Attention

The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not represent our advertisers

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Best Buy Sucks Too!

A little over a year ago I bought a tower computer from Best Buy in Salisbury. The manufacturers warranty was one year. I purchased an extended warranty which picked up when the manufacturers warranty stopped. 3 weeks ago it showed a blue error screen so I took it to Best Buy for repair along wth all of the warranty paperwork. The "agent", a tall heavyset guy with blonde hair and glasses named Dan, advised me that the error code meant that the RAM was defective and needed to be replaced. He stated that it couldn't be repaired at the store and would have to be shipped to the Service Center in Kentucky. Not being a computer guru, I asked if I would need to have the hard drive backed up. He stated that the hard drive would not be touched, it was the RAM that was the problem. He told me that he would send it off and it would be back in 2 weeks. At the end of two weeks I received a phone call that it was finished and that I could come pick it up. Upon my arrival I talked to another "agent" who advised me that the hard drive had been replaced. I immediately felt sick to my stomach as I had over a years worth of files, estimates, saved data, not to mention the fact that I had a professional come into my office to wirelessly network all of the other computers together. I aasked if the service center had transferred the data from the old hard drive to the new one. NO! The "agent" advised me that he would send the service center an e-mail asking them to hold my hard drive until the situation was resolved. He stated that there was no way to contact them by phone - only e-mail. The following day I received a call from "agent" Ricket from Kentucky. She advised me that they had in fact put my hard drive aside and that they retrieve the data for me.......for a fee of $260.00 minimum. It would be more if the amount of data exceeded 9 megs. Agent Ricket advised me that she would call the Salisbury Store and that it was ALWAYS an option for them to call the service center but everyone doesn't know that. She stated that if the Salis. store was willing to pay for the recovery they would start right away. She stated that the Salis. store should agree to pay for it since I asked if I should have had it backed up before it was sent.

A short time later she called me back and advised me the the manager at the Salis. store would not pay for the recovery because he didn't believe that any of his employees would advise me not to back up my hard drive.

Today I went back to the store and spoke with a "different" manager who advised me that he was authorized by "his" manager that he would pay for half of the difference between what their service center would charge and what Brainwave would charge. I went to Brainwave who stated that the cost to retreive the data would be...................$85.50 regardless of the amount. Even better.......Brainwave would have replaced the hard drive, recovered the data, and installed the data on the new hard drive for about $200.00.

I don't mind paying the $85.50 since I would have had to pay it anyway. But the fact is that the Geek Squad is SCAMMING EVERYONE. What was the point in paying for the extended warranty? I'm supposed to go in and speak to the managers managers managers manager tommorrow to try to work this out. (How the hell many managers does one place need anyway?) I can't imagine how much this fiasco is going to cost me before it's all over.

My first mistake was buying from a chain store and expecting good service. My second mistake was getting the extended warranty from a chain store. I should have kept my business with a locally owned company who could have fixed my computer at that location within a few days. I guess I was trying to be penny wise and ended up being dollar foolish. Go to Brainwave for all your computer issues folks - avoid those chain stores like the plague.

SHHHHHHHHH! No One Is Supposed To Know

PAC 14 will be meeting on August 5th at 7:00 PM in the Presidential Conference Room at Salisbury University. Just ask Jerry Waldron. Oh, keep it quiet, NO ONE IS SUPPOSED TO KNOW!

Another Wicomico County Humane Siciety Experience

"A few years back, I too adopted a dog from the HSWC. (I had adopted one previously and had a wonderful experience so I went back again)

The second pup that I adopted became sick a few days after he was at home with us.

Took him to the vet and as the story goes like many others I have read here...he had kennel cough but it had turned into pneumonia.

After tearful nights and worrying if our new family member was going to make it or not and $1200.00 later our dog was back home with us.

Fortunately we were able to care for him back to health and he has been a wonderful addition to our family. I am glad we adopted him, didnt like the bill but a sick pup as he was we all know he would have met his fate at the shelter. He truely is a rescued dog.

However the lack of care and treatment and concern that was expressed to me by Lugo and her staff when I called totally turned me off. I was treated like I had no clue about dog care...of which was the exact opposite. Not only did I adopt animals from there...I was a generous annual donor and member of the shelter. (Not anymore)

I do know that there are some great people on the HSWC board that truely do care about the shelter and the welfare of the animals unfortunately they have Linda to contend with. They arent all bad...give the new President a chance I think youll see changes for the good!"

