Cpl. Greg Chatfield of the Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack. She had been sitting in the rear passenger seat behind her mother-in-law. Condyles's third child, Tim, was not in the car.
The three people in the Stratus declined treatment at the scene. Charges are pending for the 17-year-old woman driving the vehicle, and police are investigating whether she was using a cell phone at the time, Chatfield said.
Condyles was known for her participation in the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Parish choir, her support of the Pocomoke High School Band and her work with in the Worcester County Public Schools.

Condyles has been a physical therapist with the school system since 1996, taking a full-time position based at Cedar Chapel Special School in 2003. She worked with physically disabled children to improve their abilities as well as helping to improve the health and fitness of Worcester's entire student body.

"Joan was a wonderful person who was passionate about helping children, especially those with disabilities," said Glen Hammerbacher, supervisor of special education. "As a physical therapist, she believed that every child could physically reach their highest potential. With a kind, encouraging, and no-nonsense nature, she helped turn doubts from her students into positive thinking and action. We will all miss her."
She also helped with the Special Olympics swim team at the Lower Shore YMCA, Copeland said.
When not at work, Condyles spent a considerable amount of time at church, attending Bible studies and singing alto in the choir, Copeland said. She enjoyed music of all types, often going to Salisbury's concerts in the park, and played the guitar -- a trait she passed along to her children who were active in the Pocomoke High School Band.
The family was very close, Copeland added, and spent a lot of time together.
"It was an old-fashioned type family," she said. "They would always get together and support each other."
News of the accident spread quickly around the Pocomoke area. As of last week, more than 275 people had joined a Facebook group in Condyles' memory.
"She is going to be missed thoughout all of Worcester County," Copeland said. "This is going to leave a big hole."

VIA: Delmarvanow.com



Summer Cinema Series Continues On Chincoteague

The Chincoteague Cultural Alliance

Invites you to its second annual Summer Cinema Series of free movies shown outdoors and on the big screen in the downtown waterfront Robert Reed Park.


The series continues this Thursday night - August 5 - with a showing of "The Sting" at 9 o'clock.


Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for an entertaining evening with family and friends. Old-time refreshments at old-fashioned prices will be available with proceeds going to its school scholarship fund.


Muslim Day at Six Flags 09/11 weekend

Muslim Day at Six Flags! Wow!
By Fred DeRuvo
Hey Kids, did you know that the folks at Six Flags are pulling out all the stops to create a Muslim Day at their parks? Wow!

That's right, tell Mom and Dad that you want to head over to the nearest Six Flags Amusement Park to enjoy Muslim Day and guess what? It's going to happen this year on 9/12 - wow, missed 9/11 by THAT much!






My first question is WHY would ANY amusement park feel the need to have special days that celebrate any particular religion? Moreover, though I see a Catholic Family day, I do not see anything labeled "Christian Day." That would probably be intolerant.

At any rate, if you missed it, the day of this year's Muslim Day is only one day AFTER the anniversary of the original 9/11 in which Muslim terrorists flew planes into the WTC buildings. Over 3,000 people were killed (SACRIFICED) by violent members of the Islamic faith. While it is not ON 9/11, it is being advertised as the weekend of 9/11.

So a country that was founded in biblical principles (not Qur'anic principles) now has companies pointedly offering special days for those within the Islamic faith who apparently need to be recognized for all that they gave to this country during its founding years and through to today.

There is something drastically wrong with the way the world is going and we all know where it's heading. Well, if you read and understand Scripture in its plain and normal (literal) sense.

The tragedy is that too many are doing their level best to placate individuals who hate this country. The Muslims who are NOT violent (like their jihadist counterparts) are not a threat to this country, but they are also not a DETERRENT to the more violent members of Islam. They simply either get out of the way, or remain in the shadows. The violent members of Islam are also not taken in by the attempts of companies like Six Flags to be placated.

If it isn't a demand for a mosque at Ground Zero, or now Muslim Day at Six Flags on the weekend of 9/11 anniversary, Muslims continue to push their agenda on the American people. They are not only pushing their agenda, but people and companies are bending over backwards in order to "respect" the Islamic faith. This means that employees of Six Flags are required to wear long pants instead of shorts, regardless of the temperature. Bare legs may be offensive to Muslims. I wonder if they shower in the dark.

For violent Islamic jihadists, there is no such thing as being placated. Will people ever learn? Will companies ever understand? Not until it is way too late.



Facts checked and confirmed. Also, for more information http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/2010/07/six-flags-h...

VIA: ResisTNet.com 

Six Teens Drown In Louisiana River

SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) - Six teenagers who could not swim drowned in a northwest Louisiana river during a family outing, falling into deep water from the shallows where they were wading.

Officials planned to hold a news conference Tuesday to release more details about the deaths of the six, who drowned Monday in the Red River in an area where sand bars gave way to 20-foot depths. A seventh teen, a 14-year-old, was rescued.

Shreveport Assistant Fire Chief Fred Sanders said he believed the victims, ages 13 to 18, included three brothers from one family and a sister and two brothers from another.

"They were out here with some adults. But unfortunately, neither the children nor the adults could swim," he said.

Sanders said names may be released Tuesday, after the department is sure relatives have been notified.

The teens had started playing in a familiar area but ended up at a spot in the river where the bottom fell suddenly and that's where divers found the bodies, Sanders said.

