Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Horrorcore Rapper "Syco Sam" Pleads Guilty For Four Murders

FARMVILLE, Va. (AP) - An aspiring rapper in the "horrorcore" genre pleaded guilty Monday to killing his 16-year-old girlfriend, her parents and her friend days after the adults chaperoned the teens at a music festival featuring artists rhyming about raping, killing and mutilating people.

Richard "Sam" McCroskey, 21, was sentenced to life in prison as part of his agreement to plead guilty to two counts of capital murder and two counts of first-degree murder. He initially was charged with four counts of capital murder, which could have resulted in the death penalty if convicted on the charges.

His attorney, Cary Bowen, said after the hearing that the prospect of a conviction on capital murder charges was a major factor in agreeing to the guilty plea.

"Four bodies are pretty compelling evidence," Bowen said. "This is the kind of stuff that citizens any place in this country are terrified it could happen to them. This is the kind of case death penalties arise from."

McCroskey, from Castro Valley, Calif., arrived at the Prince Edward County Circuit Court shackled, in a loose-fitting orange jumpsuit and under heavy guard. He did not look at family members gathered on side of the courtroom, and showed little emotion during the hearing. He replied "yes" and "no" to questions from the judge in Prince Edward County Circuit Court.

He declined to offer a statement in court but Bowen said his client was preparing a message to give to the victims' families. He described McCroskey's mood as "somber."

"There are four people dead here," Bowen said. "He's not happy at all."

McCroskey pleaded guilty to killing his girlfriend, 16-year-old Emma Niederbrock; her parents, Presbyterian minister Mark Niederbrock and Longwood University professor Debra Kelley; and Emma's 18-year-old friend, Melanie Wells of Inwood, W.Va. Their bodies were found last September in Kelley's home.

Family members and friends of the victims sobbed softly during the hearing in this college town 50 miles southwest of Richmond. They left without speaking to reporters, but issued a written statement: "We have endured a tragedy of unspeakable proportions. We are relieved that justice has been done.

"While we will never forget our loved ones or the circumstances of their deaths, we hope to move forward and begin the healing process."

Prosecutor James R. Ennis said that the women were bludgeoned with a wood-splitting tool _ a maul _ while they slept on Sept. 15, 2009. Mark Niederbrock was killed with the tool when he came to check on them a day and a half later.

Asked why McCroskey remained in the house, Bowen said, "I think he was contemplating suicide. He was contemplating what he had done, and not knowing what to do about it."

Ennis declined to speculate on a motive. "He's a closed individual," he said.

But Bowen said McCroskey had become increasingly angry with Emma and believed she "wasn't being loyal to him."

McCroskey and Emma Niederbrock shared an interest in the "horrorcore" genre, which sets violent lyrics over hip-hop beats.

McCroskey, a website designer and music promoter, had been rapping under the name "Syko Sam." He flew to Virginia to visit Emma, and her parents drove them and Wells to a horrorcore music festival in Michigan Sept. 12. Police found their bodies six days later after Wells' parents became worried that she didn't return home.

Bowen said McCroskey had confided to friends he had killed the four.

Asked if McCroskey's musical interests had fueled his rage, Bowen said, "Much of that music is so rampant with this exact kind of behavior, you can't help but notice the coincidence. But I don't have a sense the music led to this kind of behavior."

Ennis said McCroskey had no criminal record. He said he had discussed the plea agreement with the victims' families, and their sentiments played a role in structuring the plea.

"Anything can go wrong in a jury trial," he said. "Hopefully this can bring some measure of closure to the families."

On McCroskey's MySpace page, people have posted messages of support in recent weeks.

"free syko sam we need more tracks!!" reads a post under the name J.R.B. from last month.

www.wtop.com

Richmond Soldier Killed In Afghanistan

RICHMOND - The Department of Defense announced Monday the death of Staff Sgt. Jaime C. Newman, 27, of Richmond, Va.

Staff Sgt. Newman died Friday September. 17 in Maquan, Zhari District, Afghanistan.

The military says he was killed when an improvised explosive device exploded near where he was patrolling.

Newman was an Infantryman assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault.)

His awards and decorations include: Purple Heart Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; Army Commendation Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Service Medal; Iraqi Campaign Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; Combat Infantryman Badge; Expert Infantryman Badge; Air Assault Badge; Driver and Mechanic Badge.

He is survived by his son Damarques J. Newman of Powhatan, Va.; daughter Jaidan I. Cox of Richmond, Va.; mother, Helen C. Newman of Richmond, Va.; and father, Angel Ramos.

1st Lt. Eric Yates, 26, of Rineyville, Kentucky was also killed in the attack.
www.wtkr.com

Monday, September 20, 2010

My faith in Internet stories has been restored.

Finally, some honesty in big buck hunting stories..




