When I'm 100....

Please don't take offense to this, but this is living young...God Bless these Vets. Earlier today it was reported from Foxnews.com that the last known French WWI vet passed away. These great generations are an example to follow through their dedication and sacrifices! It's a great article and this vet was in the thick of things in the Pacific Theatre.

Thanks to the DesMoisnes Register for the story...I just had to post this!

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080313/NEWS03/803130412/1001/

photo credit from The Desmoines Register

Give Mike A Call Before The Season Ends!

'Hello, is this the Sheriff's Office?'

'Yes. What can I do for you?'

'I'm calling to report 'bout my neighbor Virgil Smith....He's hidin' marijuana inside his firewood! Don't quite know how he gets it inside them logs, but he's hidin' it there.'

'Thank you very much for the call, sir.'

The next day, the Sheriff's Deputies descend on Virgil's house. They searc h the shed where the firewood is kept.
Using axes, they bust open every piece of wood, but find no marijuana. They sneer at Virgil and leave.

Shortly, the phone rings at Virgil's house.

'Hey, Virgil! This here's Floyd....Did the Sheriff come?'

'Yeah!'

'Did they chop your firewood?'

'Yep!'

'Happy Birthday, buddy!'

(Rednecks know how to git-R-dun)

Why Children Should Never Run With A Fork In Their Hand!

I know this isn't easy to look at but you know what, it's probably worth showing to your child? OUCH!

Some Street Sweeper Answers

"The county operates not one, but two street sweepers. This one was being driven to Maryland Industrial Truck on the other side of the Bay for repairs. The driver was employed by that company.

Our street sweepers serve 158 subdivisions here in Wicomico County. I’ll let you know when this one is back home and up and running."

Keep in mind Folks, I did call to confirm and or find out why the original photos showed this vehicle at this location and the Couty Employees I spoke with weren't even aware, (at the time) they had Street Sweepers. Too funny! A fun ending to a fun story.

Ray Lewis Update

As every day passes, the WBI is fielding calls with tips of information expanding this case more and more.

Most want answers and as this is understandable, it's just not going to happen. This has to be the most complex case Wicomico County has ever experienced and it will take months, if not a year or more to complete.

That being said, everyone has "lawyered up" at the Landfill and getting anyone to give up information is just about impossible any more, so this is the stage of the investigation that will take time.

Oh, they're get to the bottom of everything but it will just take longer now. The good part is, the Grand Jury will be listening to much of what they already have, (Ray Lewis) in two weeks and then the ball will really start rolling.

So be patient and know that WBI & WCSO are fielding a ton of tips and doing everything possible to investigate each and every one of them. This too take quite a bit of time.

I had received rumors today that a local Rental Company was allegedly involved where stolen equipment showed up on a certain property but it could not be confirmed. Then I also heard allegedly human waste was being mixed with sand/dirt and ending up at the Landfill, (not where you might think) and the EPA was allegedly probing out there to see if it was true. Again, that could not be confirmed, I'm simply sharing what I heard.

Come One, Come ALL

Click on image to enlarge.
Everyone is cordially invited to the next Mayor's Round Table to be held at the New Fire Station this coming Tuesday, March 18th at 9:00 AM.

Here's the best news. Barrie Tilghman will NOT be there and Gary Comegy's, (NOT the President of the City Council) will be your host. Gary seems to get more time off from SHA, it just amazes me.

Set this time and date aside and I'll look forward to seeing all of you there.

Update On The Niblett Murder In Pocomoke

Everyone knows by now that the WCBI had arrested Charles Robert Phillips for the alleged murder of William ‘Nib’ Niblett.

Here's what most did not know though. Charles Phillips had been serving 30 days in jail for 2nd degree assault and violation of probation. He had just been released 2 days before the murder, went and checked in with his Parole Officer the following day and then allegedly killed Mr. Niblett the day after he checked in with his Parole Officer. Two days later he went to check in with his Parole Officer again.

I'm told Phillips had done work in the past for Niblett and (from what I hear) he was somewhat of a difficult man to deal with. Niblett & Phillips got into an argument in which Phillips allegedly punched him and then allegedly stabbed him.

Phillips has quite a record with a criminal past.

More Than 80% Want A Recall

So far, our Poll is showing more than 80% of the people participating in our new Poll Question want a Recall.

It doesn't look good for Mayor Barrie Parsons Tilghman and others.

I Have To Wonder, What Was Salisbury Officers Doing Arresting A Man In Pittsville?

Are we seeing even further division of the Wicomico County Sheriff's Department and the City of Salisbury Police Department?

