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Friday, August 01, 2008

Nice Break!

Blogger seems to be down throughout the Blogosphere and quite frankly, Thank God.

I haven't had things this quiet in a very long time. No comments, just peace. I'll bet some of those Firefighters are going nuts!

Anyhow, have a great evening Folks.

Tomorrow Will Bring On Some Great Posts

Although Saturday is a slow day around the Blogosphere, we'll still be delivering some pretty good stuff, including the Classified Ads. There's a SPD & Chief Webster article that should really rock their world. I'll just leave it at that. Have a great weekend Folks. By the way, Officials in Ocean City claim that very few people are coming there for their normal week to two week vacations. Instead they're coming out for a long weekend, if that.

119 Howard County Employees Set To Lose Their Take Home Vehicles

http://www.examiner.com/a-1514528~Howard_County_says_take_home_vehicle_policy_won_t_impact_safety.html

Howard County says take-home vehicle policy won't impact safety
Josh Kowalkowski, The Examiner
2008-07-31 14:09:00.0
Current rank: # 89 of 9,409

Howard County -
Many of the 119 employees set to lose their Howard County-issued vehicles are emergency and pubic safety responders, but department leaders said they’ll strive to continue meeting all resident needs.

“It’s an unfortunate situation but also understandable why they’re being taken away,” said Jim Irvin, director of the Department of Public Works, whose 44 employees expected to lose the vehicles by September are generally those who need to respond to situations and emergencies after-hours less than three times a week.

“It’s certainly disappointing ... but we have to be prudent in what we’re doing,” said Howard Fire Chief Joe Herr.

County Executive Ken Ulman said his decision this week to reduce the number of take-home vehicles from 207 to 88 was not easy and was prompted by making the operation of government more efficient.

“We had some tough conversations with department heads who were defending their employees, but I tried to approach it from both a management and taxpayer basis,” he said, referring to the anticipated savings of about $700,000.

A big part of these discussions was with leaders of the police, fire and public works departments, as well as the sheriff’s office, which are the major emergency and public safety responders in the county.

In the police department, two civilian employees, including spokeswoman Sherry Llewellyn who drove 9,404 miles in 2007, also are expected to lose their county-issued cars.

The police department Wednesday announced plans to:

» Discontinue issuing take-home cars for some out-of-county personnel on on-call assignments

» Place restrictions on vehicles used by supervisors.

During the next two weeks, county department heads can appeal to Chief Administrative Officer Lonnie Robbins who will determine any oversights in the decision.

“We’re not going to reduce our service to the public,” said Robbins.

“That’s why we’re having this appeals process to ensure we’re being fair and equitable. We’ll be open to anything they have to say.”

NEED A LIFT?

Employees at these departments and offices in Howard will lose their take-home, county-issued vehicles by September:

Public Works: 44
Sheriff’s Office: 29
Fire and Rescue Services: 25
Recreation and Parks: 12
Administrative supervisors: 3
Technology and Communication Services: 3
Corrections, Planning and Zoning and Public Works: 3 deputy directors
Police Department: 2 civilians
Source: Howard County Office of Public Information

Don't Forget PAC 14 Tonight

Tune in your TV to PAC 14 at 7:30 PM to see the "Show Full Of Lies" with John Pick and Louise Smith.

Black Hurricanes

Well, it appears our African-American friends have found yet something else to be pissed about. A black congresswoman (this would be Sheila Jackson Lee, of Houston), reportedly complained that the names of hurricanes are all Caucasian sounding names.

She would prefer some names that reflect African-American culture such as Chamiqua, Tanisha, Woeisha, Shaqueal, and Jamal. I am NOT making this up!

She would also like the weather reports to be broadcast in 'language' that street people can understand because one of the problems that happened in New Orleans was, that black people couldn't understand the seriousness of the situation, due to the racially biased language of the weather report.

I guess if the weather person says that the winds are going to blow at 140+ MPH, that's too hard to understand?

Idiot! Sounds like a chapter from the book of Shanie Shields, seriously.

Salisbury Police & Health Department Shut Down Chuck Wagon


The SPD & Health Department cracked down on the Chuck Wagon in the parking lot of the Chesapeake Inn today.

