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Thursday, January 14, 2010

TROOPERS CHARGE MAN WITH ASSAULT


On January 14, 2010 at 8:55 pm, Troopers from the Salisbury Barrack of the Maryland State Police arrived at a residence on Poplar Neck Road in Willards Maryland in reference to an assault. During the investigation Troopers learned that William O. Trader, 18, of Willards pushed a resident of the house and began to destroy property at the residence. Trader was arrested and transported to the Wicomico County Detention Center where he is being charged with assault 2nd degree and destruction of property.

Delmar Police Department Press Release

Incident: Controlled Substance Violations
Date: 01-13-10
Location: 8894 Delmar Rd, Delmar, DE
Suspect: Carol E Peeler, 59 Y.O.A., Delmar, DE, Joseph G. Peeler, 62 Y.O.A. Delmar, DE

On Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Law enforcement Officers of the Delmar Police Department assisted by Laurel Police Department executed a search and seizure warrant at 8894 Delmar Rd, Delmar DE. Pursuant to a search of the residence of Carol and Joseph Peeler. Officers located the following: a quantity of marijuana, cocaine, packaging bags, digital scale, U.S. Currency, and a total 24 firearms. Joseph Peeler was transported to the Sussex County Institution. Joseph Peeler is being held on $17,000 cash bond. Carol Peeler was released on an unsecure bond.

Charges:
Possession with Intent to Deliver a Nonnarcotic Schedule I Controlled Substance
Maintaining a Dwelling for Keeping Controlled Substance
24 counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
Possession of a Narcotic Schedule II Controlled Substance

TROOPERS INVESTIGATE ATTEMPTED BURGLARY


On January 14, 2010 at 8:30 pm, Troopers from the Salisbury Barrack of the Maryland State Police arrived at a residence on Downing Road in Delmar Maryland in reference to an attempted burglary. During the investigation Troopers learned that an unknown suspect attempted to gain entry into the rear window of a garage. No other information is available at this time. An investigation into this case is continuing.

Sherwood Responds


Dear Joe,

Please list this response. The customer in the article conveniently forgot to mention a few facts in his article. Sherwood did step up and cover half of the total service bill, as well as agree to fill his tank with gas, in order to attempt to satisfy the customer. Sherwood also covered a brake repair requested by this same customer, at NO cost to him. As well, he did not mention that he had taken an extended test drive and did not detect the issue that he brought forward in the article. He also forgot to mention his threat, as Assistant Fire Marshall of Worcester County, to return with his team to do a full fire inspection, if the bill was not covered. I am not sure that threats from the Fire Marshal of Worcester County are part of protocol in his position. Let’s hope that this is not the approach taken by his peers in the Worcester County Fire Marshals Department.

Tony Overton

Sherwood Of Salisbury, MD

Sherwood Used Cars


Hey Joe,

Wanted to share my displeasure with a recent used car buying experience with
Sherwood in Salisbury.

The long and short I bought a decent used Volkswagen last week. I took it home, the very next day found out there was a rattle in the vehicle when at idle. It took me three days to get the salesman to return my calls and schedule it to get looked at. I finally got an appointment to take it in this morning, after about an hour and a half they said they found a loose fuel line rubbing against the floorboard and needed to put a new rubber insulator on it. So I head over to the person at the service desk who politely told me what the problem was, how it was corrected and oh by the way, even though you bought this car for $16,000 last week we would like $196 for two hours worth of labor and a $3 part. Needless to say I was furious, I spent well over an hour being bounced back and forth between the salesman that I purchased it from, the service manager, the used car manager and the like... essentially they said they couldn't do anything about it because the extended warranty I purchased doesn't cover rattles and the rattle wasn't found before I signed the dotted line. I am in the customer service business, I'd like to think that for an hour or so worth of my time and a $3 part I'd suck it up for the boat load of money I just made from this same guy last week. Instead Sherwood decided to screw me on this one. Just thought I would share my experience with the rest of the consumers on Delmarva who may or may not be in the market for a new vehicle any time soon. Buyer beware.... find all your problems and get them fixed before you sign on that dotted line because once you're out the door, you're dead to them.

Obama To Haiti: ‘You Will Not Be Forsaken’


Rescuers report using trucks as ambulances and doors as stretchers

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti
- Desperately needed aid from around the world began arriving Thursday in quake-stunned Haiti, while rescuers struggled frantically to save the trapped and injured, using trucks as ambulances and doors as stretchers.

President Barack Obama said "one of the largest relief efforts in our recent history" is moving toward Haiti, with thousands of troops and a broad array of civilian rescue workers deployed to aid the stricken country — backed by more than $100 million in relief funds.

"To the people of Haiti, we say clearly and with conviction, you will not be forsaken. You will not be forgotten. In this, your hour of greatest need, America stands with you. The world stands with you," Obama said.

GO HERE to read more.

Retail Sales End Tough Year On Sour Note


First decline in 3 months raises worries about recovery's durability

WASHINGTON
- Retail sales unexpectedly fell in December, leaving 2009 with the biggest yearly drop on record and highlighting the formidable hurdles facing the economy as it struggles to recover from the deepest recession in seven decades.

In another disappointing economic report, the number of newly laid-off workers requesting unemployment benefits rose more than expected last week as jobs remain scarce.

Still, many economists, puzzled by the retail sales decline that follows reports from retailers of brighter holidays, cautioned that the December figures don't necessarily signal a big consumer pullback and could be a blip.

GO HERE to read more.

