Early look at Maryland's 2010 state budget
Gov. Martin O'Malley is unveiling his proposal for the 2010 budget as we speak, but here are a few salient details:
Spending will actually decline next year. O'Malley is proposing a general fund (the part of the budget that is funded by state tax dollars) of $14.4 billion. That's 1.3 percent less than last year's budget of $14.6 billion and even a bit smaller than the budget from the year before. In fact, it's only about $250 million more than Ehrlich's last budget. That's pretty remarkable; given spending on education, Medicaid and other formula-driven programs, state government spending pretty much always goes up. In fact, spending has never declined in the last 25 years.
O'Malley is proposing about 700 layoffs of state employees.
GO HERE to read more.
baltimoresun.com
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Strike In Iraq
"Joe,
just wanted to see if you were interested....
My coworker just got a call from her husband who is stationed in Iraq and he asked if she had been watching the news. She said a little, why? He said "yesterday, as soon as Obama was sworn in, they were under attack." He also assured her that there were no casualties, but just wanted her to know he was safe.
This shows that they will have no respect for us now and that they are just waiting for him to give a date, so they can regroup and continue their mass destruction!
Was their timing coincidence?
Wonder if CNN will report that story?? Or the Daily Times?
Bet we will miss a lot, as not to make Obama look bad or that the troops are actually still "needed" over there.
I've been reading your blogs and I am hooked..... and there has been so much discussion on Obama lately, I would like to see how much more the liberal media will hide from us."
just wanted to see if you were interested....
My coworker just got a call from her husband who is stationed in Iraq and he asked if she had been watching the news. She said a little, why? He said "yesterday, as soon as Obama was sworn in, they were under attack." He also assured her that there were no casualties, but just wanted her to know he was safe.
This shows that they will have no respect for us now and that they are just waiting for him to give a date, so they can regroup and continue their mass destruction!
Was their timing coincidence?
Wonder if CNN will report that story?? Or the Daily Times?
Bet we will miss a lot, as not to make Obama look bad or that the troops are actually still "needed" over there.
I've been reading your blogs and I am hooked..... and there has been so much discussion on Obama lately, I would like to see how much more the liberal media will hide from us."
Mayoral Candidate Bob Caldwell Breaks His Ankle
My Run For Mayor has unfortunately become my "Hobble for Mayor". Monday night around 9"45, I went to a local bank on S. Salsibury Blvd to make a night deposit. I went to the deposit area, but due to very little light, I was unable to find an envelope slot. I started to walk around to see if there was a slot at the drive=thru windows, and encountered a patch of "black ice". Down I went. (I'm not fully convinced that it wasn't something more onimous than black ice - - Someone may have known I was heading for the bank and sprinkled Kryptonite on the ground!)
When I got up, I walked (very carefully) back to my car. Assuming I had a bad sprain, I went home and put an icepack on my ankle. By 6am yesterday morning, it became obvious that I had more than a sprain, and headed for the ER at PRMC. An xray confirmed my worst thought - - the ankle was broken. According to the Dr, the break was just shy of requiring surgery.
I am on crutches, and have been admonished to put no weight at all on my right foot. I am on crutches, probably for the next 6-8 weeks. I am hopeful that after the ankle has had a few days to start mending, I will be much more mobile.
This accident does not diminish in any way, my determination to become Salisbury's next Mayor. For the immediate future, I will be relying on my website (www.electbobcaldwell.com), people active in my campaign, news releases and the blogosphere to to spread the word about my position on the many significant issues we are facing. I will be able to participate in candidate forums and "meet & greet" activities.
I appreciate the support and concern of my friends and family.I look forward to continuing our dialogue and achieving success on March 3 & April 7.
Thank you! Bob
Bob Caldwell
Your Candidate for Mayor
410-251-2799
www.electbobcaldwell.com
caldwellr2@comcast.net
Salisbury News Offers FREE Tickets To Fernando Guerrero Fight On ESPN 2
The highly anticipated Fernando Guerreo ESPN 2 Fight is just around the corner Folks. With only 16 days left, Salisbury News will be giving away 18 FREE TICKETS to this special event. However, you're going to have to earn them!
We're going to be asking a series of questions over the next 16 days. The first person who answers the question correctly will win a pair, (2) FREE TICKETS! Could be political, could be about sports, could be about anything but you'll know it when you see it. Remember though, in order to win you're going to have to put up your real name. You can still post anonymously but you must sign your name at the end of your comment in order to win. If your name is NOT on the comment, all comments without names will be rejected.
So stay tuned because you never know what date or what time we'll be putting up these Posts. Stay Tuned To Salisbury News and spread the word.
Delaware Electric Cooperative Press Release
Delaware Electric Cooperative Board of Directors
Postpones anticipated April increase
GREENWOOD—Several factors have combined in recent months which have worked out to favor Delaware Electric Cooperative member-owners and have allowed their cooperative to defer an anticipated rate increase in April which was needed to cover increased wholesale power costs.
