Photos Of Pluto Reveal A 'Toy Store' Of Surprises

(npr.org)

Members of the New Horizons science team react to seeing the spacecraft's image of Pluto on Tuesday, before its closest approach.
Bill Ingalls/NASA via AP

Pluto turns out to be pretty lively.

Not Las Vegas, perhaps, but more vivacious with geologic activity than we've ever known about, and for good reason: Pluto is currently almost 3 billion miles away from Earth, a dwarf planet spinning in the lonely last ring of our solar system.

But this week the New Horizons space probe sent back the first detailed pictures humans have ever been able to see of Pluto and its five moons.

Pluto is also billions of miles from the sun, so it's cold. But according to these first photos, cold with ice, not stone. Mountains of ice as tall as the Rockies, and only about 100 million years old in a solar system that's been around more than 4.5 billion years.

"Who would have supposed that there were ice mountains?" project scientist Hal Weaver asked at a press conference. "It's just blowing my mind."

A close-up of a region near Pluto's equator taken by the New Horizons spacecraft.
NASA

Imagine what it must take to blow the mind of a space scientist.

Alan Stern of the Southwest Research Institute, the mission's chief scientist, says that icy, soaring peaks on Pluto should "send a lot of geophysicists back to the drawing boards." It's not what the smartest people expected to see.

These pictures also show Pluto to be a relatively unblemished babe among celestial bodies. It has those ice mountains, but no impact craters — as they're called — caused by the crash of meteorites or other flotsam from space. The scientists say this suggests that Pluto could still smolder below its surface, swelling with energy from the decay of radioactive material, or even an underground ocean.

Dr. Stern said, "I don't hink any one of us could have imagined that it was this good of a toy store," which is how a great scientist may see a planet of surprises.

Stephen Hawking of Cambridge sent a message to the New Horizons team in which he called Pluto, "a distant icy world on the edge of our solar system. The revelations of New Horizons may help us to understand better how our solar system was formed. We explore because we are human and we long to know."

And New Horizons will go on, sailing deeper and deeper into deep space, and into our imaginations, as long as the plutonium aboard can propel it; perhaps until the 2030s.

The great intrepid voyages of the 15th century's Age of Discovery revealed surprises, riches and how different people in disparate places share the same world. The voyages of the 21st century may help us learn how much larger the world is than our world alone.

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Congratulations to all those involved in the Pocomoke Little League's 2015 season!

If you haven't seen their end-of-season pictures and awards information please take a look at their website.

http://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?sid=724183188&url=pocomokelittleleague



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It Looks Like Bacon, Tastes Like Bacon, BUT..

IT'S SEAWEED!

(nbcnews.com)

Researchers have patented a new strain of seaweed that they say tastes like bacon and might help feed a growing, hungry world.

The red seaweed is called dulse, and it's been eaten by people for millennia. The team at Oregon State University has bred a strain that they can farm reliably and they say it's not only heavy on the protein -- 16 percent by weight -- but packed with minerals and vitamins such as vitamin A and C.

"When you fry it, which I have done, it tastes like bacon, not seaweed. And it's a pretty strong bacon flavor," said OSU fisheries professor Chris Langdon.

Dulse is valued for a flavor called "umami", a Japanese word that describes the so-called fifth flavor found in mushrooms, meat, cheese and, yes, bacon.

Langdon's team was originally growing the dulse to feed abalone, a sea snail prized for its meat and its colorful mother-of-pearl shell, "The original goal was to create a super-food for abalone, because high-quality abalone is treasured, especially in Asia," Langdon said in a statement.

"We were able to grow dulse-fed abalone at rates that exceeded those previously reported in the literature."

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TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview

1930.. Boxing arena opens at Pocomoke Fair Grounds; 1886.. John Blizzard's saloon on Fox's Island eludes prohibition laws;  1962.. Snow Hill observes Homecoming celebration; 1948.. Tuning in on the radio; 1910.. Photo: School days in Parksley, Va.

It's this Sunday right here at The Pocomoke Public Eye!


Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers or something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? Please send to tkforppe@yahoo.com .



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At The Library!

Act!vated Theatre “Storybook Heroes”

Thursday, July 16 - 2 pm

Location: Pocomoke Branch

Costumes, props, music, and a GIANT book of epic proportions will bring the folktales heroes to life!