Here's a picture of the new world record whitetail. It was taken by the cousin of a co-worker's sister's, uncle's, best friend's, son-in-law's, niece's hairdresser's, neighbor's ex-boyfriend's oldest nephew. Reportedly it will score 2603-1/8 by B&C standard and was shot in  West Texas  on a really windy day, 85 degrees downhill, around a curve at 900 yards with a 22 mag. Supposedly, this deer had killed a Brahma bull, two Land Rovers and six Jehovah's Witnesses in the last two weeks alone. They said it was winning a fight with Bigfoot when it was shot. It had also been confirmed that the buck had been seen drinking discharge water from a nuclear power plant.

Hat Tip; Art

New Date For NASA Rocket Launch

NASA has announced the rocket launch which was cancelled last week has been rescheduled for Tuesday morning.

The Terrier-Improved Orion suborbital sounding rocket will test several new rocket technologies. The launch is scheduled to launch from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM, according to a NASA news release.

The Visitor Center will open at 7:00 AM for those who want to watch the launch, which will also be viewable from certain areas along the seaside coast. Backup dates for the launch are Wednesday and Thursday.

The launch also can be viewed on NASA's website(below) beginning at 7:00 AM on launch day. The status of the launch also can be followed on Twitter or by calling (757)824-2050.


More Information NASA's Website

Most Aspects Of E-Waste Not Regulated

Virginians are creating piles of potentially dangerous waste.

The problem is old electronics, or e-waste -- computers, cellphones and other gadgets that people toss because they've found something newer and shinier.

"It's not factory waste but post-consumer waste that's coming out of your hands, my hands or anybody's hands," said Jim Puckett, director of the Basel Action Network, a Seattle-based environmental group.

The old electronics are laced with pollutants, such as lead and cadmium, that have been linked to cancer, nervous-system damage and other problems.

No one is sure how much e-waste Virginians produce. No one tracks it closely, in Virginia or nationally. But everyone agrees it's a lot.

The Environmental Protection Agency says the U.S. discarded about 2.25 million tons of electronics in 2007, the most recent year for which even a rough estimate is available.

That's about 14½ pounds -- roughly the weight of a couple of laptops -- for every U.S. resident. It's also nearly a three-fold increase from the estimated 850,000 tons in 1997, according to the EPA.

"There's so much of it, and it's being generated at an increasing rate in the U.S. and worldwide," said Dan Gallo, an environmental protection specialist for the EPA.

And no one knows precisely where it all goes. Most of it ends up in landfills that are safe now, regulators say, but which critics say will leak someday.

A portion of the waste -- the amount is in dispute -- gets exported to such places as China and Africa, where workers in unsafe conditions extract valuable copper and other materials using open fires and acid.

Most aspects of e-waste are unregulated, federally and in Virginia.


"We're not deeply involved in how computers are managed in Virginia, other than encouraging that they be recycled or donated so they can have continued life," said Steve Coe, recycling specialist with the state Department of Environmental Quality.

The state and federal governments oversee the disposal of cathode-ray tubes, or CRTs -- the big, glassy parts in old computer monitors and TVs -- which can contain up to 8 pounds of lead, a toxic metal.

But while some states ban residents from dumping CRTs and other electronics in landfills, Virginia does not.

Among Virginia's neighbors, North Carolina and West Virginia will start banning the dumping of computer equipment and TVs next year. Maryland has no ban or plans for one.

Virginia allows individuals to dump old electronics with their household garbage, which ends up in a landfill.

Virginia localities can ban people from tossing lead-laden CRTs in the trash, but few localities -- and none in the Richmond area -- do that.

Of the electronics discarded in 2007, more than 80 percent went into landfills, the EPA says. Everyone agrees that's a waste of landfill space and valuable materials that can be recycled. The question is whether that dumping endangers the public.

The EPA says no, because modern landfills are equipped with plastic underground liners and systems designed to limit pollution.

"If properly managed, the disposal of electronics in landfills can be safe," Gallo said.

Others fear that even the most modern liners will leak someday, allowing e-waste-tainted "garbage juice" to pollute underground water, which can feed wells and streams.

"The heavy metals are there for the long, long term, and I don't think the liners are there for the long, long term," said Roger Diedrich, who deals with waste issues for the Virginia chapter of the Sierra Club.

Acidic liquids in landfills can dissolve hazardous metals in e-waste such as lead and copper, said John T. Novak, a Virginia Tech professor of civil and environmental engineering.

If the landfill leaks, those metals can contaminate groundwater, but operators of properly built landfills should prevent that by pumping out and treating the liquids, among other measures, Novak said.

Landfills contain lots of nasty things, including treated wood containing copper and arsenic. You can debate the wisdom of building big landfills, but there is nothing really unique about the threat of the e-waste in them, Novak said.

"A landfill is almost like a biological experiment," said Scott Mouw, North Carolina's recycling director.

