Structure Fire Friday Night

You have to know that fire departments, along with any organization that protects and serves communities, are very special to me.  I appreciate everything they do and I admire their dedication....every ounce of it.  And I don't think that any of them could  ever be recognized enough.

Friday night not far from my own home four fire departments were called to a structure fire on Saxis Road.  Every single person that lives around here KNOWS this  house.  I have been told that years ago it was a country store but more recently the house has been used for seasonal  farm workers that move into the area for just a few weeks then leave.

The yard is always maintained.  The house has siding on it.  It is NOT an eyesore in the community compared to some we have to see.

But for some reason on Friday evening of September 23, 2011 some low living creature decided to burn this home.

Now, this really jerks my chain!  Men and women were called to duty - dropping what they were doing for the evening - to fight a fire started by someone that doesn't give a darn or just wanted to see something burn...........

That's called -ARSON- 



Photo/ easternshorefire.com



Photo/easternshorefire.com

Here's what I'd like to know...........Do they have any idea who did this?  What was used to start this fire?  Has the person/s been arrested?  Just how safe are the other unoccupied homes in this area?

 I took these photos the next day....
This is the aftermath - all created because someone had NO regard for property owned by someone else.....  NOR the fact that the brave, unselfish men and women of our community had to put their personal lives on hold to take care of mess that was caused by someone whose life is probably a mess.

This structure is located on the corner of Jenkins Bridge Road and Saxis Road.  The wonderful fire departments that responded were from the fire departments of Saxis, Bloxom, Atlantic and New Church.  All wonderful fire departments manned with all volunteers that extinguished the fire within a short period of time but remained on the scene for several hours to assist in "overhaul and investigation".  The investigation is being handled by Virginia State Police Investigator Neal.

For the peace of mind in the community I sincerely hope this 'firebug' is nabbed before he/they have the chance to destroy something else..... that belongs to someone else.... and before someone gets injured. 

The UARS Has Fallen Back To Earth

It seems the dreaded satellite no longer needed  by NASA has fallen to the Earth. 


I awoke in the middle of the night a few nights ago to a humming in the sky and my first thought was this research satellite (as BIG as a bus) was heading towards my yard.  Then I remembered I was a day early in my thoughts and figured then it must have just been an alien saucer landing and leaving a fresh supply of mosquitoes.  I would deal with that later in the morning and fell back to sleep.


People were worried sick about the landing location of this mass and I have to admit I may have been more concerned if  I had seen Chicken Little being interviewed on CNN.


You can  remove your hard hats now.  You can walk into the street and your own backyards.  It's not here. 


And I must admit that if I had known about this 14 years ago I had forgotten it.  That's why I don't work for NASA.  I would have forgotten about it........besides what did we learn about chemicals in atmosphere?


Here's a release from NASA that's pretty interesting.......  Read it and find out exactly where "the bus" did land...........

NASA's UARS Re-Enters Earth's Atmosphere

WASHINGTON – NASA’s decommissioned Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) fell back to Earth between 11:23 p.m. EDT Friday, Sept. 23 and 1:09 a.m. Sept. 24, 20 years and nine days after its launch on a 14-year mission that produced some of the first long-term records of chemicals in the atmosphere.


The precise re-entry time and location of debris impacts have not been determined. During the re-entry period, the satellite passed from the east coast of Africa over the Indian Ocean, then the Pacific Ocean, then across northern Canada, then across the northern Atlantic Ocean, to a point over West Africa. The vast majority of the orbital transit was over water, with some flight over northern Canada and West Africa.


Six years after the end of its productive scientific life, UARS broke into pieces during re-entry, and most of it up burned in the atmosphere. Data indicates the satellite likely broke apart and landed in the Pacific Ocean far off the U.S. coast. Twenty-six satellite components, weighing a total of about 1,200 pounds, could have survived the fiery re-entry and reach the surface of Earth. However, NASA is not aware of any reports of injury or property damage.


The Operations Center for JFCC-Space, the Joint Functional Component Command at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., which works around the clock detecting, identifying and tracking all man-made objects in Earth orbit, tracked the movements of UARS through the satellite’s final orbits and provided confirmation of re-entry.

