I don’t know about you, but lately I have been inundated with telemarketing calls. They are always calling my home number and asking for me. One of the numbers that shows up is 623-238-6072. It is actually a cell phone number from what I understand, and the area they are calling from—Phoenix, Arizona. I don’t know anyone from the Phoenix area, so I have been trying to figure out who it is. First I came across a website that lists the numbers that people report are telemarketers:

http://www.timezonesforpcs.com/phonelookup.html  It says:

“Often these companies ignore “do not call” lists or find ways around them. Many also use computerized autodialers that detect voice mail or answering machines, hang up, and keep calling until you are finally frustrated enough to answer.”

Then I came across a website where you can look up unknown numbers:

http://800notes.com/

From the Phoenix area code:

http://800notes.com/Area-Code.aspx/1-623

And here is what other people are saying about 623-238-6072:

http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-623-238-6072

One person says this about the calls:

“The person (female) told me that its company is EDU and she said I may qualify to have my student loan interest rate be lower.  I told her I am not interested and to take my number off their calling list.  She responded by saying that she will constantly call my work place 100 times a day until I give her information to see if I qualify to have my loan interest lower. Well, the next day I am getting 6 calls from them.  I just let it ring and go through answer machine or pick up and hang up immediately. Anyone has any suggestion to fight back?”

I sort of have the same question! Is there a way to block calls to the point where they can’t get around it? I’m sure others around here have had these calls as well. They never identify themselves, and just keep calling back until they get a hold of you. Oh, one other number that’s been calling is 866-412-5958, and according to one recipient of the same call, it’s Wells Fargo.

From WGMD News: 

“The Army Corps of Engineers will conduct a study of the Lighthouse and breakwater along the Lewes Harbor due to all the erosion that has taken place over the years. Over 340-thousand dollars was allocated just to do the study, and the actual project to restructure the breakwater could cost as low as one and a half million dollars and as high as 10-million dollars— making some wonder if it’s even necessary to go forward with the project and spend that kind of money…”

Judith Roales, who is the president of the Delaware River & Bay Lighthouse Foundation came in the WGMD studios this week and talked about what could eventually happen if this is not taken care of. She says if the breakwater collapses, this could cause severe damage to the shoreline, and put the whole beach area as well as the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal in danger. Fishermen would be in danger as well if there is a storm and no harbor of refuge. Roales told WGMD:

“If that breakwater were to collapse in parts and be breached, think of what is behind it. The Lewes Ferry terminal is there. There is a lot of very expensive property along that shoreline, and Cape Henlopen is there. And there would be severe damage to that shoreline, as well as to the other breakwater and the other lighthouse, to Cape Henlopen State Park, and who knows what else.”

Once you put a structure like that out there, you have to maintain it, but another question was brought up on WGMD’s Bill Colley show: Is there too much of a focus on historical preservation? Should there be more of a focus on addressing other needs of the community instead? Roales stated that historical preservation is also important—adding that our future and culture is dependant upon maintaining our past. However once again, this is more than a preservation of history and a nice element to the community. It is to protect the beach areas, as well as the ships and the fishermen that may need that Harbor of Refuge. What do you think?

At the start of the school year, a caller to WGMD’s Dan Gaffney Show related that a school bus driver was told his bus would fail inspection if he did not remove a US Flag decal that was on his bus.  That was an issue that outraged many WGMD listeners – that the primary symbol of patriotism would not be allowed on a public school bus.  It seems that after 9-11 the decals were allowed as there was a more patriotic feeling across the country in reaction to terrorism striking in our own country.   

The Delaware Code does not specifically say that the decals are not allowed, but that they – or similar forms of decoration – are not mentioned at all.  So apparently not being included in what is allowed makes them a no no.     

Now 6 years after the fact, patriotism seems to have gone out of favor with the Dept. of Education and now the once allowed flag decals are now no longer ok.  That’s a slap in the face to all the troops – many from Delaware – who are currently in Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations around the world fighting to keep us free from terror.  

It seems the public outrage has penetrated the walls of the Department of Education, which now seems to be reconsidering its stance and will accept public comment - in writing - for an amendment to the Delaware Code’s Administrative standards for school bus chassis and bodies – to allow a flag decal or plate on a school bus.  Comment will be taken until the close of business on Tuesday, February 5.  Several different bus chassis and bodies are targeted.     

