WCDC Officer Injured Today By Inmate

The Wicomico County Detention Center went into lock down this morning, something I'm told is routine from time to time for inspections. One Inmate refused to get into his Cell and started a scuffle with one of the Officers when they tried to handcuff the inmate. The Officer ultimately fell to the floor on his back and was taken to PRMC and released. He is home resting and we're told he should be back to work very soon.

Will Obama Brand Designer Clothes Be Next?

"Joe,

My son goes to Pittsville school and we just learned of this. Were you aware the kids in Wicomico are being told to come to school dressed up on the 20th and were told to be prepared to watch and celebrate Obama's inauguration? Guess we can't have religion in schools but it's ok for them to ram this clown down our kid's throats. Thought you may find this interesting."

OK, enough is enough! While I have stated in the past that it would be exciting in my lifetime to see a Black President as well as a Woman President, this kind of crap needs to end. I agree with this Parent, this is flat out wrong. Putting some children in a position if they DO NOT dress up for this occasion it will clearly make them an outcast against the new President of the United States, let alone their classmates.

I strongly hope that our County Executive is in fact following this particular Post as I know he follows Salisbury News daily. I respect Mr. Pollitt like a Brother but I will flat out state, no politics here, this must end NOW!

I hope people receive this experience as not only one in which we as a Country can be extremely proud of. I more so hope it's a spiritual experience for the entire World to see. Our growth in America has come a long, long way but you do not have to be in your Sunday best to fully understand this moment and respect it for what it will be.

The Wicomico County Board of Education is simply out of line and has gone too far. This control needs to end as well as the pressure they are placing on their Students. If it is not a daily protocol they should drop this request immediately. Your children have rights and IMHO I feel they are violating their rights and placing them in a very awkward position. Not everyone voted for Obama. Not everyone supports Obama. He will become my President in a few days and I pray he will turn this Country around because Lord knows we need all the help we can get. But this is just out of line. Rick, I hope you're listening.

Will Local Clearchannel Experience Layoffs?

The Clear Channel-owned national rep firm will dismiss 122 people across all divisions, mainly among its sales force. According to sources, the steep decline in national advertising combined with a two-year build up of salespeople was an unprofitable combination for the division. This could mean the loss of some jobs here locally.

THE CECIL COUNTY SPCA IS ACCUSED OF OUTRAGEOUS CONDUCT

Our Friend Delegate Mike Smigiel has an Official Website and has an UNBELIEVABLE story of animal abuse.Mike has his own Blog and you must go to this Site and see just how horrific this abuse is. Animals allegedly being shot by Staff. Director makes $85,285.00 a year salary. Plus $11,158.00 in benefits plus the use of a vehicle and this kind of CRAP is going on! We're told the States Attorney & State Vet Board is now on top of it but allegedly local media is covering it up. No one would tell this story. They were shooting cats out back with a 22 rifle. GO SEE THIS STORY NOW!!!!! Cecil County Commissioners have the Wicomico Humane Society on hold for the moment but they are expecting to rush in to the rescue of this unbelievable environment. I just spoke with Linda Lugo and they are prepared to help out.

I'm told they have numerous people who have signed affidavits who will testify that what you are about to read is true and accurate. How this has gone on so long in mind boggling. Thank You Mike for recognizing this Hitler Institution and coming to the rescue of so many animals, Sadly, in hundreds, if not thousands of cases its been too late but we'll all help from here on out.

Kittens euthanized at the SPCA. (For other photos, see image page above)
GO HERE to see the article. Unbelievable!

LOST IN DELMAR

Click on image to enlarge
This Chesapeake Bay Retriever is names Mazie. She is 7 years old and is missing her owner desperately. John has placed flyer's everywhere but has yet to find his Best Friend. If ANY of you have seen Mazie, please contact John below. This is a no brainer Folks. Someone has seen this Dog.

From John Leonard 443-614-6770
twistingsteel@comcast.net

Wicomico County Board Of Ed Reopens Access To Salisbury News

"Joe,

I am at work on my lunch shift now and am able to access your blog. BTW I am so happy Sox got a great home!! BOE is allowing access. Hope this helps a little...."