Rod Flower No Longer Affiliated With SunTrust Bank

While I have information about this situation, I have chosen to keep my mouth shut and let the comments do the talking.

What I can tell you is, Rod Flower no longer works at the Salisbury SunTrust Branch. I have spoken to officials at the local branch as well as corporate and their response is, they do not discuss personnel matters. I can respect that.

OK Folks, let's see what YOU know.

Canadian Judge Calls Weird Keanu Reeves Paternity Suit A Waste Of Time


BARRIE, Ontario -- A paternity suit launched by a Canadian woman seeking millions of dollars from Keanu Reeves was thrown out of court Thursday.

Karen Sala claimed she had a sexual relationship with Reeves during and after her marriage and that they lived together.

Reeves vehemently denies ever having met the woman.

Sala was seeking 3 million Canadian dollars ($2.8 million) a month in spousal support, retroactive to November 2006. She also wanted $150,000 ($144,000) a month in child support, going back to June 1988.

However, a judge in Ontario dismissed the case, saying Sala's allegations were "so incredible" that no reasonable judge would accept them.


Judge Fred Graham said any trial would be "a waste of limited judicial resources," after Sala disputed DNA proving Reeves was not the father. Sala claimed the results had been tampered with or that Reeves used hypnosis to affect the results.

"I do know for a fact that he is the biological father," said Sala, who is representing herself, adding that she has proof but cannot show it to the court.

She said Reeves grew up down the street from her and she has known him since she was four or five. She did not connect him to the actor until much later because she knew him by the name Marty Spencer, she said.

Lawyer Lorne Wolfson, representing Reeves, suggested Sala's ex-husband is in fact the father of the children, as stated in documents in their divorce proceedings.

Sala had declined to bring a motion to have her ex-husband's DNA tested and has refused to produce her children's birth certificates, Wolfson said.

Reeves, 45, grew up in Toronto before leaving for Hollywood in 1986. He starred in the "Matrix" films as well as "Speed" and "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure."

Copper Thieves Are At It Again

Delaware Department of Agriculture and the Delaware State Police seek the public’s help in identifying thieves

Location: Farming areas around the State of Delaware

Agencies Involved:
Delaware Department of Agriculture and the Delaware State Police.

Resume:
According to Secretary of Agriculture, Ed Kee, “A rash of on-farm copper wire thefts has been reported since November 2009. Primarily targeted is the copper wiring on single pivot irrigation systems. This is a serious problem for farmers because the systems are severely damaged when the theft occurs and repairs often cost several thousand dollars.”

This problem is not unique to Delaware or to the agricultural community. It is widespread across the country. The price of copper has gone up significantly causing thieves to steal spools of the wire from electric storage facilities, sprinklers of irrigation systems in farm fields, new construction sites, and lighting fixtures on roads and highways.

This is a very serious problem in Delaware. Pawnbrokers and dealers who do not follow the letter of the law as it relates to metals will face fines up to $10,000 if found guilty. In 2008, Delaware revised its laws relating to pawnbrokers, scrap metal dealers, and secondhand dealers to stiffen reporting requirements and change the holding time for metals and scrap metals.

A Magnolia farmer who was recently victimized, said, “At a time like this, we all have to help each other and watch out for each other. If you see something suspicious in a field or on a farm, please let the State Police know.

As recently as of January 13, 2010 Delaware State Police investigated a theft and criminal mischief to irrigation farm equipment. This crime is reported to have occurred between early December 2009 and today. State Police are now experiencing these thefts along Dona’s Landing Road Savannah Road, SR 9 Bayside Drive near White Oak Road and Long Point road E/O Dover. The estimated damage to repair and theft of copper is near $38,000.

Delaware State Police statewide have investigated approximately 129 incidents of copper related thefts since June 1, 2009. 53 copper related thefts occurred in Kent County and out of the 53 thefts 31 were from farm irrigation equipment.

The Delaware State Police is continuing their efforts in locating cooper thieves. Delaware State Police has seen an increased number of thefts in the East Dover, Magnolia, Felton and Harrington areas of Kent County. The State Police is asking anyone who observes suspicious activity in and around farm land to contact the 911 immediately. The actual act of removing the copper wiring is not time consuming however extremely costly to the farmers to make repairs.


Link to Crime area affected, copy and paste below link to your browser:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=donas+landing+road+and+savannah+road+dover,+delaware&sll=39.13006,-75.142365&sspn=0.426113,1.231842&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Savannah+Rd+%26+Donas+Landing+Rd,+Dover,+Kent,+Delaware+19901&ll=39.19621,-75.472984&spn=0.02827,0.07699&z=14


Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be forwarded to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-333 3 or on line at www.tipsubmit.com.

Obama: ‘We Want Our Money Back’


President says will impose levy on the largest financial firms

WASHINGTON
- President Barack Obama on Thursday described bank bonuses as "obscene" and called for a new tax on Wall Street's largest firms to cover a projected $117 billion shortfall in the government's financial crisis bailout fund.

"We want our money back and we're going to get it," Obama said in a speech at the White House.

In earlier remarks prepared for the appearance, Obama said he was determined that every dollar spent from the $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program to rescue Wall Street firms, auto companies and mortgage holders is either repaid or paid for in some fashion. Congress would have to approve the tax.

GO HERE to read more.

Today's Survey Question


What Political Party Are You Registered With?

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases


On January 11, 2010 at approximately 1:30 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration on Tilghman Road for the report of a suspect attempting to obtain a Maryland Identification Card with fraudulent documents. Upon arrival the officers met with MVA employees who advised that the below listed suspect was attempting to obtain the Maryland identification card using the documents of another subject.

