Salisbury News Article 2nd Most Popular Of The Week On Consumer Reports

Top Posts Of The Week

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While we enjoyed sharing this article with Consumer Reports Consumerist, we also enjoyed the biggest week of visitors in the history of Salisbury News. We had a record day Wednesday by exceeding our record day by more than 150%. We then enjoyed about a 100% increase yesterday and things have slowed down to somewhat normal, however, we have already exceeded the biggest Friday Salisbury News has ever seen and could easily surpass our existing normal record day. I say normal because we don't count freak days when someone picks up on one of our articles and sends the numbers over the top.

It's cool because we are seeing many of those people who came to us through Consumer Reports returning daily to see what we'll have next. Anyhow, I thought I'd share what Consumer Reports just posted. Have a great weekend everyone! I will not be posting a mass volume of Posts over the weekend. It's time for a little Jennifer and Joe time while we ship the little guy out for a week. YAHOO!!!!!!!

CAPITAL LETTERS

To the individuals who are attempting to put up comments with all CAPITAL LETTERS, they are being rejected. Either act normal or do not comment at all. People quickly grow tired of the YELLING and here on Salisbury News we refuse to allow it. That's just how it is.

So if you've been wondering why your comments haven't gone through, now you know.

I Told You, Kratovil Can't Handle Congress & Couldn't Care Less If He Loses This Go Around

For Kratovil, there’s more to life than Congress
By Michael M. Gleeson
Posted: 06/01/09 07:57 PM [ET]

RIDGLEY, Md. — Rep. Frank Kratovil (D-Md.) used to coach his sons’ soccer, baseball and basketball teams. Now, he finds out if they won their games by texting his wife.

Kratovil, a father of four boys ranging in age from 5 to 11, is one of many freshman members of Congress adjusting to his new life. Instead of hitting grounders, Kratovil is busy raising cash for what is expected to be a bruising reelection race next year.

Kratovil, who turned 41 on Friday, raised an impressive $297,000 in the first quarter. But he misses his old life.

“If someone had told me before I ran the first time what it would take to do this, they would have needed to find another candidate, because I underestimated how much money we were going to need to raise and that whole part of it — the money-raising part of it — is so time-consuming and overwhelming,” he told The Hill.

Kratovil told The Hill that if he loses his reelection race, it will not be the end of the world.

“There is much more to life than being a United States congressman. Now, I think I can do a good job. I am hoping that I can find that middle ground, reasonableness, and sort of pragmatic approach. But if, at some point, I found that I could not have that balance between the family and the job, or if I for some reason lost, life would go on. I mean, I’d go back to coaching my kids.”

GO HERE to read more.

COUNTY RECEIVES INSURANCE PAYMENT ON LANDFILL THEFT LOSS

COUNTY EXECUTIVE POLLITT ANNOUNCES RECEIPT OF QUARTER MILLION DOLLAR INSURANCE SETTLEMENT ON LANDFILL THEFT LOSS

Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr. announced today that the County has received a $250,000 insurance settlement check as a result of a claim filed following the theft of fuel and other items from the Wicomico County Landfill. The thefts occurred between 2005 and 2008 and the total value of stolen materials was estimated to be as high as $400,000, according to a forensic auditor’s report.

Immediately following the exposure of the burglary ring that stole from the landfill and the size of the loss involved, Executive Pollitt vowed that he would explore all available avenues to recover the taxpayer’s loss. One of these was an aggressive pursuit of an insurance settlement. The payment just received is the result of this. “I am very pleased at the efforts of County Attorney Edgar A. Baker, Jr. His tireless work with our insurance company, Travelers Casualty and Surety Company, produced the biggest payment allowable under the terms of our policy.”

In addition to the insurance settlement, Ray Lewis, the convicted leader of the burglary ring, has been ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $150,000. The three other convicted members have been ordered to pay a total of $18,500.