Today, the Delaware Electric Cooperative Board of Directors has decided to defer an anticipated April rate increase for members of the cooperative. “A combination of softening energy markets, and the addition of efficient base-load generation have been significant factors for the Board’s decision to forgo this increase,” said Bill Andrew, President & CEO of Delaware Electric Cooperative. “But equally important and one of the largest factors for this decision was the incredible success of the Delaware Electric Cooperative’s Beat the Peak program,” he continued.
Since the “Beat the Peak” program began in May 2008 at Delaware Electric Cooperative to assist in demand reduction at key, high usage, periods, it is estimated the program has saved Cooperative members approximately $2 million. “Make no mistake about it; the reductions that we achieve from this program when our members heed our call for assistance go directly to the bottom line. If you are looking for proof that “Beat the Peak” works for its members, here it is,” stated Bill Andrew.
Furthermore, the recent departure at the beginning of the year of one of the larger members of Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (ODEC), has left Delaware Electric Cooperative in an enviable position in today’s energy marketplace with a larger share of efficient, low cost base-load generation assets owned by ODEC. This in turn is a direct benefit to all members of Delaware Electric Cooperative and can be directly attributed as one of the reasons for this deferment.
Delaware Electric Cooperative Board Chairman Bill Wells said, “the Board is extremely pleased that we are able to defer the anticipated rate increase we were facing late last year. But we are most excited that our members are taking ownership of their energy costs and helping support the “Beat the Peak” program.” Additionally, the Board is pleased to report that the cooperative is well positioned in the future with respect to cost control and supply when compared to the competing electric distribution companies in the region.
Delaware Electric Cooperative is a member-owned utility serving over 74,000 Kent and Sussex County member-owners. For more information visit our website at www.delaware.coop.
Published by Joe Albero
Publishers Note: Where else have you seen "Beat the Peak" promoted? Salisbury News has been promoting this program since day one. While some complained about it, others have enjoyed $2,000,000.00 worth of savings.
Eric Sahler's Bad Karma
"Joe,
I think that the managing Editor of the Daily Times is showing some signs of senility in his dotage. In Eric Sahler's opinion piece today, he posits a nifty little "karma" theory that goes something like: job loss & attacks on innocent Americans are bad karma (punishment) for George Bush's unjust wars & unsound environmental policies Hmmm….
Well here are two theories of my very own that I'd like to offer to your readership:
A. Eric Sahler has seen too many episodes of "My Name is Earl"
–or-
His "karma" theory is a retread of Jerry Falwell & Pat Robertson's classic: "let's blame the homosexuals & the ACLU for September 11th" shtick.
Sadly I'm hoping that Theory A. is the more correct theory."
WHO IS BRYAN BRUSHMILLER – CANDIDATE FOR SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL
Sent in by a loyal reader:
"The online Maryland court records have these 3 case entries for “Bryan Brushmiller”:
1. Citation pending trial for driving 75 in a 55 MPH area on Nov. 28, 2008 – address given as 311 Middle Blvd. in Salisbury; DOB given as Oct. 1976; middle name given as Edward
2. Nolle Prossed charges for (1) Obstructing and Hindering and (2) Malicious Destruction of Property in 2001 – address given as 119 Diamond Ave. in Salisbury; height given as 6 feet, 2 inches; DOB given as Oct. 21, 1976; middle name given as Edward
3. Pending civil citation issued in July 2008 by City of Salisbury for failure to paint chipped paint – address given as 311 Middle Blvd., in Salisbury; no middle name given
It seems that he and Bubba Comegys could really hit it off if they are both elected this Spring! With Comegys’ knowledge about bankruptcy and child support- nonpayment, they should be in law, not politics."
Published by Joe Albero
"The online Maryland court records have these 3 case entries for “Bryan Brushmiller”:
1. Citation pending trial for driving 75 in a 55 MPH area on Nov. 28, 2008 – address given as 311 Middle Blvd. in Salisbury; DOB given as Oct. 1976; middle name given as Edward
2. Nolle Prossed charges for (1) Obstructing and Hindering and (2) Malicious Destruction of Property in 2001 – address given as 119 Diamond Ave. in Salisbury; height given as 6 feet, 2 inches; DOB given as Oct. 21, 1976; middle name given as Edward
3. Pending civil citation issued in July 2008 by City of Salisbury for failure to paint chipped paint – address given as 311 Middle Blvd., in Salisbury; no middle name given
It seems that he and Bubba Comegys could really hit it off if they are both elected this Spring! With Comegys’ knowledge about bankruptcy and child support- nonpayment, they should be in law, not politics."