"To me, it's common sense" to recycle or reuse electronics, he said, and not put them where they might cause problems.

While most of the high-tech castoffs go into landfills, the rest are either repaired and put back into use, or recycled.

Much of the recycled waste is ultimately broken down into parts such as plastic and metals that can be used to make such products as parking-lot curbs and lead-acid batteries.

Although it sounds wonderful to recycle, critics say a lot of e-waste that is diverted toward recycling gets shipped to developing countries.

"Eighty percent of what you hand over to a recycler in this country is going to end up offshore," said Puckett, the Seattle environmentalist.

The exports can be legal, particularly if they don't involve cathode-ray tubes. But, critics say, some exports endanger overseas workers and mislead Americans who in good faith take their old computers and other items to recycling sites -- sometimes paying for the privilege.

The EPA's Gallo said he does not know what portion of the exports is handled improperly, but, "We think it's not as large as what's being portrayed" in the media.

The Government Accountability Office said in a scathing 2008 report that the EPA did little to stop recyclers from sending e-waste overseas. Used electronics other than CRTs flow "virtually unrestricted" to developing countries, the report said.

The EPA is planning a study to better determine the fate of exported electronics, Gallo said.

Robert Houghton, president of Redemtech, an Ohio-based company that repairs and recycles old electronics, said, "I think it's absolutely truthful to say that there are no completely reliable statistics" on where e-waste goes.

Some say Congress will eventually have to stop the improper handling of e-waste.

"We stopped companies from throwing stuff in rivers a long time ago," Houghton said. "This really isn't very different."

The state DEQ's Coe said he believes recycling companies in Virginia are operating properly -- partly because they are truly "getting green" and partly because they fear getting bad publicity.

"There's a business risk if they don't do the right thing," Coe said.

Virginia's e-waste in 2009 included 20,370 computers and other electronics owned by state agencies, state officials said. AERC Recycling Solutions, a Pennsylvania-based company, dealt with the electronics at a cost of $217,587. AERC's services included recycling computer parts and erasing data from computer hard drives. AERC runs two warehouse-like plants near Ashland.

In addition, Computer Recycling of Virginia, a nonprofit near Tappahannock, recycled and refurbished since 2006 about 47,000 formerly state-owned computers that were replaced by Northrop Grumman under that company's contract to provide technology services to the state. The payment to Computer Recycling totaled $230,515, Northrop Grumman said.

The potential danger of e-waste has been known for years, but there is a growing concern over its proliferation and the lack of transparency about its ultimate resting place.

"I don't know [where Virginia's e-waste goes] and I don't exactly know how to find out," said Sierra's Diedrich.

Could part of the issue be semantic?

Using the term "e-waste" for valuable used electronics adds to the problem, said Eric Harris, associate counsel for the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, a trade group.

"If we keep on calling it a waste," Harris said, "we're encouraging the type of behavior that is associated with waste."

Things would be better, Harris said, if we called the stuff "scrap."

www.timesdispatch.com

Pocomoke Man Charged With Possession Of Pot And Other Drugs

A Pocomoke man is charged with a variety of drug offenses after he was spotted in the West Ocean City Wawa with a partially burnt marijuana cigarette behind his ear by a Maryland State Trooper. 26 year old Tyrone Scruggs was arrested and faces numerous drug offenses.

CRIMINAL PRESS RELEASE:
Time: 09/17/2010 @ 2321 hours
Case #: 10-96-006202
Location: WAWA 12502 Ocean Gateway Ocean City, Worcester County, MD
Crime: Possession of CDS: Marijuana, cocaine, and paraphernalia
Victim: State of Maryland
Accused: Tyrone Scruggs 26 yoa from Pocomoke City, MD

Narrative: .. On the above date and time an on duty Trooper from the Berlin Barrack was in the WAWA convenience store located at the above location. While in the store he observed the above subject had a partially burnt rolled marijuana cigarette held behind his ear in plain view. The Trooper took the above subject into custody for marijuana possession. During a further search of the accused, the Trooper located a baggie containing crack cocaine and powder cocaine. The accused was processed and taken before a District Court Commissioner for CDS marijuana, CDS cocaine, and paraphernalia charges.


Disposition: Taken before District Court Commissioner.

www.wgmd.com

More From Gumboro ~ The Sod Buster

Each and every mudbog at Gumboro brings new trucks to area for the fun of racing through the 200 feet of mud. And each and every time the same trucks reappear with the hopes of keeping their points already acheived and gaining more plus getting their thrill for racing. It's also a time for joining friends made at races before and make new ones.

It should always be remembered that the trucks you see on mudbog day were put together with a great deal of expense and time and care. They all want to win.