“While I am glad that our taxpayer’s loss is being cut to a minimum, I am well aware that no amount of money can restore the public confidence lost by this felony. The only way that can happen is that I make sure that this never happens again at the landfill or at any county agency where I have authority. I have taken, and shall continue to take, every step to assure the citizens of Wicomico County of this.”

Climate Bill Passes Key Procedural Hurdle In House

30 Democrats defected from Pelosi and voted against it but the Bill still passed.

WASHINGTON -- A landmark climate bill narrowly passed a key procedural hurdle in the House Friday, a sign that leadership may just barely have enough votes for final passage later in the day. Republicans said the bill included the largest tax increase in American history.

It passed by a vote of 217-205. To ensure final passage, the bill needs 218 votes.

Passage of the controversial bill will hand Democrats and President Barack Obama a major victory on a cornerstone administration policy. It would also give Washington strong bargaining leverage ahead of international climate negotiations later this year.

GO HERE to read more.

Jefferson L. Ghrist To Run For Congress Against Andy Harris And Frank Kratovil?

From left: Commissioner, Roads Board Chairman Jefferson L. Ghrist, President - John W. Cole and Vice President - Roger L. Layton

As a Republican from Caroline County, Jefferson L. Ghrist is reported to be throwing his name into the First Congressional District Race in Maryland.

For what it's worth, Andy will knock him out in the primary without any doubt about it.

Caroline County hasn't had a Representative to the legislature since Harry Hughes.

You heard it here first Folks.

In addition, there is information out there that states Congressman Frank Kratovil publicly stated that if he had known how time consuming his position was before he ran for Congress he would have never run. Funny, I flat out told him that face to face while he was running and I even mentioned it to him again at6 his new Office in Salisbury. We knew he couldn't handle having 4 children, a Wife and leave at 5:00 AM to head into DC and leave at midnight to head back home. The honest truth, I truly do not believe Frank Kratovil expected to win, with all due respect. He should be proud, don't get me wrong. I'm simply saying, we all knew he couldn't handle the pressure Family wise.

Every Law Enforcement Agency In Wicomico County Is Asking For Your Help

It only takes one look at the second photo to realize the recent crime in Wicomico County is serious enough to bring ALL of the Big Guns out for a Press Conference earlier today.

My apologies for being so late with this article. The Verizon Wireless System went down for a few hours causing this delay.

CRIME SOLVERS! I can't express enough just how important it is that you call 410-548-1776 or go to CRIME SOLVERS WEBSITE. Currently there is a $1,000.00 REWARD being offered and Sheriff Lewis expressed that there are a ton of tips coming into Crime Solvers but nothing concrete enough to make an arrest.

Law Enforcement is urging everyone, Citizens and Business Owners, if you see suspicious activity, call the Police. If you see people hanging out in Parking Lots, strangers in neighborhoods, CALL THE POLICE! They want to solve these crimes but they need your help Folks.

You can remain anonymous if you call the Sheriff's Department or Crime Solvers. The recent murder at the Shell Gas Station, the gun men had a shotgun and the other had a hand gun.

Mayor Jim Ireton chimed in stating, "This is where the citizens expect me to be." He went on to say the SPD had two Officers graduate from the Academy today and they have 8 scheduled to go into the Academy this Fall. "The public is fed up." From this day forward we are all on the same page and we must work together to solve these crimes.

Sheriff Lewis stated, "We need the public help to put these criminals behind bars." We predicted this 1 1/2 years ago an increase in crime due to the bad economy.

If you have ANY pieces of information, contact Crime Solvers of the Sheriff's Department or any other local Law Enforcement Agency you can reach, or simply call 911.

Criminal Defendants Have Constitutional Right to Cross-Examine Crime Lab Technicians, Supreme Court Holds

By Matthew S. Schwartz — Talk Radio News Service

The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution gives criminal defendants the right to confront witnesses against them, and that includes the technicians who analyze the evidence found at the scene, the Supreme Court ruled today in a 5-4 decision that crossed the court’s ideological lines.

