SBYNews At 6 General Election Interviews With Jim Mathias

Sby News Interview Jim Mathias from Jack Powell on Vimeo.

Robbery @ Delmarva Pharmacy

Joe,

Apparently a robbery just occurred at Delmarva Pharmacy off Belmont Ave in Salisbury (Rt. 50 near Civic Ave). Police coming from everywhere. Last heard, the perps were headed E Rt 50.

Courtesy (?) Chevrolet?

Joe,

 

Last week at work one of my tires was very low on air.  The closest place to where I work is Courtesy Chevrolet.  I called and asked them if I could get some air in the tire.

 

They said "yes". I proceeded to go the service entrance and they took my car.  They said my tire had a nail in it (I didn't ask to see the nail as I was anxious to get back to work) and they would put a plug in the tire. I was charged the following for the repair:

 

Tr Tire Repair      $24.60 Labor 

1 Plug                      1.47 Part

Shop charge for

disposing the nail     1.25 Haz/Mat

Sales tax                    .17

Total repair          $27.49

 

I have been told that the average repair should be about $15.00  However, I was at their mercy and paid the bill.

 

Here comes the kicker.  I hope your are ready for a good laugh.

 

Around the first of the year, I had all 4 tires and valves replaced at Peninsula Total Car Care. 

 

The service person told me (and I have it in writing) that they recommended I replace all 4 valve stems.  Are you ready for your laugh???  Estimate $135.00.  No mistake!!!  Needless to say, I told them "No Thanks", took my car and left.

 

When I got off from work, I took my car to Peninsula and they told me that there is nothing wrong with my valves and that the old ones were  replaced when I bought my tires. 

 

I have never dealt with Courtesy and never will in the future.  I will give them credit for speedy service as I was only there 33 minutes.  I am a granny and don't have STUPID on my forehead.  Thanks for letting me vent.

Don't Miss Our 6 PM Candidate Interview With Jim Mathias

SHOREBIRDS UNVEIL 2011 SAL ALL-STAR GAME LOGO

All-Star Game Set for June 21, 2011

Salisbury, MD – The Delmarva Shorebirds unveiled the logo for the 2011 South Atlantic League “Strike Out Hunger” All-Star Game presented by Perdue as part of a press conference at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.  The all-star game will be contested on June 21, 2011 at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.  It marks the first professional all-star game on the Eastern Shore since 1999.

The official logo features the head of the Shorebirds primary logo with the wings forming the outer star.  The title sponsor of the event, Perdue, is prominently featured just below the text “All-Star Game”. 

“This is an exciting step in the journey towards June 21, 2011,” said Shorebirds general manager Chris Bitters.  “I truly believe that the design of the logo is perfect in that all the necessary items are weaved together perfectly and yet it’s still very easy on the eye.”   

The logo was designed by Plan B Branding, the same company that designed the Shorebirds 15^th Anniversary logo last year.  For more information about Plan B Branding, visit http://www.planbbranding.com/.

Shorebirds general manager Chris Bitters, Co-Chair of Perdue’s “Strike Out Hunger” Campaign Andrea Williams, and Director for Wicomico County Parks, Recreation and Tourism Gary Mackes were the featured speakers at the press conference. 

“We’re excited to partner with the Shorebirds and Delmarva’s food banks to help strike out hunger on Delmarva,” said Andrea Williams.  “The opportunity to sponsor the All Star Game on behalf of the Eastern Shore Branch of the Maryland Food Bank, the Delaware Food Bank and Virginia’s Food Bank of the Eastern Shore is a way to build upon our company’s commitment to fighting hunger in our communities. We look forward to working with the Shorebirds and the food banks to not only increase awareness of hunger of Delmarva, but, more importantly, to get the community involved in helping our food banks end hunger.”

Representatives from the Maryland Food Bank, Delaware Food Bank and the Foodbank on the Eastern Shore were all on hand Wednesday. 

In addition to the actual all-star game, the Shorebirds will host three-days of festivities on the Eastern Shore between June 20 and June 22. 

For more information about the 2011 “Strike Out Hunger” All-Star Game, contact the Shorebirds at 410-219-3112 or visit us online at http://www.theshorebirds.com/.

Lee Brumley Joins SCSO

Sheriff Robert N. Jones has hired Lee Brumley as a part-time deputy for the Somerset County Sheriff's Office.  Deputy Brumley recently retired as a Pocomoke police officer.