On March 7, 2008 at approximately 8:50 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department responded to a residence in Pittsville, MD, and arrested the below listed subject pursuant to an investigation by a Salisbury Detective assigned to the Child Advocacy Center. The investigation alleges that the suspect had sexual contact with an underage victim on more than one (1) occasion since January of 2008.

ARRESTED #1: Ronald Brandon Jones, 23 years of age Pittsville, Maryland

CHARGES:
Third degree sex offense (2 counts)
Fourth degree sex offense (2 counts)
Second degree assault (2 counts)

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking

Today's Wildlife Photo

Click on image to enlarge.

The Joke Is The Daily Times

Although the Comic Section isn't legible, the real joke is what the Daily Times is now delivering. The Delivery people have been instructed, flat out, if it's wet, deliver it! It you can't read it, deliver it! If it's crinkled and ripped, deliver it! They don't care what the excuse is, that paper is to be delivered period, no matter the quality.

All I can say is, the old saying, "you get what you pay for" is a joke! You know what you're getting? You're getting screwed out of your hard earned money.

Who's Cleaning Up?

This is yet ANOTHER Exclusive Story by Salisbury News. While Wicomico County is under the microscope for so many unbelievable acts of criminal activity, you might want to look VERY close to the above photos.

You see, you have to catch the Water Tower in the background to truly understand. While it is not abnormal to have a Street Sweeper in a parking lot, OK, I can deal with that. However, let's add that the driver got out of this vehicle and walked into L.L. Bean to purchase items and go shopping. OK, let's even deal with that and say we can deal with that.

However, do YOU know where Queenstown is? What if I were to tell you it's 10 miles, (or so) from the Bay Bridge? That's right, THE BAY BRIDGE! Now just what in the heck is a Wicomico County Street Sweeper doing all the way out there? This is the Outlet Center near the Rt. 50 & Rt. 301 split.

When I called Jim Fineran yesterday about this story he replied, we have a Street Sweeper? You can click on the first image and clearly see it says Wicomico County on it. We chuckled a little bit about it because we both realize it's just been unbelievable and this is just too much.

I said, well maybe you HAD a Street Sweeper and someone took it home for a very long weekend? Nevertheless, it is what it is and they'll be looking into just what in the heck is going on here.

Joe Arpaio Sherriff Of Maricopa County Arizona

Maricopa County was spending approx. $18 million dollars a year on stray animals, like cats and dogs. Sheriff Joe offered to take the department over, and the County Supervisors said okay.

The animal shelters are now all staffed and operated by prisoners. They feed and care for the strays. Every animal in his care is taken out and walked twice daily.

He now has prisoners who are experts in animal nutrition and behavior. They give great classes for anyone who'd like to adopt an animal. He has literally taken stray dogs off the street, given them to the care of prisoners, and had them place in dog shows

The best part? His budget for the entire department is now under $3 million.

Why Does Our Federal Government Frown Upon Poligymists?

Let's talk about reality here Ladies & Gentlemen. If you're married, we all have an additional partner in our marriages and for those of you who are single, you have a partner that gives you a better screwing, costs you more money than a Wife/Husband and in the end leaves you broke each and every week.

That partner is the Federal Government. It cracks me up how people talk about being in a 33 1/3 tax bracket. BS! The Federal Government wants you to BELIEVE that's your tax bracket, but it's completely untrue. Allow me to explain why.

You may pay out 33 1/3 in taxes but you conveniently forget about the other taxes you pay. I'll start with property tax. If you own a home and you pay property tax, that comes directly out of your yearly income, yet its not a part of that 33 1/3%. If you live in the City of Salisbury and you bought your home in the pats 5 years, you know what I'm talking about. Look at your income and then tack on and additional $3,000.00+ per year you're paying out for that tax.

Then there's the new 6% Sales Tax! Almost everything else you buy is now taxed at a higher rate, yet incomes are not rising enough to cover these expenses and I'll explain further. A gallon of gas 5 years ago was $1.00 a gallon. Today you're ALL looking at $3.25 per gallon. Home fuel oil and gas is also through the roof. Many of you have a car payment on top of the rise in gas prices and quite frankly, will our very own Government drive us right out of being able to afford to even go to work every day? Part time people are already at a point where there's simply no way they can afford to go to work, especially those with children. By the time you pay a sitter, pay for gas, pay for insurance, you'd be better off staying at home. Oh, there's even an additional Room Tax in many municipalities. Cigarette taxes, the list goes on and on.

A Gallon of milk, (MILK) is almost $5.00 a gallon! YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! Food prices have risen 26%. Postage is again on the rise. Layoffs are everywhere around us, especially in the construction industry and you mark my words, crime will soon skyrocket!