“We extend our appreciation to the Joint Space Operations Center for monitoring UARS not only this past week but also throughout its entire 20 years on orbit,” said Nick Johnson, NASA’s chief scientist for orbital debris, at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. “This was not an easy re-entry to predict because of the natural forces acting on the satellite as its orbit decayed. Space-faring nations around the world also were monitoring the satellite’s descent in the last two hours and all the predictions were well within the range estimated by JSpOC.”

UARS was launched Sept. 12, 1991, aboard space shuttle mission STS-48 and deployed on Sept. 15, 1991. It was the first multi-instrumented satellite to observe numerous chemical components of the atmosphere for better understanding of photochemistry. UARS data marked the beginning of many long-term records for key chemicals in the atmosphere. The satellite also provided key data on the amount of light that comes from the sun at ultraviolet and visible wavelengths. UARS ceased its scientific life in 2005.


Because of the satellite's orbit, any surviving components of UARS should have landed within a zone between 57 degrees north latitude and 57 degrees south latitude. It is impossible to pinpoint just where in that zone the debris landed, but NASA estimates the debris footprint to be about 500 miles long.


For more information about UARS, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/uars/index.html

TIME MACHINE Preview ... Shocking?

Remember to take a look at the TIME MACHINE tomorrow on the Pocomoke Public Eye!

Some potentially shocking items this week??



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

Have You Thought About Being A Volunteer?

Volunteers are needed.... Please ask a friend to volunteer with you.  If you are a member of an organization get your group involved in this worthy cause.  Let's keep this trail growing......

WANTED

The Nature Trail Committee is looking for public spirited people!

Volunteers are needed to work with the Nature Trail Committee in continuing the trail extension of the Nature Trail.

To refresh your memories, The Nature Trail is located in the back of Cypress Park. The trail began as a boarded walk through a maze of Cypress trees, fern and other woodsy growth continuing over towards Stevenson's Pond. Benches were provided along the walkway for relaxing and observing those magnificent Cypress trees, birds and wildlife.

Through the years the Nature Trail has taken many twists and turns and now actually runs from Stevenson's Pond to the banks of the scenic Pocomoke River. The newer extensions connect to the original trail and wind their way through the more dense swamp. The trail is also handicap accessible.

Here is where volunteers are needed!! YOUR HELP is needed -as Friends of the Nature Trail- with continuing this dream and keeping the Nature Trail alive. More work needs to be done.

If you are an adult and you love the outdoors but can't seem to pull yourself away from the recliner to take a walk here is your excuse to get out into the fresh air! If you have experience in carpentry I'm sure your assistance would be appreciated in this rewarding work. You don't have to have experience - just be a volunteer.

Ask others in your church, your local organizations, or ask your neightbor to volunteer with you.

Let's see this dream that the Nature Trail Committee began a few years ago goes even farther than they ever thought possible.

I'll have another post in a couple of days giving you information on who to contact. But until then let's see how many wonderful Pocomoke people we can get to volunteer.

~Delmarva's Got Talent~ TONIGHT

SECOND NIGHT FOR GREAT TALENT!!

Another great night at the Mar-Va Theater

in downtown Pocomoke City, Maryland.

Show begins at 7:00 PM
Admission:  $10.00  adults
                   $  5.00  children

Don't miss the fun!  See if you know anyone up there displaying their talent!!

REMINDER ~ Gumboro Mudbog

Due to the recent rains and flooding since Hurricane Irene and recent rainfall this weekend the GUMBORO MUDBOG  has been CANCELLED for today.

The next Gumboro Mudbog is October 8, 2011

Saturday Events At Sonic In Oak Hall

SONIC DRIVE IN in Oak Hall, Virginia

will be holding a fund raiser today,

Saturday, September 24, 2011.

Proceeds from the fund raiser will benefit the Make A Wish Foundation with some foundation members being present for the events.

Events will begin at 10:00 AM.  Plenty of parking.

This will be an all day event lasting into the evening.


Events for the day include:

Car Show

Music ~ Three talented young recording artist that have opened and been on tour with artist from the Disney channel and many more. These young artists will draw a huge crowd to help raise the money that is much needed.

Raffles ~ Prizes ~ Games for everyone!

