Delaware Officials Pay Their Respects To The People Of Japan’s Miyagi Prefecture

Region devastated by last spring’s earthquake and tsunami has close ties to the First State

Delaware’s strong sister-state relationship with Japan’s Miyagi Prefecture was very evident today during a visit that Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock made there on behalf of Governor Jack Markell and the people of Delaware.

Secretary Bullock began the day by placing white flowers at one of the many disaster areas in Sendai, the capital of Miyagi Prefecture, as a sign of respect to the people of Miyagi who greatly suffered as a result of last March’s devastating earthquake and tsunami. He also met with the prefecture’s governor Yoshihiro Murai, presenting him with a letter from Governor Markell.

“Our community came together quickly to help our neighbors on the other side of the world,” said Markell.  “I’m thankful for the generosity and compassion that Delawareans have shown, and I’m thankful for the strong bonds we’ve formed with our friends in Miyagi. I remain grieved by their losses, but I’m hopeful and inspired by the great strides they’ve made.”

Nearly 15 years ago, the State of Delaware formed a sister-state relationship with Japan’s Miyagi Prefecture that has involved school and business exchanges, among other fruitful partnerships. Following last spring’s tragic events, the outpouring of support from Delawareans was significant. It was no doubt a result of the long relationship the two have shared.

In total, some 500 individuals and couples, schools, businesses, and organizations throughout the First State donated over $100,000 to Miyagi, with more than 90% going to Miyagi’s Children’s Fund to support children who lost one or both parents in the earthquake, tsunami, and their aftermath. Additional funds were allocated to immediate relief during the earlier stages of the response and infrastructure needs.

Outreach to the community through radio, print and social media was critical to the awareness-raising effort. The Delmarva Broadcasting Company’s family of radio stations played Public Service Announcements for several days and joined together with the News Journal to support a fundraising event at Dover Downs. Individual community members and other media organizations joined the effort through social media and online to update Delawareans on the conditions in Miyagi and rally support.

“Miyagi was hit incredibly hard, but they have also done an amazing job of bouncing back – handling the crisis well and moving forward in a well-thought out, organized way,” said Secretary Bullock. “Miyagi is already returning to normal, thanks to the determination of its people with whom we are honored to be connected through our sister-state relationship.”

Governor’s Weekly Message: Delaware’s Realities – On TV and in Our Communities

In his weekly message, Governor Jack Markell talks about Delawareans who have been working hard to help our state compete in the global economy…and on reality television.

“So many people around the country have had a chance to see some inspiring Delawareans, who used their time in the spotlight to bring attention to some of the talent, creativity and drive that helps define our state,” said Markell.

The University of Delaware’s Deltones a cappella group recently finished in the Top 10 on The Sing Off, and other Delawareans have represented the state on a national stage: Master Chef winner Jennifer Behm, Cake Boss winner Dana Herbert, Dogfish Head’s Sam Calagione, thousands of volunteer Delawareans on Extreme Home Makeover and the creative volunteers behind the upcoming Punkin Chunkin.

Highlights of the 2010 Punkin Chunkin will air on the Science Channel this Saturday for “Chunk-O-Ween,” and the 2011 special will be simulcast on the Discovery and Science Channels on Thanksgiving.  Governor Markell recently changed his Twitter and Facebook profiles photos to a pumpkin head to highlight this unique event.

“But more importantly, when the lights are off and the camera crews have moved on – these Delawareans stay committed to giving back to the place they call home,” continued Markell.  “Because, while life may look glamorous in prime time (unless you’re on Survivor) the truth is, these have been tough times for our nation.”

The Governor thanked fellow Delawareans for the hard work they do every day in their jobs, their homes, their schools and their communities, including the hundreds of thousands of hours given to help our neighbors through efforts like VolunteerDelaware.org.

“The hard work most people put in, day in and day out – the commitment they make each morning to making their families and their communities stronger – may not make for exciting television but makes for a much brighter future for all of us, and helps keep our great state moving forward.”

About the Governor’s Weekly Message: 
At noon every Friday, a new video message is posted to the Governor’s website and YouTube channel and is distributed to Delaware media outlets.   Transcripts of the messages are posted and the audio version of the Governor’s message is available on iTunes as a podcast for distribution to personal MP3 players and home computers.   The Governor’s weekly message is currently being carried on the air and posted on websites by various media outlets, and the direct link is:   http://youtu.be/TLVM20NvTBY

Constituents, media outlets and others are free to link to the Governor’s video message on YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/user/GovernorMarkell – or on his Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/governormarkell – or on the Delaware State website at http://governor.delaware.gov/information/podcast_video.shtml.  All are also invited to follow him on Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/governormarkell – and submit ideas through http://ideas.delaware.gov.