What's most interesting is, the Health Department doesn't have enough man power to inspect ALL of the run down restaurants in violation but they have the time to track down a Chuck Wagon delivering food to these people at very reasonable prices.

Granted, if things weren't right, I can understand that. However, have you talked to the people working in many of the restaurants around Salisbury? It's unbelievable what people are saying!

There were several Police Cars in that parking lot. Maybe they were doing something else, I don't know. Nonetheless, I think everyone gets the point about too many people in a room. Let these people eat.

The Thrift Lodge Inn Fails Inspection











This afternoon around 1:30 PM the Thrift Lodge Inn had their date with Salisbury's Code and Compliance Division and failed miserably.

Of the 35+ rooms that were being used from this Motel, 16 of them had no smoke detectors, smoke detectors taken off the wall or a battery just about dead. Once again there were rooms with Hot Plates in them for cooking and spoiled food in many of the rooms as well.

In one of the rooms, things were so bad they had to relocate the two gentlemen staying there or give them their money back. From the looks of them walking away from the Motel, they booked instead.

The City is cracking down hard on these violations but let me assure you, the prostitutes were still out and about everywhere and they didn't care who was walking through their Motel. The rooms were just disgusting!

Once again, more News you're NOT getting from WMDT. WBOC did in fact come out in their Chopper and took some shots from the air. However, until the read this story, they have nothing to go by because there was no Reporter. No Daily Times either.

Although the Salisbury Fire Department was asked by Code and Compliance to be there to back up the Inspections and support them along with the SPD, the Fire Department refused to come out, even after they were called asking why they weren't there. Fortunately, Chief Webster sent in additional Officers to help back up and support these two women doing the Inspections.

They can post all the God Messages they want, this place is HELL!

More stories to follow.

Breaking News Story Coming Shortly

Sit tight Folks, I'm about to deliver yet another great story.

More Input On Motels

Hey Joe,

I didn't want to post this in comments because my computer automatically posts with my name on comments. When I was a kid, my mom got into a marriage with a bad person and as a result, we ended up leaving him with absolutely no notice or money. She changed jobs, and we basically went into hiding. We were literally homeless for awhile, and we were one of those people who live in motels. My mom is an honest and good person, and she worked her ass off to better our place in life and to get her feet back on solid ground.

The reason I mention that is that you're right--these people who are getting "flushed out" are humans and they do have rights and needs. However, I would imagine that if we went back into that time and place where it was me and my mom sleeping in a motel room, if there were a "raid" in an effort to flush out the druggies and prostitutes from where we were staying, I'd imagine that she would be grateful that the city was making an effort to get those types of people away from me.

And as for those long-term residents that "can't" get a place to live otherwise, I just don't believe it. A good and honest person who wants a better life for themselves and their family has got to know that there is a way to live better than a motel room. My mom did it just driving a cab. That's it. Within a few months of losing her footing in life, we were back in a nicer, permanent place to live, and we never had a problem after that.

There are also so many programs out there to help people have a home. There's section 8 housing, affordable housing, temporary cash assistance, food stamps, amongst other things to make it possible to survive. All of these things are easy to apply for. If someone wants a better life than a motel room, they can get it. The help is there and quite easily attainable.

So when I don't have sympathy for those who were inconvenienced by the "raid" last night, my lack of sympathy comes from the point of view of the child that lives in one of those rooms with their single, working mom trying to make a better life for both of them. That child deserves to not have a meth lab or a prostitute right next door making money in dishonest and disgusting ways that put the safety of people around them in danger.

I applaud the city in their efforts to help clean up the streets and the motels that line them. I think we would all find a warmer, fuzzier feeling in our stomachs about it if we could know what will happen next. How about instead of tossing these "professionals" and junkies in jail and then back on the street, we try to rehabilitate them. Get them jobs, put them in programs to detox them, and help them find their way to a better life. Some people will do well in a program like that, some wont.....but at least we can say we tried everything before we turn our backs on them.

Just my thoughts!