Some will drive a great distance to Gumboro.....hours. For those of 187 East Peformance it is a 1 1/2 hour drive. Most of us stop for breakfast in the morning and dinner in the evenings before venturing home. It is not an expense free day.
Without these trucks and without these fearless drivers Gumboro would NOT be what it has become. Each and every truck that enters the pit has paid their fair share, just like everyone else, to participate. And it is always a sigh of relief for me knowing that we arrived safely and the rest of the 187 East Peformance would arrive shortly.

Saturday after the mishap of Orange Crush the spectators witnessed another hair raising moment with Sod Buster.

Flips and roll overs and fires may be excitement for the crowd but I can assure you that it most definitely is NOT for those in the pits! The family is there too....not to forget the extended family of the 187 East Performance.

This incident is unsettling with me. I did not like what I saw in the few seconds after this truck caught fire.

Here's the video followed by some photos.

The first one to arrive to the side of the truck was this driver's son! Within seconds other drivers had jumped the fence INCLUDING the driver's WIFE, daughter and daughter's boyfriend followed by my husband and even more.

Then appearing on the scene even seconds later was the staff arriving in their golf cart looking like the Keystone Kops! That's right. I said Keystone Kops! They do a remarkable job measuring distances driven by the trucks in the pit but when it comes to an emergency situation they stink!

Everyone was screaming to remove the driver. Others were screaming for fire extinquishers. They yelled and yelled while this driver's family and friends scrambled to unhook the extinguishers they had................The "staff" had come unprepared! No one on that cart had a fire extinguisher in hand!

And at the same time all of this was happening the daughter of the driver was running towards the pits screaming for a screw driver. I can't imagine that cart not even being equiped with a few tools..... common sense should tell them that a screwdriver and hammer could always come in handy.
And the other racers and racers families even helped clean up. All that was left to be done was to tow the Sod Buster. The driver was not hurt..........but as in any mishap HE COULD HAVE BEEN!

What is it going to take before an ambulance is present at these races? What's it going to take before fire extinguishers are placed ALONG THE FENCE NEAR THE PITS so your summer tanned pretty boys can fight a flame or a flicker in a truck if they know how to!?

Each and every driver is required to have an extinguisher on board his or her truck. THEY can't always get to it in an emergency situation and neither can the first person to the scene.

This isn't the first time this has occured. We witnessed a similar situation on August 28th.

These drivers spend alot money for and on Gumboro. Not because they have to........they want to. They love the sport. Each mudbog these men and women put on one heck of a show for the spectators in hopes that the crowd will spread the word and return the next time and time after that.

So, in appreciation for what these men and women do and for the revenue THEY bring to the Gumboro Mudbog organization don't they deserve to have that extra reassurance? Surely, by now they have made enough money for the Gumboro Mudbog to affored it.

They deserve it and it should NOT be put upon the people in the pits to take care of these situations...........even though they will and with a reaction time so much faster.

Let's not wait for a true horrible disaster to happen...........it can. By then it will be too late.

A little bit of money spent for SAFETY purposes will go a long way.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Mishaps From Time to Time At Gumboro

The wonderful people that make mud racing possible at Gumboro go all out in making everyones visit as comfortable as they can. I've never heard a terse word among any of them, seen any signs of anyone working the grounds seem to be unhappy. Each event is positively alcohol FREE.....which is a wonderful thing........

In the concession stand they have a wonderful assortment of hats, t-shirts and really great food.


They don't seem to forget a thing........well almost........


This is a photo of "Orange Crush" driven by Jared Collins. Jared is familiar face in the pits at Gumboro as is his truck to the spectators that cheer him on.

Saturday Jared had an unfortunate mishap that caused his truck to almost roll over as he traveled through the 200 feet of thick mud at a high rate of speed.


I had thought I had his race on video but don't. These are the photos that I did capture.


It seems something around the wheel area snapped causing damage to the front end. The driver was not injured but this could have been a most unfortunate experience for Jared and everyone else watching yesterday.



I keep a watchful eye on all these trucks. An accident can happen at anytime regardless of the size of the trucks motor or the speed applied to gain the least amount of seconds. Spectators are watching, children are watching, family and friends are watching and other racers are watching.

An accident like this one which does not look like much from the photos can scare the pants off everybody.

For myself, when this occurs, I can't help but feel faint. The one thing I pay close attention to is RESPONSE. When these pictures were taken the driver had been removed and there was no further danger to the truck.


The crew that was there was empty handed. NO fire extinquishers! Not one.

Also NO emergency crew. NO ambulance.


And you say........."didn't need one". And I say but IF there had been a need for one would these racers have been protected? By whom?


Oh, I'll tell you how and I will tell you just exactly WHO protected ANOTHER DRIVER yesterday!


Stay tuned.......

More Gumboro Mudbog

During opening ceremonies at the Gumboro Mudbog yesterday the drivers that participated in the August 28th Charity Run For the Wounded Warriors at Walter Reed Hospital were recognized. It was espicially comforting to hear that the 50/50 raffle yesterday raised an extra $200 OR MORE that will be added to the original amount already raised.