Transcript of Governor Markell’s Weekly Message

Halloween: My favorite Holiday of the Year

As holidays go, Halloween is the coolest.  I mean when you compare it to Easter, Christmas, or Thanksgiving, you end up with a day in the year that allows you to do things that you would not socially be accepted doing any other day of the year.  Lets face the facts here,  Halloween is better than Christmas:

But I can see that not everyone is sold on this idea.  In fact it is my guess that there are those hard core fans of Christmas and Thanksgiving.  Well I will give them the fact that the food is fantastic during those holidays.  However on Halloween you have a license to eat CANDY!  On any other day of the year you will not or can not partake in the eating of massive amounts of Sweet fantastic candy.  And yes on Christmas you do get presents from people.  But you must admit that those presents are not exactly what you want and you will probably return them to the store.  

On Halloween people give you FREE Candy!  Enough said.

Is that all I have for an argument? Free Candy?  Well no not exactly I can also point to the following -- Do you want to wake up and find out this guy was sneaking around your house without even announcing his arrival?

Or -- How would you like these people knocking at your door asking for a Trick or a Treat?

 

 

 

 



Quite frankly I chose these girls over some old fart climbing down my chimney.  Which I do not have.  So how does he get into my house?  At least the trick or treaters are honest.  They ring your bell, ask a question and I give them candy.

Literacy in the United States

Can you spot the mistake?

As you know from my previous posts that I talk a lot about education.  In my last article on education I included a picture of a coloring book that was misspelled.  Well the stupidity continues.  Here is an article in a regional Mississippi newspaper talking about their literacy level in that state.  My real question here is, "How did this get past the editor and the guy actually setting the machine for printing.  Now I am not sure how that exactly works but it would seem to me they have multiple people proofreading their newspapers.  Just saying.

Image is of an actual letter written by a grown adult.

I give these examples, not to make fun of these people but to actually show how saddening it is to have such illiterate people living right here in the United States of America.  Education can have a fantastic impact on our society as a whole.  Lets face it, as an example:

Just by having the wrong punctuation can reek havoc.  Lets face it grandpa may not stay safe.  But seriously I think the biggest problem is the advent of the Smart Phones and Texting.  Over the years people have resorted to texting rather than actually talking or writing a full sentence to people.  The Text-ease is convenient and fast to enter into the small keyboards on those phones but also makes us lazy.  Using the letter 'u' for the word you.  Definitely makes it hard for me to read those messages.  The really sad part here is not that the author of the above letter has a literacy problem.  The really tragedy here is that the author's parents allowed the education of this person to lapse.  They gave up on their child.  Alot of people blame the education system and depend on them to educate and take care of their children.  This can be related to how alot of people expect the government to take care of them as well as ...... create jobs! (this is another article all together.)

The answer here is for parents everywhere to take an active role in their children's lives.  Spend some time making sure that they do their homework.  Ask questions about their day.  The system is not worrying about your kid.  They don't care.  They have hundreds of kids that have to roll through the school.  They will just pass them through without much resistance.  Talk to your kids teachers, ask questions, question their teaching ability.  Let's make a difference!

Some Safety Tips

It never hurts to be careful in this crazy world we live in.

1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do :
The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!

2.. Learned this from a tourist guide.
If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you....
Chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, And he will go for the wallet/purse.

RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION! 

3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car,
Kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy..
The driver won't see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives.

4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit
(doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc. DON'T DO THIS!) The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head and tell you where to go.

AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR , LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE..

If someone is in the car with a gun to your head

DO NOT DRIVE OFF,

Repeat:

DO NOT DRIVE OFF!

Instead gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your Air Bag will save you.
If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it. As soon as the car crashes bail out and run.
It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.

5. A few notes about getting

Into your car in a parking lot or parking garage:

A.) Be aware:
Look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor, and in the back seat.

B.) If you are parked next to a big van,
Enter your car from the passenger door.  Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women aAre attempting to get into their cars.

C.) Look at the car
Parked on the driver's side of your vehicle and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a Guard/policeman to walk you back out.

IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)

6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs.  Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot.  This is especially true at NIGHT!)

7. If the predator has a gun
and you are not under his control ALWAYS RUN!
The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; and even then it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ.

RUN, Preferably in a zig -zag pattern!

8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic:

STOP

It may get you raped, or killed.  Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women.  He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often
asked 'for help' into his vehicle or with his vehicle which is when he abducted his next victim.

9. Another Safety Point:

Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last and she called the police because it was late, she thought it was weird.. The police told her

'Whatever you do, DO NOT open the door..'

The lady then said that it sounded like the baby had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over.  The policeman said, 'We already have a unit on the way
whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.'

He told her that they think a serial killer has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby. He said they have not verified it but have had several calls by women saying that they hear baby's cries outside their doors when they're home alone at night.

10 Water scam!

If you wake up in the middle of the night to hear all your taps outside running or what you think is a burst pipe, DO NOT GO OUT TO INVESTIGATE! These people turn on all your outside taps full blast so that you will go out to investigate and then attack.

Stay alert, keep safe, and look out for your neighbors!