Until today, the Confrontation Clause only guaranteed defendants the right to face witnesses who were explicitly testifying against them; scientists and technicians who merely ran tests and prepared sworn “certificates of analysis” did not need to come to court and face the defendant in person. With today’s ruling, they do.

The word “witnesses” in the Sixth Amendment means anyone who presents testimony against the defendant, Justice Antonin Scalia wrote in his bench statement discussing his majority opinion, which was joined by Justices John Paul Stevens, David Souter, Clarence Thomas and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Certificates of Analysis are testimonial statements against the defendant, and so the analysts must be called for cross-examination, the Court ruled.

“Confrontation is designed to weed out not only the fraudulent analyst, but the incompetent one as well,” Scalia wrote. “Serious deficiencies have been found in the forensic evidence used in criminal trials.”

GO HERE to read more. This is a very important issue Sheriff Lewis and Davis Ruark need to seriously review.

OC TRAFFIC ACCIDENT PRESS RELEASE

Bicyclist Killed On Ocean City Bridge

DATE & TIME: 06/26/2009 @ 0226 hours
LOCATION: W/B US 50 on the Harry Kelley Bridge, Worcester County, MD
VEHICLE #1. 2006 Chevrolet Silverado, MD Reg: 46S434
OPERATOR #1. Daniel Matthew Bren, 34 YOA, Berlin, MD

BICYCLIST #1. Maxim Matuzov, 20 YOA, Ocean City, MD

BICYCLIST #2. Edward Joseph Zisk, 41 YOA, Ocean City, MD


On 06/26/2009 at 0226 hours, Troopers from the Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack were dispatched to US 50 on the Harry Kelley Bridge for a hit and run accident. Investigation revealed that a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado being operated by Daniel Bren of Berlin, MD was traveling in Lane #2 of W/B US 50 on the bridge when he came upon two bicyclists who were traveling in the roadway. Vehicle #1 struck the bicyclists from behind ejecting both bicyclists from their bicycles. Maxim Matuzov sustained non-life threatening injuries and was transported to Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, MD for treatment. Edward J. Zisk, of Ocean City, MD, was ejected from his bicycle and came to rest in Lane #1 of W/B US 50. As a result of injuries sustained in the collision, Mr. Zisk was pronounced deceased at the scene. Mr. Bren failed to remain at the scene of the collision. A motorist who observed the collision followed the Chevrolet Silverado providing updates to police about the suspect vehicle’s location. The vehicle was subsequently stopped by a Maryland State Trooper. Mr. Bren was found to be operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. As a result, Mr. Bren was placed under arrest and charged with numerous criminal and traffic offenses. These offenses include negligent homicide by motor vehicle while under the influence, driving under the influence of alcohol, and failing to remain at the scene of an accident involving the death of another. He was taken before a Worcester County District Court Commissioner where he an initial appearance was held. The immediate disposition of that appearance is not known at this time. The Maryland State Police CRASH Team responded to the collision scene and assisted with the investigation. Additional assistance was provided by the Ocean City Police Department, Ocean City Fire Department, and the Maryland State Highway Administration.

Delaware Electric Cooperative "Peak Alert"

URGENT “BEAT THE PEAK” UPDATE

3 P.M. to 7 P.M., Friday, June 26


Thanks to you, Delaware Electric Cooperative was able to reduce its Peak significantly which was set in the hour from 5 to 6 P.M. yesterday.


In light of this information and with the expectation of a new peak being set today, we urge you to again help us “Beat the Peak” today between the hours of 3 P.M. and 7 P.M. with a significant emphasis on your reduction efforts between the hours of 5 P.M. and 7 P.M.


While the largest consumers of electricity in the home during these hours and during this time of year are cooling costs and lighting, other large consumers of electricity include major appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, clothes dryers, water heaters and stoves.