Marilyn Robinson, a friend of the families, told The Times of Shreveport she watched helplessly as the victims went under. She said a large group of family and friends, including roughly 20 children, were out at the sandbar to barbecue and have a good time. They frequent the area and were familiar with the water, Robinson said.

"None of us could swim," she said. "They were yelling 'help me, help me. Somebody please help me.' It was nothing I could do but watch them drown one by one."

Sanders said he did not know whether one teen fell and pulled down others, or if they were trying to rescue each other.

It took more than three hours to find all the bodies, he said.

"It's devastating," Sanders said. "To my knowledge the city has never experienced an incident of this magnitude."

Only one life jacket was available, Caddo Parish sheriff's spokeswoman Cindy Chadwick said.

Rescue crews were delayed a bit because the accident was reported as near the Jimmie Davis Bridge but was nearly a mile away, Sanders said.

The families were in a recreational area of the Red River that has sand bars, Sanders said. The park is a popular picnic and fishing area and some people do go wading.

www.wavy.com

" Sing Along With Mitch" Miller Dies

All those years after "follow the bouncing ball", Mitch Miller still brings a smile to my face. I was just a child (yes, I once was) and remember sitting on the living room floor next to my sister with my mom and dad seated behind us ready to sing along. You didn't have to know the words.......you got to read them.

We loved those songs. Some we already knew because music was very much in our childhood. My father bought his records and I am sure they are packed away still today. When Mitch Miller music went onto CD's I had to have them and if my own children would admit it they too know those songs. I made sure they did.

And if they ever have to listen to it now.....well..... they will.


NEW YORK – Mitch Miller, the goateed orchestra leader who asked Americans to "Sing Along With Mitch" on television and records and produced hits for Tony Bennett, Patti Page and other performers, has died at age 99.

His daughter, Margaret Miller Reuther, said Monday that Miller died Saturday in Lenox Hill Hospital after a short illness.

Miller was a key record executive at Columbia Records in the pre-rock 'n' roll era, making hits with singers Bennett, Page, Rosemary Clooney and Johnny Mathis. As a producer and arranger, Miller had misses, too, famously striking out on projects with Frank Sinatra and a young Aretha Franklin and in general scorning the rise of rock.

"Sing Along With Mitch" started as a series of records, then became a popular NBC show starting in early 1961. Miller's stiff-armed conducting style and signature goatee became famous. The TV show ranked in the top 20 for the 1961-62 season, and soon children everywhere were parodying Miller's stiff-armed conducting. An all-male chorus sang old standards, joined by a few female singers, most prominently Leslie Uggams. Viewers were invited to join in with lyrics superimposed on the screen and followed with a bouncing ball.

"He is an odd-looking man," New York Times critic Brooks Atkinson wrote in 1962. "His sharp beard, twinkling eyes, wrinkled forehead and mechanical beat make him look like a little puppet as he peers hopefully into the camera. By now most of us are more familiar with his tonsils than with those of our families."

Atkinson went on to say that as a musician, Miller was "first rate," praising "the clean tone of the singing, the clarity of the lyrics, the aptness of the tempos, the variety and the occasional delicacy of the instrumental accompaniment."

An accomplished oboist, Miller played in a number of orchestras early in his career, including one put together in 1934 by George Gershwin. "Gershwin was an unassuming guy," Miller told The New York Times in 1989. "I never heard him raise his voice."

Miller began in the recording business with Mercury Records in the late '40s, first on the classical side, later with popular music. He then went over to Columbia Records as head of its popular records division.

Among the stars whose hits he worked on were Clooney, Page, Bennett, Frankie Laine and Jo Stafford. His decision to have Mathis switch from jazz to lushly romantic ballads launched the singer as a superstar. Bennett credits Miller with helping him become a superstar.

"Mitch Miller put me on the map by producing some of my very first million-selling records, and he was a great friend and a magnificent musician," Bennett said in a statement.

Miller had a less rewarding collaboration with Sinatra, whose recording of the novelty song "Mama Will Bark," featuring dog imitations, was considered the nadir of the singer's career. Still, Miller became known for his distinctive arrangements, such as the use of a harpsichord on Clooney's megahit version of "Come On-a My House." He used dubbing of vocal tracks back when that was considered exotic.

"To me, the art of singing a pop song has always been to sing it very quietly," Miller said in the book "Off the Record: An Oral History of Popular Music."

"The microphone and the amplifier made the popular song what it is — an intimate one-on-one experience through electronics. It's not like opera or classical singing. The whole idea is to take a very small thing and make it big."

Miller and a chorus had a No. 1 hit in 1955 with "The Yellow Rose of Texas," and that led to his sing-along records a few years later.

The years of Miller's biggest successes were also the early years of rock 'n' roll, and many fans saw his old-fashioned arrangements of standards and folk favorites as an antidote to the noisy stuff the teens adored. As an executive at Columbia, Miller would be widely ridiculed for trying to turn a young Aretha Franklin into a showbiz diva in the tradition of Sophie Tucker. She left Columbia in the mid-1960s, signed with Atlantic Records and was soon transformed into the "Queen of Soul."

But Miller was not entirely unsympathetic to rock 'n' roll, or to the counterculture. In 1969, he attended a massive demonstration in Washington against the Vietnam War. In a 1955 essay in The New York Times magazine, he said the popularity of rhythm and blues, as he called it, with white teens was part of young people's "natural desire not to conform, a need to be rebellious."

He added: "There is a steady — and healthy — breaking down of color barriers in the United States; perhaps the rhythm-and-blues rage — I am only theorizing — is another expression of it."