Please pass this on

"ALL THAT IS NECESSARY FOR EVIL TO SUCCEED IS FOR GOOD MEN TO DO NOTHING"

Smryna Branding Update

If you recall I wrote a post about the events leading up to the Branding of Smyrna Delaware.  Well in this short update you can now view the Power Point presentation of the Brand.  In case you just want the basic check out the images that we pulled from the Presentation.

Haunted House without Bats

Looks like a Haunted House with Bats flying around it!

Really people....This is the best that $7,500 buys us???????

Vote Solar Institute cites state’s leadership on connecting clean energy

DOVER  – The Vote Solar Institute has moved Delaware to “the head of the class” when it comes to connecting renewable resources to the grid in the 2011 edition of its report, “Freeing the Grid”. Delaware was one of three states to earn an “A” grade for both net metering and interconnection policies that support renewable resources such as wind and solar energy, with the report ranking its policies “among the strongest in the country.”

Under Governor Jack Markell’s leadership, Delaware adopted a progressive net-metering law with strong bipartisan support in 2010 (Senate Bill 267, sponsored by Senators Harris McDowell and Gary Simpson and Representatives Dennis Williams and Michael Mulrooney) that makes it easier for utility customers to sell excess renewable energy to the grid.

Delaware is adopting leading-edge interconnection policies that allow small renewable resources to connect to the grid without requiring redundant and restrictive review from PJM Interconnection, the regional grid manager. The Vote Solar report praised the state’s collaboration with local electrical utilities along with the efforts of the Public Service Commission to implement model interconnection standards.

The report highlights Delaware’s progress, noting that the state moved from an “F” to an “A” in the category of interconnection policy:

As of mid-2011, Delaware is poised to adopt interconnection procedures that are among the strongest in the country and have received a score of “A” in Freeing the Grid 2011. In addition, the adoption of rules for aggregate metering and community renewables has greatly expanded opportunities for investment in renewable energy among customer groups who previously would have been unable to fully utilize the state’s solid net metering program. Most importantly, Delaware’s renewable energy policies are finally aligned to bring significant investment in renewable energy to the state.

DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara welcomed the news, saying, “Under Governor Markell’s leadership, Delaware is taking significant steps to transition towards cleaner sources of energy. Through the innovative clean energy policies recognized in this report, including virtual net-metering, community aggregation, and interconnection policies, Delaware is emerging as one of the best places in the U.S. for clean energy investments.”

“Integrating more clean energy into the grid puts more people to work, supports capital investment, and promotes a healthier environment,” Gov. Markell said. “Through strong bipartisan support, Delaware has demonstrated repeatedly that we can strengthen our economy and improve our environment at the same time.”

Vote Solar cites Delaware’s progressive polices including simplified interconnection procedures, aggregate net metering that allows customers to link several meters on a farm or college campus, and allowing communities to link multiple home meters to one jointly-owned renewable resource.

The report is available at http://www.newenergychoices.org/uploads/FreeingTheGrid2011.pdf.

The New American Dream??

I wrote an article about the protesters entitled 'Protesting Capitalism?' and in that article I talk about what the protesters may or may not stand for, however we are sure of one thing, they claim to be the 99% of America that do not make over one million dollars.  So being curious, I began to wonder who this 99% of America really is and where do they live?  Now just for clarification, I do not make one million dollars per year, and I quite frankly do not agree with the protesters.  So I do not consider myself in that 99% of America.

Doing some research, talking to people, and basically looking for that vast majority of America that they claim to represent.  I found this article featuring pictures from Los Angeles and New York.  Which would indicate we have bigots as a part of the 99%.  So I started asking myself - "Self, do these people have jobs? What do they have as a future?  What do they normally do?"  I found this picture that might shed some light on these questions and more.......

The 99 percent

Hmm, scary.  So does this mean that the 99% are fat bigot white guys with no jobs and no hope for a job?  Feeding off the American Dream?

Well digging deeper into the bowels of Google I found this youtube video:

A Los Angeles substitute teacher was fired by the school district after making an Anti-Semitic comment on camera at an "Occupy LA" event.

This looks like it is starting to become a much broader vision of the 99%.  As I write this article I have been watching my facebook feed and interestingly enough these pictures showed up:

Alec Baldwin a Capital One Spokesman is an Occupy Wall Street supporter?
 

Well I think I have a better view of exactly what we are dealing with here.  I think that the protesters just want money, FREE money.  They want the hard working class American (the ones with jobs) to give them money.....for FREE.  Hey I am not one of the 99% people.  If you think that having a job classifies me as a Millionaire then I must be in that 1%.  

This must be what the American Dream has become.  People that really do not want to work, blaming other races, religions and beliefs for their problems.  Oh yeah, and they want all the money.  This is more like the American Nightmare

Governor Also Signs SB 87 Establishing Standard FOIA Form

New policies will significantly reduce costs to many parties requesting information under FOIA

Governor Jack Markell today signed Executive Order No. 31, which requires executive branch agencies to adopt a standardized policy for requests under the state’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).  Executive Order No. 31 brings greater consistency to agency FOIA policies, makes it easier to file a FOIA request and in many cases, makes it less expensive for citizens to request and receive public records.    The cost of a state agency FOIA request will be lowered, in many cases, between 60-and-80-percent.