Published by Joe Albero
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Release
Incident: Theft
Date of Incident: 20 January 2009
Location: 2016 N. Salisbury Blvd., Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Steven Douglas Lewis, 38, Fruitland, MD
Narrative: On 20 January 2009 at 5:37PM, a deputy from the WCSO stopped a Ford mustang operated by Steven Lewis and discovered that the Maryland Dealer registration plate that Lewis displayed on the vehicle had been stolen from Price Pontiac in Salisbury. Lewis was placed under arrest and his vehicle was impounded.
Lewis was transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Lewis was detained by the Commissioner in the Detention Center on $5,000.00 bond.
Charges: Theft under $500.00
Headline News Today Versus One Year Ago Today
Headlines On This Date 4 Years Ago:
Republicans spending $42 million on inauguration while troops Die in unarmored Humvees"
"Bush extravagance exceeds any reason during tough economic times"
"Fat cats get their $42 million inauguration party, Ordinary Americans get the shaft"
Headlines Today:
"Historic Obama Inauguration will cost only $120 million"
"Obama Spends $120 million on inauguration; America Needs A Big Party"
"Everyman Obama shows America how to celebrate"
"Citibank executives contribute $8 million to Obama Inauguration"
Nothing like fair & unbiased coverage of the news !!!
Republicans spending $42 million on inauguration while troops Die in unarmored Humvees"
"Bush extravagance exceeds any reason during tough economic times"
"Fat cats get their $42 million inauguration party, Ordinary Americans get the shaft"
Headlines Today:
"Historic Obama Inauguration will cost only $120 million"
"Obama Spends $120 million on inauguration; America Needs A Big Party"
"Everyman Obama shows America how to celebrate"
"Citibank executives contribute $8 million to Obama Inauguration"
Nothing like fair & unbiased coverage of the news !!!
A Concerned Reader Asks The Following Question
Wasteful Spending By Wicomico Board Of Education?
"I was surprised when I got home a discussed the activities of the inauguration with my children after school. We all know the world almost stopped at the schools for this historic event but what I didn’t realize is the money the spent on coloring books, book marks, and pencils they gave all the children. Now what I always here from the schools is that they are on such a tight budget they are barely getting by, so where did this money come from and how much was spent on these items. This is our tax money at work."
"I was surprised when I got home a discussed the activities of the inauguration with my children after school. We all know the world almost stopped at the schools for this historic event but what I didn’t realize is the money the spent on coloring books, book marks, and pencils they gave all the children. Now what I always here from the schools is that they are on such a tight budget they are barely getting by, so where did this money come from and how much was spent on these items. This is our tax money at work."
The Daily Times Falls Behind Another 4 Days
Landfill thefts costly to us all
Pilfered funds should have funded county's basic needs
January 20, 2009
Revelation of a longstanding "culture of corruption" at Wicomico County's landfill has raised eyebrows in the community, and rightly so.
This latest news concerns discovery that dozens of dishonest landfill employees had for years, perhaps decades, routinely stolen fuel and equipment from the facility. They filled up their personal vehicles with fuel without paying and took equipment for personal use --lawnmowers, saws and other tools -- considering them "perks" of the job. Between 2005 and when the first hints of serious shortages first came to light in February 2008, $100,000 or more may have disappeared through these sources.
Read more HERE.
That's interesting because Salisbury News posted our article January 16th, 2009 on this same subject HERE.
Here's a little follow up the Daily Times didn't say in their article. Remember those 10 Employees County Executive Rick Pollitt clearly stated would be FIRED. Guess what, it may not happen after all. They are looking into the legalities of terminating such said Employees and in a follow up interview recently that I had with Mr. Pollitt he expressed his concern on that topic.
Anyhow, now that I have uncovered that, perhaps in another 4 days, (just like this article) you'll read about it in the Daily Times.
Published by Joe Albero
A Letter To The Editor
"THE DAILY TIMES CAN HAVE IT BOTH WAYS: BRAVO!
Applause, please, for the Daily Times article, today, about the refusal of underlings of the Wicomico County administration – and possibly Rick Pollitt – to provide access and details of the County’s books and records to the auditor internal who was recently hired by the County Council to do oversight. This is good work by Greg Latshaw; it’s available at –
http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20090121/NEWS01/901210444/1002?GID=GEG/k05GMfwZOzX6/EzlY6V9BBULXShjiNkrdFdn1E0%3D
And kudos to Councilman Joe Holloway for getting this situation before the public. It is astounding (to say the least) in the light of Davis Ruark’s recent comment about the “culture of corruption” at the landfill. The County clearly needs more internal oversight by competent persons."
http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20090121/NEWS01/901210444/1002?GID=GEG/k05GMfwZOzX6/EzlY6V9BBULXShjiNkrdFdn1E0%3D
And kudos to Councilman Joe Holloway for getting this situation before the public. It is astounding (to say the least) in the light of Davis Ruark’s recent comment about the “culture of corruption” at the landfill. The County clearly needs more internal oversight by competent persons."
