ViewPoint
Local students conquer Odyssey
Two teams of Indian River School District (IRSD) students earned state championships last weekend at the Delaware Odyssey of the Mind competition at the University of Delaware. And we should be proud of their efforts.
A team coached by Lisa Forney won the “Nature Trail’R” category for Division III (high school), while another team, coached by Forney and Becky Burton, won the “Food Court” category for Division II (middle school). Not to be outdone, an elementary school team coached by Jeff and Terri Evan received the Renatra Fusca Award for outstanding creativity.
This is another shining example of the work being put in by IRSD faculty, staff, administrators, parents and students. This success is no fluke. Since 2000, IRSD students have won 32 Odyssey of the Mind state titles. That is sustained excellence, and it deserves a mention.
The competition is not like state testing or a test of who can memorize facts better. It is a problem-solving exercise, where students must find solutions to open-ended problems through creativity. It requires thinking ability, and teamwork — two skills that go a long way in life for these students as they get older.
We are extremely proud of the efforts put forth by IRSD students and teachers, and hope that the entire community sees these achievements as an example of the excellent work being done at our schools.
As excited as we are regarding the performance of our local students, we are equally concerned about the situation in Ocean View — yet again.
Efforts to remove the censured status of Councilman Bill Wichmann were denied because the council did not have three votes to overturn the decision of three years ago. Two council members abstained from the vote because they said they didn’t have all the information. And maybe that was the right course of action for them, if they didn’t know the facts.
But there’s just something wrong and dysfunctional in Ocean View. They could learn about teamwork from our students.
It's an interesting world out there
There’s tough, and then there’s “Kentucky tough.”
The Associated Press reported on Tuesday that a 32-year-old Kentucky woman, who reportedly had no idea she was pregnant, delivered a son on the floor of her laundry room, cut the umbilical cord herself and picked up her other son from school on her way to the hospital.
Now, I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ve never actually given birth. Oh, I feel as if I’ve accomplished many things in my life, but the only thing I ever actually had growing inside of me was the result of overzealous ordering at a Mexican restaurant — and not to equate the two, but I’m pretty aware of that living organism inside me at all times. But shouldn’t a person know when she is pregnant? Aren’t there signs? Kicking? Weight gain? A person inside you?
Again, I’m no expert. And I’m sure our good friend Monica Scott will be hammering me about this and judging me as yet another insensitive man who doesn’t understand all that birthing a child involves. And that’s fair. For the sake of argument, I’ll just allow that the woman had no idea she was with child.
Still, delivering it by herself, cutting her own cord and driving to the hospital ... well, that’s the stuff superheroes are made of, right?
Time to move on to the fellas. Reuters ran a story last week about Austrailian underwear company AussieBum, and their new idea for a men’s line. The company is making a line of eco-friendly banana underwear, incorporating 27 percent banana fiber, 64 percent cotton and 9 percent Lycra.
“Naturally you can’t really add anymore banana fiber than that because it might be a bit squishy,” said AussieBum’s Lloyd Jones.
No, you really don’t want “squishy” underpants. My mother always preached three things: Apologize for your mistakes. Never say “ain’t.” And don’t wear squishy underpants.
Sage advice from a wise woman.
However, there is one item for sale that is very intriguing. The Associated Press ran a story earlier this week that both Samsung and Panasonic will start selling 3-D televisions. Samsung will be selling a 46-inch set, two pairs of viewing glasses and a 3-D Blu-ray player for about $3,000.
Now, these aren’t the old 3-D glasses that were made of some combination of paper, plastic and bananas ... wait, not bananas. I’m sorry. I just can’t get the image of banana underpants out of my head ...
But I digress.
These glasses are described by AP as bulky and battery-operated devices that require occasional re-charging. But that’s not as big a problem for consumers as the dearth of 3-D programming. ESPN recently stated that it will be launching a 3-D channel for live events, starting with June’s FIFA World Cup. And a few movies offer it. But the cupboard is pretty bare at this point — much like HDTV was at its beginning.