And a special demonstration at 12:00 by the students from Pocomoke Karate and Judo in Pocomoke City, Maryland, under the instuction of Mrs. Diana Toledo Martin.  Diana has done so much for the community  and her students have never given  a bad performance You will be amazed at what they can do.

Make sure to get there early and plan to stay a while. 

Proceeds go to the Make A Wish Foundation.

Beginning TONIGHT @ Mar-Va Theater

THIRD ANNUAL

DELMARVA'S GOT TALENT

Mar-Va Theater

7:00 PM

Tickets $10.00 at the door

Tonight is the first big night! 

Be sure to see all the great talents on Delmarva!

Gumboro Mudbog Canceled

The mudbog scheduled for Saturday, September 24, 2011 in Gumboro, Del.  has been canceled due to the weather conditions that have been forcasted for today and tomorrow.

No word on a date to make up this race.

The next date for Gumboro Mudbog  is Saturday, October 8th.

Unless tomorrows canceled race is rescheduled  October 8th will be the last race for the season.

After 41 Years - "All My Children" Ends Today..........

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV)-- While the online version of All My Children remains in question, the online presence of the show's fans is a certainty.

After 41 years on ABC, the decision was made by network executives to cancel the popular soap opera because of a decline in projected ratings and the popularity of other genres of daytime television. Going in its place? An hour long talk show dedicated to all things food-related: The Chew.

The Chew will feature well known foodies:
• Mario Batali from Iron Chef

• Michael Symon from Iron Chef

• Carla Hall from Top Chef
• Clinton Kelly of What Not to Wear
and will introduce Daphne Oz, the 25-year-old daughter of Dr. Mehmet Oz.

Following the announcement of the cancellation back in April, fans of the show made their displeasure known across the internet, accusing executives of being greedy and alienating millions of faithful viewers. Some even organized and called for a boycott of the network which led to one household name doing just that. Vacuum maker Hoover pulled all of its advertising from ABC. Turns out the marketing executive who made that decision has a mother and wife who are both big fans of the show.

But is it the end for the people of Pine Valley? The possibility of a new version of the show has many fans waiting to hear if they will be able to get their soap opera fix online. Prospect Park, the production company behind Royal Pains on the USA network and Wilfred on FX, has acquired the license for AMC and is attempting to launch a web version next January. The new series is expected to pick up where the TV version left off. How many returning cast members will be there to do so remains to be seen.

So far, only two cast members have signed on to appear online next year. Due to contract and pay disputes, Emmy award winning star Susan Lucci has not signed on as of yet but her coworkers Cameron Mathison (Ryan) and Lindsay Hartley (Cara) have.

How upset are the fans? Very. Imagine that you have watched a show for so long, you don't remember ever not watching it. You know the characters and their back stories like you know your own family. We asked our viewers what they thought on our Facebook page.

"I'm so upset," commented Tricia "I already cried twice this week watching it, and I'm sure I will cry Thursday and Friday as well."


Andrea had personal ties to the show. "Hate it! Started watching AMC when I was 2 with my mom & grandmother. Can't believe ABC is doing this. Nobody wants another ridiculous cooking show."


In regards to the cooking show, Tricia pointed out, "I wish Disney would pull their heads out their butts and realize that stay at home moms and wives don't want to watch cooking shows, it only makes them remember they have to do it later."


One Life to Live was also canceled. Its last show airs next January leaving General Hospital as the only daytime soap on ABC.


If you have questions or concerns regarding the programming changes, you can contact ABC directly either online or by calling the ABC Audience Information phone line at 818-460-7477

Source:  http://www.abcnews4.com/story/15526590/fans-fume-over-the-final-all-my-children-airing-friday

Friday Specials At Shore Beef and BBQ

LUNCH AND DINNER SPECIALS

FOR FRIDAY

LUNCH ~ All Day

Beef BBQ Sandwich/w side

and drink ~ $7.50

DINNER SPECIAL

1/2 BBQ  Chicken ~ 1/2 Rack of Ribs

w/ 2 sides  ~ $17.50

Route 13  South

Before T's Corner

Flash Flood WATCH Issued For Eastern Shore Today

A flash flood watch has been issued for Accomack and Northampton County as well as Worcester and Somerset County in Maryland from midnight Thursday through Friday at midnight.