"Miller has often been maligned as a maestro of 1950s schlock ... Yet Miller injected elements of rhythm and blues and country music, however diluted, into mainstream pop," Ken Emerson wrote in his book "Always Magic in the Air."

In the Martin Scorsese documentary on Bob Dylan, "No Direction Home," Miller acknowledged that he was dubious when famed producer John Hammond brought the nearly unknown Dylan to the staid Columbia label in the early '60s. "He was singing in, you know, this rough-edged voice," Miller said. "I will admit I didn't see the greatness of it." But he said he respected Hammond's track record in finding talent.

Miller's square reputation in the post-rock era brought his name and music to unexpected places. In 1993, one of his "Sing Along" records was used by the FBI to drive out the Branch Davidian cult from its Waco, Texas compound.

In recent years, Miller returned to his classical roots, appearing frequently as a guest conductor with symphony orchestras.

In 2000, he won a special Grammy Award for lifetime achievement.

Reuther said her father died of "just old age."

"He was absolutely himself up until the minute he got sick," she said. "He was truly blessed with a long and wonderful life."

Miller was born in 1911, in Rochester, N.Y., son of a Russian Jewish immigrant wrought-iron worker and a seamstress. He graduated from the Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester.

Reuther said there will be a memorial service for her father in the fall.

www.yahoo.com


Illegal Immigrant Kills Nun In Car Crash

WASHINGTON - The Chairman of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors is furious with the federal government after learning that Carlos Montano - the man responsible for a car accident that killed one nun and injured two others Sunday morning - was an illegal immigrant in the early stages of being deported.

In a phone interview with WTOP Monday, Corey Stewart says on two separate occasions in 2007 and 2009, Prince William County Police identified Montano as an illegal alien.

After serving his sentences, Prince William County Police handed Montano over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials, who were told to deport him.

Stewart says ICE has refused to tell Prince William County why Montano was released instead of being deported.

WTOP reached out in ICE for answers to Stewart's questioning. ICE spokeswoman Cori Bassett responded in a statement:

"Carlos Abraham Martinelly Montano is currently in immigration removal proceedings. ICE first encountered Montano in October 2008 when he was released to ICE following a local arrest for a DUI charge. ICE immediately placed Montano into removal proceedings by issuing him a notice to appear in immigration court. He was released on his own recognizance and has reported as required, on a monthly basis to ICE."

Sources also tell WTOP that Montano did not meet ICE's minimum threshold for mandatory detention and deportation. An illegal immigrant must be convicted of a violent felony to fall into this threshold. Numerous DUI convictions do not qualify as a violent felony.

For immigrants who do not meet the violent felony threshold, ICE uses three criteria to judge whether to release or hold an individual:

Ties to the community

Length of jail sentence

Likelihood to get favorable ruling from immigration judge

In Montano's case, ICE determined Montano could be released.

The last step in his case was a judgment to be made by an immigration judge. The judge had not yet reached a decision in Montano's case.

Stewart says the blame squarely lies on Congress' inability to properly manage and fund ICE.

"This is just another despicable example of federal authorities letting illegal aliens back into our communities when they know that they're illegals, they know that they're criminals and pose a danger to the public, but they release them back into our neighborhoods."

Stewart ripped Congress when speaking about the federal government's deportation process.

"Congress will not give Immigration and Customs Enforcement the funding, to not only not jail these illegal aliens, but not even to pay for the deportation of illegal aliens who are committing crimes in our neighborhood," Stewart says.

Police say Sister Denise Mosier was a passenger in the back seat of a car traveling to a retreat when Montano collided with her and two other nuns. The 23-year-old's driver's license had been revoked, and he had twice been convicted of drunk driving.

"This crime need not have happened, this nun need not have been killed, if federal authorities, who now have blood on their hands, have done their job in the first place, and had this sleazebag deported," Stewart says.
www.wtop.com

Shops Are Asked To Keep Herb Away From Troops

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (AP) - Marine Corps officers are telling shops near their North Carolina bases to refuse to sell troops a legal herb product outlawed in a few other states as a synthetic marijuana.

Commanders at Camp Lejeune and the Cherry Point and New River Marine Corps air stations have sent letters to dozens of tobacco shops and convenience stores carrying the products, The Daily News of Jacksonville reported Friday.

Shops that don't cooperate could be listed as off limits to Marines, said Maj. William Klumpp, a spokesman for 2nd Marine Air Wing, which oversees Cherry Point and New River.

"It is always our first choice to partner with the surrounding communities in working through issues such as this," Klumpp said. "It is important to note that it is not an allegation of unlawful conduct, but (using the drug) is simply not in keeping with the core values of our service."

The lab-made drug known as K2 and Spice mimics the effects of marijuana. It began showing up in the United States late last year and is legal in most states. Kansas and Louisiana, and municipalities in Arkansas and Mississippi, this year outlawed the drug, which is sold as an incense.

Marines who use the designer drug can be punished by up to two years in the brig and dishonorable discharge, former Camp Lejeune commander Col. Richard Flatau said in a letter to shops that sell it.

"The so-called designer drugs come in many forms. Use of them by service members is prejudicial to the good order and discipline of our Corps. As such, we are asking for your assistance in preventing their sale to our service men and women," the letter said.

Kevin Clark said his son's use of the legal substance will effect his life for years to come.

Pfc. Matthew Clark was charged with using the substance twice, making false statements and leaving base without permission, and was recently discharged from the Marines under other than honorable conditions, Kevin Clark said.