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Rabies Alert In Accomack County

(shoredailynews.com)

Racoon Found in Onley Tested Positive for Rabies

A raccoon from Coastal Blvd, Onley Virginia, has tested positive for the rabies virus. Please make sure your pets rabies vaccinations are up to date (all dogs, cats, ferrets, and livestock)! If they are not, please make arrangements with your veterinarian for a booster shot as soon as possible.

Instruct children not to approach wild or stray animals.

If a wild or stray animal attacks you, immediately wash the wound with warm soapy water and/or alcohol, then notify the health department and your physician. If your pet is attacked, immediately notify the health department and call your veterinarian. If you handle your pet after an encounter, please wear gloves and immediately wash your hands with warm soapy water and/or alcohol.


Accomack County Health Department
Daytime Phone Number
(757) 824-6211
Evening and Weekends Rabies Hotline
(Leave Message)(757) 302-4300




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Support For Former Chief

(wboc.com)

Rally Held to Reinstate Former Pocomoke City Police Chief

Posted: Jul 13, 2015 10:59 PM EDT    By Maxine Bentzel

POCOMOKE CITY, Md.- A peaceful rally was held to reinstate the former Police Chief Kelvin Sewell on Monday night prior to the City Council meeting. 

Sewell was let go almost two weeks ago when the council voted to terminate him in a closed session meeting. The public is now demanding answers.

Monday the community gathered with shirts and signs in support of the former Chief outside of City Hall. Dozens sat in on the council meeting. 

Michele Lucas has lived in Pocomoke City for 20 years and came out to rally for the Chief’s reinstatement. 

“He’s changed the community. He's changed the way people look at law enforcement. He's made us all one team and now they're trying to take him away. I want the Chief back, and I want answers because something underhanded is going on,” said Lucas.

At the council meeting Pastor Ronnie White addressed the Mayor and Council with the communities concerns and questions. The council said they had spoke with the former chief in a meeting where they expressed concerns they had with him prior to voting to terminate him. 

They said they are under litigation and declined to elaborate on the specific reasons he was let go, but said it was not a racially based decision. They said it was performance based. 

WBOC spoke with the former Chief who said he appreciates all the support, and would like his job back in Pocomoke City.

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Pocomoke City Drug Arrests

(wboc.com)

17 People Charged after Undercover Narcotic Operation in Pocomoke City

SNOW HILL, Md. – An extensive undercover operation has led to the arrest of nearly 20 drug dealers from Pocomoke City.

Undercover members of the Criminal Enforcement Team spent 4 months posing as drug users in order to gain information on the criminal syndicates responsible for the distribution of narcotics such as heroin and cocaine.

Undercover officers engaged in 73 drug transactions, all done using audio and video recording devices. From those transactions, investigators were able to bring felony drug charges against 17 individuals.  

Pocomoke City Mayor Bruce Morrison stated, "I commend the Criminal Enforcement Team for their expertise and outstanding efforts in cleaning up the streets of Pocomoke.

More than a dozen agencies are credited for assisting in taking down the seventeen individuals.  Their cases are currently pending.

Pictures at:

http://www.wboc.com/story/29537580/17-people-charged-after-undercover-narcotic-operation-in-pocomoke-city



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Pocomoke Race Driver Update

(delaware online.com , The News Journal)

A drag-race driver survived a high-speed crash into trees Friday at a Sussex County dragway, state police said Sunday.

The crash occurred about 7:20 p.m. Friday at the U.S. 13 Dragway/Delaware International Speedway off Sussex Highway (U.S. 13) just north of Delmar, where a 1970 Chevy Chevelle went into trees at the end of the drag strip, Master Cpl. Gary E. Fournier said.

The 66-year-old driver from Pocomoke, Maryland, was removed from the wreckage by emergency medical services, Fournier said. A Delaware State Police medevac helicopter airlifted him to Christiana Hospital, Fournier said, noting that his injuries are not life-threatening. No other injuries were reported.

Details of how the crash occurred were not available.

Driver Carlton Mason suffered a severe break on his left arm and hand, a broken leg, two broken ribs, a collapsed lung and cuts on his face and arms, according to the U.S. 13 Dragway and Delaware International Speedway’s public Facebook page. The post described the crash as “horrific.”

Mason was in intensive care, but alert and talking with doctors, speedway officials posted Saturday.