By the time all is said and done, believe me, the Federal Government is sucking the life and income out of everyone to a point we should be able to add them on as a dependent/spouse and write them off 100%. In the end, you're not in a 33 1/3% tax bracket. You're in a 90% tax bracket! Do YOU comfortable save 10% of your yearly income when all is said and done?

Then there's this alleged RELIEF when you do your taxes at the end of the year and get a refund. What other business do you know out there that can legally OVERCHARGE you and then give you back some of your money at the end of the year, even without interest?

Look, I'm sure some accountants are going to come on here and slam me but you know what, open your eyes for once Ladies & Gentlemen, you have a partner you're TRULY married to for LIFE and her/his name is Federal Government.

The City of Salisbury gives you a 14% tax increase last year and it wasn't even necessary, yet no one stands in front of the GOB to picket this Mayor's scam because you're all too busy working your a$$es off to make your mortgage payment. You know what happens if you can't make that payment, right? Your PARTNER, (Federal Government) comes in and takes it away, even if you're in your 25th year of a 30 year mortgage!

Medicare and Social Security also suck the life out of your paycheck and let's not forget health insurance. I'm sure I'm forgetting many additions to this partnership but don't you think for a second your partner Federal Government isn't the most secure part of your marriage as we're ALL Polygamists in one way, shape or form.

This is America. It's the only Country we have. Most of us were born here and many would do just about anything to get here. Yes, it used to be WORTH being an American. Our Government loves people like Oprah and Bill Gates. They also love some of the sports figures that are paid huge amounts of money in the hopes that maybe one day we can be just like them. However, the reality to REAL life is, the odds of that happening to you are probably one in a billion now, which ain't good odds!

With ALL the taxes we pay, this should be a better America, that's all I'm saying. We deserve better. Every American DESERVES health insurance. Every American should be SECURE in their own home and not worry that once the Government screws up the economy so bad, we don't lost everything we worked our entire lives for.

I see an American Depression coming, not a Recession.

New Zoo Director

I have to admit, I'm truly excited for the Salisbury Zoo. It would seem the Mayor and Pick have done an outstanding job reeling in such a catch!

More than $85,000.00 has been spent in Master Plans already and obviously nothing has worked. Joel designs exhibits and can certainly benefit the Zoo in many ways since he also designs Master Plans through his private company. I truly don't think you could have found a better candidate.

The real questions are, can he stand up to Barrie Tilghman? Why did he take the job? Were there many false promises to draw him in? Did they tell him the community is willing to spend $20,000,000.00 to $40,000,000.00 to renovate the Zoo? Will he be giving up his design company while working at the Salisbury Zoo?

Then there's the question, will Gary Muir finally retire and get out of the way? With all due respect, Gary has been at the Zoo for almost 40 years and needs to step down and move aside to let others take charge. His reputation for old fashioned aggressive behavior is no longer tolerated and the man needs to go.

Anne, (whatever her last name is now) should become the Curator but this isn't my Zoo, it's simply my opinion. She deserves the position and I'm confident Joel will set things straight and turn that place around. Oh, I hope everyone realizes that I will NOT lay off Ron Alessi. That man needs to go and I'm sure Joel will see right through his BS.

Welcome to the Salisbury Zoo Joel, it's a Zoo down there!

As Seen On Salisbury News

Once again Salisbury News will break another story no one else has. Let's talk about the 4th of July Celebration.

It turns out, Clearchannel will be sponsoring a FREE 4th of July extravaganza at the Shorebirds Stadium this year.

All they'll require is that everyone go to specific locations to pick up your tickets. Fair enough, it spreads the love and I'm all about that. LOL

County Executive Rick Pollitt has once again delivered on his word and has worked out a deal with Clearchannel and again my hat is tipped to this very fine company for recognizing this community event and the importance of such.

The local Salisbury Jaycees were expected to participate but were a "no show" amongst the group that met yesterday over this issue. They were fully expected to be there and they were not.

Thank You Clearchannel and great job Rick Pollitt!

Yellow Journalism Again?

Mr. Bruce Webster has a great Letter to the Editor in today's Daily Times. Oh, wait a minute. For those of you who cancelled their subscription, YOU'RE NOT SEEING IT!

You see, that's your new punishment from the Staff at The Daily Times. You don't buy the paper, they're going to censor their information ON LINE!

That's right, the Letter to the Editor is NOT on line for everyone to see. It makes you now wonder, with ALL that space available on a Website, why would they refuse to produce such a damning article?

Because it's Barrie Tilghman's paper, not Gannett!