The Governor also signed Senate Bill 87, which establishes a standard form for FOIA requests.  SB 87 was sponsored by Sen. Karen E. Peterson (D-Stanton) and Rep. E. Bradford Bennett (D-Dover), and is intended to reduce confusion and simplify the process for making requests to state government, local governments, school districts and other public bodies.  The form was prepared by the Attorney General’s Office in accordance with SB 87 and will be available on the web pages of all executive branch agencies.  You can find the form here.

“Delaware’s Freedom of Information Act helps ensure transparency and accountability in government, which is the people’s business,” said Governor Markell.  “This Executive Order makes it easier for citizens to make FOIA requests, requires executive branch agencies to be more consistent in how they respond to these requests, and in many cases, substantially reduces the cost of FOIAs.  This Order and Senate Bill 87 are an important part of our efforts to make state government more open, efficient and responsive to the needs of Delaware citizens.”

“Helping to ensure that citizens have access to information they can use to protect themselves and improve their communities one of many ways we serve Delawareans,” Attorney General Beau Biden said.  “Delaware’s government sunshine laws guarantee citizens have the right to information that  is essential when it comes to protecting our families, guarding our finances and making our communities stronger.”

“Senate Bill 87 is going to make it easier and simpler for the public to make FOIA requests,” said Senator Karen Peterson.  “A standard form will help reduce confusion, and I applaud the Attorney General for crafting a form that is simple and easy to use.  The Governor’s executive order is going to help too, by making sure executive branch agencies follow a set of uniform policies.  We have made substantial progress on open government in the last few years, and we’re continuing that today.”

The Governor’s Executive Order requires state agencies to adopt standardized FOIA policies from a template prepared with input from executive branch agencies and the Office of the Attorney General.  Currently, not all state agencies have adopted FOIA policies and for those that have had policies, there has been little consistency or coordination among agencies.  Agencies will also be required to develop a web portal to accept FOIA requests over the internet.  The website for making requests of executive branch agencies will be located at http://de.gov/foiarequest.

Executive Order No. 31 will:

• Reduce copying costs.  Under existing FOIA policies, state agencies may charge copying fees ranging from $0.10 to $0.50 per page for standard black-and-white copies.  Under the new policy, fees for such copies will be $0.10 per page, with the first 20 pages free.  Thus, requesting parties from many agencies may save up to 60-80% over what they would have paid under existing agency policies.
• Adopt a “No Wrong Door” policy.  If a Requesting Party initiates a FOIA request that would more appropriately be directed to another agency, the agency must promptly forward the request to the FOIA coordinator at the appropriate agency.
• Make it easier to request public records.  The policy allows individuals to initiate FOIA requests in person; by mail, fax, or email; or via the form required by SB 87.  Existing agency policies permit individuals to initiate requests in some of the above ways, but not all.
• Provide a point of contact in each executive branch agency.  Each executive branch agency must designate a “FOIA Coordinator” to serve as the point of contact for FOIA requests, and to coordinate the agency’s responses.  The FOIA Coordinator, who must be identified on the Agency’s website, is required to make every reasonable effort to assist parties requesting public records under FOIA.   Click here for list of FOIA Coordinators.

Executive branch agencies must develop a portal for receiving FOIA requests through the internet, if they don’t already have one, by December 1, 2011 and adopt new FOIA policies no later than February 1, 2012.

Bloom Proposal to Put Hundreds of Delawareans to Work Moves Forward with Public Service Commission’s Unanimous Vote

Governor Markell thanks the Commission for their Thoughtful Consideration and Support of the State’s Economy

Dover – Governor Jack Markell thanked the Public Service Commission tonight for their unanimous vote of support, which will allow Bloom Energy to move forward with its proposal to put Delawareans to work. Bloom is choosing to build its east coast manufacturing center on the site of the former Chrysler plant in Newark, which is now part of the University of Delaware’s Science and Technology Campus.

“This vote brings us closer to creating hundreds of jobs for Delawareans and making a substantial positive impact for our State’s economy.  I thank the PSC, its staff and consultants for their independent and thoughtful consideration.  Their decision to move this process forward will bring significant benefits to Delaware.”  Markell said.

The PSC’s vote allows Delmarva Power to become a Bloom Energy customer. Bill Kurtz, Bloom’s Chief Financial Officer and Chief Commercial Officer, shared his thoughts on his company’s behalf.

“We are pleased that the PSC has approved the tariff, and are looking forward to working with the State, the University of Delaware and Delmarva to now begin the process of creating jobs and applying our innovative fuel cell technology to bring affordable, reliable and clean energy to the entire east coast,” Kurtz said.