“Ladies and gentlemen, whatever your beliefs are, we can say that a true act of GOD happened last night. Please pray for the Mason Family as Carlton now begins his road to recovery,” the post said. “Also we ask you for your prayers for the Russell family. Vernon Russell’s car received severe damage but the fact remains, he was safe and sound. Cars can be replaced, lives unfortunately can not be.”

The post – by Sunday showing 452 likes, 134 shares and 89 comments including many offering prayers – ended with speedway officials’ thanks to emergency personnel, track crews, the Delmar fire and police departments, as well as state police.

“These folks did an awesome job,” the speedway said. “Also, to all the racers who jumped in to help, we cannot thank you enough.”

The driver’s son, Eric, posted that words could not describe how much everyone’s concern about his father meant to him, thanking God his life was spared.

“He is doing better,” Eric Mason posted later Saturday. “Thank you all.”

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State Police Present Awards

State Police Recognize Troopers, Others For Outstanding Service

July 10, 2015

(PIKESVILLE, MD) – Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel William M. Pallozzi today presented scores of awards to state troopers, civilian employees, allied police officers and citizens for their heroic actions, outstanding performance, and military service.

“Each of you being honored today acted in an extraordinary way and your actions have contributed to a safer and a stronger Maryland,” Colonel Pallozzi said.  “You represent the spirit of courage, dedication, determination, and service that has been a part of the Maryland State Police since its inception, more than 94 years ago.  I appreciate the commitment of each of you who come to work every day willing to make a difference – willing to make a positive impact – and believing that you can.  Each person receiving an award today is proof that we can make a difference in the lives of the citizens we serve and in the quality of life our state is known for.”

The following is a small sample of those who received awards:

Trooper Joshua Kim – JFK Memorial Highway Barrack – Trooper Kim jumped out of his patrol car and threw his arms around a man who was pitching himself over the edge of the bridge over the Susquehanna River on I-95, saving the man’s life.

Trooper First Class Shawn Bennett – Westminster Barrack – TFC Bennett drove up on a traffic crash in I-70 and found a driver trapped in his car that was on fire.  TFC Bennett extricated the driver and pulled him to safety before the car was completely engulfed in flames.

Pilot John Green, Trooper First Class Corey Green and Trooper Jonathan Nishi – Aviation Command – This crew of State Police helicopter Trooper 2 flew into the US Navy Yard during an active shooter incident and conducted a tactical insertion of a police SWAT team on the roof of a building there.  The crew then evacuated a victim who had been shot and critically wounded

.

Sergeant Chasity Blades – Homicide Unit – Sgt. Blades worked more than three years on the murder of a Dorchester County resident whose body was never found.  Her tenacity and talent resulted in the identification of a suspect, criminal charges against that suspect and eventually a conviction.

Trooper Allison Oyler – Trooper Oyler received not one, but two lifesaving awards.  As a certified paramedic, she provided lifesaving care for a victim she found suffering from two severe stab wounds and a young woman in cardiac arrest.  Both victims survived, thanks to her expert care.

Corporal Shawn Needham and Sergeant Daniel McLain – Cpl. Needham and Sgt. McLain were off-duty, working an assignment at a construction site on I-95 when a driver stopped and said he believed his female passenger was dead.  The troopers called for EMS and began CPR.  The victim was revived and kept alive until further help was provided by medics when they arrived.

Sergeant Brian Broadwater – Sgt. Broadwater was off-duty in an Allegany County restaurant when he became aware of an elderly patron who was choking and had fallen unconscious after she stopped breathing.  His quick response and expert actions dislodged what the victim was choking on and restored her breathing and consciousness.

Senior Trooper Matthew Schoenadel – Hysterical parents called the Cumberland Barrack to report they were en route to the hospital with their baby who wasn’t breathing.  Senior Trooper Schoenadel intercepted the family on the highway and determined the infant’s airway was blocked.  He performed emergency care and dislodged the obstruction, quickly restoring the baby’s breathing.

Gang Enforcement Unit – The State Police Gang Enforcement Unit received unit citations for two years due to their diligent work in reducing criminal gang related crime.  The Unit made 328 arrests in 2013, 376 arrests in 2014 and recovered a combined total of more than 100 guns.

Criminal Enforcement Division – Central South Region – This team of investigators received a unit citation for their outstanding work in more than 500 criminal investigations in one year, which resulted in 216 arrests and the service of more than 200 search warrants in the Southern Maryland region.