More than 50 trucks registered for the mudbog in all classes. Big Tire and Small Tire Modified Classes both had a first place prize of $750.00 EACH which enticed more drivers to bring their trucks and take a chance.
Videos and more photos................



BUSY DAY AT GUMBORO~ Alot Of Good Racing

What a beautiful, bright and sunny day we had yesterday at the Gumboro Mudbog.

Days likes this don't get any better on the Eastern Shore. There seemed to be many more spectators the last couple of times and alot of them appear (from the pit side) that in spite of what they drive to the race in they come equipped sometimes with those pop up tents or beach umbrellas.This is a wonderful idea, especially if you have children, since it gives more room to move around as apposed to sitting on those hard bleachers in the sun all day. Even tailgait watching can be relaxing.

And those pop-up tents are on the pit side too! I wouldn 't be afraid to bet that those inexpensive creations probably take the days temperature down 12 degrees or more........ true lifesavers for alot of us who arrive early in the morning and don't leave until the evening hours.

I love to have and see family and friends around us and yesterday there was plenty of that!
It's been custom for a while now that participating trucks line the fence before the races. This gives the crowd a chance to view them before the muddy races begin.
And of course the Gumboro Mudbog would not be the same without the Kid's Power Wheels Race! There were only two for the race yesterday but as usual quite a sight to see.
Here's the video of that most important race! The Future Mudbog Racers! And this young lady seems to beat them all! Could it be that she has the inside scoop because her Dad is a truck racer himself? We'll never know.





MORE FROM THE GUMBORO MUDBOG COMING SOON!

Handgun Found During Traffic Stop

A handgun was found in a vehicle at a traffic stop on Route 113 in Newark, Maryland. The trooper took the gun and found it to be loaded. They also found that William Wilson Jr.—a 21-year old from Temperanceville, Virginia was wanted on an outstanding bench warrant for driving with a suspended license.

CRIMINAL PRESS RELEASE:

Time: 09/17/2010 @ 2300 hours

Case #: 10-96-006203

Location: US Rt. 113 @ Langmaid Rd. Newark, Worcester County, MD

Crime: Handgun in vehicle, outstanding arrest warrant

Victim: State of Maryland

Accused: William Harrison Wilson Jr. 21 yoa from Temperanceville, VA

Narrative: On the above date and time a Trooper from the Berlin Barrack conducted a traffic stop on a 2003 Mazda driven
by the accused for passing in a no passing zone. A check of the accused through the District Court revealed he was
wanted on an outstanding bench warrant for driving with a suspended license. While placing the accused under arrest for the outstanding warrant the Trooper observed in plain view the barrel of a firearm protruding from underneath the driver’s floor mat. The Trooper retrieved the firearm and found it to be a loaded .32 caliber Colt revolver. The Trooper took custody of the above firearm. The accused did not have a handgun permit or any documentation for the firearm and was charged with carrying a handgun in a vehicle. The accused was taken before a District Court Commissioner for the warrant and handgun charges.

Disposition: Taken before District Court Commissioner

Investigating Trooper(s): TFC Sigmund #4783

Approving Duty Officer: CPL. Chatfield Date: 09/18/2010

Commander: Lt. E.W. Starner
Assistant Commander: 1/Sgt. D. Sharp

http://www.wgnd.com/

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Teresa Lewis To Be Executed In Virginia

RICHMOND, Va., Sept. 17 (UPI) -- Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell said Friday he will not grant clemency to a woman scheduled to be executed next week for the murder of her husband and stepson.

If she is put to death, Teresa Lewis, 41, would be the first woman executed in Virginia since 1912, The Washington Post reported. She is scheduled to die by lethal injection Thursday.

Lewis pleaded guilty in 2002 to arranging for her lover and another man to kill her husband, Julian Lewis, a Vietnam veteran, and his son, Charles "C.J." Lewis, an Army reservist. Matthew Shallenberger and Rodney Fuller, who carried out the killings at the Lewis trailer in Danville, received life sentences.

A judge, declaring Lewis the "head of this serpent," gave her the death penalty.

Opponents of Lewis' execution say Shallenberger actually planned the killings, manipulating Lewis, who has an IQ just above the level of mental retardation.

McDonnell, who supports the death penalty, said he read the submissions from Lewis' lawyers.

"I find no compelling reason to set aside the sentence that was imposed by the Circuit Court," McDonnell said.


Lewis 2010

www.upi.com

Feds Arrest Members Of Pagan Motorcycle Club

CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (CBS/AP) Federal officials have arrested 19 members of the Pagans motorcycle gang in five states, marking one of the largest roundups of the notorious group since 2002.