By delaying the use of unnecessary lighting and appliances as well as turning your thermostat up 3 degrees between 3 P.M. and 7 P.M., today, we can save energy resources, avoid high cost energy and help the environment.


We thank you for your help. Together we can “Beat the Peak”

Tonight!

Fruitland Police Department Press Release

Incident:
Home Invasion
Attempted Murder
Attempted Robbery

Location: 618 Clyde Avenue, Fruitland, Md.

Narrative: On the above time and date, two adults and two young juveniles were asleep in their resident when at least two persons broke the glass on the front door and forced their way in the residence. The adult occupants awoke and upon entering the living room area were confronted by two b/ms, one described as being approximately 5’4” in height, and thin of build. The other subject was taller and thin build. Both subjects were brandishing hand guns, one of which was described as being silver in color. The subjects demanded that the victims open the safe which the victims did have in a bedroom closet. The victims then turned and ran into their bedroom and slammed the door. Seconds later the intruders shot through the bedroom door numerous times, striking one victim in the thigh, and the other in the back, the bullet which then passed through his body and exited his neck.

The intruders then kicked down the bedroom door, pointed a gun at the head of the victim they had shot in the thigh and demanded the safe to be opened. The victim complied. The victim advises there was nothing in the safe.

The intruders then left the residence, possibly getting into a silver sedan and headed East bound on Hayward Avenue .

Yard Sales 6/26/9

GO HERE for Yard Sales postings.

Have a great, hot weekend.

DelDOT And Local Contractors Win Industry Award

American Concrete Pipe Association Bestows 2009 Achievement Award

Dover -- A recent construction project on Route 4/Ogletown-Stanton Road, has earned the Department of Transportation (DelDOT) and two local contractors the 2009 Achievement Award from the American Concrete Pipe Association. Primary contractor Eastern States Construction Service, Inc. of Wilmington, and sub-contractor Rinker Materials of Middletown, are the firms sharing in the award.

DelDOT Secretary Carolann Wicks feels the award is recognition that is sorely needed for Delaware contractors. ''At DelDOT, we are fortunate to work with many outstanding contractors, like Eastern States and Rinker,'' Secretary Wicks said. ''These contractors amaze us with their ingenuity and their ability to overcome significant obstacles. But, the outstanding work of these firms usually goes unnoticed, by people not in the industry. I want to add my congratulations to the crews at Eastern States and Rinker. Great job everyone.''

Delaware Senator David McBride (D-Hawk's Nest), said he can appreciate the innovation shown by DelDOT and the contractors. ''As an engineer myself, I certainly respect the significance and the improvements shown in that project,'' McBride said. ''It is commendable not only to the contractors who devised the solution but also to DelDOT for supporting a cutting-edge method.''

In announcing the award, Josh Beakley of the American Concrete Pipe Association, stated, ''The use of concrete jacking pipe to save time and money while reducing disruption in traffic flow to a vital healthcare facility is a good example of the myriad of benefits possible when using precast concrete drainage options.''

The entire project cost $695,326, and the amount saved by using this new technique was $126,330.

The award recognizes that DelDOT used reinforced concrete pipe in a way that was innovative, cost effective and benefited both DelDOT and the public. Specifically, the Route 4 drainage work was the first time that DelDOT used the micro tunneling/pipe jacking method for storm sewer installation. By using this method, the busy Route 4 corridor, near Christiana Hospital, remained open at full capacity while construction proceeded beneath the traveling public.

UPDATE HEBRON--MDE CITATION

Pushkar advises that the penalty has not been paid by Hebron. The Town has requested, within the required 10-day response period, to meet with the Department regarding the penalty.

Ralph Harcum, citizen who lives near the WWTP, is adamant that the problem there has not been corrected. An MDE inspector is responding to Mr. Harcum's complaint.