Wicomico Bureau of Investigation – This combined team of investigators from the State Police, Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office and the Wicomico County State’s Attorney’s Office was recognized for conducting more than 240 investigations of serious crimes in 2014 and successfully closing 82 percent of those cases.

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TIME MACHINE ... 1955, 1976, 1855, 1960, 1917.

"Friendliest Town On The Eastern Shore."  Our tradition runs deep.  Excerpt from a letter to the editor from a visitor to Newtown, (former name of Pocomoke City) published in the Baltimore Sun, April 28,1847.

This place (Newtown) is a pretty snug little village, containing about 500 clever and hospitable inhabitants; it has good wide streets, quite clear of that "eye sore," known mostly over the Peninsula by the name of "deep sand"; the houses, though built of frame, are generally built substantially and with some discretion and taste; there are two neat, new, and quite handsome frame churches in it; as for the merchants of the place, suffice it to state that they are very clever and hospitable.  F. Mezick, Esq., the landlord with whom I stopped, and his very obliging and jolly assistant, are richly deserving of a passing notice, for the good treatment and the extension of the many civilities to "the stranger."


(Reader-friendly viewing of news archives/historical archives material)

This week 60 years ago..

(Excerpt)

Footnote: Admission was $1 for adults, 50-cents for children. Parking was 25-cents.


September, 1976
The Daily Times (Salisbury)

(Excerpts)

Thousands Swarm To Mall To See Mickey

Mickey Mouse was nearly mobbed Wednesday night by an enthusiastic crowd of thousands who came with children in tow to the Salisbury Mall to get a glimpse of the Walt Disney World resident. 

The mammoth crowd was in attendance to view part of a promotional gimmick designed to draw attention to the grand opening of the Salisbury Mall's new eastern wing. And while the plan was to accommodate whatever numbers showed up Wednesday night by giving each child a chance to shake hands with Mickey and to receive from him an eight by six-inch plastic cartoon poster — it just didn't quite work out that way.

Mickey and two other Disney World characters were forced to leave early when it became apparent that the huge crowd was not about to conform to planned procedure.

"Originally we were going to have Mickey stay up here on this platform on the east side of the new mall and have children and their parents come from one direction and leave in another. But it obviously didn't work that way," said Special Deputy Sheriff John Stephens.

Deputy Stephens was making his remarks to a reporter as he tried to hold back a pressing mass of humanity from swaming over a plywood platform which was already overrun with children and parents trying to touch their Disneyland hero.

As it became obvious that very few of the thousands of parents would be able to take their children up to the platform some members of the crowd began shouting demands that deputies and state troopers surrender their posts on the platform and begin distributing the small posters which had been billed as "free fan cards."

But the policemen were too busy trying to keep hordes of children from grabbing handfuls of the placards and disappearing with them into the crowd.

One mother stood on the edge of the stand, holding a curly headed child of two to three years of age and began to cry when it became apparent to her that not only was there no chance of her child seeing Mickey Mouse, but- there was also no way for the two of them to escape from the ever swelling crowd coming into the mall. 

Seconds later her child also began crying. Her sobs were lost among the loud shouting and the constant pagings of the mall's speaker system which was busy announcing descriptions of children who had been separated from their parents. 

When it became obvious that Mickey and his Mouseketeers were leaving the platform, much of the crowd refused to give way for him until he left under the escort of two uniformed policemen.

As the crowd struggled to get a glimpse of Mickey inside the mall, outside the parking lot turned into a busy thoroughfare, with at least one fender bender accident resulting from the large volume of cars.


1855.. Gold Mine in Worcester County?

                                                                                  (The Sun, Baltimore) 

October, 1960 (Time Machine archive)

Although no formal announcement had been made, news was circulating around Pocomoke City that a major downtown business, Montgomery Ward, would be closing.  Local management would not comment but a Montgomery Ward district manager said the closing of the Pocomoke store was possible.  A published report stated the 25 employees would be offered positions in other Montgomery Ward stores.

Footnote:  Montgomery Ward's two story department store was located on Clarke Avenue in the Veasey Building across the street from the Pocomoke City Municipal Building.  J.C. Penney occupied the front of the building facing Market Street. Due to the economic downturn following the closing of the Chincoteague Naval Air Base, Montgomery Ward and Penney's eventually closed their doors in Pocomoke City. Other business interests anticipated the cost of renovating the 1922 building would be prohibitive.  The City acquired the Veasey Building in 1975 for demolition.



1917.. Um, Um, Good!

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