Scattered showers, more widespread rain and thunderstorms are expected Thursday evening, through midnight and into Friday.

Total rainfall is projected to be 1-3 inches.

The ground is still saturated from a heavy month of rainfall on the Eastern Shore, thanks in part to Hurricane Irene.

A flash flood watch means conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding.

~Poker Run To Benefit Courtney Bloxom~

2nd ANNUAL COURTNEY BLOXOM POKER RUN
Saturday, October 1,  2011

11:30am - 2:30pm
CYCLE CREATIONS

NEW CHURCH VA

NO BIKE ?  NO WORRIES  ~
 COME OUT GRAB SOME FOOD ~ 
 HANG OUT  AND JUST HAVE FUN

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

SIGN UPS FOR THE RUN WILL START @
11:30 AM TILL 1:30PM .

FIRST BIKE OUT WILL BE AT 12:00PM

WITH THE LAST BIKE IN AT 4:30 PM.

 PIG ROAST WITH ALL THE FIXINGS.

LIVE MUSIC

A CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT WITH $100 TO THE WINNERS

50/50 

 $100 FOR THE BEST HAND ON THE RUN

THE COST FOR A RIDER WILL BE $10
PASSENGER WILL BE $5
EXTRA CARD $5

PIG ROAST $1O

$2 BEERS ALL DAY/NIGHT
More to come..............

As always, please keep Courtney and her family in your prayers....................

Solar Farm Near Melfa Ok'd By Accomack County Supervisors

By  Candy Farlow

The Accomack County Board of Supervisors has given the go ahead for the construction of a solar farm in the Melfa area.

The vote to issue a conditional use permit was unanimous and included a list of conditions including what is to happen should the project fail. Lincoln Renewable Energy plans to establish the Virginia Endeavor Solar Farm on some 180 acres off of Racetrack Road.

The solar photovoltaic farm will be comprised of 20 one megawatt solar panel blocks with each block containing nearly 5,000 solar panels and a substation. The conditions under which the company can build the facility include the establishment of a landscaped buffer around the site and the execution of security agreements for maintaining the buffer in the future. A security agreement is also being required and for the removal of equipment and the restoration of the property to its current agricultural state should the venture cease to operate.

It is estimated that some 100 workers will be needed during the six month construction process, however, once construction is complete only one full time local worker will be required for the operation.

Source;  Shoredailynews.com

Wanted ~ Friends of the Nature Trail

WANTED

The Nature Trail Committee is looking for public spirited people!

Volunteers are needed to work with the Nature Trail Committee in continuing the trail extension of the Nature Trail.

To refresh your memories, The Nature Trail is located in the back of Cypress Park. The trail began as a boarded walk through a maze of Cypress trees, fern and other woodsy growth continuing over towards Stevenson's Pond. Benches were provided along the walkway for relaxing and observing those magnificent Cypress trees, birds and wildlife.

Through the years the Nature Trail has taken many twists and turns and now actually runs from Stevenson's  Pond to the banks of the scenic Pocomoke River. The newer extensions connect to the original trail and wind their way through the more dense swamp. The trail is also handicap accessible.

Here is where volunteers are needed!! YOUR HELP is needed -as Friends of the Nature Trail- with continuing this dream and keeping the Nature Trail alive. More work needs to be done.

If you are an adult and you love the outdoors but can't seem to pull yourself away from the recliner to take a walk here is your excuse to get out into the fresh air! If you have experience in carpentry I'm sure your assistance would be appreciated in this rewarding work. You don't have to have experience - just be a volunteer.

Ask others in your church, your local organizations, or ask your neightbor to volunteer with you.

Let's see this dream that the Nature Trail Committee began a few years ago goes even farther than they ever thought possible.

I'll have another post in a couple of days giving you information on who to contact. But until then let's see how many wonderful Pocomoke people we can get to volunteer.
　

"TRIPLE TROUBLE" Keeps It All In The Family

I wish I had the time to do a story on every truck and driver that enters a mudbog.  I am sure there are stories to be told and drivers willing to tell.  It's a  big deal and on this day alot of drivers love their trucks as much (or maybe more) than they love their wives or girlfriends.....but never more than Mother!

