POLICE INVESTIGATE SALISBURY HOMICIDE

(Salisbury, MD) – Maryland State Police and the Wicomico Bureau of Investigation are continuing their investigation into the murder of a Salisbury man that occurred last night when suspects entered his home and shot him.

The victim is identified as Gregory J. Wright, 22, of the 900-block of East Booth Street, Salisbury, Md. Wright lived at that address with his girlfriend, her mother, and two children related to his girlfriend’s mother.

The two suspects are described only as African American males, both of whom were said to be wearing dark clothing, gloves, and skull caps. One of the suspects was armed with a handgun. The second suspect did not display a weapon.

Just before 10:00 p.m. yesterday, Maryland State Police at the Salisbury Barracks received a 911 call from the victim’s girlfriend, who reported a shooting had just occurred at her residence. Troopers responded and found the victim deceased in the living room of the home.

Investigators from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit and the Wicomico Bureau of Investigation responded to the scene, along with a K-9 team and State Police crime scene technicians. The preliminary investigation indicates the victim was sitting in the living room of the row house type apartment, with the four females who live there, when the two suspects entered through the front door.

Investigative information developed at this time reveals the suspect with the handgun fired multiple times at the victim as he sat in a chair. The victim was struck in the upper torso. Both suspects then walked out of the residence, taking the handgun with them. None of the four women in the room were injured.

State Police crime scene technicians continue to process the scene for evidence. Investigators are continuing to contact residents in the area to develop information about the suspects responsible for the murder.

Anyone who may have been in the area of Booth Street and Kenosha Avenue between 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. last night is urged to contact police. A reward is being offered by Wicomico County Crime Solvers for information leading to the arrest of one or both of the suspects. Information may be left confidentially by calling 410-548-1776. Maryland State Police at the Salisbury Barracks can be reached at 410-749-3101.

Police: Girl Abducted In Prince George's Co.

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. (WJZ)

State Police have issued a Maryland Child Amber Alert for a Prince George's County girl.

Police say Karina Garcia, described as being four feet 10 inches tall and 110 pounds, is missing. She was last seen wearing red shirt with yellow stars and blue jeans. Garcia has long, black hair.

She was last seen around 2:00 p.m. in the Prince George's County area. The child is believed to have been abducted.

Police believe Elmer Velaya, 5 feet 5 inches tall and 175 pounds, abducted the girl.

Velaya has barbwire tattoos on both biceps and the letter 'Z' tattooed on his ring finger.

Police says the suspect vehicle is an orange tractor with a flatbed trailer bearing Virginia registration.

Anyone with information is asked to immediately call 911 or Prince George's County Police at 301-772-4901.

4418 Powellville Road Now Cleared

Joe reports by phone from Powellville that

the drive and wheelchair ramp at 4418 Powellville Road

are now cleared for both two wheeled and four wheeled use.

He sounded beat, but says he'll be out and available

for snow clearing assistance for the

handicapped or elderly for about the next hour.

410-430-5349

THANK YOU!!!

Thank you! Two simple words that carry alot of meaning. If you would like to thank someone who helped you during this record setting blizzard, please leave a comment for them.

I would like to thank God for getting my family thru this blizzard without any major problems. I am truly blessed and thankful for the extra time I was able to spend with my family. My brother came and stayed with us for a few days and helped shovel me out. Thanks Ron!

Navy SEAL Physical Screening Test - Start Practicing Now

Spec Ops PST

Navy MySpace Video

The Navy SEALs, BUD/S Physical Fitness Test
500 yard swim

minimum=12:30
competitive=8:30
Push ups in 2 minutes
minimum=42

competitive=100
Sit ups in 2 minutes

minimum=52

competitive=100
Pull ups

minimum=8

competitive=20
1.5 mile run

minimum=11:30
competitive=9

Run is done in boots and pants. 10 minutes rest between swim and push ups. 2 minutes rest after push ups. 2 minutes rest after sit ups. 10 minutes rest after pull ups.

Volunteers

I want to start off by thanking all of those who have contacted me referencing helping the elderly. I have received more e-mail replies regarding this request than I ever thought would happen.