Here are the three public notices that were published in the News Journal this morning:

1 - Public Notice Department of Education
1101 Standards for School Bus Chassis and Bodies Placed in Production after March 1, 1998

The Secretary of Education seeks the consent of the State Board of Education to amend 14 DE Admin. Code 1101 Standards for School Bus Chassis and Bodies For Buses placed in Production After March 1, 1998 (Terminology and School Bus Types are Those Described in the National Standards for School Transportation 1995). The amendment allows for the placement of a U.S. Flag decal or plate on a school bus.
Persons wishing to present their views regarding this matter may do so in writing by the close of business on February 5, 2008 to Susan K. Haberstroh, Education Associate, Regulation Review, Department of Education, at 401 Federal Street, Suite 2, Dover, DE 19901. A copy of this regulation is available item the above address or may be viewed at the Department of Education business office. 1/7-NJ
Published 01/07/2008

2 - Public Notice Department of Education
1102 Standards for School Bus Chassis and Bodies For Buses placed in production on or after March 1, 2002 and on or after March 1, 2003 with Specific Changes for Buses Placed in Production after January 1, 2004

The Secretary of Education seeks the consent of the State Board of Education to amend 14 DE Admin. Code 1102 Standards for School Bus Chassis and Bodies For Buses placed in production on or after March 1, 2002 and on or after March 1, 2003 with Specific Changes for Buses Placed in Production after January 1, 2004 (Terminology and School Bus Types are those described in the National School Transportation Specifications and Procedures (NSTSP), May 2000). The amendment allows for the placement of a U.S. Flag decal or plate on a school bus.
Persons wishing to present their views regarding this matter may do so in writing by the close of business on February 5, 2008 to Susan K. Haberstroh, Education Associate, Regulation Review, Department of Education, at 401 Federal Street, Suite 2, Dover, DE 19901. A copy of this regulation is available from the above address or may be viewed at the Department of Education business office. 1/7-NJ
Published 01/07/2008

3 - Public Notice Department of Education
1103 Standards for School Bus Chassis and Bodies For Buses placed in production on or after January 1, 2007

The Secretary of Education seeks the consent of the State Board of Education to amend 14 DE Admin. Code 1103 Standards for School Bus Chassis and Bodies For Buses placed in production on or after January 1, 2007 (Terminology and School Bus Types are Those Described in the National School Transportation Specifications and Procedures (NSTSP) May 2005). The amendment allows for the placement of a U.S. Flag decal or plate on a school bus.
Persons wishing to present their views regarding this matter may do so in writing by the close of business on February 5, 2008 to Susan K. Haberstroh, Education Associate, Regulation Review, Department of Education, at 401 Federal Street, Suite 2, Dover, DE 19901. A copy of this regulation is available from the above address or may be viewed at the Department of Education business office. 1/7-NJ
Published 01/07/2008

And this is the section of the Delaware Administrative Code that deals with identification on school buses

Delaware Administrative Code
Title 14 Education
1100 Transportation

2.21 Identification - 1101 Standards for School Bus Chassis and Bodies Placed in Production after March 1, 1998
2.21.1 Body shall bear words “SCHOOL BUS” in black letters at least 8 inches high on both front and rear of body or on signs attached thereto. Lettering shall be placed as high as possible without impairment of its visibility. Letters shall conform to “Series B” of Standard Alphabets for highway signs. “SCHOOL BUS” lettering shall have a reflective background, or as an option, may be illuminated by backlighting. All lettering on NSBY surfaces shall be black, and lettering on black surfaces shall be NSBY or white.
2.21.2 Bus identification number shall be displayed on the sides, on the rear, and on the front.
2.21.3 Other lettering, numbering, or symbols which may be displayed on the exterior of the bus, shall be limited to:
2.21.3.1 District or company name or owner of the bus may be displayed.
2.21.3.2 Bus identification number on the top of the bus, in addition to required numbering on sides, rear, and front.
2.21.3.3 The location of the battery(ies) identified by the word “BATTERY” or “BATTERIES” on the battery compartment door in 2″ lettering.
2.21.3.4 Lettering to identify the fuel type at the fuel filler location (2” letters maximum).
2.21.3.5 Symbols or letters near the service door displaying information for identification by the students of the bus or route served. Such symbols or lettering, if used, shall not exceed 36 square inches in size.
2.21.3.6 Symbols identifying the bus as equipped for or transporting students with special needs (see Specially Equipped School Bus section).

The same basic regulations from the above standards apply to the other buses included in the public notices.

2.22 Identification  - 1102 Standards for School Bus Chassis and Bodies For Buses placed in production on or after March 1, 2002 and on or after March 1, 2003 with Specific Changes for Buses Placed in Production after January 1, 2004  

2.22 Identification -  1103 Standards for School Bus Chassis and Bodies For Buses placed in production on or after January 1, 2007

If a kid gets bullied repeatedly, the emotional scars can last a long time. It’s not just pushing another kid around or punching a kid in the face. You’ve probably heard about the school districts formulating an anti-bullying policy. But some may be confused on what bullying actually is and may also disagree.