"These kids, when they make this mistake, it's a drug-related discharge," he said. "You can't get hired at McDonald's with that."

www.wavy.com

Teen Fisherman Reports Seeing An Alligator In The Patapsco River

Weeks of relentless, steamy heat is bad enough. But tropical reptiles in the Patapsco River?

Eric Hammack Jr., 16, says he saw an alligator while fishing Sunday evening with his cousin in Patapsco Valley State Park off Belle Grove Road, not far from his home in Pumphrey in northern Anne Arundel County.

Just after 6 p.m., he said, "I heard all this splashing." He didn't see anything he could identify at first, just something swimming from the shore into the pond's deeper water.

"I thought it was a turtle or something," he said.

He left it alone, but several minutes later he saw a head pop up. Then it began swimming closer, and when it was only a few feet away, he and his cousin got a better view. "It's an alligator," he said, estimating its length at "2 or 3 feet."

Hammack said he threw a rock at it, then thought better of the idea. "I started backing away from the shore," he said.

His mother, Thea Hammack, sent out a mass e-mail message to alert members of her community association and began calling state officials. Department of Natural Resources Police Sgt. Art Windemuth said Monday afternoon that the agency is investigating.

"We probably deal with a case or two a year," DNR Police Sgt. Brian K. Albert said Monday. "Someone will go to Florida, get an alligator. They try to raise it; it gets too big, and they turn it loose."

Keeping an alligator or its cousin, the caiman, is illegal in Maryland. Last week, DNR Police seized a small caiman from a home in Frederick County and served its owner with a warning.

But you're not supposed to set them free here, either.

In 2002, residents along Seneca Creek in eastern Baltimore County reported seeing a 2- or 3-foot alligator, or more likely a caiman. For several weeks, residents had spotted it under a gazebo or swimming in the creek.

Residents tried nets. The DNR and county police officers moved in with more nets and boats, but the reptile eluded them all.

Come winter, the problem in the Patapsco — if it really is an alligator or a caiman — will solve itself. "They'll perish in wintertime conditions," Albert said. Still, if there's a reliable sighting, DNR officers will try to catch them.

"We'd hate for somebody to get bit," he said.

www.baltimoresun.com

No mosque at Ground Zero

This guy is great, he has his info down to a T




Federal Judge Denies Request of Federal Attorneys Concerning Lawsuit Challenge

Virginia's lawsuit challenging the Obama administration's health care reform law cleared its first legal hurdle Monday as a federal judge ruled the law raises a host of complex constitutional issues.
U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson's decision stemmed from Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli's claims that Congress exceeded its authority under the Constitution's Commerce Clause by requiring citizens to buy health insurance or pay a penalty.

Hudson's ruling denied the Justice Department's attempt to have the lawsuit dismissed, saying further hearings must take place before he can weigh the merits of the case. An Oct. 18 hearing had previously been set in the case.

"Unquestionably, this regulation radically changes the landscape of health insurance coverage in America," Hudson wrote in his 32-page decision.

The Virginia General Assembly passed legislation this year exempting state residents from the federal coverage mandate. Hudson wrote that the attorney general had a right to defend that state law.

Cuccinelli announced in March that he would challenge the national law. More than a dozen other state attorneys general have filed a separate lawsuit in Florida challenging the federal law, but Virginia's lawsuit is the first to go before a judge.

Hudson said Virginia's case raises several complex constitutional issues -- mainly whether Congress has the right to regulate and tax a person's decision not to participate in interstate commerce.

The health care law aims to ensure coverage for all, requiring most U.S. residents to carry health insurance starting in 2014.

Insurers would not be able to refuse insurance for sick people under the law, which also expands Medicaid to help the poor. It also provides tax credits to help middle-class residents pay premiums. People facing financial hardship would be exempt from the coverage requirement. However, people who can afford insurance but refuse to sign up would face a tax penalty.

On Monday, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius told reporters during a teleconference that Hudson's decision was a procedural step.

"That just means there will be a full hearing on the arguments. We remain confident that the case is solid and there is full constitutional backing for the passing of the Affordable Care Act," she said.

Sebelius said Hudson's ruling will "move us to the merits of the debate."

Requests for comment from Cuccinelli's office were not immediately returned.

Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell, a former state attorney general who enthusiastically supported Cuccinelli's challenge, was pleased with Hudson's ruling.

"It is meritorious and constitutionally correct. The requirement that all Americans must purchase health insurance or face a penalty is not permitted under the Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution," McDonnell said.

Shortly after he took office in January, McDonnell signed into law the legislation intended to block the requirement that individuals buy health insurance. It was the first such legislation in the U.S. to take effect as a state law.

Last month, Hudson heard more than two hours of arguments in the case.

The state argued that refusing to buy something is commercial "inactivity," not activity that can be regulated. Federal prosecutors have argued that the relevant commercial activity is the purchase of health care services, not insurance.
www.shoredailynews.com

The Future of Parking

The future is here, automated parking is no longer a thing of the future.
The Wohr Parking System  has been placed in operation in Budapest. Turn on your sound, the video is in English, this is simply amazing.

CLICK HERE to see the VIDEO of the Wohr Parking System

Hat Tip; Kack

Monday, August 2, 2010

Another Big Winner In Virginia Lottery

"Is it real?"

That's the question Gregory Parker of Nelsonia asked himself as he looked at the winning numbers from the July 17 Cash 5 night drawing.

It was real. His ticket matched all five numbers to win the top prize of $100,000.