Believe it or not, we have yet to receive a request to drive someone to the store. I have received requests to clear some pathways and driveways and while I know many of you have also offered to do some shoveling, besides the Powellville property I believe I have things under control today, so far.

Remember Folks, if you need help just contact me and we'll do all we can to get to your property and help out. That being said, I will be out and about today so comments will not be processed. Updates and Posts will also be delayed.

We also apologize for not having our Show again this week. I'm confident everyone can understand why.

WWII - Rare Color Film

Race & Gender Of Judges Make Enormous Differences In Rulings, Studies Find

A judge's race or gender makes for a dramatic difference in the outcome of cases they hear—at least for cases in which race and gender allegedly play a role in the conduct of the parties, according to two recent studies.

The results were the focus of a program about “Diversity on the Bench: Is the ‘Wise Latina’ a Myth?,” sponsored by the ABA Judicial Division at the ABA Midyear Meeting in Orlando on Saturday afternoon.

In federal racial harassment cases, one study found that plaintiffs lost just 54 percent of the time when the judge handling the case was an African-American. Yet plaintiffs lost 81 percent of the time when the judge was Hispanic, 79 percent when the judge was white, and 67 percent of the time when the judge was Asian American.

The comprehensive study, by professors from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business, examined a random assortment of 40 percent of all reported racial harassment cases from six federal circuits between 1981 and 2003.

A second study looked at 556 federal appellate cases involving allegations of sexual harassment or sex discrimination in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The finding: plaintiffs were at least twice as likely to win if a female judge was on the appellate panel.

Here's more..

Today's Survey Question

Have You Helped Someone During This Blizzard?

How To Melt Ice And Keep Ice From Forming

My husband has been using it this year with great success..........

Remove the lid from a large garden sprayer and fill the tank with 2 to 3 cups of calcium chloride granules. Calcium chloride is a salt that can be purchased at most automotive stores.

Pour hot water into the garden sprayer tank at a ratio of 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of calcium chloride. Make sure the water is hot, but not boiling so that it can thoroughly dissolve the calcium chloride granules.

Place the top back on the garden sprayer until it is secure.

Shake the garden sprayer gently for 30 to 60 seconds to further dissolve the calcium chloride into the water.

Spray a light layer of the liquid de-icer over icy surfaces such as sidewalks, stairs or streets. The liquid de-icer can also be sprayed onto surfaces before a storm to prevent ice from forming.

Elderly Woman In Powellville Needs Help

Hey Mr Albero,

I just wanted to ask if you or any of your "snow help" would be in the powellville area tomorrow if they could stop by my mothers house. Her name is Betty Lewis. She is 75 and her driveway is in horrendous condition. My father is currently going through rehab at Genesis after a seizure.

We were snowed in apart from each other this last snow. I went to help her out today and on Mt Hermon Road my blazer broke down. Well a busted fuel pump, distributor cap, and serpentine belt later my truck was towed to the shop and by the time I got to her to help her......I could only shovel so much before nightfall. Her address is 4418 Powellville Road in Powellville.....If you know of anyone in the area please let them know.....I will be heading back down there tomorrow so hopefully I can make a dent in it myself....Thanks

Editors Note: I received this message last night and will be in the Salisbury area this morning. If you live in the Powellville area and can lend a helping hand, great. If not, I will do my best to be there some time later today.

Poll: Only 8 Percent Support Incumbents

Only eight percent (8%) of adults would reelect incumbent lawmakers, according to the latest CBS News/New York Times poll.

Eighty-one percent of respondents said that they would vote senators and congressmen out of office.

The poll, which was taken Feb. 5-10, comes about nine months before voters take to the polls in the 2010 midterm elections. The numbers underscore the high anti-incumbent sentiment heading into the election season, spelling danger for the large Democratic majorities in Congress.

The 8 percent figure is the lowest support incumbents have received since the poll started asking the question in 1992.

More here

What's Good For The Goose...

The Texas State Legislature votes. This clip is a couple of years old, but the rules haven't changed. And, according to reports, neither has the blanket violation of the rules.