Gordy Tiger Marts Drop Prices 6 Cents Overnight!

That's right Folks. The Gordy Tiger Marts have reduced their prices as much as 6 cents near Denny's. Man, talk about some pressure!

The Exxon on College Ave, (NOT a Gordy Mart) is now $3.75 per gallon and the Gordy Tiger Mart is now $3.81. They still have a ways to go but at least they';re getting more competitive and finally lowering their prices.

MORE BREAKING NEWS!


There has been an arrest in the Ocean City Dough Rollers fire back in March. I'm told Worcester County States Attorney Joel Todd will hold a Press Conference with further details this afternoon/evening. My guess, it was someone who was living there. I have learned it was a man. Some stated a young woman had recently moved in upstairs and I know Mr. Gibbs denied that butu it was in fact true. More to come......

BREAKING NEWS! Murder Covered Up In City Of Salisbury

There may be a connection between the Hooker/Prostitute story yesterday and the murder of a woman the Salisbury Police Department is covering up. My inside SPD Sources tell methe murdered body was discovered yesterday morning but everyone is flat out afraid to say anything at all.

So for now, know there has been another MURDER in Salisbury and once I get more information I'll provide is immediately.

This would explain the SPD out in force yesterday and today. Yes, they are still outside that Motel telling them to go on their way and away from that Motel.

Come on Mayor, don't you think the public should know how this young lady was murdered, where and why?

County Dispensary Board Refuses To Show Up For Today's Meeting


While the Task Force met today at 1:00 PM preparing to put together their final decision as to the possibility of recommending to privatize liquor sales in the County, no one called, no one sent an e-mail and no one showed up at today's meeting.

I'm told some members are meeting with Lowell Stoltzfus and Norman Conway today, I'm also told they will be meeting with County Executive Rick Pollitt tomorrow as well. Hmmmmmmm?

Nevertheless, a major point I want to get out to everyone is this. The Dispensary Board is trying to convince everyone that there will be a liquor store on every corner. Well, don't you find it damn interesting that there are currently 65 locations right now where you can buy Beer & Wine in Wicomico County? I truly do NOT believe these people have a leg to stand on with that argument.

The Task Force wanted to make sure that the information they were discussing today got to the County Council BEFORE it reached the Public and since I was the only Press there today, I felt I had the just of what was being said and offered to excuse myself so as the balance of their decision would reach this Blog or any other source of News and I would only hope one of the members would return that courtesy and let us know what and when we can in fact give you their final findings.

More to come.........

Prostitution In Salisbury

"Many times I have seen some shady looking folks in the general area of Joe's prostitution post. They're either loitering around buildings or walking up and down the roads. Anyone with common sense would infer that a good number of them are up to something other than getting from point A to point B or taking a break.

Last night I was on my way to dinner with friends and low and behold there were two different "people of interest" stopped in that same area by SPD. Coincidence that SPD was out there in force with Joe's post, I think not!

I'm not kissing up to Joe or touting the blog shamelessly, but I'm wanting to comment on why this happened. Nothing gets done unless u raise some holy hell and get involved. You have to speak out loud and where it hurts when crap like this is not getting handled properly and I mean loud. I'm talking about embarrassing the hell out of someone in charge (public shame), putting their power in a jeopardizing situation, or any sense of a challenge from a large group that impacts them in some way. They will listen then!

If no one complains or gets people active in combating such situations then nothing will get done and the status quo will continue. Who wants a status quo of outright corruption, mishandled government, and crime; drugs, prostitution, gangs, theft, murders, drive-bys, and the whole lot of other crap? Not all communities have this problem, but Joe's post shows you what needs to happen to get things done apparently in our Community.

Posting responses and outrage is a good first step, but that same vigor and outrage needs to be carried on beyond this avenue of reporting. Get out and get active and organized or nothing will get accomplished! We cannot afford to be on the sidelines in this game. Things will get worse and worse until we do something about it.

Do you really want to live in this type of environment?
Do you want to raise your kids in this type of environment?
Do you feel safe?
Is this not embarassing to live in? (I mean open prostitution in places where you drive past everyday with your family and children?