The First 100 Minutes

How To Blow An Engine In Just A Few Seconds

Interesting Pics Done In Photoshop

Social Security 2009

LET US SHOW OUR LEADERS IN WASHINGTON "PEOPLE POWER" AND THE POWER OF THE INTERNET. PLEASE FORWARD TO ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS.


IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU ARE REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT!

KEEP IT GOING!!!!

Propose this in 2009:

START A BILL TO PLACE ALL POLITICIANS ON SOCIAL SECURITY
----------------------------------
SOCIAL SECURITY:

(This is worth reading. It is short and to the point.)

Perhaps we are asking the wrong questions during election years.

Our Senators and Congresswomen do not pay into Social Security and, of course, they do not collect from it.

You see, Social Security benefits were not suitable for persons of their rare elevation in society. They felt they should have a special plan for themselves. So, many years ago they voted in their own benefit plan.

In more recent years, no congressperson has felt the need to change it. After all, it is a great plan.

For all practical purposes their plan works like this:

When they retire, they continue to draw the same pay until they die.
Except it may increase from time to time for cost of living adjustments...

For example, Senator Byrd and Congressman White and their wives may expect to draw $7, 800,000.00 (that's Seven Million, Eight-Hundred Thousand Dollars), with their wives drawing $275, 000..00 during the last years of their lives.
This is calculated on an average life span for each of those two Dignitaries.

Younger Dignitaries who retire at an early age, will receive much more during the rest of their lives.

Their cost for this excellent plan is $0.00. NADA!!! ZILCH!!!

This little perk they voted for themselves is free to them. You and I pick up the tab for this plan. The funds for this fine retirement plan come directly from the General Funds;

"OUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK"!

From our own Social Security Plan, which you and I pay (or have paid) into, every payday until we retire (which amount is matched by our employer), We can expect to get an average of
$1,000 per month after retirement.

Or, in other words, we would have to collect our average of $1,000 monthly benefits for 68 years and one (1) month to equal Senator Bill Bradley's benefits!

Social Security could be very good if only one small change were made.

That change would be to

Jerk the Golden Fleece Retirement Plan from under the Senators and Congressmen.. Put them into the Social Security plan with the rest of us

Then sit back.....

And see how fast they would fix it!

If enough people receive this, maybe a seed of awareness will be planted and maybe good changes will evolve.

Major Accident In Mardela This Morning

There was a major accident on Rt. 50 & Main Street around 6:15 AM. We don't have the condition of the people involved in the accident but it was pretty serious.

State Troopers were seen removing a lunch cooler filled with prescription drugs. The impact was so hard that it shattered the engine. Oil "exploded" from the engine compartment.

DOT is on the scene investigating as they do with all commercial vehicle accidents regardless of severity.

Rt. 50 west bound was shut down for a while but they are back to normal now.

Waterboarding

HOW AND WHY WATERBOARDING WORKS: ALSO SHOWS THE PROFESSIONALISM OF OUR MILITARY.

Here's How I Think It Went

JR.... Can you hand me that Glock please.

Employee... What's a Glock?

JR... It's the gun right there in the top drawer.

Employee... Oh, a gun, I don't like guns very much.

JR... There's nothing to be afraid of, look, the safety is on, see. BANG!

A PRE-SCHOOL TEST FOR YOU

I already knew I was dumber than the fifth graders... but now it's the preschoolers??

Which way is the bus below traveling?

To the left or to the right?

Can't make up your mind?
Look carefully at the picture again.

Still don't know?

Pre-schoolers all over the United States
were shown this picture and asked the same question.
90% of the pre-schooler's gave this answer.
"The bus is traveling to the left."

When asked, "Why do you think the bus is traveling to the left?"

They answered:

"Because you can't see the door to get on the bus."


How do you feel now ???

Conn. Church Creates Stir With Gay Exorcism Video

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) - A Connecticut church has outraged gay rights advocates by posting a video of members performing an apparent exorcism of a teen's "homosexual demons."