Those in the pits don't always hear names of drivers when announced so most times we only know the name of the truck (and that's because it's written there for me to see).  A few weeks ago I kept hearing the same last name over and over, never giving any attention to the first name OR names.

Not one of Buddy's best photos.

Then I met Buddy.  Buddy happens to be one of the nicest dogs I've ever met.  Now Buddy, as it so happens, travels to every mudbog his family competes in.  I must give his family credit because the doggie does have manners better  than some children I've run into in my lifetime.

Buddy's favorite truck is "Triple Trouble".   

Here is the truck to watch!!  For the entire season this one truck has entered in at least three - sometimes more- classes on race day.  "Triple Trouble"  is owned by the Lohmeyer's from Denton, Maryland. ( Now, I know where Denton is because I was born in Caroline County.)

 The racing team consists of dad Keith and sons Kameron, Kyle and Kevin and sometimes (the uncle of these young guys) Brian.  That's what I call TEAM WORK!  (hope I have the names right)



The Lohmeyers (some of them)

The Lohmeyer guys are great drivers.......sometimes, like others, don't make it through the mud but my guess is that by the end of the season they will end up with some decent points!    I wish them the best of luck!

"Triple Trouble"
Driven by the Lohmeyer Family

And you really have to give dad a pat on the back.  He has THREE teenage boys that  race.  Instead of  creating three racing trucks he makes one do for all.  I call that practical - good use of money and time.  To do everthing this truck does during a race day the truck  has to be a well built truck. (I wonder if they ever argue when decisions need to be made?)

Anyway, keep your eyes on it......... And if Buddy grows thumbs before next racing season we might see him in a helmet behind the wheel.

Good luck Saturday, guys!!

Video of Kameron Loymeyer

 

Kameron Lohmeyer




Note to self:  Take treats for Buddy.

TIME MACHINE Preview ... Shocking?

Check out some potentially shocking TIME MACHINE items.

This Sunday on the Pocomoke Public Eye!



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

Facebook and Google + Add New Features

Written By

Jon Swartz
USA Today
SAN FRANCISCO -- Facebook isn't waiting until its F8 developers conference Thursday to tack on new features.

The social-networking power has revamped user profiles with a top-story function that highlights the most relevant tidbits from friends, a Twitter-like news ticker on the right side of the page that offers real-time updates, and larger photos. (Facebook estimates its users post 250 million photos daily.)

The top-story function is based on who posted and the type of news (wedding, birth) shared.


"We've been experimenting with changes for a long time and think this will ensure that users do not miss out on things they care about," says Keith Schacht, product manager for Facebook's News Feed. "It makes the site more alive." The new Facebook look should be available to all of its 750 million users in a week or so, he says.


Facebook's announcement, in advance of what is expected to be a busy day at F8, is the latest broadside in its battle with Google+ for millions of consumers and -- indirectly -- advertising dollars.

Facebook is expected to fold music and next-generation video into its service.


Much is at stake financially. Facebook is expected to rake in $4.3 billion in revenue this year -- more than twice the $2 billion in 2010, according to market researcher eMarketer.


Dueling features in Facebook and Google+ have taken on the feel of a social-networking arms race, with plenty of technological tit-for-tat.

Earlier Tuesday, Google pre-empted Facebook's news with a slew of new Google+ features. It also said Google+ --is now open to everyone, after a nearly three-month closed-trial period. The most important new feature is improved search.

Meanwhile, Hangouts, the Google+ multiperson video-chat component, will now let users take part in a Hangout chat session using a smartphone or tablet. For now, Hangouts' new mobile feature is available only on Android devices.

Another new feature, called On Air, will let Google+ users broadcast their hangouts to the public for anyone to watch. In keeping with the Hangout theme, as many as nine other Google+ users can take part in the Hangout On Air.

"We are serious about having the best (social-network) service, and we do not plan to slow down," says Vic Gundotra, the Google senior vice president in charge of Google+.

He saays 100 changes and features have been added to Google+ since its debut in late June, and as many changes are planned in the next year.

Google+ has more than 10 million members.