REAL Men In Training






This little entrepreneur is 7 years old, it is his 2nd year in business. He gets to keep all the money for his sales to buy the things he wants, but most of his money he saves. Although, he doesn't open his market stand early in the season his veggies are top grade. As you can see by his sign his garden is grown with Love and Chicken Poop, it doesn't get anymore organic than that, does it? His prices are fair to boot. He admits he does not grow this garden alone, he is supervised by his grandparents. He does rake, plant, weed and water so they allow him to sell what he can. The majority of his crops end up canned or in the freezer, Grandma lets him sell the rest. He goes down to his stand periodically throughout the day, his sales are usually done on the honor system so he can take time out to do the things little boys like to do. Today he has fresh slicing tomatoes, Plum tomatoes for $1.00 a bag and Pink Lemonade, ice cold for 25 cents. If you happen to be traveling along Brick Kiln Road stop by and check the little fella out.

(Sorry about the title Joe, I couldn't resist) LOL

Chick Magnet


The government of RIYADH, Saudi Arabia has passed two new laws this week
No walking of dogs in the City Parks, and No Sales of Dogs.
These two laws were passed in an attempt to curb what Saudis see as a serious compromise to the moral fabric of their society.
It seems that officials believe that during the time that one takes to walk a dog in RIYADH park is time used to pick up women!
The dog walking law was passed on Monday, and apparently thinking toward the future; today they decided to make it illegal for pet stores to sell dogs. Thus insuring that at some point after all the dogs in RIYADH have died, there will no longer be an issue.

Men In Training


Click on image to enlarge.

Women Over 40

60 Minutes Correspondent Andy Rooney (CBS)

As I grow in age, I value women over 40 most of all. Here are just a few
reasons why:

A woman over 40 will never wake you in the middle of the night and ask,
'What are you thinking?' She doesn't care what you think. If a woman over 40
doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't sit around whining about it. She
does something she wants to do, and it's usually more interesting. Women
over 40 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the
opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve
it, they won't hesitate to shoot you if they think they can get away with
it. Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what
it's like to be unappreciated. Women get psychic as they age. You never have
to confess your sins to a woman over 40. Once you get past a wrinkle or two,
a woman over 40 is far sexier than her younger counterpart. Older women are
forthright and honest. They'll tell you right off if you are a jerk if y ou
are acting like one. You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her.
Yes, we p raise women over 40 for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately,
it's not reciprocal . For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed, hot woman
over 40, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of
himself with some 22-year old waitress. Ladies, I apologize.

For all those men who say, 'Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for
free?', here's an update for you. Nowadays 80% of women are against
marriage. Why? Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire pig
just to get a little sausage!

Andy Rooney is a really smart guy!

National Night Out In Fruitland

On August 5, 2008, the Fruitland Police Department will be sponsoring it annual “National Night Out” celebration with a block party at the Fruitland Little League complex.

This annual event is designed to heighten community awareness of crime prevention programs and their impact on crime, drug and violence reduction in all communities. Additionally, this event strengthens communication and cooperation among community members and the police which encourages partnership and neighborhood spirit.

The block party in Fruitland will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. Activities will include water slides, games, children’s events and much more. Music and demonstrations will be held to include K-9 presentation by Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, martial arts, etc.

Free food and desserts will be served.

All residents are invited to attend this wonderful event in Fruitland.

Hip Hoppers Chris Brown & Rhyianna In Ocean City Maryland










Last Saturday 7-26-08 we were fishing at the Oceanic pier in OC when there were a crowd of people getting on jet skis. Someone told us it was Hip Hoppers Chris Brown and Rhyianna and everyone starting taking Pictures. One of the Body Guards had a young kid with a pro camera escorted off the pier. When they returned from jet skiing my wife went to take more pictures from the city sidewalk and was told by one of the Body Guards that she could not take pics, she cited the photographers bill of rights which we both carry in our camera cases he got real nasty and made hand gestures which seemed to us like he was going to shoot her, what do you think?

Keep up the good work and I wish we had one of you in OC! Glen in OC.

There has been rumor that these two are dating. Maybe all those Tabloid Magazines will want this story? LOL ANOTHER Sbynews.com Exclusive. Joe

Turn On PAC 14 Tonight At 7:30!!!!!!!


If you want to see a show of complete BS, turn on PAC 14 tonight. Here are some of the highlights.