This is great news. For one, anyone who denies access to Salisbury News based on foul language can't argue that point any more. I think this is very healthy for all parties involved.

I need to make this statement from me to the BOE, Thank You. If only Barrie Tilghman and PRMC would be so open minded. Times are a changing and there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Trinity United Methodist Church Prayer Vigil For Brooke Mulford

Prayer Vigil:

On Tuesday, January 13th, there will be a prayer vigil for Brooke Mulford (four year old daughter of Rob and Amy Mulford). Brooke is presently at the Children's Hospital in Philadelphia and going through extensive tests. The initial tests indicate cancer. Please feel free to stop by the Church, and offer a prayer for Brooke. You may come and go as you please. The Church will be open from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm.

"Sox" Finds A New Home

"Joe,

God bless you for posting this story about Sox. Yesterday our daughter emailed us the story. We called, spoke to Sox's Daddy, and made arrangements to meet Sox today.
It was love at first sight with all of us. He's staying! We are so grateful to have him in our home. You see, 3 days before Christmas we had to put down our old girl, Brandy. She would have been 14 next month. We were devastated, as my husband & I considered her our "last kid at home". Our daughters were all teenagers when we got her. They are all now mothers.

Sox is our best late Christmas present ever!!
Thanks again for posting these animals that need new homes, and keep it up!

Peggy & Bob B."

Dear Peggy & Bob,

I am so happy for you and your Family. However, I am just as happy that the other Family had so many homes and loving people/homes to choose from. For what it's worth, I too had to put down one of my dearest friends, (Beaches) the Friday before Christmas, I feel your pain.

One of the greatest pleasures I get from this Blog is having the opportunity to give back. It truly is amazing how all of this has come together. Fighting the battles for so many years against those nay sayers, (mainly the Tilghman Administration) trying to tattoo it into every one's brain that Joe Albero is such a bad guy.

We have overcome that now and we can all move forward in a very positive way. Salisbury News will continue to serve the people/animals of the Eastern Shore and help make our home a better place to live.

Enjoy "Sox" in the best of health.

Obama Speaks Out on Gaza

HELP STOP “THE BRICKS” NONSENSE – SPEAK OUT NOW!

The post yesterday – “Barrie Seeking To Squander Bail-out Bucks” -- that exposed the City’s scheme to restore a decrepit building for rental apartments in a dangerous disaster area of Salisbury -- at a cost per unit that will very likely exceed the cost of a moderately sized new home on a standard lot -- has yielded some information of interest. The City is trying to get federal funding (that’s our taxes, folks) from a program that considers the community views about the project in awarding funds.

If enough persons speak out against this absurd waste of money, the funding won’t happen and the money can be applied to an appropriate purpose, rather than being used to induce persons, including kids, to live in an area where nobody in their right mind would want to be.

Here’s who to contact:

Cindy Stone, Director
Office of Community Programs
Maryland Dept. of Housing
and Community Development
100 Community Place
Crownsville MD 21032

Ms. Stone of the MDHCD can be reached at 410/514-7256 or via e-mail at stonec@mdhousing.org

If you want to see “The Bricks” it is at the intersection of East Church and Isabella streets (just east of the railroad tracks) – the building with different color bricks. It was given to the City in 2007 by its former owner after numerous citations (and, I believe, had been condemned by the City and vacated).

BUT BE WARNED: don’t go there at night, and be sure that your car windows are closed and all doors locked. Also suggested - go with at least one other person and a cell phone set to 911 just in case your vehicle breaks down or is hit and don’t stop unless you must.

Virus Alert

http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/postcard.asp

PLEASE FORWARD THIS WARNING AMONG FRIENDS, FAMILY AND CONTACTS!
You should be alert during the next few days. Do not open any message with an attachment entitled 'POSTCARD FROM HALLMARK,' regardless of who sent it to you. It is a virus which opens A POSTCARD IMAGE, which 'burns' the whole hard disc C of your computer. This virus will be received from someone who has your e-mail address in his/her contact list. This is the reason why you need to let all your contacts know about this. It is better to receive this message 25 times than to receive the virus and open it.

If you receive a mail called' POSTCARD,' even though sent to you by a friend, do not open it! Shut down your computer immediately.