ARRESTED: Eleazer Pablo Vasquez, 28 years of age
Messpeno, Virginia

CHARGES: Fraudulent use of identification documents

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000001433


On January 12, 2010 at approximately 10:20 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police arrested the below listed suspect on an outstanding arrest warrant for credit card offenses. In October of 2009 a victim reported to the Salisbury Police that her pocketbook had been stolen and one of her credits cards from the pocketbook had been fraudulently used. The investigation by Salisbury Detectives revealed that the below listed suspect had used the victim’s credit card in a number of locations throughout Salisbury.

ARRESTED: Stephanie Ann Hammond, 35 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Theft of a credit card (2 counts)
Credit card offenses (9 counts)
Theft scheme (under $ 1000)
Identity theft (2 counts)

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 200900038479


On January 12, 2010 at approximately 3:00 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Riverside Pharmacy on Riverside Drive for the report of a counterfeit prescription. Upon arrival the officers met with store employees who advised that the below listed suspect had passed a counterfeit prescription to the pharmacy for medication. The pharmacy staff became suspicious when observing the prescription and checked with the issuing hospital. The staff was advised that the prescription was counterfeit. During the investigation it was also learned that the suspect had passed a similar counterfeit prescription at another pharmacy in Salisbury several days earlier.

ARRESTED: Trevor Ward Lowe, 26 years of age
Millsboro, Delaware

CHARGES: Attempt to obtain oxycodone by fraud
Counterfeit prescription
Passing a counterfeit prescription
Attempt to obtain CDS by fraud
Attempt to obtain CDS by altered prescription
Possession of oxycodone with int. to distribute
Possession of oxycodone
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000001445

Teeth For Jessica


ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Cecil/Harford Senator Nancy Jacobs (R-Dist. 34) says that a number of laws are being proposed to give Jessica’s Law some teeth. Some of which she has said before such as no “good time” or “dimunision” credits for sex offenders. She says that those convicted of sex crimes and receive the 25 year minimum with no parole instantly has time shaved off for good behavior and it shouldn’t be. She says that 25 should mean 25.


The fuel igniting the fire is the death of 11-year-old Sarah Foxwell, whose body was discovered on Christmas at the Maryland/Delaware border. Accused in that case is 30-year-old Thomas Leggs, Jr. who is a sex offender in Maryland and Delaware. He was recently indicted for the kidnapping, child abduction and first-degree burglary in the case according to WBOC-TV (Channel 16).

911 Calls Lead To Impaired Driver’s Arrest

Location:
Sussex Highway N/O SR 9 Georgetown Road

DATE and TIME:
Wednesday January 13, 2010 5:16 P.M.

Defendant(s):
Jason D. Dailey-21 700 block of S. Central Ave. Laurel, Delaware

Charge and Bond Information:
1 count Possession of a Narcotic Schedule II Controlled Substance (Prescription Medication)
1 count Possession of a Non-Narcotic Schedule IV Controlled Substance
1 count Consumption of a Non-Narcotic Schedule IV Controlled Substance
1 count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
1 count Driving under the Influence of Drugs
1 count Insurance Card Violation
1 count No Valid License
1 count Registration Card Violation
1 count Improper Muffler

Dailey was incarcerated after failing to post $5300.00 secured bond.

Resume:
On January 13, 2010 Delaware State Police and Laurel Police Department combed the area of Laurel for a vehicle reported to be driving recklessly. State Police was receiving multiple 911 cars regarding a driver operating his vehicle recklessly and forcing others off the roadway. The vehicle was reported traveling S/B on Sussex Highway N/O the limits of Laurel. The vehicle was eventually stopped on S. Central Ave. Laurel, Delaware by Laurel Police Department. State Police responded to this area and continued the investigation.

The operator Jason D. Dailey-21 of Laurel was given a series of field sobriety test and it was determined he was under the influence of prescription medication. Dailey was subsequently arrested for Driving under the Influence of Drugs and other related criminal offenses. Dailey was also arrested for possession of prescription medication not believed to be prescribed to him.

Dailey was later remanded to Sussex Correctional Institute in lieu of $5300.00 secured bond.

Nanny, Nanny, Boo, Boo, You Can't Get Me!


MIBG Scan clear!

Sorry it took so long to get the good news on here and I am going to keep it short to get some sleep. Still not sure what is going on with the pupils. Sent us downstairs to see Brooke's opthamalogist after the scan results were back. He was not sure what was causing the problems but reassured us that there was no swelling behind the eye and optic nerve looked good. Everyone has decided to chalk it up to a reaction from the antibodies and it will eventually resolve once she is done with the antibodies. They will be keeping a close watch on it and she will be continuing with the clinical trial. By the time we were done with everything she didn't get admitted until about 6:30 tonight. She will be starting round 3 of the antibodies first thing in the morning. I will keep you posted on how it's going. Thank you so much for your prayers and support. This past week was so difficult fearing the worst but I guess this is our life now. I don't know how I will ever get used to it.

God Bless,
Amy

"The Joe Albero Show"


This week we have a special guest, Delegate Jim Mathias. We'll discuss the Sarah Foxwell case and much more.

The Show will air at this Saturday morning at 9:00 AM on Comcast Channel 9 and Mediacom Channel 99. I think you'll all be surprised with what we discuss and share.