John Pick said the Volunteer Firefighters didn't offer to buy furnishing for the new Fire Department. That's complete BS! He went on to say they bought some things that were nice but not needed. He then said the Fire Station financed land issue and borrowed on lease purchase 20 years. The Fire Boat they bought in 1997 for $13,000.00 and cost them $3,000.00 a year to upkeep. HELLO, I guess so when it sinks two or three times a year because no one will keep it up. Sounds to me they were wasting $3,000.00 a year for work that wasn't done. He then stressed how big our Port is and they need new one to help boats in distress. Louise then asked how many calls had our current boat went on, he said ONE last year to help a boat in Fruitland in distress. He then said Salisbury and the Salisbury Zoo were at Tawes Crab Feast to let people know we exist and that we had a Zoo. He then said there were actually people who didn't know we had a Zoo. HELLO! Get a Booth for just the City and put a big sign in the back that shows a picture of the Salisbury Zoo. After all, I thought the Zoo was the pride of Salisbury?

Yes Folks, make some popcorn and enjoy the show.

Mikulski, Cardin Announce More Than $150,000 For Easton Volunteer Fire Department

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Benjamin L. Cardin (both D-Md.) today announced the Easton Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) in Talbot County has been awarded $155,838 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP). Senator Mikulski is on the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the AFGP and fights each year to increase its federal funding. Senator Cardin is a member of the Budget Committee, which each year sets priorities for funding to federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security.

“I know how important this funding is to Maryland communities – often it’s the difference between life and death. First responders protect our homes and communities, and the federal government has a responsibility to protect them by providing them with the tools they need to do their jobs safer and smarter,” said Senator Mikulski. “Every day when our first responders report for duty, they don’t know what they will face. That’s why I fight every year for the equipment, training, and staffing our protectors and communities deserve.”

“First responders have always been on the front lines, keeping our families and our neighborhoods safe from harm. I thank these brave men and women for their continuing service and sense of duty to our community,” said Senator Cardin. “I am proud to support federal investment through local grants like this, which is essential to ensure our community heroes have the equipment and training they need to do their jobs safely and efficiently.”

The Easton VFD will use the funding to replace 21 Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) units and their air cascade systems. The new equipment will enable the Easton VFD to achieve National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) compliance. For more information, call Tim Knotts at 410-822-4848.

This is the second award for the Easton VFD. In 2002, the Department received $37,400 to purchase a mobile fire prevention trailer. Since 2001, Talbot County fire departments and emergency medical services have been awarded nearly $1 million in AFGP funding.

Little Johnny

A new teacher was trying to make use of her psychology courses. She started her class by saying, 'Everyone who thinks they're stupid, stand up!' After a few seconds, Little Johnny stood up. The teacher said, 'Do you think you're stupid, Little Johnny?' 'No, ma'am, but I hate to see you standing there all by yourself!'

Little Johnny watched, fascinated, as his mother smoothed cold cream on her face. 'Why do you do that, mommy?' he asked. 'To make myself beautiful,' said his mother, who then began removing the cream with a tissue. 'What's the matter,Mommy?' asked Little Johnny. 'You Giving up?'

The math teacher saw that little Johnny wasn't paying attention in class. She called on him and said 'Johnny! What are 2 and 4 and 28 and 44?' Little Johnny quickly replied, 'NBC, FOX, ESPN and the Cartoon Network!'

Little Johnny's kindergarten class was on a field trip to their local police station where they saw pictures tacked to a bulletin board of the 10 most wanted criminals. One of the youngsters pointed to a picture and asked if it really was the photo of a wanted person. 'Yes,' said the policeman. 'The detectives want very badly to capture him.' Little Johnny asked, 'Why didn't you keep him when you took his picture?'

Little Johnny attended a horse auction with his father. He watched as his father moved from horse to horse, running his hands up and down the horse's legs and rump, and chest. After a few minutes, Johnny asked, 'Dad, why are you doing that?' His father replied, 'because when I'm buying horses, I have to make sure that they are healthy and in good shape before I buy. Johnny, looking worried, said, 'Dad, I think the UPS guy wants to buy Mom.'

Question of the Day, Fri 8/1

My parents anniversary is today. Happy 38th anniversary Mom and Dad!

My question today is:

Is your parents still together? How many years?

Are you and your spouse still together? How many years?

THE STING









Last night the Neighborhood Code & Compliance Team visited the Chesapeake Inn on Rt. 13 just outside the inner City area and did a Life Safety Check on ALL of the rooms in that Motel.