Prosecutors said Wednesday that the arrests made during early morning raids in New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Massachusetts were the result of a 21-month investigation by agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, who infiltrated the biker gang's internal operations.

According to an indictment, several members of the Long Island, N.Y. chapter of the Pagans Motorcycle Club met with gang members from other divisions last Sunday in New Jersey, where they discussed plans to kill members of the rival motorcycle gang, Hells Angels.

ATF officials say the conspirators drafted a list of potential targets and were told to be prepared to die or go face time in prison for completing their mission. ATF special agent-in-charge Ronald Turk said the arrests interrupted the conspiracy before anyone was hurt.

The deep-rooted rivalry between the Pagans and Hells Angels is one rife with violence. In 2002, one Pagan member was shot and killed and at least 10 other people were injured when a confrontation erupted after Pagans members decided to crash a motorcycle expo sponsored by Hells Angels.

Seventy-three Pagans were convicted of or pleaded guilty to federal charges in that case. Turk noted that this most recent sting was the largest roundup of Pagans members on Long Island since that case eight years ago.

Authorities reportedly confiscated 34 firearms and one improvised explosive device during the raids Wednesday.

Seven of the defendants were based on Long Island, where they were ordered to be held without bail during their arraignments in U.S. District Court. Members face charges of racketeering, murder conspiracy, assault, extortion, drug distribution, witness tampering and firearms offenses.

www.cbsnews.com

Why Mr. Rogers wore a sweater

This is a special tribute--Please take the time to read this. 


You Would Never Have Guessed

Captain Kangaroo passed away on January 23,  2004 at age 76 , which is odd, because he always looked to be 76. (DOB: 6/27/27 )
His death reminded me of the following story.

Some people have
been a bit offended that the actor, Lee Marvin, is buried in a grave alongside 3 and 4-star generals at Arlington National Cemetery His marker gives his name, rank (PVT) and service (USMC). Nothing else. Here's a guy who was only a famous movie star who served his time, why the heck does he rate burial with these guys? Well, following is the amazing answer:

I always liked Lee
Marvin, but didn't know the extent of his Corps experiences.

In a time when many Hollywood stars served their country in the armed forces often in rear echelon
posts where they were carefully protected, only to be trotted out to perform for the cameras in war bond promotions, Lee Marvin was a genuine hero.  He won the Navy Cross at Iwo Jima there is only one higher Naval award... the Medal Of Honor!

If that is a surprising
comment on the true character of the man, he credits his sergeant with an even greater show of bravery.

Dialog from "The Tonight
Show with Johnny Carson": His guest was Lee Marvin... Johnny said, "Lee, I'll bet a lot of people are unaware that you were a Marine in the initial landing at Iwo Jima ..and that during the course of that action you earned the Navy Cross and were severely wounded."
"Yeah, yeah... I got shot square in the bottom
and they gave me the Cross for securing a hot spot about halfway up Suribachi.   Bad thing about getting shot up on a mountain is guys getting shot hauling you down.
But, Johnny, at Iwo , I served under the bravest man I ever knew... We both got the Cross the same day, but what he did for his Cross made
mine look cheap in comparison.  That dumb guy actually stood up on Red beach and directed his troops to move forward and get the hell off the beach..
Bullets flying by, with mortar rounds landing everywhere and he stood there
as the main target of gunfire so that he could get his men to safety. He did this on more than one occasion because his men's safety was more important than his own life.

 That Sergeant and I have been lifelong friends. When they brought me off Suribachi we passed the Sergeant and he lit a smoke and passed it to me, lying on my belly on the litter and said, "Where'd they get you Lee?" "Well Bob.... if you make it home before me, tell Mom to
sell the outhouse!"

Johnny, I'm not lying, Sergeant Keeshan was the bravest man I ever knew.
 
The Sergeant's name is Bob Keeshan. You and the world know him as Captain
Kangaroo."

On another note, there was this wimpy little man (who passed away) on PBS, gentle and quiet.
  Mr. Rogers is another of those you would least suspect of being anything but what he now portrays to our youth. But Mr. Rogers was a U.S. Navy Seal, combat-proven in Vietnam with over twenty-five confirmed kills to his name. He wore a long-sleeved sweater on TV, to cover the many tattoos on his forearm and biceps. He was a master in small arms and hand-to-hand combat, able to disarm or kill in a heartbeat

After the war
, Mr. Rogers became an ordained Presbyterian minister and therefore a pacifist.   Vowing to never harm another human and also dedicating the rest of his life to trying to help lead children on the right path in life... He hid away the tattoos and his past life and won our hearts with his quiet wit and charm..

 America's real heroes don't flaunt what they did; they quietly go about their day-to-day lives, doing what they do best. They earned our respect and the freedoms that we all enjoy.
 Look around and see if you can find one of those heroes in your midst.  Often, they are the ones you'd least suspect, but would most like to have on your side if anything ever happened.