He bought the ticket at E & C VA, located at 16110 Lankford Highway in Nelsonia. The winning numbers for that drawing were 5-9-16-31-32. He used Easy Pick, allowing the computer to randomly select his numbers.

There is an even bigger prize in Mr. Parker's future. He plans to use some of his winnings to pay for his upcoming wedding.

Cash 5 drawings are held daily at 1:59 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. The chances of winning the $100,000 top prize are 1 in 278,256.

Nearly 95 cents of each dollar spent on the Virginia Lottery by players goes back to the Commonwealth in the form of contributions to education, prizes and retailer commissions. Since 1999, all Virginia Lottery profits have been designated solely to K-12 public school education in the Commonwealth. In that time, the Lottery has turned over more than $4 billion for Virginia's public schools. The latest annual profits of $439.1 million currently represent about 8 percent of state funding for public education in Virginia. In 21 years, the Lottery has sold more than $21.1 billion in tickets, awarded more than $1.1 billion in retailer commissions and paid more than $11.6 billion in prizes to players.

For more information, visit www.valottery.com. Follow the Virginia Lottery on Facebook and Twitter.
www.shoredailynews.com

Judge Rules Cuccinelli's Healthcare Challenge Can Continue

Richmond, Va. --

Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli's legal challenge to President Barack Obama's national health care overhaul can continue, a federal judge ruled today.

U.S. District Court Judge Henry E. Hudson denied a motion brought by lawyers for the administration to dismiss the lawsuit, filed by Virginia in March, a day after Obama signed into law federal health legislation.

"While this case raises a host of complex constitutional issues, all seem to distill to the single question of whether or not Congress has the power to regulate -- and tax -- a citizen's decision not to participate in interstate commerce," wrote Hudson in his 32-page memorandum.

"Given the presence of some authority arguably supporting the theory underlying each side's position, this court cannot conclude at this stage that the complaint fails to state a cause of action," he wrote.

Hudson said the case cannot be resolved without a further hearing on the merits.

While the legal battle over the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ultimately is expected to end up in the U.S. Supreme Court, today's ruling is a setback for the administration, which also faces a separate but similar legal challenge to health reform filed by Florida on behalf of 20 states.

www.timesdispatch.com

Forest Fire At Evans Wharf Burns 75 Acres

The Onancock Fire Department responded to a fire Friday at Evans Wharf, near Cashville. According to Chief Mike Truitt, the Fire Company was at the blaze most of the day Friday.

According to Truitt, 25 acres were burning Friday and continued into Saturday. Onancock was called to assist the Department of Forestrresponded to a fire Friday at Evans Wharf, near Cashville. According to Chief Mike Truitt, the Fire Company was at the blaze most of the day Friday.

According to Truitt, 25 acres were burning Friday and continued into Saturday. Onancock was called to assist the Department of Forestry in case the fire spread, but through fire lines they were able to keep the fire from spreading towards Cashville Road. According to Truitt, up to 75 acres of land were affected by the fire.

Truitt said they are not sure of what caused the fire, but he added it was "certainly accidental."
http://www.shoredailynews.com/

Workshop For Veteran's

At a workshop to be held on August 7 at the American Legion Post 56 in Cheriton, eligible veterans will be able to apply for VA benefits, file for health care, sign up for free counseling, enroll in the Va. Employment Commission and work with representatives from half a dozen state and federal agencies.

The event is sponsored by the Va. Department of Veterans Services, Eastern Shore Community College,and the Virginia Employment Commission, and work with representatives from a half-dozen state and federal agencies, and will be held from 10 AM until 1 PM at the Legion Post at 21210 Bayside Road in Cheriton.

During the three hour workshop, veterans and their family members will be able to complete more than half a dozen processes:

Begin claims process for VA benefits.

File the VA Health Benefits Enrollment Eligibility From 1010 EZ.

Sign up for free counseling and referral services from the Norfolk Vet Center.

Get help from the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program for combat stress and traumatic brain injuries.

Enroll with the Virginia Employment Commission and begin the job search process.

Order a copy of their DD214.

Remember this date:

August 7, 2010 at the American Legion Post in Cheriton.

Call Wendy Ainsworth at 787-5862 for more information.
www.shoredailynews.com

Guess The Picture

Don't rush.

Study the picture and try to determine what it represents. 

I guessed this one right away


Tax Free Weekend For Back To School Purchases


August Sales Tax Holiday: School Supplies and Clothing

Virginia Tax Free Holiday

When: First full weekend of August (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) each year. The 2010 holiday will take place on August 6-8, 2010.

What's Exempt: During this three-day period, purchases of qualifying school supplies selling for $20 or less per item, and purchases of qualifying clothing and footwear selling for $100 or less per item will be exempt from sales tax.

Retailers may also choose to absorb the tax on other items during the holiday period, but they are responsible for paying the tax on those items to the Department of Taxation.


Maryland Sales Tax Holiday

August 8-14, 2010

The Maryland Sales Tax Holiday gives shoppers a 6 percent savings on qualifying clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less. Qualifying apparel included belts, coats, jackets, pants, shoes, socks and sweaters. The sales tax exemption applied to each eligible item, regardless of how many items you purchase at the same time.

The SPCA-Eastern Shore Needs OUR Help

As we all are aware of during these rough times for so many people the family pet is the first to get neglected and "kicked to the curb". Too many times they are let loose in a neighborhood unknown to them, left behind when the family they love leaves them without a kiss and a goodbye or, if lucky, they will end up at the SPCA -Eastern Shore.