Source;  http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110921/NEWS01/110921003/Facebook-Google-add-new-features?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|frontpage

Some Events Just Can't Be Stopped Because Of Rain

The Great Pocomoke Fair Committee sure did a have a huge problem on their hands Saturday.  Two events had been scheduled to take place at the fairgrounds - both annual events, that had been  scheduled to take place all in one day at a GREAT admission price- The ATV Jamboree and The Demolition Derby.


IT RAINED! And it rained all day.


Now, if you know anything about any kind of racing you KNOW these two types  of racing don't mind mud and neither do the drivers.  It was a day these riders and drivers had planned for.......... 


According to a statement on their facebook page: "We had two choices: go with an abbreviated show in the rain or disappoint all of those who had called to see if the show was still on. We chose the abbreviated."


I didn't get there on Saturday even though I was all geared up to attend.  I was looking forward to getting lots of photos but
The Pocomoke Fair committee should have some photos soon.  If so I will try to post them.


But I did find this one photo and posting it is a MUST! 

Pocomoke City has so many wonderful people living in it and  there are so many wonderful organizations.  But this is by far the greatest !




Patricia Hidenbrand Photo



Pocomoke City is the ONLY town I have ever watched nonprofessional  racing and witnessed  the fire department standing by.  I think that says alot for those training these guys and gals of today.... Also says alot about their dedication to people.

And don't think for a second that nothing can happen while on mud.......it can.  I've seen it happen.

To find more upcoming events for The Great Pocomoke Fair go to: http://www.thegreatpocomokefair.org/  

Plans for the next ATV Jamboree and Demolition Derby should be posted soon. Let's see how many POCOMOKE cars we can get in the derby!! 

Raising Money To Keep Poe's Baltimore Home OPEN

A quartet of Washington-area bands is planning an Oct. 7 concert to benefit Baltimore's beleaguered Poe House.

The concert, set for the 162^nd anniversary of Edgar Allan Poe's death, will feature the bands Lenorable, Nunchucks, Dance for the Dying and Lions & Tigers & Whales. It is being by organized by Washington-area fans of the famed poet and master of suspense.

"When I heard about the funding problems at the Poe House, I immediately went into action mode," said Kai Hsieh, one of the concert's organizers, who describes herself as a frequent visitor to the house. On a recent drive through Baltimore, she and a friend noted the many Poe influences scattered around the city — including the NFL football team named for one of his poems — "and we certainly don't want the Poe House closed down, especially with all Poe has influenced," Hsieh said.

The Poe House and Museum, in which Poe lived for several years with his aunt and in which he met his young cousin and future wife, Virginia, has had its city funding cut and could close next year if an alternate source of money is not found. Baltimore City recently approved a study to look at ways of turning the house into a self-sustaining museum and cultural institution.

Poe died in 1849 after being found wandering the streets of Baltimore, disheveled and wearing someone else's clothes.

The concert takes place at Washington's Velvet Lounge, 915 U St. NW. Tickets are $8, with the music set to begin at 9:30 p.m. Information: www.velvetloungedc.com

Source;  http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/music/bs-ae-poe-benefit-20110920,0,5963838.story

Shore Beef & BBQ - Wednesday Special

WEDNESDAY SPECIAL

.........ALL DAY LONG........

PULLED PORK (any way) w/side

Drink ~ $7.50 ~

NEW HOURS COMING SOON............

Route 13 South

Before T's Corner

Accomack County Board of Supervisors Meeting Wednesday

The Accomack County Board of Supervisors will meet Wednesday night at the Board room in Accomack. There's a full agenda which includes a public hearing for a conditional use permit by Virginia Endeavor Solar Farm.

Other items include reviews of several applications for Agricultiral Forrestal Districts, reports from county officials on damage by Hurricane Irene and reports from Dr. Bruce Benson on the Accomack County School System and other county officials.

The meeting starts at 5pm.

The public is invited to attend.

The Sky Is Falling.............???

Defunct NASA Satellite To Crash To Earth This Week

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida (Reuters) - A defunct NASA science satellite is expected to fall back to Earth on Friday, showering debris somewhere on the planet although scientists cannot predict exactly where, officials said.


The 6.5-ton Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite, or UARS, was carried into orbit during a space shuttle mission in 1991. It operated for 14 years, collecting measurements of ozone and other chemicals in the atmosphere.