You can read more about Bloom’s proposal and technology here: http://governor.delaware.gov/news/2011/1106june/20110609-bloom_energy.shtml

The Branding of Smyrna Delaware

Lately I have been ranting on general stuff that just irritates me.  Like Cell phones, healthcare and the famous President Obama.  Today however I want to talk about a local topic.  Specifically Smyrna Delaware Politics.  Smyrna Delaware sits just North of Dover and South of Middletown.  I went to the town website which I have linked to here in this article and came across the general information page which includes a map of where Smyrna is situated.

Now before I get started on the topic of the day.  I just want to make a few statements:

• I love Smyrna, Delaware 
• Smyrna is a great place to raise a family
• The people of Smyrna are great.

Having said this, there is a side of Smyrna that quite frankly is, for a lack of a better term, IDIOTIC.  I am specifically referring to the Government makeup of Town Hall. (Thought I was getting off the Political soapbox didn't you).  

The Smyrna Town Council consists of an elected mayor and six elected council members.

In order to adequately address the issues of Smyrna and its residents, there are several standing and ad hoc committees. These committees will consist of at least one council member and at least one citizen, appointed by the mayor.

For our purposes today, I want to specifically discuss the Business Development committee.

On the first Thursday of each month, the Business Development committee of Smyrna meets at 8:30 am in the Town Hall.  The public is welcome and on an average meeting we have about 5 visitors sitting in on the meeting.  During the meeting the visitors are allowed to voice their opinions on the topic at hand.  (You can imagine the amount of opinion I voice.)

The topic of Town Branding came up about 2 months ago.  In Smyrna's race to be like Middletown (yes I said it), where as Middletown hired an agency to 'Brand' their town.  So this prompts Smyrna to begin the race to catch up and 'Brand' Smyrna.  Here is where the lunacy begins.  Well I call it lunacy, but Crazy, stupid, irresponsible, or any similar word works here.  They feel that this branding is so important that they are having public roundtable discussions for branding suggestions which on the surface appears to be just ego's getting in the way of sound judgement.  However here is the rest of the story:

During the last meeting October 4th 2011 the Mayor, Pat Stombaugh, stated that the town has a deficit of about $500,000.  The town decided to cut their budget and stop funding anything until the shortage could be eliminated.  So after cutting department budgets, including the Business Development's small budget, the town is now about $40,000 short.

After having announced this at the meeting we then heard a presentation from an advertising company to place an ad in a Kent County book at a cost of $1,200.  The business development committee voted and approved the go ahead with a recommendation to the finance committee.  Which later in the week they approved the funds (Oh it gets even better).

The Committee then talked about the Branding efforts, which at this point I stood up and asked how much would this cost the town.  (I'm glad you asked) The upfront cost for the company to come up with the branding idea for our town is $7,500.  Now there is one grant from the the State I believe for $3,750 and another $500 grant from a local town organization.  Making the total cost to the town $3,250.  This apparently was approved in a previous meeting (I must have been absent).  Now this money is not the total cost of this Branding effort.  Once the town has the final brand logo, we must start changing all the signs, letterhead, vehicle stickers and town literature.  So the cost to the town will far exceed the $3,250 for the idea of the brand.

So I ask you, "Does this make any sense?"  Just the initial cost to the town will be $4,450 (Cost of the Brand plus cost of the Ad) which happens to be about 10% of our total deficit in the budget.   So, I don't know, let me start thinking outside of the box here.  Perhaps we should take that $4,450 and supplement our town budget to become solvent before we stroke the egos of the Council and town manager.

Now here is what will really happen.  The town will once again raise the electric rates, causing a hardship on all the business' in town (because we pay the highest rates in town) which of course is not 'business friendly'.

So for those of you interested, the town of Smyrna would like to cordially invite you to a round table discussion about the 'Branding of Smyrna'  I am, unfortunately, unable to attend.

Governor to Honor More Than 30 Outstanding Volunteers and Groups for Their Service on Nov. 3

WILMINGTON (Oct. 17, 2011) – Gov. Jack Markell will honor the dedication of more than 30 individuals and groups as he presents the Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards on Nov. 3 at Dover Downs.

This year’s award recipients participate in such diverse activities as advocating for youth in the court system, opening a shelter for abused women, providing landscaping for nonprofits, teaching others about health and safety, building Native American longhouses, and giving hope and help to others through outreach to those in need.

“Carla and I believe there is no greater service than to serve our fellow Delawareans and neighbors,” Gov. Markell said. “This year’s Volunteer Service Awards recipients truly embody that spirit of altruism. They also demonstrate the power of giving and the ability to inspire others to do the same. With deep gratitude, we honor their leadership, commitment and dedication.”

The Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Awards are sponsored by the Office of the Governor, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, the Division of State Service Centers, the State Office of Volunteerism, as well as the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service.

“These award recipients are the epitome of volunteerism and represent the many devoted volunteers who make positive contributions to the First State and inspire others to do the same,” said Anne Farley, Director of the Division of State Service Centers.

The Nov. 3 awards will consist of dinner followed by a ceremony to honor the awardees for their exceptional volunteer and community service to Delaware. The event, at Dover Downs, is open to the public, with registration at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6. Tickets are $30, and are available by calling 857-5006. Or visit www.volunteerdelaware.org to download the invitation.