This is the worst virus announced by CNN. It has been classified by Microsoft as the most destructive virus ever. This virus was discovered by McAfee yesterday, and there is no repair yet for this kind of virus. This virus simply destroys the Zero Sector of the Hard Disc, where the vital information is kept.

COPY THIS, AND SEND IT TO YOUR FRIENDS. REMEMBER: IF YOU SEND IT TO THEM, YOU WILL BENEFIT ALL OF US

Editors Note: While this message has been going around for quite some time, it's always a good thing to be reminded as it is circulating in low volume currently. You just don't want to get hit with it andnow you've been warned, again.

Washington Post Article Ties 4 Suspects In Delmar Arrest To Wheaton Mall Shootings

The teenagers weren't thinking about last-minute holiday purchases when they pulled into the Montgomery County shopping mall two days before Christmas. Instead, one of the teens later told police, the group went to the crowded mall to randomly shoot someone.

"Bust them!" Taylor, known as "Kchaos," is alleged to have said upon seeing the rivals, members of the MS-13 gang.

GO HERE to see the full Washington Post Article.

A Letter To My Employees

To All My Valued Employees,

There have been some rumblings around the office about the future of this company, and more specifically, your job. As you know, the economy has changed for the worse and presents many challenges. However, the good news is this: The economy doesn't pose a threat to your job. What does threaten your job however, is the changing political landscape in this country.

However, let me tell you some little tidbits of fact which might help you decide what is in your best interests.

First, while it is easy to spew rhetoric that casts employers against employees, you have to understand that for every business owner there is a Back Story. This back story is often neglected and overshadowed by what you see and hear. Sure, you see me park my Mercedes outside. You've seen my big home at last year’s Christmas party. I'm sure; all these flashy icons of luxury conjure up some idealized thoughts about my life.

However, what you don't see is the BACK STORY:

I started this company 28 years ago. At that time, I lived in a 300 square foot studio apartment for 3 years. My entire living apartment was converted into an office so I could put forth 100% effort into building a company, which by the way, would eventually employ you.

My diet consisted of Oodles of noodles because every dollar I spent went back into this company. I drove a rusty Toyota Corolla with a defective transmission. I didn't have time to date. Often times, I stayed home on weekends, while my friends went out drinking and partying. In fact, I was married to my business -- hard work, discipline, and sacrifice.

Meanwhile, my friends got jobs. They worked 40 hours a week and made a modest $50K a year and spent every dime they earned. They drove flashy cars and lived in expensive homes and wore fancy designer clothes. Instead of hitting the Nordstrom's for the latest hot fashion item, I was trolling through the discount store extracting any clothing item that didn't look like it was birthed in the 70's. My friends refinanced their mortgages and lived a life of luxury. I, however, did not. I put my time, my money, and my life into a business with a vision that eventually, some day, I too, will be able to afford these luxuries my friends supposedly had.

So, while you physically arrive at the office at 9 am, mentally check in at about noon, and then leave at 5 pm, I don't. There is no "off" button for me. When you leave the office, you are done and you have a weekend all to yourself. I unfortunately do not have that freedom. I eat and breathe this company every minute of the day. There is no rest. There is no weekend. There is no happy hour. Every day this business is attached to my hip like a 1 year old special-needs child. You, of course, only see the fruits of that garden -- the nice house, the Mercedes, the vacations... you never realize the Back Story and the sacrifices I've made.

Now, the economy is falling apart and I, the guy that made all the right decisions and saved his money, have to bail-out all the people who didn't. The people that overspent their paychecks suddenly feel entitled to the same luxuries that I earned and sacrificed a decade of my life for.

Yes, business ownership has is benefits but the price I've paid is steep and not without wounds.

Unfortunately, the cost of running this business, and employing you, is starting to eclipse the threshold of marginal benefit and let me tell you why:

I am being taxed to death and the government thinks I don't pay enough. I have state taxes. Federal taxes. Property taxes. Sales and use taxes . Payroll taxes. Workers compensation taxes. Unemployment taxes. Taxes on taxes. I have to hire a tax man to manage all these taxes and then guess what? I have to pay taxes for employing him. Government mandates and regulations and all the accounting that goes with it, now occupy most of my time. On Oct 15th, I wrote a check to the US Treasury for $288,000 for quarterly taxes. You know what my "stimulus" check was? Zero.. Nada. Zilch.