Tom Stevenson did visit the Motel the day before and warned the Owner/Manager that they would be coming by to inspect, so this was not a raid at all. I was there from the very beginning and it was handled with first class.

There was one room with one bed set up for one person that had 7 people in it. Another room for one had 5 people in it and one other room I witnessed had two beds and 5 people occupying the room. I believe there were 11 rooms in all in violation.

Chief Bryan Records was there from the SFD and from what I could tell, all of the smoke detectors were working fine but he did see violations. One room had hot plates in the room, (3 of them, I believe) and this is just not safe. They had chicken in the sink and so forth, so it just wasn't healthy.

The point of these investigations are to make sure these Hotel/Motel operations are running as they should be. Rather then throwing people out on the streets and considering how late it was at night, people had already settled in for the evening and Mr. Stevenson was very kind to leave things as they were for the night but tomorrow there's absolutely NO EXCEPTIONS!

The inspection started at 10:00 Pm and went to about 11:15 PM. The Salisbury Police Department had their own Team of Officers, one of which spoke 4 languages. So there was no getting away with any slang talk for this guy!

I personally think this is an excellent thing to do and although Tom's Office is so short handed, my hat is tipped for his over time as well as Susan Phillips, another class act. I should add, there wasn't a single situation there this evening. Everyone was cool, calm and collective. Quite honestly, if I had someone knocking at my door wanting to inspect my room, I wouldn't be too happy about it at all.

That clearly goes to show you how kind and cooperative everyone was. It should also be noted that each and every room was told, if they didn't want anyone coming into their room and or participate with these inspections, they didn't have to at all. Hopefully that gives you a clear idea just how well it was handled.

So Tom, Susan, Bryan and the group of SPD Officers there, nice work, seriously!

Salisbury Fire Department Sends Chase Vehicle AND A Ladder Truck To Pedestrial Struck Call?


A call went out for a possible pedestrian struck at Centre Road and 13 North. No pedestrian was found there, but the kicker was as the picture shows, they sent a ladder truck to a pedestrian getting struck call! What did they think he was on light pole...ridiculous!

Salisbury Kennel Club


The Salisbury Kennel Club is only weeks away from their Grand Opening at Winterplace Park. The Kennel Club reveived a proclamation HERE on July 14th, 2008. The County Council will be presenting the Salisbury MD Kennel Club with a proclamation making 20 Sept 2008 Responsible Dog Ownership Day in Wicomico County.

Quote of the Day...Bon Appetite!

I found an email from one of SbyNews readers today forwarding me a quote from H.L. Mencken. He stated that he thought I would enjoy it, and I did.
Mencken was known as the "American Nietzsche" and the 'Sage of Baltimore' .
He was a journalist whose satire, cynisism and free thinking brought him much recognition as his writings were very appealling to the malcontents of his day.
As I was reading through some of his works, I came upon today's 'Quote of the Day'... this one is for you Joe!

"All (zoos) actually offer to the public in return for the taxes spent upon them is a form of idle and witless amusement, compared to which a visit to a penitentiary, or even to a State legislature in session, is informing, stimulating and ennobling". ~H. L. Mencken



Salvage Grocery Stores?

With the costs of everything that we need on a daily basis skyrocketing, many people are turning to alternative sources for all of their needs. Today I found an article about the growing popularity of 'Salvage Grocery Stores'.

http://jewishworldreview.com/0708/salvage_grocery_stores.php3

My husband and I are regular customers at Lankford Sysco Cash and Carry, where there is a section for damaged cases of food or today's date meat is sold at a discount. We have shopped there for years and I prefer it over the larger chain stores as we know the names of all of the employees in the store and the food is top quality. Actually, I think that their 'retail' prices are lower than the chains, plus it's nice to go where everybody knows your name .

I have a friend who shops at a place in DE on 13 next to the 13 Market called Lou's. She is always bragging about the things that she has purchased there and pennies that she paid for them. Unfortunately, every time I have been there something has just died and I can't get past the smell.

Anyway, I found the article interesting, and was wondering if anyone else has frequented these type of discount stores?