The 20-minute video was posted on YouTube before it was taken down.

Gay youth advocate Robin McHaelen (mih-KAY'-lehn) says the video appears to show abuse. She says she plans to report it to the Connecticut Department of Children and Families.

GO HERE to see more.

Shooting In Fruitland

Shooting on Clyde Ave in Fruitland this morning approximately 3am. Two patients transported one with serious injuries.

Wrong Bitch!

The train was quite crowded, and a U. S. Marine walked the entire length looking for a seat..

There seemed to be one next to a well-dressed, middle-aged, French woman, but when he got there, he saw it was taken by the woman's poodle.

The war-weary Marine asked, "Ma'am, may I have that seat?"

The French woman sniffed and said to no one in particular, "Americans are so rude. My little Fifi is using that seat.

The Marine walked the entire train again, but the only seat available was under that dog.

"Please, ma'am. May I sit down? I'm very tired."

She snorted, "Not only are you Americans rude, you are also arrogant!"

This time the Marine didn't say a word; he just picked up the little dog, tossed it out the train window, and sat down.

The woman shrieked, "Someone must defend my honor! Put this American in his place!"

An English gentleman sitting nearby spoke up. "Sir, you Americans seem to have a penchant for doing the wrong thing. You hold the fork in the wrong hand. You drive your autos on the wrong side of the road. And now, sir, you seem to have thrown the wrong bitch out the window."

A Recent Study

The results of a recent survey have been released.

It was a poll on how women felt about the size of their ass.

The findings of the study are very interesting:

85% of women think their ass is too big.

10% of women think their ass is too small.

5% of women say that they don't care, they love him and would have married him anyway.

Surprise: Fish In Acidic Waters Grow Bigger Ears

WASHINGTON – Listen up! Carbon dioxide being absorbed by the oceans is having a puzzling effect on fish — their ears get bigger. Now, that doesn't mean you're going to reel in the Mr. Spock of the sea. Fish ears are inside their bodies. But, as in humans, their ears perform a major role in sensing movement and whether the animal is upright — abilities that are important for survival.

"It was a surprise," biological oceanographer David M. Checkley of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego, said of the discovery.

"The assumption is that anything that departs significantly from normality is an abnormality, and abnormalities at least have the potential for having deleterious effects," Checkley said.

The ear structure in fish is known as an otolith and is made up of minerals. Checkley and colleagues knew that increasing carbon dioxide in the oceans — absorbed from the atmosphere — is making the sea more acidic, which can dissolve and weaken shells. They wondered if it also would reduce the size of the otoliths.

Just the opposite, it turned out, the researchers report in Friday's edition of the journal Science.

GO HERE to read more.

A Letter To The Editor

Hi Joe!

I am a nursing student at Wor-Wic. I live with my brother on Civic Ave. After class, it's a late class, I usually sit on porch for awhile and read. I am usually outside anywhere from 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.The last couple weeks I have noticed several, or it even could be the same car, Salisbury Police cars traveling down my very short street at a high rate of speed. These cars never have any police indicator lights flashing and I have never seen them stop at the stop light at Civic Ave. and route 50. This light is almost always red because I get stuck at it almost every day. After reading so many horror stories on your site regarding fatal car accidents and pedestrian deaths, this concerns me. These police officers may very well be en route to a call, in which I would appreciate their hastiness, but if so, shouldn't they have their lights going as well? I have seen the car(s) go towards 50 and then come back in a matter of minutes, always at a high rate of speed. Any information on this would be great. If the cops are going to a call etc. it's one thing but speeding to speed is definitely a safety issue for me, as well as the children who live on and around my street.

Thank you,
A Concerned Salisbury Citizen

Which Is Your Best Friend?

This really works...!

If you don't believe it, just try this experiment. Put your dog and your spouse in the trunk of the car for an hour. When you open the trunk, which one is really happy to see you?