So I ask are you sick and tired of all of this nonesense and BS?"

Again my best to everyone,

Nick Loffer

Major Day In Comments

Yesterday not only brought on a record day in visits, it also brought on a record day in comments. 320 in all, (so far). Comments can tend to come in for several days on certain Posts but keep in mind, that's 320 e-mail messages I received and that doesn't count the 100 or so I rejected. You know how it works, I mention Jim Rapp and I get a ton of nasty grams. Nevertheless, each of these comments need to be read and then processed, along with going out and getting the news, going to meetings and calling everyone and their brother to confirm things.

Keep it up Folks, we're making a difference in our community and that's what we set out to do.

$15,000.00 Cash Raffle

Win $15,000 in CASH Grand Prize
$50.00 PER TICKET
ONLY 1500 TICKETS WILL BE SOLD

Numerous other Cash Prizes from $250 to $1000 to be given away

DRAWING: Friday, October 3, 2008 at St. Francis de Sales School 3rd Annual Antique Show & Sale. You need not be present to win.

In the event that less than 1000 tickets are sold,there will be only a Grand Prize drawing. In the unlikely event that fewer than 600 tickets are sold, the Grand Prize will become a Winner 50%/SFdS 50% Raffle.

Send request for tickets to: St. Francis de Sales School “Raise the Roof”, 500 Camden Ave., Salisbury, MD 21801. Mastercard, Visa, Checks and Cash accepted. For more information, call (410) 742-8781 or e-mail sfdsraffle@comcast.net.

Road Construction Delays

Wicomico County motorists should expect delays on the following roads due to resurfacing:

Zion Road from Route 13 to East Naylor Mill Road

Kelly Road from Zion Road to Beaglin Park Drive

Outen Road from Kelly Road for 500 Feet.

Construction should be complete within two weeks.

5 NUNS IN A BAR

Sisters Mary Catherine, Maria Theresa, Katherine Marie, Rose Frances, & Mary Kathleen left the Convent on a trip to St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City and were sight-seeing on a Tuesday in July. It was hot and humid in town and their traditional garb was making them so uncomfortable, they decided to stop in at Patty McGuire's Pub for a cold soft drink.

Patty had recently added special legs to his barstools, which were the talk of the fashionable eastside neighborhood. All 5 Nuns sat up at the bar and were enjoying their Cokes when Monsignor Riley and Father McGinty entered the bar through the front door.

They, too, came for a cold drink when they were shocked and almost fainted at what they saw.

John & Brenda Wade Can't Handle The TRUTH!


Why can't the Daily Times just flat out ask Brenda Wade where her residence is? Her residence is in Delmar, Maryland, NOT Princess Anne! The Daily Times was NOWHERE to be found when I was investigating John Wade after my one on one interview with the man and I asked him point blank, you drive a vehicle with New Jersey Tags on it, where's your Drivers License Registered? He refused to respond. Once I followed up on it I found he had a Georgia Driver's License and his residence was NOT in Maryland. It sure does seem like the Daily Times article takes credit for all my work, yet it mentions nothing about Sbynews? Now that hurts! I do the investigative work and they take all the credit?

There has been some talk about plagiarism from Bloggers, yet the MSM will take anything they can from Bloggers and twist it to sound as if they did the work? I think I'll start taking stories from the Daily Times and throw my own twist to it, making it sound as if I did all the work. Wait a minute, that won't work. My stories come out well ahead of theirs and if I borrowed something from their work it wouldn't be as accurate and I might get sued. LOL

This Country doesn't need more individuals lying to municipalities and scamming their way into certain positions, hence Brenda and John Wade. In My Opinion, the Salisbury La Cross Players should have been Front Page News instead and not buried in another section.

Safety Last


Although the angle of this shot is hard to see, those gas cans are right in the back of this truck and could very easily fall out. That being said, IF you have a pickup truck, would YOU go to a gas station, fill up your gas cans and then set them in the very back of the bed of the truck with the tail gate down and take off?

If At First You Don't Succeed, Try, Try Again


Moments ago I watched this vehicle head back through the Plaza once again, the wrong way. However, I will say, there is a swarm of Public Works vehicles running around here Downtown, so perhaps they're going to clean up what was posted this morning?