This is an actual excerpt taken from the Indian River School District’s School Bully Prevention Policy, which provides their definition of bullying:

 ”As used in this policy, bullying means any intentional written, electronic, verbal or physical act or actions against a student, school volunteer or school employee that a reasonable person under the circumstances should know will have the effect of:

A. Placing a student, school volunteer or school employee in reasonable fear of substantial harm to his or her emotional or physical well-being, or substantial damage to his or her property; or

B. Creating a hostile, threatening, humiliating or abusive educational environment due to the pervasiveness or persistence of actions, or due to a power differential between the bully and the target; or

c. Interfering with a student having a safe school environment necessary to facilitate educational performance, opportunities or benefits; or

D. Perpetuating bullying by inciting, soliciting or coercing an individual or group to demean, dehumanize, embarrass or cause emotional, psychological or physical harm to another student, school volunteer or school employee.

Explanation: Bullying is usually defined as involving repeated acts of aggression that aim to dominate another person by causing pain, fear or embarrassment. However, one act alone may constitute bullying if the requisite intent and effect set forth in the definition are met. Bullying may be perpetuated by an individual or a group. It may be direct or indirect.

Physical Bullying–pushing, shoving, kicking, destroying of property, tripping, punching, tearing clothes, pushing books from someone’s hands, shooting/throwing objects at someone, gesturing etc…

Verbal Bullying–Name calling, insulting, making offensive comments, using offensive language, mimicking, imitating, teasing, laughing at someone’s mistakes, using unwelcome nicknames, threatening.

Relational Bullying–Isolation of an individual from his or her peer group, spreading rumors.

Cyber-bullying–Bullying by using information and communication technologies. Cyber-bullying may include but is not limited to:

 1. Denigration: spreading information or pictures to embarrass,

 2. Flaming: heated unequal argument online that includes making rude, insulting or vulgar remarks,

 3. Exclusion: isolating an individual from his or her peer group,

 4. Impersonation: Using someone else’s screen name and pretending to be them.

 5. Outing or Trickery: forwarding information or pictures meant to be private.

Sexual Bullying: Unwanted touching of a sexual nature, unwanted talking about private parts, unwanted comments about target’s sexuality or sexual activities.

So there it is. Bullying covers a broad range of things–imitating, laughing at someone’s mistakes, name calling etc… The consequences, they say, range from gathering the kids together to have a talk with them, which would include warnings, and then if the behavior keeps up, it could lead to their privileges taken away, in or out of school suspension, and even expulsion. Do you agree with these definitions of bullying? Are you glad state officials and school officials are finally cracking down on this behavior?

 

http://usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/candidate-match-game.htm?POE=click-refer

The above link is a Gannett company quiz naming some issues and providing matches with candidates.  There are many of these surveys available and you can get wildly divergent responses through the questions asked.  For an example the Gannett/USA Today quiz has no questions about abortion.  This is an issue very dear to many voters.  Any such quiz can likely be limited in scope if just a few questions are posed.

My matches are Ron Paul, Fred Thompson and Mitt Romney, in that order.  Romney is replaced by Giuliani by tweaking rankings of some issues just slightly.  Giuliani made the mix because of some shared views about the war.  Paul would’ve ranked higher with me but for disagreement on some war issues.  Paul still came out ahead because of shared interests about health care and income tax.  He believes marriage is a state issue and I favor that change as I question why government is even involved in what was once only a church matter. 

I’ve also found common ground with Paul on the subject of immigration.

In another recent Presidential survey Tom Tancredo was my match.  Since his withdrawal from the contest, Mr. Tancredo isn’t included in this particular survey. 

 

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This is a Scotish aire partially written by the poet Robert Burns, but not published until after his death. “Auld Lang Syne” means ‘old long ago’ or ‘the good old days’ and is sung at midnight in nearly every English-speaking country to ring in the New Year.  Because the song is generally sung about once a year, the melody is more recognizable than the words - which usually are sung incorrectly past the first line or two. 

Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and days of auld lang syne?

CHORUS
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And surely you’ll buy your pint cup!
And surely I’ll buy mine!
And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there’s a hand my trusty friend!
And give us a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

While to us the song is one that represents beginnings - in some Far Eastern countries and Hungary - it represents endings or farewells and is sung at graduations or funerals!  It also represents endings and farewells in Brazil, Portugal, France and several other European countries.  

The melody we are familiar with may or may not be what was originally intended by Burns, but it’s what was made popular by band leader Guy Lombardo who actually had the song released as a single in 1947. 

Happy New Year!  May 2008 be everything you want it to be.