An Oldie But A Goodie

A young woman in Wildwood, New Jersey was so depressed that she decided to end her life by throwing herself into the Atlantic Ocean. She went down to Morey's Pier and was about to leap into the frigid water when a handsome young sailor saw her tottering on the edge of the pier, crying.
He took pity on her and said, 'Look, you have so much to live for. I'm off to Hawaii in the morning, and if you like, I can stow you away on my ship. I will take good care of you and bring you food every day.' Moving closer, he slipped his arm around her shoulder and added, 'I'll keep you happy, and you'll keep me happy.'

The girl nodded yes. After all, what did she have to lose? Perhaps a fresh start in Hawaii would give her life new meaning. That night, in the darkness, the sailor brought her aboard and hid her in a lifeboat. From then on, every night he brought her three sandwiches and some fruit, and they made passionate love until dawn.

Three weeks later, during a routine inspection, she was discovered by the Captain 'What are you doing here?' The Captain asked.

I have an arrangement with one of the sailors,' she explained. 'I get food and a trip to Hawaii and in return, he's screwing me.'

"He certainly is", the Captain said. "This is the Cape May-Lewes Ferry!"

Legal Or Not Legal?


If Maryland residents aren't supposed to be allowed to buy cigarettes in Delaware, should Delaware residents be allowed to buy gas in Maryland? I mean, Georgetown is a good 40 miles away from this Gas Station. At least they knew better than to head over to a Gordy Mart.

If these guys were in fact there to buy fuel, my hat is tipped to them. It's all about fiscal accountability.

The PAC-14 Fiasco - Part V…

Should Ratepayers and Taxpayers Fund an Organization With No Accountability?

Today is our fifth and final installment in the "Great PAC-14 Fiasco.

You've already read some of the reasons why the plan being but forth by SU's "Transitional Task Force" (since the SU representatives seem to be the folks so hell bent on secrecy and impropriety) is the wrong way to go.

Today I present some alternatives that would hopefully provide us with a public access channel that is well funded, well governed, and ACCOUNTABLE to the folks who are really footing the bill - YOU.

Read more ...

************************

If you missed any of our previous posts, you can find them here:

Monday – How Will YOUR Money Be Spent?

Tuesday – Who Will Decide HOW This Money Will Be Spent?

Wednesday – Why Are They Meeting In Secret?

Thursday – Why Do They Refuse to Answer Any Questions?


Thanks again.

Fruitland Falcons Sign-Up


The photo above features Bob Janeski ( Vice President of Red Men and President of Fruitland Parks & Rec.) on the left and Kerry Neson (President of the Fruitland Falcons) with Ed Urban (Vice President of the Fruitland Falcons) on the right.

Has your kid been turned away from playing on a football team because of weight or grades? Are the number of practices just too much? Are the fees too high?Are you restricted because of where you live? Well, join the Fruitland Falcons!!! We will have sign-ups on August 2 , 9 - 11am on Brown Street.

When you are a Falcon, it makes no difference what you weigh. If your grades are not a C average, we have tutors to help you. If you want to be part of a football team and still have free time, become a Falcon. Fees are only $100.00 ( $20.00 for insurance, $30.00 for camp and $50.00 for uniforms). You can live in Wicomico, Somerset, Worcester or wherever and still play.If you have any questions, call Kerry Nelson at 410-546-2183 ,Ed Urban at 410-548-7801 or Samantha Miles at 410-749-9568.

The Falcons are an in-house team with support and cooperation from the Fruitland Parks & Rec. , Fruitland City Council and the Community of Fruitland.

We hope to see you on August 2!
- Samantha Miles, Sponsorship Coordinator

My Cat Is A Free Loader

Seriously, my cat is taking advantage of me. I had to pay a special visit to Petco earlier today for more cat food. Petco's honest slogan should be "It's where your money goes." I'm more than a little ticked off that my cat expects me to provide her with cat food that costs $10.49 (before taxes) per 3.5 lb bag. She turns her nose to any cheap stuff I've ever brought home and she sees right through my lies. "Oh the store was out of your regular brand, but the clerk there told me that Brand X is actually the SAME food as your regular brand." Yes, I lied to my cat, and she saw right through the BS. That coupled with the vet's recommendation that the expensive stuff is better for the cat has convinced my wife that we (I) should only buy the special food. I tried to convince both my wife and my cat that the cat doesn't have very refined taste buds. I mean, she eats flies. She licks her ass in lieu of toilet paper. That and she contributes nothing financially to the house (the cat, not my wife). And, she's a friggin' cat; she shouldn't get a household vote.