However, for those wanting to enjoy technology that is right at its peak, I’d suggest the Xbox 360 video game — great graphics, terrific feel for the action and it acts like its own multimedia device, capable of streaming music and photos, and playing Netflix. And there’s an interesting console for sale right now on eBay.
A 360 unit seized from the home of former Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon is now up for auction on eBay, and the current high bid is at $660, according to AP. Dixon pleaded guilty to perjury for lying about receiving gifts and she was convicted of embezzling gift cards donated to Baltimore for needy families, according to AP. The state prosecutor has said that the city will also sell Dixon’s two fur coats and a camcorder soon.
Ah, Charm City. The more one reads about the exploits of officials in that town, the more one appreciates just how on-point “The Wire” really was. Residents must be frustrated, honest officials must be outraged and morale across the board has to be in the dumps. To be blunt, all the shenanigans that transpire in that town must be absolutely humiliating to those trying to do the right thing, only to be embarrassed by city leadership.
Look out, Ocean View. You have competition.
Letters to the Editor
Letters to the Editor: March 13, 2010
Resident has issues with town event
Editor:
The Coastal Point “Ocean View Homecoming nears” headline caught my attention. Unfortunately, it is a fundraiser disguised as a family celebration time.
It is a homecoming of the unemployed that had to travel to Philadelphia to find work. It is described as a celebration of husbands and wives who had to leave their family to feed and house them. The story tells of the “unemployed” family members returning each August to a “weekend of great food, ice cream, speeches, games, music and storytelling.”
The Great Depression was in the time period identified. What imperfect timing with today’s economic downfall. What insensitivity! We have families in our area who are falling behind in the mortgage payments. Foreclosures are knocking on Ocean View homes. Businesses are struggling and some have left Ocean View. Let’s get our priorities in order.
I find this embarrassing to be asking citizens to donate their limited income to support the “restoration of a historical 1860’s house in the park and the new museum being built in the back of the restored house.”
I find it even more embarrassing to think that this land and building is not being returned to our “free market” system to be sold, rebuilt or replaced. We can no longer afford to keep such properties in the hands of “not-for-profit” organizations or the Town of Ocean View.
The citizens of the Town of Ocean View need those transfer fees, business taxes and property taxes to keep a functioning town office and services, and our taxes a low as possible.
The day has to end when prime real estate property and businesses is in the ownership of “not-for-profits” organizations. Ocean View is flooded with such non-tax-paying properties. It is the property owners in Ocean View who pay and pay in property taxes and business taxes to support our town.
It is time to change the tide away from non-tax-paying properties/businesses. If the Historical Society wishes to purchase the property and operate it as a tourist business, I am very open to it. I am on your side, if you are paying taxes the same as the rest of us.
If you want to have a family celebration to celebrate, let’s do it. Do not put on “patriotic” gimmicks and family programs with your open hand extended for donations. We all would love to listen to the Lord Baltimore Elementary School students singing voices, but to use them as a draw for a fundraiser is unacceptable.
Kathy and Joe Aquilla, as sponsors of this event, I ask you to pull the plug on it as a fundraiser for the Historical Society. If you want to sponsor a celebration for the citizens of Ocean View in the Park, go do it. If you want to help those who are losing their homes, go do it. If you want to feed hungry children, go do it. If you want to offer employment in our community, go do it.
Lloyd E. Elling
Ocean View
Sorority thankful for help with fundraiser
Editor:
Members of the Alpha Alpha Sorority Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi thank everyone for their support of our annual fundraising event held on Feb. 26, 2010. The theme for the dance was “Help Us, Help Our Community.” The dance, along with the “Chinese” auction and 50-50 raffle, was very successful.
We would like to thank the Ocean View VFW Post 7234 for providing the venue, Giant Steps for the lively musical entertainment, Debby Evans of Miller’s Creek for the beautiful decorations that provided the finishing touch, and Gerry Hocker of Hocker’s Grocery and Deli for the delicious wings that were enjoyed by all.