Published by Joe Albero
It's Officially Over For Mayor Barrie Tilghman
Mrs. "I Take Full Responsibility" Tilghman is no longer eligible to run for Mayor of Salisbury. She did NOT sign up again and Salisbury News has finally taken this woman down. It has been a long 4 years Folks but I am proud to state the woman who covered up all the wrong doings, including dead animals at the Salisbury Zoo and cover ups at the Salisbury WWTP is HISTORY!
The woman that cut everyone off at the knees who dared challenge her met her match and I'm honored to have been the one of the "Dirty Dozen" that took the wind out of her sails. That's right, I'm taking credit for exposing Mayor Tilghman for what she has been and telling the TRUTH about her wrong doings, to a point in which SHE could no longer take the pressure.
It's now up to a Judge in early March who will decide if this woman has been defamed by me. Funny, she claims her decision had nothing to do with the Blogs, yet she's suing me? Barrie, I'd say your decision not to run again had EVERYTHING to do with the Blogs. You couldn't walk into my Office screaming and cursing about articles we put up because you knew you'd leave the building in hand cuffs.
Why would I personally recommend voting for anyone other than Gary Comegys for Mayor, I think it would be interesting to see if the Mayor used any City Funds to pay for her lawsuit against me. I highly doubt you'd get that kind of information from Mr. Conegys. So think about that for a minute. Just how many OTHER things would the Citizens of Salisbury like to know before documents get shredded?
It's time for a complete change in leadership. Out with the old and in with the new. Why not allow the next 4 years to be run by individuals that do believe in open government. If Comegys were to be elected, do YOU think any of the City Employees would come forward and expose what they've been experiencing for the past 12 years? It's a no brainer to me. Get Barrie Tilghman out of Office and let them clean house and get back on track.
I'd like to see the old John Pick come forward and express everything he knows. He's one individual that knows where all of the bodies, (so to speak) are buried. Why is Comegys stealing all of his ideas from Jim Ireton and Debbie Campbell? Because he knows ALL of you want these kinds of people in Office and he'll say whatever YOU want to hear to get in there. He barely retained his seat in the Council, what makes him think the majority of voters want him in the Mayor's Office?
Just remember this. At two different Council Meetings I asked Mr. Comegys two different questions in which I knew the truthful answer. One of them was, Mr. Comegys, were you parked in a handicap space/lane this past weekend? NO! I repeated, this past weekend the Salisbury Police Department had to search you out at the flea market because your vehicle was blocking a handicap lane and someone in a wheel chair could not get off the bus because your vehicle was parked there, are you denying that? YES! That was LIE #1.
The second one was when I was speaking to the Council and Mr. Comegys was clearly text messaging someone on his cell phone. I immediately stopped what I was doing and said, Gary, are you text messaging someone while I'm speaking? Knowing he wasn't on camera, (this is why I recommend everyone attend Council Meetings) he replied, NO! LIE #2.
If the man will lie about simple things like that, knowing I had him both times, what else do you think he'd lie about? It's time for a change Ladies & Gentlemen. I can assure you, if I had asked those same questions to Mrs. Campbell, Mrs. Cohen, Mr. Ireton or My. Caldwell, while it may be embarrassing, they would have told the truth. That's what accountability is all about. Sometimes you have to swallow some pride in life and tell the truth. Gary Comegys is still on the Zoo Commission. Did you know that the Deer we showed this past summer still has that growth on its head? Is this the kind of person you want running the City?
Barrie Tilghman is history. Don't make the same mistake again Folks.
Published by Joe Albero
Singles Mingle At The Fountains
1/23/09
The First Single’s Mingle of the New Year!
Ages 40-60’s
7pm at The Fountains in Salisbury
$20.00 RSVP or $25.00 at door
DJ, Dancing, Speed Dating,
Hors d’ oeuvres, Cash Bar & other fun Ice Breakers
A relaxing, no pressure evening with other area singles
Please call 410-749-5445 for more information
The First Single’s Mingle of the New Year!
Ages 40-60’s
7pm at The Fountains in Salisbury
$20.00 RSVP or $25.00 at door
DJ, Dancing, Speed Dating,
Hors d’ oeuvres, Cash Bar & other fun Ice Breakers
A relaxing, no pressure evening with other area singles
Please call 410-749-5445 for more information
FW: Delmarva Blue Star group
Subject: Delmarva Blue Star group
SUPPORT GROUP FOR MILITARY FAMILIES
The Delmarva Blue Star Mothers invites all military family members to join our organization.
Who: Family members from every branch of the military: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, and National Guard (active or reservists). Family members of those who served in the past with an honorary discharge are also welcome.
We support our troops
· Providing care packages to soldiers who are deployed
· Promoting legislation in support of our veterans, active military, and their families
· Welcoming soldiers home
· Volunteering at Walter Reed
· Collecting cards for our troops
· Attending Memorial Day and Veterans Day activities
· Comforting and honoring our Gold Star families
When: The second Saturday of each month; 2:00 p.m.