WBOC Jumps On Board With Sbynews Story About Nithsdale

GO HERE and see WBOC's story about Nithsdale and the recent worries and vandalism throughout that community.

How do YOU feel about a Security Camera being installed at the entrance of a community so they can keep track of who's coming and going?

A Visual Message From Mayor Barrie Tilghman






Chelloooooo,

This is Mayor Barrie Daily Times Tilghman. I want to reach out to this community we call Salisbarrie and thank you kind peeps for letting me do whatever I want, whenever I wants, with exception of that pesky Joe Albero. Now that guy has made my life a living hell.

Nevertheless, since I'm NOT going to run again for the Office of Mayor, clean up your own sh!t from here on out, I don't care. Over the next several months I'll be leaving signs posted exclusively on Salisbury News showing we can be as nasty as Harlem and other inner Cities we actually compare to and not that Larsons BS Newsletter we put out feeding you a complete line of sh!t about how wonderful this dump is.

Anyhoot, Bubba 4 Mare!

Stop the “All American City” Nonsense Now!


There’s a simple explanation for Barrie’s irate overreaction to the post and pictures about Salisbury’s open air prostitution parlor that she has said does not exist. It could be the death of her effort to have Salisbury designated an “all American city” as the capstone of her tenure as mayor. It’s now an open secret that she would not be reelected if she ran again next year, but that’s not going to happen. Bubba Comegys has let that cat out of the bag when he disclosed that he will be running for mayor.

It would be an insult to the public if the group that selects the all American cities would somehow choose Salisbury in light of the many serious problems and deficiencies that have occurred since Barrie became mayor 10 years ago. And if that happened, Comegys would surely claim the credit in his campaign for mayor.

Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen by notifying the selection group of the real situation in Salisbury, so that the application (which will be a work of fiction) won’t deceive the judges. To participate in this effort, send e-mails with the truth about Salisbury to the all American city contest website: aac@ncl.org, or by snail mail to: All-America City Award, National Civic League, 1445 Market Street, Suite 300, Denver, Colorado 80202-1717.

you don’t have time to write a letter or note, just send a post or comment from this blog – like the one on the City’s prostitution hotspot or the one about the adult book store a short distance away that Barrie and Bubba said they were going to close down – several years ago.

Start early and "vote" often. If we get lucky, maybe the judges will inform the City in advance that it should save time and money by forgetting about the all American city contest for at least several years after electing a really good mayor.

The Top Bloggers In The State Of Maryland Show Support For Andy Harris


GA, Michael and I hung out with the Harris Campaign showing our support for a very rare and spectacular Candidate for Congress. Funny, you don't see ANY pictures like this with Bloggers supporting Kratovill? Oh, that's right, Duvall doesn't leave the house, I forgot.

Another Bubba Sighting?





I know, I know, there I was looking out in the distance and I saw this light colored vehicle illegally parked in a Fire Lane. I thought, could it be Bubba? As I got closer I thought, I know, I'll take shots showing the parking lot was completely open with hundreds of up close parking spots, THAT WILL GET HIM!

Then, just as I got close to the vehicle I realized, it wasn't Bubba at all. It was WBOC! Man, I need to get me some of those signs, (oh wait, I do have them on my vehicles) but maybe I need WBOC Signs because they can get away with more? Do you think they have those Handicap Tags that hang from the rear view mirror too? Man, I need one of those too. Just Kidding!

Is Wicomico County Planning on Stealing Farmers' Land?

Monday's Daily Times featured a letter to the editor from a Darlene Hammond of Salisbury. I don't know Ms. Hammond, nor do I totally endorse her argument. What I do endorse, and so should you, is the idea behind.

It appears that a group in Wicomico County, led by Councilman Bill McCain and those good folks from WET - the Wicomico Environmental Trust - want to steal land from county farmers. No, they aren't as blatant as some groups; they aren't planning on taking it outright. Instead, these folks want to "down-zone" agricultural land and make it near impossible for farmers to sell their land for anything other than agricultural use.

I've never been considered a friend of developers. However, I don't want the government telling me who I can sell my house to. Is it fair for Bill McCain, Mike Pretl, John Grout and a few others to tell farmers who they can sell their property to?