Hi Joe,

The week of the first snow storm , my daughter in law sent to youu a picture of kitten that showed up under our house of which we took in . No one has claim the kitten so my granddaughter decide in her 5 yr old mind that it was now her. We have two other cats of which they rule house and so far they don't like kitten but has agreed to let it at least stay as long as not to close. we took him to pets mart vet due to not sure if we could get him into ours on short notice cause he had a very bad cold. i was shocked. Oh they saw him but I got to tell you they are not cheap. And will try to sell you everything they can. But I understand retail business. Well to his name is now Tigerray. He is a very loving kitty, and just beautiful and a great addition to our home. Thanks you for trying and he's happy . Terrie

HISTORICAL COMMENTS BY GEORGE CHEVALLIER

A SHORT SYNOPSIS OF THE HISTORY OF POSTCARDS

Chronological history of postcards in the United States



1861 - The first copyright for a postcard was issued in the United States

1873 - First government postcard was issued in the United States

Postage was printed on the card by the government.

1898 - First private postcards allowed in the United States

Cards could be printed by private printers and publishers.

1898-1907 - Address only allowed on one side of card

Any message had to be written on the side with the picture.

1907 - Divided backs allowed by Post Office

With the address required on the right side of the card, the

left side was open for any message to be sent. The other

side of the card now had an undisturbed picture.

1916-1930 - White border cards

Since most cards printed before 1916 were printed in Germany,

the advent of World War I precipitated negative feelings toward

that country and the printers wanted their customers to know

that the cards were produced in the United States. So they put

a ¼ inch white border around the picture on the postcard.

This also used less ink and saved the printer money.

1930-1945 - Linen cards used

The finish on these cards has the appearance of linen cloth.

1945 - Modern chrome era begins

These cards have a glossy finish and appear as a photograph.



Dating postcards – sometimes you can date a postcard if you know when the postal rates changed. Postcard collectors should keep this table handy.

1872 1 cent 1959 3 cents 1978 10 cents

1917 2 cents 1963 4 cents 1981 12 cents

1919 1 cent 1968 5 cents 1981 13 cents

1925 2 cents 1971 6 cents 1985 14 cents

1928 1 cent 1973 8 cents 1988 15 cents

1952 2 cents 1975 7 cents 1991 19 cents

1976 9 cents



Postcards have been made from many materials other than paper over the years. These materials include leather, metal, wood and often included the addition of pieces of other materials such as fur, feathers, hair or cloth in their construction. The modern Post Office either forbids or discourages the use of these non-standard cards.

The very best cards are what are known as “real photo” cards. These are made from actual photographs and are printed in very limited quantities due to the subject matter. Most of them are of someone’s relatives or an event of some significance. Anyone having one of these should write the name of the pictured party on the reverse in light pencil. Many can be found amongst old family pictures. Today these are rare and can be quite costly to obtain due to the nature of the subject matter if it is of local interest. The following is a chart for identifying and dating real photo postcards.



PAPER DATES NOTES

AGFA ANSCO 1930’s-1940’s

ANSCO 1940’s-1960 Two stars top and bottom

ARGO 1905-1920

ARTURA 1910-1924

AZO SQUARE 1927-1940’s Squares in corners

AZO TRI 1 1904-1918 Four triangles pointed up

AZO TRI 2 1918-1930 Triangles: 2-up, 2 down

CYKO 1904-1920’s

DEFENDER 1 1910-1920 Diamond above and below

DEFENDER 2 1920-1940 Diamond inside

DOPS 1937-1942

EKC 1945-1950

EKKP 1904-1950

EKO 1942-1970

KODAK 1950-

KRUXO 1907-1920’s

NOKO 1907-1920’s

PMO 1907-1915

SOLIO 1903-1920’s

VELOX 1901-1920

VITAVA 1925-1934

There are many categories to collect – holidays, patriotics, and just about any subject you can think about – but what are known as “local views” are the most popular because it is a wonderful method of collecting a pictorial history of a certain geographical area.