3,000 AFP Members March On Annapolis










As I boarded the loaded bus from Salisbury heading to Annapolis, many had already loaded up from Worcester County excited about heading to Annapolis with a voice, a goal, a message saying, Enough Is Enough!

We arrived at the Senate building and enjoyed fellowship with Senators from all over the state of Maryland. We then enjoyed some great food sponsored by Senator Andy Harris and soon after made it outside where literally thousands of people gathered.

Our very own City Councilwoman Debbie Campbell was one of the guest speakers, (a registered democrat) who was welcomed by everyone there. You see Folks, the AFP is a non partisan group and welcomes all AMERICANS.

The peaceful, yet very vocal group sent a message to our elected officials that they were not happy with the direction this country is headed in and I have to tell you, the elected officials were present and were also overwhelmed with the large crowd that had gathered.

The way I see it at this point is, everyone had better keep a keen eye on the AFP because they are growing so fast, there's never been anything like it. I truly enjoyed just about every speech that was given last night and the way that each speaker was managed time wise. No one seemed to be grandstanding, just passing off good messages.

The next time you hear of an opportunity to get on one of these buses and make a trip to Washington or Annapolis, do it! I'm confident you'll never regret the experience.

Spanish Project

A SPANISH Teacher was explaining to her class that, in Spanish, unlike English, nouns are designated as either masculine or feminine.

"House" for instance, is feminine: "la casa."
"Pencil," however, is masculine: "el lapiz."

So, a student asked, "What gender is 'Computer'?"


Instead of giving the answer, the teacher split the class into two groups, male and female, and asked them to decide for themselves whether "computer" should be a masculine or a feminine noun.


Each group was asked to give four reasons for its recommendation. The men's group decided that "computer" should definitely be of the feminine gender ("la
Computadora" ), because:

1. No one but their creator understands their internal logic;


2. The native language they use to communicate with other computers is incomprehensible to everyone else;

3. Even the smallest mistakes are stored in long term memory for possible later retrieval; and

4. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself spending half your paycheck on accessories for it.


(THIS GETS BETTER!)


The women's group, however, concluded that computers should be Masculine ("el computador") , because:

1. In order to do anything with them, you have to turn them on;


2. They have a lot of data but still can't think for themselves;


3. They are supposed to help you solve problems, but half the time they ARE the problem; and


4. As soon as you commit to one, you realize that if you had waited a little longer, you could have gotten a better model..


The women won.

Democrats 'Plan To Steal The Vote' (Again..)

A political correspondent is making waves with his stern warning that Democrats are scheming to manipulate the electoral process this election year by implementing a federal mandate to involuntarily register millions of people to vote – making the system ripe for unprecedented fraud and abuse.

"Democrats were very rattled by the Nov. 3 election results," Wall Street Journal reporter and political commentator John Fund told a crowd in November 2009, at a David Horowitz Freedom Center forum. "What do liberals do when they lose elections? They change the rules."

Fund is warning that Sen. Charles Schumer, D.-N.Y., and Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., plan to propose universal voter-registration legislation – possibly within weeks.

"Schumer is definitely introducing a bill," Fund told WND. "It's not public yet, but he's definitely going to do so."

A congressional staffer confirmed Schumer's involvement.

"What we know from statements from advocacy groups that support universal voter registration is that they have been working with Sen. Schumer's office since approximately last spring to create a bill," the staffer told WND. "We don't know exactly when he will introduce it, but it has been predicted to be introduced in the near future for several months now. Schumer definitely has been, and seems to be, the point person on this."

"The idea, embraced by Barack Obama when he was a presidential candidate, is to shift responsibility for registering to vote from the individual to the federal government," Fund writes in his book. "All eligible citizens would automatically be registered to vote, which existing lists such as DMV records, income-tax returns, welfare rolls and unemployment lists being used to enroll everyone. Once registered, individuals would stay on the federal rolls, even if they move to another state or district."

Fund warns that the government databases contain names of non-citizens, mentally incompetent individuals and felons – factors that would usually disqualify a person from voting in most states.

More here..

Obama Bank Tax Looks To Raise $90 Billion In 10 Years

Obama Bank Tax Looks to Raise $90 Billion in 10 Years The 0.15% tax on covered liabilities will stay in place until every penny of the TARP is paid, according to a senior White House official.

http://www.cnbc.com/id/34856884/

Most of these banks have repaid their TARP loans with interest. Now their being asked to pay for the loans to GM and Chrysler. It seems the Administration is finally throwing in the towel that they will see repayment on those loans. If this is fair then I guess the banks can go back to individuals they have lent money to, who have paid it back and charge them additional fees.

Unemployment And Medical Assistance

Joe,

I have to tell you what I went through this morning. First let me give you a quick background. I was laid off in November. I received four weeks of severance. So that took me into December. I received one unemployment payment at the end of December. Unemployment told me that I needed to refile in January because they look at a different quarter. So I called them the first week of January and they had no clue what I was talking about. DUH!!! So now my unemployment is screwed up. Trying to get through to a claim center is ridiculous. So now my unemployment is under review and received half of what I was supposed to. So instead of just being able to call up and resolve the situation, I have to wait for them to send me a letter with an interview time. What a fiasco this is.