For more information about the awards and the Nov. 3 event, contact Carrie Hart with the State Office of Volunteerism at 857-5006.

View the 2011 Outstanding Volunteer Award Winners [PDF]

Where has common sense gone?

As a follow up to my blog post on October 11, 2011, "Must be over 1 million Dumbass' and counting", I was counting the pre-order sales for the iPhone 4s. Pointing out how stupid people are and to steal a word from a friend of mine, sheeple which can be defined as people that act like sheep. Well folks the sheeple have once again amazed even me when I read this article regarding a iPhone 4s announcement from Apple Inc. This article was posted on MarketWatch.com. Here is an excerpt from that article.

"Apple Inc. said Monday that it's sold over four million of its iPhone 4S, three days after its launch on Oct. 14. The figure was more than double that of iPhone 4 during its first three days of launch, Apple said. The company added more than 25 million customers are using iOS 5, its mobile operating system, in the first five days of its release while more than 20 million customers have signed up for its cloud service that automatically and wirelessly stores it's content in iCloud and pushes it to the consumer devices."

Well, now we have a total of 4 million Dumbass'.

If our economy is in shambles and there is an official 9+ percent unemployment rate (which actual figures suggest that the percentage is at 16 percent). Foreclosures are at an all time high as reported by this article:

"Lenders are poised to take back more homes this year than any other since the U.S. housing meltdown began in 2006. About 5 million borrowers are at least two months behind on their mortgages and more will miss payments as they struggle with job losses and loans worth more than their home's value, industry analysts forecast.

"2011 is going to be the peak," said Rick Sharga, a senior vice president at foreclosure tracker RealtyTrac Inc. The firm predicts 1.2 million homes will be repossessed this year by lenders."

So my question of the day is - "Where are these sheeple coming from?"  Are they buying cellphones even though they may not have a job in the near future.  Are they not paying their mortgages and simply keeping

 the phone?  This just makes no sense to me.  I have always thought that financially you should take care of the basic needs first:

1.  Shelter

2.  Food

3.  Health insurance

4.  Heat and Cooling

5.  Car and Insurance

If you can not pay for these basics.  YOU DO NOT NEED A CELL PHONE!  Your priorities are backwards.  Perhaps this is the base problem with our economy as a whole.  Have we as Americans become so inane that we have no control of our base financial health.  Could it be a result of our education system?  I leave the answer up to you.

October 14, 2011 Governor’s Weekly Transcript – Putting Young Delawareans Ahead: Improving Early Childhood Education

Efforts to improve public education in Delaware are well underway – thousands of people are putting in countless hours to give our state the strongest possible public schools and give our state the strongest possible argument to make to potential employers the First State their first choice to locate new jobs.

It’s a reform effort that brings together teachers, students, parents, administrators, public officials and private sector employers – all committed to the same cause of helping great teachers make a real difference in our children’s lives. But it’s an effort that’s made more clear lately that education cannot start the moment a child shows up for his or her first day of kindergarten. Kids who arrive years behind their peers that first day can take years to catch up- at substantial cost to their school districts and themselves.

Research has demonstrated clearly that investing in early childhood education is one of the best investments a state can make in its own economic growth. Children receiving quality early care and education are less likely to be disruptive and much more likely to be successful. They are less likely to drop out and more likely to succeed in school, become better citizens, earn more, contribute more, and require far less in government services.

It’s an investment that clearly pays dividends. That’s why we are expanding the Delaware Stars- for-Early- Success quality rating program, which provides technical and financial assistance to enable centers to achieve higher standards. It’s why we are focused on getting more centers enrolled in the optional quality rating system – so they can benefit by providing even better care and our state’s youngest minds can benefit from even stronger instruction.

Just as great teachers are the bedrock of great success in a public school classroom, great staff at these centers can make all the difference for the children in their care. That’s why we are also expanding the reimbursement rate for centers caring for children eligible for Delaware’s Purchase of Care system – so centers can help keep top talent, and these children can keep learning.

Our commitment to improving K-12 education is clear and constant – because it gives children a much better chance to graduate ready to succeed in the work world. Our commitment to early childhood education is becoming more clear as well – because children need every opportunity to show up, ready to learn, ready to succeed, and ready to make the most of the great public schools our state provides - all critical components to keep our state, moving forward.

Healthcare in America at it's finest

Yesterday I had an article submitted by a Cancer warrior.  "And Sadly She Lived" was written out of frustration and anger at the current state of Cancer Care in this country.  She references an article about how cancer treatment is big money and how we are sheep that pay for the privilege to live longer by paying for maintenance of a chronic condition.  I think it is even worse than we think.  Here is an article from USAToday.  Read this small excerpt from that article:

"With the nation in the midst of a record shortage of prescription drugs — including vital medications used in everything from surgery to chemotherapy — unscrupulous marketers are stockpiling hard-to-find drugs and attempting to sell them back to hospitals at up to 50 times their normal prices, a new report says."