The SPCA-Eastern Shore does not receive tax dollars and has only the public to count on for assistance with the caring of these animals. Because they are a "no kill" facility they have plenty of animals to feed...........many sad animals.

I found a link on their website today that I think will help them if we all sign up! It won't cost us a cent and only take a few minutes to get signed on. Here it is.......... and remember it's simple to do.....
Shop at Food Lion? You can help us out!

If you use your Food Lion MVP card you can help us out. It will not change what you buy or what you pay. Read the simple instructions and do it today!
Here are the simple instructions.

Support the Eastern Shore SPCA


With

Food Lion’s MVP Program

"COMMUNITY REWARDS"

You can help support the SPCA by "linking" your Food Lion MVP card. Every time you shop and purchase "Food Lion" brand products using your MVP card the amount you spend on qualified items will be automatically credited to the SPCA. All Food Lion stores support this program! Please tell your family, friends, and neighbors who may shop at Food Lion to "sign up".

Signing up is easy. If you find that you need assistance in linking your card, give the SPCA a call at: (757) 787-7385.

The Enrollment Process is as Follows:

Go to "www.Foodlion.com"

Click "MVP Rewards" (I found the link under "Community Outreach")

Click "Register Your MVP Card" (box in lower right corner of page)

Click where it says "Register Your MVP Card" to support your favorite school or charity.

Enter your 12-digit MVP card number (NOTE: The # is on the back of your card, starts with the small # to the left of the barcode followed by the 10-digits under the barcode & ending with the small # to the right of the barcode)

Click "Submit"

Enter your "Contact Information"

Click "Submit"

Go to "Add an Organization to Support" box

Enter Code # "252153"

Click "Find"

Click "Add"

Click "Sign-Out"

Eastern Shore SPCA- Caring for animals in Accomack and Northampton Counties.


Please help. And please urge others to do so too.

Highest Environmental Honor Awarded To Wallops

WALLOPS ISLAND --NASA's Wallops Flight Facility has been awarded the highest environmental recognition within the Commonwealth of Virginia for programs protecting the area's natural resources.

Wallops is only the second federal facility in the Commonwealth of Virginia to receive this Extraordinary Environ-mental Enterprise level of the Virginia Environment-al Excellence Program.

"VEEP E4 status is the highest level of environmental recognition in the commonwealth. Wallops joins an elite group which not only strives for environmental excellence within their own missions, but also reaches beyond their facility fence line in proactively working with community partners to promote environmental stewardship," said Carolyn Turner, Wallops head of the Environmental Office.

The facility is currently pursuing renewable energy sources, alternative fuels, and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certifications for existing buildings. The Wallops Environmental office also specializes in pollution prevention, hazardous waste management, protecting endangered species, recycling, storage tank management and environmental planning.

These programs are managed through the Wallops environmental management system, a process aimed at reducing the facility's impacts on the environment by identifying impacts, setting goals to minimize those impacts, improving procedures and tracking progress.

VEEP is a partnership program that has a goal of a more sustainable Virginia. The program is aimed at improving environmental performance and stewardship through a beyond-compliance collaboration with the Department of Environmental Quality.

The award program has stepped levels. The higher the level, the more advanced the facility's environmental program. To be awarded the Extraordinary Environ-mental Enterprise award, a facility must display a commitment to the highest environmental performance.

Some of the requirements for a facility to receive this award include a fully implemented environmental management system including a pollution program, community involvement, and continuous and sustainable progress. Another main component is maintaining a record of sustained compliance.

Sustained compliance requires that the facility be in good standing with the federal and state regulations. It also requires the facility to have less than two environmental violations in the previous three years. Wallops has had no violations.

"Wallops Flight Facility is always striving for environmental excellence," Turner said.

www.easternshorenews.com

Sunday, August 1, 2010

A Lazy Dog-Day? Afternoon...............


Hope everyone got the chance to do nothing today except cat nap!