Now let's get to this morning. I went and applied for medical assistance. I have cervical cancer and have to have a total hysterectomy which is scheduled in February. So I go and fill out this application at 8:00 a.m. this morning. Then they take me back the first time to find out why I am applying. They were pretty rude about it. They made me feel like I was some kind of scumbag for even asking. I have the documentation that I have no health insurance as I can't afford the stupid Cobra payments. They wanted to know if I was disabled. I will be disabled for at least six weeks after the surgery. So they said to have a seat and I would be called back. So the second time I go back is 10:30. They told me that I was not eligible because I have no children and am 38 years old applying for benefits. Excuse me? I have worked since I was 14 years old and the time I need some assistance they deny me. WTF? Don't get me wrong the case worker I talked to was wonderful. I started crying because I was so upset. She got teary eyed too. She gave me a bunch of phone numbers with the hope that there is some way that this surgery can be covered. She wanted to approve my application, but she was unable to. This system is really screwed up.

What I really found to be disturbing was listening to the conversations that were going on in the waiting area. They were all talking about the assistance they were getting. They were also having lengthy conversations about illegal drugs, pot, crystal meth, coke, you name it. It is apparently easy to obtain these drugs in Salisbury and there is no short supply. So basically I sat in the waiting room for 2.5 hours listening to all of these people talk about all of the crap they do illegally and then I get told I am not eligible. Needless to say I am pissed. It's messed up. The Health Department may have a program that I might be eligible for so I have an appt. with them. This is just a really screwed up mess that I can't even get medical assistance to help with the medications I have to take. I'm angry, disgusted and frustrated. Then I think if it is this screwed up now, what's it going to be like when Obama gets his garbage passed. God help us all. Thanks for listening.

TROOPERS ARREST MAN FOR M.D.O.P.



On January 13, 2010 at 6:30 pm, Troopers from the Salisbury Barrack of the Maryland State Police arrived at a residence on Texas Road in Bivalve Maryland reference to a Disorderly subject. Upon arrival Troopers were advised by the home owner that Deandre Lamont Briddell, 19, of Bivalve, who is an acquaintance of the complainant, began to destroy items inside of the residence then went outside and destroyed items outside as well. After further investigation, Briddell was arrested and transported to WCDC for a hearing with the Commissioner.

Preliminary Release On Crash Involving A School Bus

UPDATE #1 BUS CRASH LINCOLN
Thursday January 14, 2010 9:24 A.M.

Coastal Highway has been reopened for normal traffic patterns. 6 kids reported unharmed on the bus. The other vehicle involved operator sustained minor injuries. State Police are continuing their investigation and a more detailed release will be forthcoming.

Location:
SR 1 Coastal Highway N/B in the area of the Sugar Maple Farms Development Lincoln, Delaware

DATE and TIME:
Thursday January 14, 2010 8:06 A.M.

Resume:
Delaware State Police are currently on scene of a crash involving a school bus. The crash occurred on the N/B side of SR 1 Coastal Highway and is believed to have involved several vehicles. No serious injuries have been reported however State Police are still investigating the crash. SR 1 N/B is currently shut down and delays are expected. State Police encourage travels to seek alternate routes of travel.

A more detailed release will be forthcoming.

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON MARYLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS’ NUMBER ONE NATIONAL RANKING

ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 14, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley issued this statement today following Education Week Magazine’s official selection of Maryland public schools as number one in the nation for the second straight year.

“We have chosen as a people to invest in our public schools – in the future of our State – even when times are tough.

“Today, Education Week Magazine, for the second straight year, has certified that Maryland has built the number one public school system in America. Even during these difficult economic times, we’ve continued to fully fund efforts to build new, state-of-the-art classrooms, integrate curriculum across all grade levels, and hire and retain the nation’s best educators. Now, for yet another year, Education Week Magazine has affirmed the importance of protecting these shared priorities.”

Very Scary!

Forthcoming book by Robert Putnam, Tom Clark and Ed Fieldhouse says a British Obama is possible

In electing Barack Obama, the United States has not only chosen a leader who embodies the union of black and white America. It has also selected a President who reflects the ties between established Americans and new arrivals. His white Kansan mother did not only marry a black man, but also a man born abroad. Obama has won real power, but does his arrival also reflect wider change in the treatment of America’s immigrants and minorities? And if so, are similar changes underway in the UK? Or is it true, as Obama himself has suggested, that his story is a uniquely American one?


These are among the questions addressed in a new book by Harvard’s Robert Putnam, the best-selling author of Bowling Alone, which is co-authored by the Guardian writer Tom Clark. It draws on sweeping, collaborative research by a distinguished team from Harvard and Manchester Universities. The most obvious question for Britons is whether the Obama phenomenon could happen in the UK. Despite some caveats – especially the small though growing black British political class - the answer is a resounding “yes”.

Read the PRESS RELEASE here


Read Tom Clark’s Guardian Op-Ed on the prospects for a British Obama here

Very Interesting Health Quiz

Percentage of men and women who survived a cancer five years after diagnosis:

U.S. 65%

England 46%

Canada 42%

Percentage of patients diagnosed with diabetes who received treatment within six months:

U.S. 93%

England 15%

Canada 43%

Percentage of seniors needing hip replacement who received it within six months:

U.S. 90%

England 15%

Canada 43%

Percentage referred to a medical specialist who see one within one month:

U.S. 77%

England 40%

Canada 43%

Number of MRI scanners (a prime diagnostic tool) per million people:

U.S. 71

England 14

Canada 18

Percentage of seniors (65+), with low income, who say they are in "excellent health":

U.S. 12%

England 2%

Canada 6%

I don't know about you, but I don't want "Universal Healthcare" comparable to England or Canada .

Moreover, it was Sen. Harry Reid who said, "Elderly Americans must learn to accept the inconveniences of old age."

SHIP HIS ASS TO CANADA OR ENGLAND !