Where: We will rotate locations to promote accessibility to families in all areas of the Eastern Shore. Meetings will be held at local American Legion or VFW.
Contact us:
Email: bsmdelmarva@yahoo.com
Linda Bohle: (410) 438-2911
Sandy McMullen: (410) 376-0354
Frattellis Restaurant Relocation
"Joe,
First off, I am a daily follower of your Salisbury News blog. Nothing that I've ran into around here gets those hot news stories out there like you do. With your growing following I was wondering if you could make a mention on the relocation of Frattellis, local Italian Restaurant as well as my place of employment. We've seen some slow weeks lately, as have all restaurants, but I think if people knew what was going on with the location that would give business a little boost. I mean, after all, with Frattellis signs on both sides of Rt. 13, its hard to know which side to try! Right now we are still open and running in the Allenwood Shopping Center. We plan on relating across the street to the former Pinchers/Mulligans location no later than the beginning of February. (When I'm informed of the exact date I will let you know. Until then, come with your friends and family and enjoy a fantastic meal at Frattellis!
Thanks,
Struggling College Student"
First off, I am a daily follower of your Salisbury News blog. Nothing that I've ran into around here gets those hot news stories out there like you do. With your growing following I was wondering if you could make a mention on the relocation of Frattellis, local Italian Restaurant as well as my place of employment. We've seen some slow weeks lately, as have all restaurants, but I think if people knew what was going on with the location that would give business a little boost. I mean, after all, with Frattellis signs on both sides of Rt. 13, its hard to know which side to try! Right now we are still open and running in the Allenwood Shopping Center. We plan on relating across the street to the former Pinchers/Mulligans location no later than the beginning of February. (When I'm informed of the exact date I will let you know. Until then, come with your friends and family and enjoy a fantastic meal at Frattellis!
Thanks,
Struggling College Student"
BREAKING NEWS! Two More Candidates Apply For City Council
Bryan Brushmiller has filed for District 2 and Cynthia Polk has filed for District 1.
Ladies & Gentlemen, we have a race on our hands.
NONE of these Candidates have attended Council Meetings. That bothers me.
Bryan ran for County Council the last go around but was unsuccessful. Nice guy, very personable but again, he hasn't attended Council Meetings. Bryan feels he can bring the community together and negotiate with business people to relieve all the tension on the Council.
Muir Boda is also running for the District 2 Council Seat but IMHO this is a waste of time. I can't take this guy seriously as his Website is just a simpleton display of information taken directly from the book, "Running for City Council for Dummies." He has clearly teamed up with Louise Smith, Gary Comegys, Shanie Shields and Barrie Tilghman and we have already caught the man in lies he cannot retract.
Cynthia Polk is more involved in her community and the cool part about Cynthia Polk and Tim Chaney running is more than likely the two of them will knock Shanie Shields out of the Primary. More to come on Cynthia.
You know what Folks, we just may see some real life coming back to the City of Salisbury. More to come......
UPDATE: I was informed that Von Siggers considered running again for District 1 but she failed to register in time.
I did have this Post up last night but chose to move it up as it deserves some attention today.
Published by Joe Albero
Ladies & Gentlemen, we have a race on our hands.
NONE of these Candidates have attended Council Meetings. That bothers me.
Bryan ran for County Council the last go around but was unsuccessful. Nice guy, very personable but again, he hasn't attended Council Meetings. Bryan feels he can bring the community together and negotiate with business people to relieve all the tension on the Council.
Muir Boda is also running for the District 2 Council Seat but IMHO this is a waste of time. I can't take this guy seriously as his Website is just a simpleton display of information taken directly from the book, "Running for City Council for Dummies." He has clearly teamed up with Louise Smith, Gary Comegys, Shanie Shields and Barrie Tilghman and we have already caught the man in lies he cannot retract.
Cynthia Polk is more involved in her community and the cool part about Cynthia Polk and Tim Chaney running is more than likely the two of them will knock Shanie Shields out of the Primary. More to come on Cynthia.
You know what Folks, we just may see some real life coming back to the City of Salisbury. More to come......
UPDATE: I was informed that Von Siggers considered running again for District 1 but she failed to register in time.
I did have this Post up last night but chose to move it up as it deserves some attention today.
Published by Joe Albero
Cancel Your Credit Cards Before You Die
Now some people are really stupid!!!!
Be sure and cancel your credit cards before you die.
This is so priceless, and so, so easy to see happening, customer service being what it is today.
A lady died this past January, and Citibank billed her for February and March for their annual service charges on her credit card, and added late fees and interest on the monthly charge. The balance had been $0.00 when she died, but now somewhere around $60.00. A family member placed a call to Citibank.
Here is the exchange:
Family Member: 'I am calling to tell you she died back in January.'