Since completing its mission in 2005, UARS has been slowly losing altitude, tugged by Earth's gravity. On Friday, the 35-foot-long, 15-foot diameter (10.6-metres long, 4.5-metres diameter) satellite is expected to plunge into the atmosphere, NASA reported on its website


While most of the spacecraft will be incinerated, scientists expect up to 26 pieces, with a combined mass of about 1,100 pounds (500 kg) to survive the fiery re-entry and fall down somewhere on Earth.


The satellite's orbit passes over most of the planet, from as far north as northern Canada to the southern part of South America.


NASA said the chance a piece of UARS debris will strike a person is about one in 3,200. The debris will mostly likely fall into an ocean or land in an uninhabited region of Earth.


Satellites as large as UARS re-enter Earth's atmosphere about once a year.


NASA said there have been no reports of any deaths or injuries to people from falling debris.


The largest chunk of wreckage from UARS is expected to be about 331 pounds (151 kg), says Nicholas Johnson, chief scientist of NASA's Orbital Debris Program office at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.


As of Sunday, UARS was in a 133-mile by 149-mile (215-km by 240-km) high orbit around Earth. Re-entry is expected some time on Friday, although it could happen as early as Thursday or as late as Saturday.


The agency is posting updates on its website,  http://www.nasa.gov/uars.

Source;  http://www.wtkr.com/news/nationworld/sns-rt-us-space-debris-nasatre78i5ge-20110919,0,5888967.story

Crisfield Mud Bog Photos - "Freak Nasty" Video

Mud bogging in Crisfield ended with the race on  Labor Day.  We all knew that it was a big holiday weekend  and there would be fewer trucks.  Since it was Crab Derby Weekend in Crisfield and the Derby is a highly regarded tradition there would be less spectators for the mud event.  (Having had in-laws in Crisfield I know how important the Crab Derby is)



Cliff Taylor
Crisfield



But it all happened behind the Elks just the same.  Regardless of  numbers in attendence everyone seemed to have a grand time and there were certainly enough trucks in competition to make it all fun.  Hurricane Irene had made her visit to the Eastern Shore a few days before race day and had left enough rain in the pit to make the pit rather extra muddy. Extra muddy?  Yes.





"Triple Trouble"
Lohmeyer Truck
Denton, MD.



 So anyway, it left a sloppy mess for those that didn't make it through the pit fast enough or for those that got stuck........there were alot of those.

I'm going to miss Crisfield for alot of reasons.  I won't miss it because there is NO bathroom near the pit section  - for some reason.  And for some reason there never seems to be any race results posted within a short amount of time. I've heard complaints about these two items all year.




Ed and Bruce Vogel

Drivers of "No Shame" and "Gold Rush"

 

Bob Bower



One of the greatest things about mudracing in Crisfield are the wonderful people that work so hard to make each visit a pleasure no matter where you are - entering or going for something to eat- they're just plain nice and helpful.



John Laird

 



"Gold Rush" and "No Shame"

During these past races in Crisfield I've seen so many parents with their children entering the pits before the races begin to catch a glimpse of the brightly painted trucks. I've never seen so many taking pictures and so many of them stop and ask questions and seem to be really interested in the sport.  I can't help but wonder where the guy is that went around with the camera and tripod.....

"Baby Dumplin' "

But the traffic in the pits is possible because there is NO CHARGE to enter. People like things that are free. Drivers like the chance to talk about their trucks.  We have all met some of the kindest people- some  just happened to hear about and decided to see what it was all about and they liked it.  Sometimes this is the only praise and pat on the back these drivers get.


Thank you to the wonderful ladies that waited at the entrance on race day to collect money, answer any question and wish every driver good luck. 

And we can not and we must not forget the wonderful Marion Fire Company!!  Holding the responsibility of keeping the track damp and the 'mud muddy' you did an awesone job!  Did you know that while you watered the track that the mist sprayed back onto some of us in the pits and really cooled us for a while? (I just hope that was good water in that tank).  Great job - as always.


There's just no doubt about it - This is just plain Eastern Shore  hospitality.

Here's a video of "Freak Nasty" and driver Chuck West...

See you in Gumboro on September 24th