As Seen On Salisbury News

That should be the new title for the Daily Times and the other local news sources, shouldn't it? I mean, last night I was watching the local news and thought, this is everything already posted on Salisbury News. I got this morning's paper and again, more of the same.

Was I right about the new Zoo Director, or what? I'm sure the Daily Times information was a bit premature because of my announcement but then again I had it out there days ahead of them once again. I also don't have the Mayor willing to give me any information whatsoever and it clearly shows just how many people are sick of her, even in her own Office and building.

So like the As Seen On TV products, I think they should rename themselves, As Seen On Salisbury News. LOL

Thank You!

If only ALL the comments on this Blog were like this one! I was reading Michael's Blog featuring the top 10 things that makes a good Blog. I say, forget the top 10 reasons he gives. I'll take comments like this all day long, as this is what keeps me going.

"Joe- I have great respect for you. You are fair and honest in your thinking and intelligent in assessing the wrongs that take advantage of the average honest citizen.People like you should run for elected office and lead this city, county and state out of the corruption that continues to eat away our trust in government.Thank you for the long hours you spend in research, attending meetings and questioning anything that looks suspicious.Angels must help you unlock the secret deals and secret favors given to the elite."

The Irishman

Spanish singer Julio Iglesias was on television with British
TV host Anne Diamond when he used the Spanish word "manana"
(manyana). Diamond asked him to explain what it meant. He
said that the term means, "Maybe the job will be done tomor-
row, maybe the next day, maybe the day after that. Perhaps
next week, next month, next year who cares?"

The host turned to Irishman Shay Brennan who was also on the
show and asked him if there was an equivalent term in Irish.

"No. In Ireland we don't have a word to describe that degree
of urgency."

Woman removed from bathroom after TWO years on toilet!

Authorities in Ness County,Kansas were called to a home on Febuary 27 and removed a 35 year old woman from the bathroom toilet,where she had been for approximately TWO years,so long,in fact that her skin had to started to grow AROUND the toilet seat.According to her live-in boyfriend,she started staying in the bathroom more and more until finally she just refused to leave and stayed on the commode.He claims they had a "normal" relationship,and over the last two years he took food to her and bathed her but let her stay on the toilet.Kory McFarren stated that his girlfriend,Pam Babcock,had endured physical abuse as a child and developed a severe phobia about leaving the sanctuary of the bathroom.He even brought her clean clothes,changed her and claims he has been "taking care of her" for their entire 16 year relationship and that at no time was she ever forced to stay in the bathroom.Police are considering what charges,if any,to file against McFadden,but they say there is no evidence to prove she was held against her will or restrained in any way,nor confined to the room by force or threat.When she became ill last month,he called the police and they found her on the toilet,and her legs had atrophied to the point that doctors say she may never walk again.She has refused to cooperate with the police or medical staff treating her in a Wichita hospital and her boyfriend admits "I should have sought help sooner but its not my fault-she got it set in her mind that was a safe place for her and she is an adult who can make up her own mind so I kinda got used to it"WTF?I do not know who is more in need of a shrink,him or her!While authorites say they "do not know if she is physically or mentally ill",I think its pretty safe to say anyone who lives in a bathroom and sits on the hopper so long her ass grows around it has some mental health issues.While McFadden is certainly not guilty of any abuse,he is guilty of neglect.His going along with her eccentricities did not help her at all and he is her "enabler".Maybe he loved her and wanted her to be happy,but on the other hand if he loved her so much,why did he put up with this for so long?Neighbors report they havent seen her in SIX years.Why didnt THEY call someone in the last six years?I know if one of my neighbors just drops out of sight and I see her partner coming and going,it would not take me even six WEEKS to be nosy and ask about him/her-are they sick?Did they go away?I may be a pest or a busybody,but I would certainly make sure that person was OK and still breathing,and not dead or holed up in a bathroom for two whole years.I pity Ms.Babcock because she had to be pretty traumatized to think that she was not even safe in her home,but I have no pity for her boyfriend,only anger and resentment.If I spent one DAY sequestered in the bathroom,you can bet that Mr.Totmom would kick the door down and carry my fat ass out of there,kicking and screaming.He would physically make me seek psychiatric care,even if he had to commit me against my will-because he loves me.I would do the same for him.All McFadden did was enable his girlfriends mental illness just as a codependent enables alcoholic or drug-addicted partners.Had he sought help for her when this nonsense started,she could have been hospitalized and/or given outpatient mental health care,and with the right drugs,she could have had a normal life or something close to it.At this point, she may never walk again and odds are she will remain institutionalized for many years.Jail is too harsh for McFadden but he DEFINITELY needs psychiatric help for his own issues.A normal,sane man doesnt participate in this kind of thing.What do y'all think?