Citibank: 'The account was never closed and the late fees and charges still apply.'
Family Member: 'Maybe, you should turn it over to collections.'
Citibank: 'Since it is two months past due, it already has been.'
Family Member: So, what will they do when they find out she is dead?'
Citibank: 'Either report her account to frauds division or report her to the credit bureau, maybe both!'
Family Member: 'Do you think God will be mad at her?'
Citibank: 'Excuse me?'
Family Member: 'Did you just get what I was telling you - the part about her being dead?'
Citibank: 'Sir, you'll have to speak to my supervisor.'
Supervisor gets on the phone:
Family Member: 'I'm calling to tell you, she died back in January with a $0 balance.'
Citibank: 'The account was never closed and late fees and charges still apply.'
Family Member: 'You mean you want to collect from her estate?'
Citibank: (Stammer) 'Are you her lawyer?'
Family Member: 'No, I'm her great nephew.' (Lawyer info was given)
Citibank: 'Could you fax us a certificate of death?'
Family Member: 'Sure.' (Fax number was given )
After they get the fax:
Citibank: 'Our system just isn't setup for death. I don't know what more I can do to help.'
Family Member: 'Well, if you figure it out, great! If not, you could just keep billing her. She won't care.'
Citibank: 'Well, the late fees and charges will still apply.'
What is wrong with these people?!?)
Family Member: 'Would you like her new billing address?'
Citibank: 'That might help...'
Family Member: 'Odessa Memorial Cemetery, Highway 129, Plot Number 69.'
Citibank: 'Sir, that's a cemetery!'
Family Member: 'And what do you do with dead people on your planet???'
Be sure and cancel your credit cards before you die.
This is so priceless, and so, so easy to see happening, customer service being what it is today.
A lady died this past January, and Citibank billed her for February and March for their annual service charges on her credit card, and added late fees and interest on the monthly charge. The balance had been $0.00 when she died, but now somewhere around $60.00. A family member placed a call to Citibank.
Here is the exchange:
Family Member: 'I am calling to tell you she died back in January.'
Citibank: 'The account was never closed and the late fees and charges still apply.'
Family Member: 'Maybe, you should turn it over to collections.'
Citibank: 'Since it is two months past due, it already has been.'
Family Member: So, what will they do when they find out she is dead?'
Citibank: 'Either report her account to frauds division or report her to the credit bureau, maybe both!'
Family Member: 'Do you think God will be mad at her?'
Citibank: 'Excuse me?'
Family Member: 'Did you just get what I was telling you - the part about her being dead?'
Citibank: 'Sir, you'll have to speak to my supervisor.'
Supervisor gets on the phone:
Family Member: 'I'm calling to tell you, she died back in January with a $0 balance.'
Citibank: 'The account was never closed and late fees and charges still apply.'
Family Member: 'You mean you want to collect from her estate?'
Citibank: (Stammer) 'Are you her lawyer?'
Family Member: 'No, I'm her great nephew.' (Lawyer info was given)
Citibank: 'Could you fax us a certificate of death?'
Family Member: 'Sure.' (Fax number was given )
After they get the fax:
Citibank: 'Our system just isn't setup for death. I don't know what more I can do to help.'
Family Member: 'Well, if you figure it out, great! If not, you could just keep billing her. She won't care.'
Citibank: 'Well, the late fees and charges will still apply.'
What is wrong with these people?!?)
Family Member: 'Would you like her new billing address?'
Citibank: 'That might help...'
Family Member: 'Odessa Memorial Cemetery, Highway 129, Plot Number 69.'
Citibank: 'Sir, that's a cemetery!'
Family Member: 'And what do you do with dead people on your planet???'
We Have A New President
It's time to get real! Now that we have a new President, it's time Americans express their concerns. Let's just say that President Obama comes to Salisbury News like the Governor of Maryland regularly does. What would YOU like him to know? What are your greatest concerns?
Also, do you think President Obama will shock Americans with anything big today?
Published by Joe Albero
Now I Know Why
I became confused when I heard these terms with reference to the word 'service'.
Internal Revenue 'Service'
U.S. Postal 'Service'
Telephone 'Service'
Cable 'Service'
Civil 'Service'
Customer 'Service'
State, City & County Public 'Service'
This is not what I thought 'service' meant. But today, I overheard two farmers talking, and one of them said he had hired a bull to 'service' a few cows. BAM!!! It all came into focus. Now I understand what all those 'service' agencies are doing to us.
Internal Revenue 'Service'
U.S. Postal 'Service'
Telephone 'Service'
Cable 'Service'
Civil 'Service'
Customer 'Service'
State, City & County Public 'Service'
This is not what I thought 'service' meant. But today, I overheard two farmers talking, and one of them said he had hired a bull to 'service' a few cows. BAM!!! It all came into focus. Now I understand what all those 'service' agencies are doing to us.