DIARY OF A SNOW SHOVELER

December 8 - 6:00 PM
It started to snow. The first snow of the season and the wife and I took our cocktails and sat for hours by the window watching the huge soft flakes
drift down from heaven. It looked like a Grandma Moses Print. So romantic we felt like newlyweds again.
I love snow!

December 9
We woke to a beautiful blanket of crystal white snow covering every inch of the
landscape. What a fantastic sight! Can there be a more lovely place in the whole world? Moving here was the best idea I've ever had! Shovelled for the
first time in years and felt like a boy again. I did both our driveway and the sidewalks. This afternoon the snowplough came along and covered up the sidewalks and closed in the driveway, so I got to shovel again. What a perfect life!

December 12
The sun has melted all our lovely snow. Such a disappointment! My neighbour tells me not to worry- we'll definitely have a white Christmas. No snow on Christmas would be awful! Bob says we'll have so much snow by the end of winter, that I'll never want to see snow again. I don't think that's possible. Bob is such a nice man, I'm glad he's our neighbour.

December 14
Snow, lovely snow! 8 inches last night. The temperature dropped to -20. The
cold makes everything sparkle so. The wind took my breath away, but I warmed up by shovelling the driveway and sidewalks. This is the life! The snowplough came back this afternoon and buried everything again. I didn't realize I would have to do quite this much shovelling, but I'll certainly get back in shape this way. I wish I wouldn't huff and puff so.

December 15
20 inches forecast. Sold my van and bought a 4x4 Blazer. Bought snow tires for the wife's car and 2 extra shovels. Stocked the freezer. The wife wants a wood stove in case the electricity goes out. I think that's silly. We aren't in Alaska , after all.

December 16
Ice storm this morning. Fell on my ass on the ice in the driveway putting down
salt. Hurt like hell. The wife laughed for an hour, which I think was very cruel.

December 17
Still way below freezing. Roads are too icy to go anywhere. Electricity was off
for 5 hours. I had to pile the blankets on to stay warm. Nothing to do but stare at the wife and try not to irritate her. Guess I should've bought a wood stove, but won't admit it to her. God I hate it when she's right. I can't believe I'm freezing to death in my own living room.

December 20
Electricity's back on, but had another 14 inches of the damn stuff last night. More shovelling! Took all day. The damn snowplough came by twice. Tried to find a neighbour kid to shovel, but they said they're too busy playing hockey. I think they're lying. Called the only hardware store around to see about buying a snow blower and they're out. Might have another shipment in March. I think they're lying. Bob says I have to shovel or the city will have it done and bill me. I think he's lying..

December 22
Bob was right about a white Christmas because 13 more inches of the white shit
fell today, and it's so cold, it probably won't melt till August. Took me 45 minutes to get all dressed up to go out to shovel and then I had to pee. By the time I got undressed, peed and dressed again, I was too tired to shovel. Tried to hire Bob who has a plough on his truck for the rest of the winter, but he says he's too busy. I think the asshole is lying.

December 23
Only 2 inches of snow today. And it warmed up to 0. The wife wanted me to decorate the front of the house this morning. What is she, nuts?!! Why didn't she tell me to do that a month ago? She says she did but I think she's lying.

December 24
6 inches - Snow packed so hard by snowplough, I broke the shovel. Thought I was having a heart attack. If I ever catch the son of a bitch who drives that snow plough, I'll drag him through the snow by his balls and beat him to death with my broken shovel. I know he hides around the corner and waits for me to finish shovelling and then he comes down the street at a 100 miles an hour and throws snow all over where I've just been! Tonight the wife wanted me to sing Christmas carols with her and open our presents, but I was too busy watching for the damn snowplough.

December 25
Merry f---ing Christmas! 20 more inches of the damn slop tonight - Snowed in. The idea of shovelling makes my blood boil. God, I hate the snow! Then the snowplough driver came by asking for a donation and I hit him over the head with my shovel. The wife says I have a bad attitude. I think she's a fricking idiot. If I have to watch "It's A Wonderful Life" one more time, I'm going to stuff her into the microwave.

December 26
Still snowed in. Why the hell did I ever move here? It was all HER idea. She's really getting on my nerves.

December 27
Temperature dropped to -30 and the pipes froze; plumber came after 14 hours of waiting for him, he only charged me $1,400 to replace all my pipes.

December 28
Warmed up to above -20. Still snowed in. The BITCH is driving me crazy!!!

December 29
10 more inches. Bob says I have to shovel the roof or it could cave in. That's the silliest thing I ever heard.
How dumb does he think I am?

December 30
Roof caved in. I beat up the snow plough driver, and now he is suing me for a million dollars, not only the beating I gave him, but also for trying to shove the broken snow shovel up his ass. The wife went home to her mother. Nine more inches predicted.

December 31
I set fire to what's left of the house. No more shovelling.

January 8
Feel so good. I just love those little white pills they keep giving me. Why am I tied to the bed?

Things That Make You Go, Hmmmmmm?

IF YOU CROSS THE NORTH KOREAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU GET 12 YEARS HARD LABOR.

IF YOU CROSS THE IRANIAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU ARE DETAINED INDEFINITELY.

IF YOU CROSS THE AFGHAN BORDER ILLEGALLY, YOU GET SHOT.

IF YOU CROSS THE SAUDI ARABIAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU WILL BE JAILED.

IF YOU CROSS THE CHINESE BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU MAY NEVER BE HEARD FROM AGAIN.