So given this situation where money talks and everyone else dies how is it that we can solve this problem. We have seen how hopeless it is for Congress to make any change in healthcare.  Do I know the solution. Well no, unfortunately I am just a simple blogger pointing out things that are problems and in this case straight up wrong in the worse way.  Why aren't we protesting this!


I have to believe that Americans can come together and find the solutions to such simple problems like gouging prices for basic life giving drugs.  I have to believe that Americans (well not ALL Americans) find this practice morally and ethically offensive.  Why aren't we protesting this!


Here is another article also posted on the USAToday website - Drug shortages set to reach record levels.  So I guess what happens is some rogue company is buying up all the drugs that are needed to help cancer patients and waits until someone is ready to pay their price for the drugs.  This is, in my opinion, worse than the drug dealer on the street corner selling crack cocaine (hey at least he is honest about what he is doing).  That drug dealer is subject to supply and demand.  But when you have control of the supply you can wait until the demand is high so that you can raise your price 3,100 percent. Legal Drug dealers?  I ask again, Why aren't we protesting this!

And Sadly, She Lived

And sadly, she lived. Let me explain the title of this little essay of mine. A few weeks ago, I was sitting on my "Thinking Chair"...ok, nosey, the toilet! I can neither explain nor defend that some of my better thoughts emerge during a satisfying sit. (SIT!)

I was debating with myself the whole idea of autobiographies, and wondering how you would title something that is basically, your LIFE. The title of this chronicle of confession, describing YOU, in a few words. That must be a very painstaking endeavor.

For many years, my son and I would watch TV together. It seemed that whenever we watched something meant to inspire, uplift..it always ended tragically. In the credits it invariably said " Bobby Blahblah lived another 2 weeks, AND SADLY HE DIED" We came to call these shows "and sadly, they died" shows. Exploitive, I later felt. Not inspired.  Needless to say, we tried our best to avoid them.

This being the time of year where the "Pink Brigade" is up and in FULL effect, it reminds me of those shows. Only for me, it's a feeling of "sadly she LIVED". I lived to learn things about the cancer world that I was better off NOT knowing. I was living very happily in my ignorance. Before cancer came to invade my body, I donated to cancer research like everyone else. I thought I was doing the altruistic things that humans need to do in order to claim humanness. (Not sure that's a word, but humor me.) I thought that curing cancer was the "goal" of these "charities". What a beat down on my soul when I discovered they are backstabbing, money making machines.

Cancer is an INDUSTRY. Supporting such a huge economic pyramid, is almost beyond comprehension. "Cure" is not on the agenda. "Cure" is not the bonanza that "Treatment" is, or in my opinion, ever will be. The best that cancer patients can hope for are better "treatments". Making cancer a chronic, manageable disease. Funding is not granted in any equitable manner. Breast Cancer gets the lion's share of all funding because it's the easiest to raise funds FOR. Not because cancer is a "boob man". Not because it's the biggest cancer threat. It isn't.

Yet when most hear the word "cancer" they see pink. First the gays take my rainbow, now my favorite color is all about the boobs. Breast cancer's five year is in the 90 percentile in early stages. Yet, the only thing sheeple are "aware" of is that cancer is a "Boobieman", out to tank your Ta-Ta's. The marketing of Breast Cancer "awareness" is pure evil genius. Sell any and all things "pink" stating that a percentage goes to Breast Cancer research and you are in business, baby. What a wonderful human you are to buy those "pink" under britches and save the boobs at the same time! Spoiler alert!!! I just figured out Vickey's "secret" for their "pink" line. Now I'm buying my panties the old fashion way...at Walmart.

Any little meaningless "trinket" colored pink can get in on this great deal. Percentage means JACK, really.  That percentage could be a fraction of a cent. It doesn't even have to give a percentage,It can just be "pink" and the blissfully ignorant assume it goes to research. Product placement helps with that. Just place it near anything that does the whole "percentage" game. Man! I wish I would have thought of this scam! I'd be off on my own island somewhere in the South Pacific, complete with cabana boys. (as many of the Honcho's of these org.'s ARE)

The largest cancer association in this country has been around for 100 years. (A must read article) Everything they actually DO for patients is done by well meaning volunteer's. Many sick themselves, and family members who have suffered enormous loss. The rest goes to the salaries of staff that arrange these...umm..call them "run in circles". (don't want to be sued.) With the CEO's and CMO's making the BIG bucks and perks. YOU pay for that. They dribble grants out, when compared to what they bring IN, amounts to pocket change. It's for show. There's a sucker born every minute, and they know it. PT Barnum was correct, my little clowns.

Susan G Komen spends well over a million per year of DONOR money to bring lawsuits against any small non-profit that uses any variation of "for the cure". You can google that yourself. A recent one was "Kites for the Cure". Nancy Brinker, who started this for her sister, also married into Brinker International. They are one of the largest restaurant conglomerates in the country. SGK has over 200 patents. Well connected politically, she has no intention of removing her rear from that pink thrown. She has created an EMPIRE. Insisting Breast Cancer kills more women between the ages of 40 and 60 than any other disease, when this is clearly NOT the truth. Nancy's "belief's" do not equal FACT.