Jury Duty Scam
This has been verified by the FBI (their link is also included below).
Please pass this on to everyone in your email address book. It is spreading fast so be prepared should you get this call. Most of us take those summonses for jury duty seriously, but enough people skip out on their civic duty, that a new and ominous kind of fraud has surfaced.
The caller claims to be a jury coordinator. If you protest that you never received a summons for jury duty, the scammer asks you for your Social Security number and date of birth so he or she can verify the information and cancel the arrest warrant. Give out any of this information and bingo; your identity was just stolen.
The fraud has been reported so far in 11 states, including Oklahoma , Illinois , and Colorado . This (swindle) is particularly insidious because they use intimidation over the phone to try to bully people into giving information by pretending they are with the court system. The FBI and the federal court system have issued nationwide alerts on their web sites, warning consumers about the fraud.
Check it out here: http://www.fbi.gov/page2/june06/jury_scams060206.htm
And here: http://www.snopes.com/crime/fraud/juryduty.asp
Please make sure and pass this on! Especially tell the elderly in your family, they are so easily confused, and they are the ones that are the easiest to prey on!!
Thanks.
Please pass this on to everyone in your email address book. It is spreading fast so be prepared should you get this call. Most of us take those summonses for jury duty seriously, but enough people skip out on their civic duty, that a new and ominous kind of fraud has surfaced.
The caller claims to be a jury coordinator. If you protest that you never received a summons for jury duty, the scammer asks you for your Social Security number and date of birth so he or she can verify the information and cancel the arrest warrant. Give out any of this information and bingo; your identity was just stolen.
The fraud has been reported so far in 11 states, including Oklahoma , Illinois , and Colorado . This (swindle) is particularly insidious because they use intimidation over the phone to try to bully people into giving information by pretending they are with the court system. The FBI and the federal court system have issued nationwide alerts on their web sites, warning consumers about the fraud.
Check it out here: http://www.fbi.gov/page2/june06/jury_scams060206.htm
And here: http://www.snopes.com/crime/fraud/juryduty.asp
Please make sure and pass this on! Especially tell the elderly in your family, they are so easily confused, and they are the ones that are the easiest to prey on!!
Thanks.
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Releases
Incident: Burglary
Date of Incident: 14 January 2009
Location: 1900 block of Kipling Drive, Salisbury MD
Suspect: Glenn Allen Carmean, 39, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 14 January 2009 at 10:35 PM, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in the 1900 block of Kipling Drive in Salisbury for a reported burglary. Upon arrival, the deputies learned that the residents were home when Glenn Carmean opened an unlocked rear door and walked into the residence. No one inside the home knew Carmean, nor had invited him inside. When confronted, Carmean stated that he had been assaulted by three individuals who were chasing him and that Carmean entered the residence seeking help. Deputies on the scene determined that Carmean had fabricated that story to explain why he had entered the residence.
Carmean was arrested and transported to the Central Booking facility where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Carmean was detained by the Commissioner on $5,000.00 bond.
Charges:
Burglary 4th Degree
Trespassing
Incident: Indecent Exposure
Date of Incident: 16 January 2009
Location: 300 E. College Avenue, Salisbury MD
Suspect: Donald L. Victor, 44, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 16 January 2009 at 8:19 AM, a deputy travelling on E. College Avenue observed that traffic was slowing in the area of Bennett High School and drivers were watching a male subject standing on the sidewalk in front of the school. The deputy observed that the subject, later identified as Donald Victor, was urinating on the front lawn of the school in full view of everyone. The deputy approached Victor, who then tried to run away but was apprehended by the deputy.
Victor was placed under arrest and transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Victor was detained by the Commissioner in the Detention Center in lieu of $2,000.00 bond.
Charges:
Indecent Exposure
Disorderly Conduct
Incident: Assault / MDOP
Date of Incident: 16 January 2009
Location: 22000 block of Royal oak Road, Quantico, MD
Suspect: 15 YOA male juvenile, Quantico, MD
Narrative: On 16 January 2009 at 7:16PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residential youth facility in the 22000 block of Royal Oak Road in Quantico for a reported juvenile who was out of control. Upon arrival, the deputy discovered that one of the residents of the facility became angry and began throwing around paper baskets and ripped down a mailbox from a wall. The juvenile continued the tirade by throwing a potted plant into a wall and punched one of the counselors. Upon the arrival of the deputy, the juvenile had calmed down.
The deputy completed a referral for charges which will be sent to the Department of Juvenile Services pending their action.
Charges:
Malicious Destruction of Property
Incident: Assault
Date of Incident: 19 January 2009
Location: 28000 block of Ocean Gateway, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Darian Lamont Collins, 31, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 19 January 2009 at 4:23 AM, deputies from the WCSO responded for a reported altercation taking place inside a residence in the 28000 block of Ocean Gateway in Salisbury. Upon arrival, deputies determined that two subjects had been involved in a verbal altercation that turned physical. Deputies spoke with a victim who alleged that Darian Collins slapped the victim in the head and punched her in the face. The victim had injuries consistent with those allegations.