Pocomoke Crime Reports for the Month of July

BREAKING & ENTERING
30 Jul 2010
400 BLOCK OLD VIRGINIA ROAD
Distance: 0.62 miles
Identifier: 10-0004688
Time(24h): 15:14
BREAKING AND ENTERING
Agency: Pocomoke Poilce
Send to Friend
BREAKING & ENTERING
28 Jul 2010
200 BLOCK EIGHTH STREET
Distance: 0.55 miles
Identifier: 10-0004646
Time(24h): 17:48
BURGLARY - FIRST DEGREE
Agency: Pocomoke Poilce
Send to Friend
THEFT
28 Jul 2010
2100 BLOCK OLD SNOW HILL
Distance: 0.53 miles
Identifier: 10-0004651
Time(24h): 20:00
THEFT $1,000 - L/T $10,000
Agency: Pocomoke Poilce
Send to Friend
THEFT
28 Jul 2010
NO ADDRESS PROVIDED
Distance: 1.02 miles
Identifier: 10-0004650
Time(24h): 19:52
THEFT: LESS $500 VALUE
Agency: Pocomoke Poilce
Send to Friend
BREAKING & ENTERING
27 Jul 2010
1200 BLOCK MARKET STREET
Distance: 0.34 miles
Identifier: 10-0004616
Time(24h): 07:23
BURGLARY - FIRST DEGREE
Agency: Pocomoke Poilce
Send to Friend
THEFT
27 Jul 2010
400 BLOCK CEDAR STREET
Distance: 0.92 miles
Identifier: 10-0004614
Time(24h): 01:49
THEFT: LESS $500 VALUE
Agency: Pocomoke Poilce
Send to Friend
THEFT
26 Jul 2010
1200 BLOCK MARKET STREET
Distance: 0.34 miles
Identifier: 10-0004598
Time(24h): 12:26
THEFT LESS THAN $100.00
Agency: Pocomoke Poilce
Send to Friend
THEFT
26 Jul 2010
500 BLOCK BONNEVILLE AVENUE
Distance: 0.92 miles
Identifier: 10-0004592
Time(24h): 07:25
THEFT LESS THAN $100.00
Agency: Pocomoke Poilce
Send to Friend
THEFT
26 Jul 2010
300 BLOCK SECOND STREET
Distance: 1.01 miles
Identifier: 10-0004593
Time(24h): 09:35
THEFT $100 - L/T 1,000
Agency: Pocomoke Poilce
Send to Friend
THEFT
25 Jul 2010
700 BLOCK NINTH STREET
Distance: 0.66 miles
Identifier: 10-0004586
Time(24h): 19:50
THEFT $100 - L/T 1,000
Agency: Pocomoke Poilce
Send to Friend
ASSAULT
24 Jul 2010
1000 BLOCK SECOND STREET
Distance: 1.2 miles
Identifier: 10-0004554
Time(24h): 01:57
ASSAULT - SECOND DEGREE
Agency: Pocomoke Poilce
Send to Friend
THEFT
24 Jul 2010
200 BLOCK EIGHTH STREET
Distance: 0.55 miles
Identifier: 10-0004563
Time(24h): 15:16
THEFT LESS THAN $100
Agency: Pocomoke Poilce
Send to Friend
ASSAULT
24 Jul 2010
400 BLOCK BANK STREET
Distance: 0.84 miles
Identifier: 10-0004564
Time(24h): 16:41
ASSAULT - SECOND DEGREE
Agency: Pocomoke Poilce
Send to Friend
THEFT
23 Jul 2010
700 BLOCK SECOND STREET
Distance: 1.06 miles
Identifier: 10-0004543
Time(24h): 19:02
THEFT $100 - L/T 1,000
Agency: Pocomoke Poilce
Send to Friend
THEFT
23 Jul 2010
300 BLOCK SECOND STREET
Distance: 1.01 miles
Identifier: 10-0004539
Time(24h): 14:05
THEFT $1,000 - L/T $10,000
Agency: Pocomoke Poilce
Send to Friend
THEFT
18 Jul 2010
1000 BLOCK MARKET STREET
Distance: 0.42 miles
Identifier: 10-0004442
Time(24h): 10:16
THEFT LESS THAN $100.00
Agency: Pocomoke Poilce

Guess The Picture

Don't rush.

Study the picture and try to determine what it represents. 

=============================================================


Put on your thinking cap.

============================================================

HAY FOR SALE

Now keep in mind Obama thinks Arizona is over doing it and their problem is a big joke and they are over reacting.  that was his response to their plea of needing serious immigration laws and money to patrol the deserts toward the Mexican border where American tourists and innocent people have been killed for stumbling onto drug transactions in the wild west on U.S. Soil

Stopped in Arizona , from Texas , headed to California !


.

.


SURPRISE, IT AIN'T FOR HORSES!
You will probably wonder now every time you see a load of hay going down the highway.... 

What if the hiding place had illegals, terrorists, or maybe even a dirty bomb?  
What if Arizona wasn't as concerned as it is???
GO GET 'EM ARIZONA!

Hat Tip; Kack

UNBELIEVABLE PHOTO

This is a beautiful photo of a giant American flag in Arizona . The photo is authentic, UN-Touched and was taken on regular Kodak 35mm film. The person who took the Picture couldn't believe the image created by the sun's rays. Nice of them to share it with the world! Read what it says under the picture.



Hat Tip; Kack

Muslim Heritage

Barack OBAMA, 
during his Cairo speech,  said:   
"I know, too, that Islam has always been a part 
of  America 's story."
 
AN AMERICAN 
CITIZEN'S RESPONSE:
 
 
 Dear Mr. 
Obama:
 
 
 
Were those 
Muslims that were in America when the Pilgrims 
first landed?  Funny, I thought they were 
Native American Indians.
 
 
 
 Were those 
Muslims that celebrated the first Thanksgiving 
day?  Sorry again, those were Pilgrims and 
Native American Indians.
 
 
 
 Can you 
show me one Muslim signature on the United 
States Constitution?
 
 
Declaration 
of Independence ?
 
 
Bill of 
Rights?
 
 
 Didn't 
think so.
 
 
 Did 
Muslims fight for this country's freedom from 
England ?  No.
 
 
Did 
Muslims fight during the Civil War to free the 
slaves in America ?  No, they did 
not.  In fact, Muslims to this day are 
still the largest traffickers in human 
slavery.  Your own half brother, a devout 
Muslim, still advocates slavery himself, even 
though Muslims of Arabic descent refer to black 
Muslims as "pug nosed slaves."  Says a lot 
of what the Muslim world really thinks of your 
family's "rich Islamic heritage," doesn't it Mr. 
Obama?
 
 
Where were 
Muslims during the Civil Rights era of this 
country?  Not present.
 
 
There are 
no pictures or media accounts of Muslims walking 
side by side with Martin Luther King, Jr. or 
helping to advance the cause of Civil 
Rights.
 