The cat's now reading over my shoulder... one second please. I think she suspects something.

Okay, so the cat also doesn't seem to care about anything I'm doing. I'll be reading the paper, and she'll plop her cat's ass dead center of the page and look at me as if I've gotten in her way. Or maybe I'm stealing a few moments of silence in the bathroom when all of a sudden there's a furry arm being jammed under the door. Are you kidding me? Give me a minute. You don't even shit in here anyway. Next time you do that I'm going to duct tape your little arm to the linoleum. Maybe you'd let me crap in peace then.

Damnit, she's back. Shhh. She just had to remind me that she's shedding and that I should brush her.

Okay where was I... flies, ass licking, duct taping, brushing, bathroom door banging... Oh yeah, so this cat eats better than I do. I'm too lazy to do the math, but I'd guess that the food I just put in her dish cost more than my lunch today. My lunch didn't even come with gravy, but it was chicken flavored. Discussing my eating habits are for another time though.

Oh jeez... she's staring at me now. Not really at me, but past me at the window behind me. I just know she wants me to think there's something or someone outside the window, but I'm not going to play that game. I will win this grudge match. I'm going to stare back at her 'til she blinks. Apparently that's supposed to be a sign of my dominance. She doesn't play fairly though, because her eyes just got wide and she did a little crouch thing. Maybe there IS someone outside the window behind me. NO, don't think that. She's bluffing. Blink, you damn cat. Ha, she looked away. I win, I win, I win. Play it cool, no need to gloat.

Okay, now that I think about it, I believe my cat is a bully as well. She just fucks with me every chance she gets. This cat must get off knowing that I'm her personal servant and she can throw up on the carpeting or piss over the side of her litter box and I'll have to clean it up. Perhaps it's retribution for cutting her claws off or having her ovaries removed. Whatever it is, I'm no longer a cat owner. I'm the one who's owned.

People used to believe that cats caused insanity. I think they may have been on to something.

Will Verizon Go On Strike?



Negotiations are under way with Verizon and the CWA, Communication Workers of America) to strike a retirement deal before Midnight on Saturday or the Verizon Staff will go on strike. That means there will be around 17 people handling the jobs of 200. So if you want something done you had better do so before Saturday evening!

It also means if you want to upgrade or downgrade your phone system during that time, GOOD LUCK!

Once again, news and information you're NOT seeing on the 6:00 News and or the Daily Times. You've got to get up pretty early in the morning to keep up with Salisbury News!

CWA/IBEW VERIZON/VCSI BARGAINING UPDATE #34: 7-29-08

The Unions and the Company met today and the Unions presented counter proposals in response to their proposals presented yesterday. The meeting recessed while the Company prepares a response. We are entering the final hours and still are very far apart on reaching an agreement. This round of bargaining has had fewer issues on the table than any other in memory, but it has more major issues on the table than any before.

We are negotiating for the future of our members. We are resisting cost shifting on a healthcare plan that is expected to cost $30,000 per year for a family in 2011.

We are fighting for our retiree healthcare in a world that has almost abandoned retiree healthcare.

We are fighting for employment security.

We are fighting for new jobs in Verizon while the Company is staunchly against the expansion of Union jobs.

We are fighting for work jurisdiction while the Company is determined to subcontract.

These are the issues that are on the table and the issues that secure our futures. They are worth fighting for. We are fighting for these things at the bargaining table and we may soon be taking the fight to the street. Everyone should be ready.

Locals are advised to communicate with retirees. Some retirees are being contacted by the Company and are asked to work in the event of a strike. We need them to understand that they cannot possibly earn enough money to pay for the health care premiums the Company is demanding at the table. The bottom line is that if retirees help the Company kill retiree healthcare they will have worked for free.

Once more we caution our members not to pay attention to rumors. Your supervisor, manager, or director has no information about bargaining whatsoever. Our bargaining reports are accurate and timely and the only reliable source of information. We believe that a completely informed membership is our best weapon.

In Solidarity,

The Officers of CWA Local 2106

Paula, Paul, Kerry & Georgia