The question I have is this: Who is stimulating the economy? Me, the guy who has provided 14 people good paying jobs and serves over 2,200,000 people per year with a flourishing business? Or, the single mother sitting at home pregnant with her fourth child waiting for her next welfare check? Obviously, government feels the latter is the economic stimulus of this country.

The fact is, if I deducted (Read: Stole) 50% of your paycheck you'd quit and you wouldn't work here. I mean, why should you? That's nuts. Who wants to get rewarded only 50% of their hard work? Well, I agree which is why your job is in jeopardy.

Here is what many of you don't understand ... to stimulate the economy you need to stimulate what runs the economy. Had suddenly government mandated to me that I didn't need to pay taxes, guess what? Instead of depositing that $288,000 into the Washington black-hole, I would have spent it, hired more employees, and generated substantial economic growth. My employees would have enjoyed the wealth of that tax cut in the form of promotions and better salaries. But you can forget it now.

When you have a comatose man on the verge of death, you don't defibrillate and shock his thumb thinking that will bring him back to life, do you? Or, do you defibrillate his heart? Business is at the heart of America and always has been. To restart it, you must stimulate it, not kill it. Suddenly, the power brokers in Washington believe the poor of America are the essential drivers of the American economic engine. Nothing could be further from the truth and this is the type of change you can keep..

So where am I going with all this?

It's quite simple.

If any new taxes are levied on me, or my company, my reaction will be swift and simple. I'll fire you. I'll fire your co-workers. You can then plead with the government to pay for your mortgage, your SUV, and your child's future. Frankly, it isn't my problem anymore.

Then, I will close this company down, move to another country, and retire. You see, I'm done. I'm done with a country that penalizes the productive and gives to the unproductive. My motivation to work and to provide jobs will be destroyed, and with it, will be my citizenship.

So, if you lose your job, it won't be at the hands of the economy; it will be at the hands of a political hurricane that swept through this country, steamrolled the constitution, and will have changed its landscape forever. If that happens, you can find me sitting on a beach, retired, and with no employees to worry about....

Signed,

Thom

Your Boss

Another Fine Message From Linda Lugo At The Humane Society

I received an e-mail from Linda Lugo this morning referencing a couple of concerns. The #1 concern is the Family in Delmar with the alleged puppy mill that is NOT a puppy mill. Here's the deal Folks. It turns out several people continue to go by and walk onto her property. Let me be very clear to each and every one of you. This is trespassing on private property. You do not have the right to go onto any one's yard without permission. The Humane Society continues to monitor the owner and her pets, you don't need to. So stay off her property and let the authorities do their job.

Secondly, on a much happier note. Linda said, "Our adoptions are still going crazy...every time we get dogs available, they have applications on them before we can take photos to get to you! What a great way to start the new year...may it continue on and on!"

This is because of all of YOU Folks! How can it get any better than this. The next thing you know they'll have one of those Deli Ticket thingamaboppers where you walk in and take a number. The Humane Society has become the hottest business in Town!

Delaware Bombarded With Former MD & NJ Business Licenses Applicants

Joe:

I just received my Delaware Business License renewal last week. It was due on December 31,2008.

I renewed it this morning via online and paid with a credit card. Afterwards, I telephoned them to inquire why they didn't mail the invoice earlier as the business license renewal fee was due almost simultaneous with their mailing.

The receptionist at the Delaware Business License department said that Delaware had recently been bombarded by new license applications for businesses relocating from Maryland and N.J. which had thrown their office behind.

As a result, she said that Delaware will not be issuing any late fees or interest penalties because of their error in mailing them out late.

I WONDER IF MARYLAND OFFICIALS ARE LISTENING-IN!

You can bet your butt that Maryland would have be 'sticken it to them' if the same thing happened in Maryland.

The girl was very pleasant and it was a positive experience for a change. She kept apologizing.

Put A Red Coat On Her And Who Have You Got?

Let's Talk About High Beams

No, I'm not talking about the Queen of Salisbury. I'm talking about a large volume of people driving down the road any more with their high beams on and refusing the turn them off.