 
Where were 
Muslims during this country's Woman's Suffrage 
era?  Again, not present.  In fact, 
devout Muslims demand that women are subservient
to men in the Islamic culture.  So much so, 
that often they are beaten for not wearing the 
'hajib' or for talking to a man who is not a 
direct family member or their husband.  
Yep, the Muslims are all for women's rights, 
aren't they?
 
Where were 
Muslims during World War II?  They were 
aligned with Adolf Hitler.  The Muslim 
grand mufti himself met with Adolf Hitler, 
reviewed the troops and accepted support from 
the Nazi's in killing Jews.
 
 
 Finally, 
Mr. Obama, where were Muslims on Sept. 11th, 
2001?  If they weren't flying planes into 
the World Trade Center , the Pentagon or a field 
in Pennsylvania killing nearly 3,000 people on 
our own soil, they were rejoicing in the Middle 
East .  No one can dispute the pictures 
shown from all parts of the Muslim world 
celebrating on CNN, Fox News, MSNBC and other 
cable news networks that day.  Strangely, 
the very "moderate" Muslims who's asses you bent 
over backwards to kiss in Cairo , Egypt on June 
4th were stone cold silent post 9-11.  To 
many Americans, their silence has meant approval 
for the acts of that day.
 
 
And THAT, Mr. 
Obama, is the "rich heritage" Muslims have here 
in America .
 
Oh, I'm sorry, I 
forgot to mention the Barbary Pirates.  
They were Muslim.
 
And now we can 
add November 5, 2009 - the slaughter of American 
soldiers at Fort Hood by a Muslim major who is a 
doctor and a psychiatrist who was supposed to be 
counseling soldiers returning from battle in 
Iraq and Afghanistan .
 
 
That, Mr. Obama 
is the "Muslim heritage" in America 
.

Hat Tip; Mrs. M.

Free Carbon Monoxide Alarms Offered By Rural Health

EXMORE --Medical experts believe that unborn babies, infants, and children are at greater risk for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Based on these findings, the Virginia Department Health has awarded Safe Kids Eastern Shore Coalition/Eastern Shore Rural Health System a grant to offer free carbon monoxide alarms.

The program's primary goal is to educate the at-risk groups about CO poisoning prevention and detection and fire prevention. The families will be provided a free CO alarm and instruction on the proper maintenance of the alarms.

The alarms will be available at the "Get Alarmed" program:

Wednesday, Aug. 4, 5:30 p.m., Parksley Volunteer Fire Department;

Thursday, Aug. 5, 5:30 p.m., Community Fire Company, Exmore;

The program is for the whole family and will include a brief safety presentation, pizza and drink, a firehouse tour and the free carbon monoxide alarm. Each family will need to complete an application form. Preference will be given to those who have completed and submitted a form and to early arrivals on the day of the program.


In 2008 and 2009, fire departments throughout Virginia responded to approximately 1,000 carbon monoxide exposure-related incidents each year, according to the Virginia Fire Incident Reporting System.

According to the United States Fire Administration, each year in America, CO poisoning claims approximately 500 lives and sends more than 15,000 people to hospital emergency rooms for treatment.

With extremely cold days last winter, there were more frequent use of fuels that can produce carbon monoxide. Often called the "invisible killer," carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels -- such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil and methane -- burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are potential sources of carbon monoxide. Vehicles or generators running in an attached garage or in a basement can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

Call Faye Godbey, Onley Community Health Center, 757-787-7374, ext. 6 for more information.

www.easternshorenews.com

Man Faces First-degree Assault Charges For Throwing Woman Into Busy Street

OCEAN CITY – A Westminster man faces first-degree assault and other charges this week after allegedly scooping up a woman walking on 49th Street and running with her at a full sprint before tossing her onto a crowded Coastal Highway.

At around 2 a.m. on Wednesday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer observed a man, later identified as Steven B. Barnett, 20, approach a group of several women walking eastbound on the street. Without warning or provocation, Barnett allegedly picked up one of the women and began running toward Coastal Highway with her in his arms.

According to police reports, Barnett carried the woman as if he was cradling her to the center of the bus lane on the southbound side of Coastal Highway. Barnett was allegedly running at full speed as he carried the victim onto the highway before throwing her forward. The officer observed Barnett flee the scene after tossing the female victim into the crowded roadway.

A crowd reportedly gathered around the victim who was still lying in the highway. According to police reports, traffic was flowing heavily on Coastal Highway in the area, but the victim’s family members were able to carry her from the roadway before any vehicles reached her.

When the officer arrived on scene, he noted the victim appeared to be injured with her ankle swollen and disfigured, according to police reports. The victim told the officer she believed her ankle was broken, and the officer concluded she would not have been able to get out of the way of oncoming traffic without the help of her family.

Meanwhile, the victim’s sister told the officer she did not know Barnett prior to the incident, nor had any of the family members or individuals in the group. The victim’s sister led the officer in the direction Barnett had fled to no avail. However, when the officer returned to the scene, he observed Barnett talking to a different OCPD officer.

The victim later told police Barnett appeared intoxicated when he picked her up suddenly, and while she repeatedly shouted at him to put her down, he continued to run toward the highway and told her he was going to “throw her in the street.”

The victim confirmed to police she had never met Barnett and had no prior contact with him that night. Barnett was arrested and charged with first- and second-degree assault and reckless endangerment. He was released later on Wednesday after posting a $10,000 bond.

www.mdcoastdispatch.com