We give special thanks to the following individuals and businesses for their donations to the “Chinese” auction: Alesi Custom Builder and Renovators Inc., All About You Salon and Spa, Angelwear, Anne Powell at ResortQuest Real Estate, Cactus Café, Carl M. Freeman Companies, Denise Beam State Farm Insurance, Fat Tuna Grill, Hocker’s Grocery and Deli, Japanesque, Lighthouse Liquors, Lupo di Mare, Marsha White at Crowley Associates Realty, Michael McCarthy Stones, Mike and Paul’s Auto Repair, Miller’s Creek, Misaki Sushi Restaurant, Oceanova Spa, Paula’s Decorating Café, Pepper Creek Outfitters, Rob Ward’s Professional Home Services, Robert Kirk, Seaquels, Sharon’s Resort Cleaning, Silhouettes and Warren’s Station Restaurant.
Thanks again to all who participated so that we may continue to give financial support to those in need.
Anne Marie Rogerson, Secretary
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Reader: Inlet casino a horrible idea
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Are you serious?
A casino at the Indian River Inlet state park? I don’t even know where to begin.
First of all, how many casinos does Delaware need? Currently, there is one in each county. The casinos started in Dover to help the declining horse racing industry, which at the time was controversial in itself. That’s how the state turned something illegal into something legal overnight, and got their foot in the door with promises of additional funding for schools and increased revenue.
Now we have become dependent on gambling. Table games are now being allowed. Wait to see the fallout from that in the families and community.
If you’re going to mention increased revenue, let’s talk about the 20-plus millions of dollars wasted on the Indian River Inlet Bridge approaches, which have since been removed, or should I say relocated. Can anyone update me on that investigation and who is going to be accountable? I predict this will be swept under the proverbial rug.
Delaware is known for its beaches, the quite resorts. I feel the same thing that got us into the recession will also destroy our way of life in the coastal resorts. It will be proposed, or should I say disguised, as increased jobs, increased revenue and opportunity for everyone. This proposal serves only a few, and is based on greed. I feel total disregard has come upon those who cherish this way of life on and near the water.
I will go on record as opposing this ridiculous recommendation. Please contact your area representatives and voice your concern. Don’t assume someone else will do this for you. Nothing makes any sense these days, and this is further proof of that.
Steve Kitchen
Ocean View
Reader finds tyranny of the majority a danger
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The present functioning of the Democrat congress concerning healthcare/insurance reform points to the inherent dangers of the unlimited power of its majority upon our democratic republic.
The ensuing consequences of the tyranny of a majority thwarting the will of the people were most feared by both Jefferson and de Tocqueville. They thought it to be an impious and detestable act for a majority legislature to use their authority of absolute power to pass laws they considered just but their constituents considered unjust.
Unlimited power of any kind is a bad and dangerous thing, as it is the germ of tyranny. It is an accepted maxim that liberty is endangered when a legislative majority enforces an arbitrary law and there is no power to retard its vehemence. The present healthcare bill strikes at the heart of our democratic values, and that can prove fatal to many of our personal freedoms. We are at risk.
But, the American people are striking back and winning the argument in the public square. They have driven the Democrats into hiding, as about 70 percent of our citizens have an unfavorable opinion of this “monstrosity” that they deem too onerous for the many. That to now attempt to pass it through a reconciliation vote would be an unforgivably offensive act to the citizens of our republic and to the republic itself.
Thought is the invisible and subtle power that mocks the Democrats’ effort to force a despotic act through their majority. Their nefarious actions have become a national scandal as they buy the votes for passage and now attempt to skirt the normal Senate rules. Democrats are fleeing from public transparency as all who stray from our values do.
Jefferson, one of our most powerful advocates of democracy opined, “The tyranny of the legislature is really the danger most to be feared….” But, given the energetic voice of the executive trying to prove the necessity of government healthcare, they may not be far behind. Massachusetts is not the “canary” in the mines for the Democrats, but a thousand dead “canaries.” I believe the voice of the people will heartily mitigate the tyranny of this majority legislature in November.
Richard Spencer
Frankford