It's one thing for the government to refuse to subsidize development by demanding that developers pony up for the infrastructure needs that are caused by their development. In fact, they should. It's something altogether different for a bunch of NIMBY's to claim that the government has to "preserve the agricultural character of Wicomico County". It's real easy when it's not their land!

When Bill McCain starts buying up big tracts of farm land, THEN he can put it all in a conservation easement. Until then he needs to remember that he ran as a Democrat, not a Communist.

This yuppie version of land reform is no more valid here than the more proletarian versions in Cuba, Nicaragua, or Venezuela.

cross posted at Delmarva Dealings

FREE GAS?


It becomes VERY clear that every time you shop at a Gordy Mart and pay their higher rates, they're contributing those funds to Kratovill and the Daily Times. The ONLY thing that is FREE in this Town is Salisbury News.

Question of the Day, Tue 7/29

"Thoughts to Ponder"

Why does Jello have a smell when you make it, but doesn't when it's time to eat it?

How much deeper would ocean be if there weren't any sponges?

How come cats' butts go up when you pet them?

If anyone has answers to these questions, I would love to know!

Another Record Day

Yesterday was yet another record day for Salisbury News! Hopefully we can retain this volume and quite frankly it's overwhelming. You guys are certainly keeping me extremely busy with comments but that's what makes this Site work so well. Everyone gets the chance to interact and express their opinion. For those of you who are new to this Site, welcome and thanks for visiting. To those regulars who visit us every day, thanks for the support! Joe

Shouldn't the Rules Apply to Brenda Wade?

Smack on the front page of today's Daily Times we have a story about retired UMES dean Brenda Wade withdrawing her name from consideration for the Somerset County Board of Education. I get the distinct impression that writer Deborah Gates expects us to have sympathy for Mrs. Wade.

With all due respect, why should we? Yes, she was disqualified for election to the Princess Anne Town Commissioners. So was her husband. However, rather than offer any evidence that either Wade was the victim of any injustice we are simply offered a vague allusion that unnamed candidates in previous elections were allowed to run with fully meeting the residency requirement.

Is it the Gannett's editorial policy that two wrongs make a right? Even if this is so, we should expect better evidence of the first wrong.

cross posted at Delmarva Dealings

There Will Be A Major Announcement Today

Ladies & Gentlemen,

Some time today I will be making a major announcement, one in which I believe each and every one of you will find comfort in.

Mind you, this announcement will be one sentence long and it will be completely up to you to fill in the blanks. Be pagtient, it's well worth the wait. You'll see!

Even The Homeless Must Survive




While many people complain about seeing the Homeless locally, some obviously do what they can to survive. I must say however, the Homeless Communities continue to grow larger in Salisbury and once again, NO ONE is doing anything about it.

That being said, what should City Officials do about it? I mean, where will they send them? I believe their thinking is, ignore it and the City won't have to fund finding shelter for these people. You know, out of sight, out of mind!

So how do YOU feel about the Homeless in Salisbury and what do YOU think should be done about it?

The PAC-14 Fiasco - Part II …

Who Will Decide How This Money Will Be Spent?

Yesterday we discussed HOW your money will be spent if the PAC-14 Fiasco comes to fruition. Today we will discuss WHO will decide how YOUR MONEY will be spent.

A small group, not accountable to you or your elected officials want to take your tax money, as well as money from your Comcast bill, and spend it as THEY see fit. Find out who's lurking in the shadows. Read more ...


Smith and Jones Announce Engagement


Smith and Jones Engagement
Snow Hill – Carl B. & Terri Stevens Smith of Snow Hill are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Stacy Lynn Smith to Steven Wilson Jones, son of Thomas and Diane Jones of Parsonsburg.

The bride-to-be attended Snow Hill High School. She received her Associate degree from Wor Wic Community College in 2005 and graduated from Allegany College of Maryland in 2007 with a degree in Dental Hygiene. She is employed by Delmarva Dental Services in Salisbury.

Her fiancé attended Parkside High School. He is currently employed by Cropper Oil Company in Berlin. He is also a Firefighter/EMT with the Parsonsburg Volunteer Fire Department where he has been a member for 16 years.

The couple is planning to be wed on September 27, 2008 in Salisbury. Formal invitations will be issued.