Collins was arrested and transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Collins was detained in the Detention Center by the Commissioner in lieu of $3,000.00 bond.
Charges: Assault 2nd degree
Incident: Assault
Date of Incident: 19 January 2009
Location: 22000 block of Royal Oak Road, Quantico, MD
Suspect: 15 YOA juvenile, Quantico, MD
Narrative: On 19 January 2009 at 5:49 PM, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s office responded to a residential youth facility on Royal Oak Road in Quantico, MD for a reported out of control juvenile. Juvenile residents informed deputies that another resident began attacking his fellow residents in the facility. It was reported that the juvenile suspect threw a glass vase at one resident, while throwing an end table at another. After that, the suspect then struck one of the residents with a lamp, which caused the lamp to break. Upon the arrival of a staff member who tried to stop the altercation, the juvenile suspect began assaulting him too. The juvenile suspect allegedly punched the staff member in the face, breaking a pair of eyeglasses.
The suspect in this incident was arrested and transported back to the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office. Upon contacting the Department of Juvenile Services, the juvenile was detained in the Lower Shore Children’s Center in Salisbury.
Charges:
Assault 1st Degree
Assault 2nd Degree
Reckless Endangerment
Malicious Destruction of Property
Incident: Assault
Date of Incident: 17 January 2009
Location: 28000 block of Glastonbury Drive, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Alyssa Beth Helen Cramer, 32, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 17 January 2009 at 1:08AM, deputies from the WCSO responded to a residence in the 28000 block of Glastonbury Drive for a reported altercation between two subjects. Upon arrival, the deputies determined that both subjects were involved in an argument which turned physical. The deputies discovered that Alyssa Cramer bit another subject repeatedly on the arm and also on the lower leg. The deputies observed injuries consistent with these allegations.
Alyssa Cramer was placed under arrest and transported to the Central Booking unit where she was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner, After an initial appearance, Cramer was detained in the Detention Center by the Commissioner in lieu of $15,000.00 bond
Charges: Assault 2nd Degree
Grading Homework
Why parents should always check their children's homework before they hand it in:
A first grade girl handed in the drawing below for a homework assignment.
After it was graded and the child brought it home, she returned to school the next day with the following note:
Dear Ms. Davis,
I want to be very clear on my child's illustration. It is NOT of me on a dance pole on a stage in a strip joint. I work at Home Depot and had commented to my daughter how much money we made in the recent snowstorm. This photo is of me selling a shovel.
Mrs. Harrington
A first grade girl handed in the drawing below for a homework assignment.
After it was graded and the child brought it home, she returned to school the next day with the following note:
Dear Ms. Davis,
I want to be very clear on my child's illustration. It is NOT of me on a dance pole on a stage in a strip joint. I work at Home Depot and had commented to my daughter how much money we made in the recent snowstorm. This photo is of me selling a shovel.
Mrs. Harrington
KBA Is Back
tds.net Amelia Court House, Vir... 6:38:06 am
I just thought for the heck of it I'd mention, (for the record) Kevin Blair Arthur and his wife Brenda Arthur are still visiting Salisbury News on a daily basis. Shall we share what your current wife did to her Step Son this past weekend Kevin? Nice to see you're still involved with the Anti Albero Blogs Brenda. IP Addresses are wonderful things. Kevin & Brenda Arthur, YOU'VE BEEN BLOGGED!
I just thought for the heck of it I'd mention, (for the record) Kevin Blair Arthur and his wife Brenda Arthur are still visiting Salisbury News on a daily basis. Shall we share what your current wife did to her Step Son this past weekend Kevin? Nice to see you're still involved with the Anti Albero Blogs Brenda. IP Addresses are wonderful things. Kevin & Brenda Arthur, YOU'VE BEEN BLOGGED!
440 Comments Yesterday
While we did have 440 Comments accepted yesterday, my e-mail box had more than 900 messages in it and I get absolutely no spam whatsoever. Many racist comments were rejected yesterday, many from traditional Eastern Shore Hicks and the rest were no doubt Anti Albero Bloggers trying to discredit Salisbury News to push the Mayor and Gary Comegy's agenda. No doubt there will be an additional 100 or so comments added today to yesterdays Posts.
Visitor wise, yesterday was the second best day Salisbury News has ever experienced. I found that quite interesting since so many headed off to Washington, D.C. for the Presidential Inauguration. Thanks for joining in the discussion and have a great day today.
Published by Joe Albero.
Visitor wise, yesterday was the second best day Salisbury News has ever experienced. I found that quite interesting since so many headed off to Washington, D.C. for the Presidential Inauguration. Thanks for joining in the discussion and have a great day today.
Published by Joe Albero.