Take the time to thank anyone that has fought for our freedom. With encouragement they could be the next Captain Kangaroo or Mr. Rogers..

Friday, September 17, 2010

Dr. Jeffress Responds to Dallas News Columnist

This is a must see video, please take the time to watch but more importantly to listen to this well thought-out video response.



VIA: First Baptist Dallas

Hat Tip; Art

Cemetery Watchman


I just wanted to get the day over with and go down to Smokey's.  Sneaking a look at my watch, I saw the time, 1655.  Five minutes to go before the cemetery gates are closed for the day.  Full dress was hot in the August sun.  Oklahoma summertime was as bad as ever--the heat and humidity at the same level--both too high. 

I saw the car pull into the drive, a '69 or '70 model Cadillac Deville, looked factory-new.  It pulled into the parking lot at a snail's pace..  An old woman got out so slowly I thought she was paralyzed; she had a cane and a sheaf of flowers--about four or five bunches as best I could tell. 

I couldn't help myself.  The thought came unwanted, and left a slightly bitter taste: 'She's going to spend an hour, and for this old soldier, my hip hurts like hell and I'm ready to get out of here right now!'  But for this day, my duty was to assist anyone coming in. 


Kevin would lock the 'In' gate and if I could hurry the old biddy along, we might make it to Smokey's in time. 


I broke post attention.  My hip made gritty noises when I took the first step and the pain went up a notch.   I must have made a real military sight: middle-aged man with a small pot gut and half a limp, in marine full-dress uniform, which had lost its razor crease about thirty minutes after I began the watch at the cemetery. 

I stopped in front of her, halfway up the walk. She looked up at me with an old woman's squint. 


'Ma'am, may I assist you in any way?

She took long enough to answer. 

'Yes, son. Can you carry these flowers? I seem to be moving a tad slow these days.' 

'My pleasure, ma'am.'  Well, it wasn't too much of a lie. 

She looked again.  'Marine, where were you stationed?'

'Vietnam, ma'am.. Ground-pounder. '69 to '71.

She looked at me closer.  '
Wounded in action, I see.  Well done, Marine.  I'll be as quick as I can.

I lied a little bigger:  '
No hurry, ma'am.

She smiled and winked at me.  '
Son, I'm 85-years-old and I can tell a lie from a long way off..  Let's get this done.  Might be the last time I can do this.  My name's Joanne Wieserman, and I've a few Marines I'd like to see one more time.

'Yes, ma 'am.  At your service.

She headed for the World War I section, stopping at a stone.  She picked one of the flowers out of my arm and laid it on top of the stone.   She murmured something I couldn't quite make out..  The name on the marble was 
Donald S. Davidson, USMC: France 1918

She turned away and made a straight line for the World War II section, stopping at one stone.  I saw a tear slowly tracking its way down her cheek.  She put a bunch on a stone; the name was 
Stephen X.Davidson, USMC, 1943

She went up the row a ways and laid another bunch on a stone,  Stanley J. Wieserman, USMC, 1944

She paused for a second.  'Two more, son, and we'll be done

I almost didn't say anything, but,  '
Yes, ma'am. Take your time.

She looked confused..  'Where's the Vietnam section, son?   I seem to have lost my way.

I pointed with my chin. 'That way, ma'am.

'Oh!', she chuckled quietly.  '
Son, me and old age ain't too friendly.

She headed down the walk I'd pointed at.  She stopped at a couple of stones before she found the ones she wanted.  She placed a bunch on
Larry Wieserman, USMC, 1968, and the last on Darrel Wieserman, USMC, 1970.  She stood there and murmured a few words I still couldn't make out. 

'
OK, son, I'm finished.  Get me back to my car and you can go home.

Yes, ma'am.  If I may ask, were those your kinfolk?


She paused.  'Yes, Donald Davidson was my father,  Stephen was my uncle,  Stanley was my husband,  Larry and Darrel were our sons.  All killed in action, all Marines.

She stopped..  Whether she had finished, or couldn't finish, I don't know.  She made her way to her car, slowly and painfully. 
 
 
I waited for a polite distance to come between us and then double-timed it over to Kevin, waiting by the car. 
 
 
 
Get to the 'Out' gate quick.. I have something I've got to do.

Kevin started to say something, but saw the look I gave him.  He broke the rules to get us there down the service road.  We beat her.  She hadn't made it around the rotunda yet. 


'
Kevin, stand at attention next to the gatepost. Follow my lead.'  I humped it across the drive to the other post. 

When the Cadillac came puttering around from the hedges and began the short straight traverse to the gate, I called in my best gunny's voice: 'TehenHut!  Present Haaaarms!

I have to hand it to Kevin; he never blinked an eye-- full dress attention and a salute that would make his DI proud.

 
 
She drove through that gate with two old worn-out soldiers giving her a send-off she deserved, for service rendered to her country, and for knowing duty, honor and sacrifice. 