I have noticed more and more lately that even when you flash your high beams back at them, they still refuse to lower them to the regular lighting. I also have an issue with people that think they don't have to lower them until they're right up on you. High beams can be very distracting from even a mile away, yet these people don't care and I have a huge issue with this on back country roads where there are no lines painted on the sides of the road.

Is it just me, or are you experiencing the same problem lately. If you are having the same problem, shouldn't the Police Departments start ticketing these people more frequently before accidents become a new issue for our area? I mean, who knows, perhaps someone was coming the other way the other night on Memory Garden Lane with their high beams on refusing to turn them down and that distracted the driver in the pickup truck? I wouldn't put it past the drivers in that area because that's where I experience most of my problems with this issue.

Anyhow, let's see if I'm all alone on this one or if others are having the same problem.

Some Much Needed Political Humor

Commenter: lee January 6, 2009 at 3:25 am
found this in the comments section from an article on America’s Right. made me chuckle and I needed it:

…some political humor might be in store. The following is a funny and true story occurring in an AP Government class at Santa Fe High School.

In one civics class, the young adults were discussing the qualifications to be president of the United States. It was pretty simple. The candidate must be a natural born citizen and at least 35 of years of age.

However, one girl in the class immediately started in on how unfair was the requirement to be a natural born citizen. In short, her opinion was this requirement prevented many capable individuals from becoming president.

The class was just taking it in and letting her rant, but everyone’s jaw hit the floor when she wrapped up her argument by stating…

“What makes a natural born citizen any more qualified to lead this country than one born by C-section?”

… and they walk among us and vote.

Two Wolves

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside all people. He said, 'My son, the battle is between two 'wolves' inside us all.

One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, g uilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.'

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: 'Which wolf wins?'

The old Cherokee simply replied, 'The one you feed.'

Politicians

Well, if you ever wondered where all these actors and actresses went, they're all growed up and politicians now. Can you guess who's, who?

The Mentality of the Businessman of the New Millennium

Young Chuck in Montana bought a horse from a farmer for $100. The farmer agreed to deliver the horse the next day.
The next day he drove up and said, "Sorry son, but I have some bad news, the horse died."
Chuck replied, "Well, then just give me my money back."
The farmer said, "Can't do that. I went and spent it already."
Chuck said, "Ok, then, just bring me the dead horse."
The farmer asked, "What ya gonna do with him?"
Chuck said, "I'm going to raffle him off."
The farmer said, "'You can't raffle off a dead horse!"
Chuck said, "Sure I can, Watch me. I just won't tell anybody he's dead."
A month later, the farmer met up with Chuck and asked, "What happened with that dead horse?"
Chuck said, "I raffled him off. I sold 500 tickets at two dollars a piece and made a profit of $998."
The farmer said, "Didn't anyone complain?"
Chuck said, "Just the guy who won. So I gave him his two dollars back."
Chuck grew up and works now for the government. He was the one who figured out how to "bail us out".

Anne Taylor Presents The New Parker Place

With ALL of the Oriental Rugs now gone, Anne Taylor has spiced up her place of business on the Downtown Plaza and is ready to do business. One of the cool parts about what Anne does down there is offer a variety of new fashions from old material. You'd have to visit Parker Place to completely understand what I'm saying but she travels all over the Eastern Shore doing shows and getting a really good feel for what's new out there and what people really like. Anne mentioned new and extended hours to me but she hasn't set it in stone as of yet. Perhaps she'll get on here under comments and bring everyone up to speed. Anyhow, it's 2009 and we need to help with one and other in local business and network to survive. Support your local business people Ladies & Gentlemen. Stop in, say hello, look around and tell Anne you're a "Joey." LOL

Update On Downtown Plaza

While Feldman's clears out all of their vendors, other locations have completely shut down and the For Lease Signs are on almost every single building on the Downtown Plaza. This is clearly a sign of the times ahead. It's no wonder Barrie Tilghman is bowing out now. They say you should quit while you're ahead. In Barrie's case it's quit after you've screwed every single taxpayer into near Bankruptcy and the put a Bankruptcy Expert, (Comegys) on the Ballot to replace her. Makes sense to me. How about you?