Before the age of local views, many collectors collected post marks. The Post Offices in Wicomico County were located at Allen, Athol, Barren Creek Springs, Bivalve, Capitola, Collins Wharf, Fruitland, New Hope, Nanticoke, Pittsville, Parsonsburg, Powellville, Riverton, Salisbury, Sharptown, Twilley, Tyaskin, Walston, Wanamaker, Wango, Whayland, White Haven and Whiton.

$1,000,000 Set-aside For African American Heritage Preservation Program

Joe:

Sometimes life amazes me. What possible significance could this have on anything.

Surely - our politicians can find better things to do with our taxpayers time and money.

http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/HB0915.htm

White House Sends Out Invites For 'Health Summit'

In a make or break move, President Barack Obama on Friday challenged three dozen Republicans and Democrats to participate in a one-of-a-kind televised summit this month to thrash out a deal on health care.

House Republicans immediately greeted the invite to the Feb. 25 event with derision, casting doubt on whether it would yield any bipartisan agreement to extend coverage to millions of Americans and rein in medical costs. "We need answers before we know if the White House is more interested in partisan theater than in facilitating a productive dialogue about solutions," said Kevin Smith, a spokesman for House Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio.

But Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., was more receptive, saying he would work with the White House "to maximize the effectiveness of the meeting."

The summit is considered a last, best attempt to revive Obama's yearlong quest, now stalled after Democrats lost their filibuster-proof Senate majority. Yet since Obama proposed the summit last weekend, Republicans and Democrats have voiced skepticism, with some in the GOP wondering if it would be nothing but a spectacle that could benefit the president at their expense.

By presiding over a meeting with three dozen lawmakers trying to get a word in edgewise, Obama may be able to dominate the conversation and the visual images. That's what many Democrats say he did at a Jan. 29 session when he faced a roomful of GOP House members in Baltimore, controlling the microphone for much of the event.

Read more here

Obama May Use Executive Orders To Accomplish Agenda

Frustrated by his inability to advance his agenda in Congress, President Barack Obama is hoping to use executive powers to accomplish some of his policy goals.

“We are reviewing a list of presidential executive orders and directives to get the job done across a front of issues,” Rahm Emanuel, the White House chief of staff, told The New York Times.

According to the Times, Obama aims to skirt the legislative process on energy, environmental, fiscal and other domestic issues.

Read more

Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Release

Incident: Robbery
Date of Incident: 10 February 2010
Location: 1200 block of Nanticoke Road, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Ronald L. Reed, 45, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 10 February 2010 at deputy on patrol came across an altercation occurring in the roadway between occupants of two vehicles in the 1200 block of Nanticoke Road. The deputy stopped and observed that one of the subjects, Ronald L. Reed was yelling at another subject over money owed to Reed. The deputy observed that Reed’s loud behavior was creating a disturbance to patrons at nearby businesses. Upon speaking to all parties involved, the deputy learned that Reed confronted the other subject in the roadway over the money then proceeded to forcibly remove a pair of boots and eyeglasses from the subject. Reed also took a cell phone from the subject. Reed informed the deputy that he intended to keep the items until the money owed him was paid.

The deputy placed Reed under arrest for Robbery and transported him to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Reed was detained by the Commissioner in the Detention Center in lieu of $30,000.00 bond.


Charges: Robbery
Theft
Assault
Disorderly Conduct

Brooke Mulford Update

I am beginning this entry on such a sad note. Erik Ludwinski, who was such an inspiration to so many Neuroblastoma parents and warriors, passed away on Tuesday from Neuroblastoma at 25 years old. Erik was first diagnosed at age 6 and relapsed at age 20. Erik was an amazing young man whose strength, courage and faith were truly inspiring. He was a voice for all our little warriors battling this awful disease. I had the great pleasure and honor of meeting Erik and his equally inspiring mother, Donna, at clinic just a few months ago. My heart aches for his family and friends…please pray for them.

Brooke started with the IL2 and Antibodies yesterday morning. Crazy mood swings were pretty much the only issues while she was awake. Last night on two occasions she had a low grade fever (100.9). If she has 3 low grades (100.4) over a 24 hr period or spikes 101.4 or more than blood cultures are taken and she starts on 3 antibiotics. Earlier tonight she had her third low grade so everything has started. Her blood pressure is on the low side again (80’s/30’s) so doctors have been in to check on her and a fluid bolus was given. Her pulsox was dropping as well into the high 80’s and a respiratory therapist has come into evaluate her. So far not a huge concern but she is being monitored closely.