Heart disease is the number ONE cause of death for women. Breast cancer lost its lofty perch on the death totem pole way back in 1987. (YOWZA! think of all the boobs saved in order to become fake! Ok, that was catty, but..again, humor me.) There are no shortage of BRILLIANT researchers out there, foaming at the mouth to research less popular cancers. Yet acquiring the grants is so daunting that they turn to other studies. The large non-profits, big Pharm and soooo many entities are in bed together in an orgy of money and power, it would blow your mind. Heavily invested in screening equipment, even cosmetic companies. Smaller non-profit's are threading water with good intentions..but unless the BIG DOGS endorse you...you're going under.

I don't remember dying people having to do "walks" or "runs" in order to try to save their lives when I was younger. I DO, however, remember learning about Jonas Salk. He and his small team of researchers devoted seven years of their lives to developing a safe polio vaccine. When asked who holds the patent on it, he replied, "No one, can you patent the sun?"

Unless "cure" can somehow magically become as profitable as "treatment", you can run, walk, bike or bellyflop. The only thing you're supporting is an industry.

Sadly, I lived..to know that there is zero incentive to cure cancer..even less to save my life. Manageable...is the best I can hope for if it comes back. I live my life in six month increments. Scan...to...scan. So little time, so many "sheeple".

(Before you ask me if I'm "against" Breast Cancer, YES! I AM! Aren't YOU?)

The author of this piece has asked that I withhold her name.  I encourage you to leave comments for her and she will respond accordingly.  

Governor Unveils Vision for Statewide Trails and Pathways

LAUREL -  Among a group of outdoors and health organizations gathered for a “Sussex Outdoors” summit today at Trap Pond State Park, Governor Markell previewed his vision for a long term “Statewide Trails and Pathways” project for Delaware.  The Governor has charged the Delaware Departments of Natural Resources and Transportation with bringing the vision to life.  The proposed program would establish an interconnected network of pathways and trails throughout the state to support non-motorized travel and recreational trails that could be enjoyed by Delawareans and by visitors.

“I want to make it a priority to build a world-class interconnected trail network in Delaware.  As an avid cyclist, I know the enjoyment one can receive from being outside,” said Governor Markell.  “ These proposed projects will expand or begin trail networks, inside and outside of state parks in all three counties.   They will help us realize a truly walkable, bikeable Delaware that all Delawareans can use and enjoy.   Our commitment to invest in outdoor opportunities helps ensure the quality of life Delawareans deserve.  At the same time, we stimulate job growth through investment in infrastructure.”

The Governor’s goals for the proposed Statewide Trails and Pathways program are to:

• Build a world class interconnected pathway network
• Support creation of local jobs
• Link communities internally to support local sustainable economies, and externally to grow connections between neighborhoods, towns and cities
• Develop sustainable practices in the creation of the network, such as supporting native landscaping and natural habitats
• Support health communities by providing affordable, active transportation choices
• Re-establish Delaware in the Top Ten of Bicycle Friendly states  (we’re at #17 right now)
• And, develop strategies for the ongoing maintenance and upgrades of existing facilities.

DelDOT and DNREC have identified seventeen (17) proposed projects for discussion and possible construction over the next 2-3 years, covered  by an initial investment of $7 million earmarked for trails in the 2012 Bond Bill.   This funding will maximize the state’s ability to leverage federal and private dollars for these projects.

Today, the Governor previewed the plan, by identifying the four Sussex County projects are on the list:

• a proposed a rail-to-trail from Georgetown to Lewes to Cape Henlopen, with the first phase located in Lewes
• a proposed Junction and Breakwater Trail, to complete the missing links to Lewes and Rehoboth at the north and south ends of the trail
• a proposed complete recreational trail at Gordons Pond in Cape Henlopen State Park linking the northern and southern portions of the park
• a proposed partnership with Ocean View, Bethany and South Bethany to construct a recreational trail along the Assawoman Canal

A map of the proposed trails and pathway project areas in Sussex County can be found here.

Tomorrow, at the Delaware Bike Summit to be held at the University of Delaware’s Virden Center in Lewes, DelDOT Secretary Shailen Bhatt and DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara will sign a Memorandum of Agreement outlining the responsibilities and activities of each agency to build our trails network, with financial stewardship of the program shared by both agencies.  They will also unveil the New Castle County and Kent County proposed trails and pathways projects to biking advocates, elected officials and community leaders who are discussing ways to make Delaware more bicycle friendly.

DNREC and DelDOT will also conduct a series of workshops on proposed trails so that property owners, community groups, and other interested citizens have an opportunity for input on the locations and types of trails to be constructed.   According to the latest State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan survey, conducted by DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation, 91 percent of Delawareans consider outdoor recreation important to them personally.