I am not sure, but I think I saw a salute returned from that Cadillac. 

Instead of 'The End,' just think of 'Taps.

As a final thought on my part, let me share a favorite prayer:  '
Lord, keep our servicemen and women safe, whether they serve at home or overseas.  Hold them in your loving hands and protect them as they protect us.

Let's all keep those currently serving and those who have gone before in our thoughts..  They are the reason for the many freedoms we enjoy. 

 

Sorry about your monitor; it made mine blurry too! 


If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under!
 


Hat Tip; Eric 

GUMBORO MUDBOG SATURDAY.........

VISIT THE GUMBORO MUDBOG THIS SATURDAY

September 18, 2010

Gates open @ 11:oo am

Races begin @ 1:00 am


ADMISSION $7.00

Refreshments available


ATTENTION BIG AND SMALL TIRE MODIFIED CLASSES!
On September 18, there will be a first place prize of $750 for BOTH Big and Small Tire Modified Classes! (Entry fee will be $50 for these two classes)


For more info go to http://www.gumboromudbog.com/

SEE YOU THERE !!


'As The World Turns' Ends Today

It's not just the end of "The World," but the end of a TV legacy.

After the final "As The World Turns" Friday, Procter & Gamble won't have a daytime drama on the airwaves for the first time in 77 years, since "Ma Perkins" aired on radio in 1933.

"You could say it's the death of the soap opera, because it's the last soap still produced by a soap company," said Sam Ford, 27, a Kentucky native who has taught "As The World Turns" classes at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

When the show debuted in 1956, P&G had "Ma Perkins" on radio and four other TV shows: "Search For Tomorrow," ''The Edge Of Night," ''Guiding Light" and "The Bright Day." (CBS canceled "Guiding Light" in 2009.)

The story of the Hughes family in fictional Oakdale quickly caught on with viewers, becoming the top-rated daytime serial from 1958 to 1978. Fans are mourning the loss.

Melanie Cosgrove, 38, of Delhi Township, Ohio, hasn't missed an episode in 18 years. She started watching while pregnant and ordered to bed rest in 1992.

"I am so sad it's ending. It's been a constant in my life," said Cosgrove, whose daughter turns 18 on Thursday. "I'm already emotional about losing my baby when she leaves for college next summer, and I'm losing my TV 'friends' of 18 years."

Pat Heasley, 58, remembers watching with her mother as a child in Fort Wright, Ky.

"Mom would fill me in during the school year with what was going on," said Heasley of Anderson Township.

Heasley recalls watching young Julianne Moore on the show. Meg Ryan, Kevin Bacon, Marisa Tomei, Martin Sheen, James Earl Jones, Dana Delany, Parker Posey and Ming-Na also played early roles there.

Marie Masters, who has played Dr. Susan Stewart on the show for 35 years, remembers Moore having braces on her teeth, and Posey "wearing ripped T-shirts and scuzzy flip-flops."

Masters believes the bubble could burst soon for the six soaps that will be left on TV. Viewers have plunged by 80 percent - from 6.4 million to 1.3 million - since 1991, according to Nielsen.

"I don't think the rest of the shows have long to go. People have moved on," she said.

The world has changed radically since "The World" started spinning stories in 1956 sponsored by Oxydol or Duz detergents, P&G spokeswoman Jeannie Tharrington said.

"Not only are a lot of women not home anymore, there's also competition from cable, DVRs and online videos like YouTube," she said.

P&G has shifted pursuit of consumers to producing quarterly family movies on NBC with Walmart; working with producer America Ferrera ("Ugly Betty") on MTV's new "Pedro & Maria" telenovela; producing the "People's Choice Awards"; and making "My Black Is Beautiful" for BET. P&G has produced more than 50 TV movies and miniseries, plus "Circus of the Stars" and other specials.

"We're certainly proud of 'As The World Turns.' The legacy soaps that got us into production created a chance for us to do other shows," Tharrington said

P&G wanted to keep "As The World Turns" on the air for "another year or two," she said, but CBS canceled it. The soap will be replaced on Oct. 18 by "The Talk," a "View"-like show with Julie Chen, Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne, Holly Robinson Peete and Leah Remini.

P&G tried to move the show to another network, cable, syndication or online without success, she said.

"It's a shame P&G got out of the soap opera business. I became a fan of the company because of the exposure to their products during commercials," said Bonnie Shelley, 58, of Deerfield Township, Ohio.

"As The World Turns" ends with main character Dr. Bob Hughes (Don Hastings) retiring. The taping was "chaotic and crazy. People were crying and laughing and breaking down," Masters said.

"They respected the format. I liked that. Life in Oakdale goes on," Masters said. "But there will never be closure. It's heart-breaking that they (P&G) are out of the business."

www.citizen-times.com