We are so blessed to be here at CHOP. The doctors, nurses and support staff are so dedicated and caring. During the snow storm many stayed as many as 3 nights here at the hospital. God certainly led us to the best possible place last January. I have met 2 more NB kids and families over the past couple of days, Robyn and Elizabeth. Robyn and her family came here from England to be able to get the IL2 & Antibodies and will be living at CHOP and The Ronald McDonald House (in between treatments) for 5 months! Elizabeth will soon be having her stem cell transplant. Please include them in your prayers as well.

When it seems rough being snowed in for a couple days and you think you’re going stir crazy, just think about what it must be like for these kids to be essentially isolated for months-years from family, friends and the outside world. WE NEED TO FIND A CURE NOW! Give these kids their childhoods back…

God Bless,

Amy

Americans To Congress: Tear Up This Health Care Plan!

Washington, Feb 12 - “Is it better to build on the health care plan that has been working its way through the House and Senate, or should Congress scrap that plan and start all over again?”

28% Build on the health care plan that has been working its way through the House & Senate

61% Congress should scrap that plan and start all over again

11% Not sure

(Rasmussen Reports; conducted February 9-10, 2010; Survey of 1,000 Likely Voters Nationwide)

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

In an op-ed Friday, Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga., a physician and head of the Republican Study Committee, derided the summit as "simply an attempt by the president to use the White House as a political tool to intimidate his way into a government takeover of health care. The American people and Republicans in Congress will not be taken by this Chicago-style politics."

"It appears our 'pragmatic' president still hasn't gotten the message and remains immovably wedded to the plans already passed in the House and Senate," Price wrote.

In a letter to the top congressional Democrats, the House's leading Republicans criticized the ongoing Democratic negotiations.

"The existence of any kind of backroom health care deal among the White House and Democratic Leaders would certainly make a mockery of the president's stated desire to have a 'bipartisan' and 'transparent' dialogue on this issue," wrote Reps. John Boehner of Ohio, Eric Cantor of Virginia and Mike Pence of Indiana.

The No. 2 Democrat in the House said Friday that a dispute over how to pay for President Barack Obama's sweeping healthcare overhaul is holding up a deal between House and Senate Democrats, one of several stumbling blocks to reviving the legislation.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said Friday that he was hopeful although he didn't sound overly optimistic in an interview with Maryland reporters in Annapolis.

"I think we certainly have a framework of a basis for an agreement between the two houses but we haven't gotten there yet," Hoyer said.

"It's going to be tough and we'll have to see," he said.

"Some pay-fors in the Senate bill are very controversial as you know, and some of our pay-fors are very controversial," Hoyer said.

Nonetheless, he said, "We believe that there are a majority of votes in the United States Senate to pass an agreed-upon version between the Senate and the House and we're working on that."

More

Fatal Shooting

"The guy that was shot and killed was a friend who I graduated high school with. We graduated from Parkside High school in 2005. He was a sweet guy. I can only assume that he got caught up in the wrong crowd or was in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was sweet and lovable, like a big teddy bear :'-( His birthday was coming up on Sunday....Vday..... Just thought I would give you a little insight on who he was!"

Delmar Laundry Mat

Joe,

I have a few people that I know go into the Delmar laundry mat on the Delaware side...the one next to the church on bi state. And they are starting to notice that something is just not right. When they used to do there laundry there they would get more water in there washers to clean there clothes. Now you cant even see the water and some of them are still dry when you pull them out of the washer!! If you could maybe see if anyone has had these problems as well and see if there is anything we can do to get this fixed right. They say that there is man there that goes in and it looks like he is fixing the washers but I think they are charging the customers and not giving them what they are supposed to. It is crazy how do you put laundry in a washer and then have it come out and it is still dry or still very dirty!! I have heard to much and it is time to do something so us good Delmar people stop getting ripped off!!! Can you help us!!!