IF YOU CROSS THE VENEZUELAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU WILL BE BRANDED A SPY AND YOUR FATE WILL BE SEALED.

IF YOU CROSS THE CUBAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU WILL BE THROWN INTO POLITICAL PRISON TO ROT.

IF YOU CROSS THE U.S. BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU GET :

* A JOB,
* A DRIVERS LICENSE,
* SOCIAL SECURITY CARD,
* WELFARE,
* FOOD STAMPS,
* CREDIT CARDS,
* SUBSIDIZED RENT OR A LOAN TO BUY A HOUSE,
* FREE EDUCATION,
* FREE HEALTH CARE,
* A LOBBYIST IN WASHINGTON
* BILLIONS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF PUBLIC DOCUMENTS PRINTED IN YOUR LANGUAGE
* THE RIGHT TO CARRY YOUR COUNTRY’S FLAG WHILE YOU PROTEST THAT YOU DON’T GET ENOUGH RESPECT


I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE WE HAD A FIRM GRASP ON THE SITUATION.

Your Social Security

Just in case some of you younger folks (& some older ones) didn't know this. It's easy to check out, if you don't believe it..



Be sure and show it to your kids. They need a little history lesson on what's what and it doesn't matter whether you are Democrat or Republican.. Facts are Facts!!!



Our Social Security

Franklin Roosevelt, a Democrat, introduced the Social
Security (FICA) Program. He promised:

1.) That participation in the Program would be
Completely voluntary,



No longer Voluntary



2.) That the participants would only have to pay
1% of the first $1,400 of their annual
Incomes into the Program,


Now 7.65%


3.) That the money the participants elected to put
into the Program would be deductible from
their income for tax purposes each year,


No longer tax deductible


4.) That the money the participants put into the
independent 'Trust Fund' rather than into the
general operating fund, and therefore, would
only be used to fund the Social Security
Retirement Program, and no other
Government program, and,


Under Johnson the money was moved to


The General Fund and Spent


5.) That the annuity payments to the retirees
would never be taxed as income.


Under Clinton & Gore


Up to 85% of your Social Security can be Taxed


Since many of us have paid into FICA for years and are
now receiving a Social Security check every month --
and then finding that we are getting taxed on 85% of
the money we paid to the Federal government to 'put
away' -- you may be interested in the following:

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----

Q: Which Political Party took Social Security from the
independent 'Trust Fund' and put it into the
general fund so that Congress could spend it?

A: It was Lyndon Johnson and the democratically
controlled House and Senate.

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --

Q: Which Political Party eliminated the income tax
deduction for Social Security (FICA) withholding?

A: The Democratic Party.

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -----

Q: Which Political Party started taxing Social
Security annuities?

A: The Democratic Party, with Al Gore casting the
'tie-breaking' deciding vote as President of the
Senate, while he was Vice President of the US

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -

Q: Which Political Party decided to start
giving
annuity payments to immigrants?

AND MY FAVORITE:

A: That's right!

Jimmy Carter and the Democratic Party.
immigrants moved into this country, and at age 65,
began to receive Social Security payments! The
Democratic Party gave these payments to them,
even though they never paid a dime into it!

------------ -- ------------ --------- ----- ------------ --------- ---------

Then, after violating the original contract (FICA), the Democrats turn around and tell you that the Republicans want to take your Social Security away!

And the worst part about it is uninformed citizens believe it!


If enough people receive this, maybe a seed of
awareness will be planted and maybe changes will
evolve. Maybe not, some Democrats are awfully
sure of what isn't so.

But it's worth a try. How many people can YOU send this to?

Actions speak louder than bumper stickers.


AND CONGRESS GIVES THEMSELVES 100% RETIREMENT FOR ONLY SERVING ONE TERM!!!
NOTE: I have not verified any of this information.

Salisbury Firefighters Install Smoke Detectors On Richmond Avenue


Salisbury Fire Department crews were back at it again today, going door to door to help save lives. Firefighters walked the neighborhood of Richmond Avenue this afternoon, following an early morning structure fire in the snow last Friday. Crews spoke to residents about fire safety in the home; most occupants allowed the crews inside to test their smoke detectors or install one if they lacked one. Crews also helped the residents by looking for any obvious fire hazards, such as blocked exits or objects that may be too close to heating devices. Firefighters went over practicing escape plans with families, and reminded everyone if they should have a fire to get out and stay out.

The Salisbury Fire Department “After the Fire” Program was created to go back to the neighborhoods recently affected by the tragedy and destruction of fire to help educate and promote fire safety. The overall goal is to remind everyone of the basics and help save lives. The “After the Fire” program is a supplement to our Home Fire Safety Inspection Program.

Salisbury Fire Department crews visited a total of 49 homes in the Richmond Avenue and Dennis Street area, with 14 residents asking our firefighters to talk with them and check for hazards. A total of 6 smoke detectors were given to residents who did not have a working smoke detector. A total of 6 batteries were replaced in homes with non-working smoke detectors. 85% of homes visited lacked a working smoke detector.

An invaluable service was performed today and has helped to prevent loss of life. The Salisbury Fire Department urges everyone to test their smoke detector monthly, change their batteries twice a year and practice their escape plan monthly. If you, or someone you know is in need of a working smoke detector, please contact the Salisbury Fire Department at 410-548-3120.

The next “After the Fire” program is scheduled for tomorrow evening, January 14th at 6pm on Camden Avenue in Salisbury, where a fire occurred Sunday afternoon due to unattended cooking left on the stove.

Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Release


Incident: Thefts from Motor Vehicles
Date of Incident: 13 January 2010
Location: Wicomico County, MD
Suspect: Pending

Narrative: Between 11-13
January 2010 the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office has been receiving reports of numerous reports of unattended vehicles entered during overnight hours. During these incidents, thieves are making off with both money and personal electronics. The common element in these vehicles is that the suspects are targeting unlocked vehicles, many while parked in the victim’s own driveways.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking everyone to remain vigilant for any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods and reminds everyone to please lock their vehicles while unattended. Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to contact either the Sheriff’s Office or Crime Solvers.

Investigations have taken place on these streets:

26000 block of S. Tourmaline Drive
26000 block of Osprey Circle
7300 block of Levin Dashiell Road
6200 block of Oxbridge Drive
28000 block of Beddington Way
6300 block of Willow Creek Drive
6700 block of Cherry Walk Road
25000 block of Club Circle

Irish Jokes

Paddy was driving down the street in a sweat because he had an important meeting and couldn't find a parking place. Looking up to heaven he said, 'Lord take pity on me. If you find me a parking place I will go to Mass every Sunday for the rest of me life and give up me Irish Whiskey!'

Miraculously, a parking place appeared.

Paddy looked up again and said, 'Never mind, I found one.'


ababab

Father Murphy walks into a pub in Donegal, and asks the first man he meets, 'Do you want to go to heaven?'

The man said, 'I do, Father.'

The priest said, 'Then stand over there against the wall.'

Then the priest asked the second man, 'Do you want to go to heaven?'

'Certainly, Father,' the man replied.

'Then stand over there against the wall,' said the priest.

Then Father Murphy walked up to O'Toole and asked, 'Do you want to go to heaven?'

O'Toole said, 'No, I don't Father.'

The priest said, 'I don't believe this. You mean to tell me that when you die you don't want to go to heaven?'

O'Toole said, 'Oh, when I die , yes. I thought you were getting a group together to go right now.'


ababab

Paddy was in New York .

He was patiently waiting and watching the traffic cop on a busy street crossing. The cop stopped the flow of traffic and shouted, 'Okay, pedestrians.' Then he'd allow the traffic to pass.

He'd done this several times, and Paddy still stood on the sidewalk.

After the cop had shouted, 'Pedestrians!' for the tenth time, Paddy went over to him and said, 'Is it not about time ye let the Catholics across?'


ababab

Gallagher opened the morning newspaper and was dumbfounded to read in the obituary column that he had died. He quickly phoned his best friend, Finney.

'Did you see the paper?' asked Gallagher. 'They say I died!!'

'Yes, I saw it!' replied Finney. 'Where are ye callin' from?'


ababab

An Irish priest is driving down to New York and gets stopped for speeding in Connecticut . The state trooper smells alcohol on the priest's breath and then sees an empty wine bottle on the floor of the car.

He says, 'Sir, have you been drinking?'

'Just water,' says the priest.

The trooper says, 'Then why do I smell wine?'

The priest looks at the bottle and says, 'Good Lord! He's done it again!'


ababab

Walking into the bar, Mike said to Charlie the bartender, 'Pour me a stiff one - just had another fight with the little woman.'

'Oh yeah?' said Charlie, 'And how did this one end?'

'When it was over,' Mike replied, 'She came to me on her hands and knees.'

'Really,' said Charles, 'Now that's a switch! What did she say?'

She said, 'Come out from under the bed, you little chicken.'


ababab

Patton staggered home very late after another evening with his drinking buddy, Paddy. He took off his shoes to avoid waking his wife, Kathleen.

He tiptoed as quietly as he could toward the stairs leading to their upstairs bedroom, but misjudged the bottom step. As he caught himself by grabbing the banister, his body swung around and he landed heavily on his rump. A whiskey bottle in each back pocket broke and made the landing especially painful.

Managing not to yell, Patton sprung up, pulled down his pants, and looked in the hall mirror to see that his butt cheeks were cut and bleeding. He managed to quietly find a full box of Band-Aids and began putting a Band-Aid as best he could on each place he saw blood.

He then hid the now almost empty Band-Aid box and shuffled and stumbled his way to bed.

In the morning, Patton woke up with searing pain in both his head and butt and Kathleen staring at him from across the room.

She said, 'You were drunk again last night weren't you?'

Patton said, 'Why you say such a mean thing?'

'Well,' Kathleen said, 'it could be the open front door, it could be the broken glass at the bottom of the stairs, it could be the drops of blood trailing through the house, it could be your bloodshot eyes, but mostly ....... it's all those Band-Aids stuck on the hall mirror.

HOA Workshop

Sponsored by the Wicomico Neighborhood Congress

on

Wednesday Evening, January 20

from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM



At the

Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore,

1324 Belmont Avenue in Salisbury

(Just north of Route 50, east off Civic Avenue)



*****

Wicomico County’s many Homeowners Associations

are beset with issues:

o Foreclosure of properties

o Inability to collect HOA dues/assessments

o Issues or negotiations with developer

o ByLaws issues, incorporation, exempt status

o Other issues of concern to your HOA



All member HOAs and neighborhood association members of the

Neighborhood Congress (and prospective members) are invited to

attend, and to bring your issues for round-table discussion

***

Presentation will be led by Philip Robinson, Executive Director of Civil Justice, Inc., an attorney experienced in addressing issues

of housing, foreclosure, predatory lending, etc.



For information, contact Mike Pretl at 443-323-3060

or Cindy Pilchard at 410-742-5224

RSVP to: cindypilchardco@comcast.net