Obama on Communist Chinese Payroll

Did you know that the President of the United States is on the ChiCom payroll?  It’s true … at least by the logic of the Obama administration.

It works like this -

The Chinese lend the United States hundreds of billions of dollars because our President and Congress are unable to control government spending.  These dollars from the Chinese flow into the government’s general fund.  Money is fungible.  Since Obama is paid from the general fund of the US Treasury, he’s being paid (at least in part) by the good folks of the People’s Republic of China.

No wonder he bows down to Chinese leaders!

NOTE:  Credit for this goes to Rush Limbaugh.  Is it convoluted?  Absolutely.  However, President Obama claims that the US Chamber of Commerce is funding campaign ads with foreign money.  He has no evidence.  However, IF that is true it is even more true that Obama is on the payroll of the ChiComs.

from Delmarva Dealings

Eastern Shore Driving Academy Closes Their Doors In The Middle Of Class

The Eastern Shore Driving Academy in Berlin, owned by Barry Neeb and Patrice Ottey have closed their doors. Here's the problem. They did it in the middle of training 15 to 20 Students and will not return their money.

The class cost each student $325.00. They are expected to provide 30 hours of classroom time and 6 hours of driving time. Only a small portion of the last class was provided.

The Erie Bonding Insurance Company informed many of these students that they are awaiting an answer from the MVA as to how Barry and Patrice will be paying each student back their money. However, from what we've learned through the MVA, that's not the students nor the MVA's problem.

The MVA took the Eastern Shore Driving Academy License away from them, so they are in fact OUT OF BUSINESS.

Allegedly, Barry stated to one parent, we've been teaching these classes for the past 2 or 3 years without a paycheck.

Another local driving school has offered to finish the students classes but has to charge an additional $150.00 to do so. One thing that really got under the parents skin is the fact that Patrice continues to run a Tags and Title business in the same center.

Today's Survey Question

Who Was Your Favorite Actor On Saturday Night Live?

Couple Suspected In Alleged Abuse Of Baby Whose Mom Was Serving In Afghanistan

A husband and wife stationed at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma are suspected of brutally abusing a 1-year-old boy whose mother left him in their custody while she was fighting for her country in Afghanistan.

Master Sgt. Gary Knight of the Oklahoma City Police told Fox 25 in Oklahoma City that the child has “numerous injuries, including broken ribs,” and that the injuries “appear to have happened over a period of time.” Among the injuries listed in the police report are a broken left shoulder, a lacerated liver, a punctured lung with blood in the abdomen and a large bite mark on the left thigh.

The baby has been in the hospital since Thursday, when he was admitted for recurring vomiting after suffering a seizure. Doctors who examined him there discovered he had injuries all over his body.

GO HERE to read more.

Promises, Promises: '08 Tax Vows Broken?

President Obama pledged during 2008 campaign that middle-class families would not see a tax increase of any kind — a pledge critics have repeatedly accused him of violating, especially with Bush tax cuts set to expire unless Congress acts before Jan. 1

GO HERE to read more.

'Robo-Signers' Add To Foreclosure Fraud Mess

In testimony 'experts' admit they rushed paperwork, didn't know law

NEW YORK — In an effort to rush through thousands of home foreclosures since 2007, financial institutions and their mortgage servicing departments hired hair stylists, Walmart floor workers and people who had worked on assembly lines and installed them in "foreclosure expert" jobs with no formal training, a Florida lawyer says.

In depositions released Tuesday, many of those workers testified that they barely knew what a mortgage was. Some couldn't define the word "affidavit." Others didn't know what a complaint was, or even what was meant by personal property. Most troubling, several said they knew they were lying when they signed the foreclosure affidavits and that they agreed with the defense lawyers' accusations about document fraud.

GO HERE to read more.

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases

On October 11, 2010 at approximately 8:29 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the area of Church Street and Clay Street for the report of the robbery of a delivery person. Upon arrival the officers met with the adult male victim who advised that he had been delivering food to a residence on the two hundred (200) block of Clay Street and was approached by three (3) unknown males. Two of the suspects struck the victim in the face, then held him as they checked his pockets. The suspects took an amount of U.S. currency from the victim in addition to the food that he was attempting to deliver. The third suspect stayed a distance away from the victim and was in possession of a long rifle type weapon. Once the items were taken from the victim the suspects fled from the area on foot towards Naylor Street. The victim was not injured. The investigation is continuing and the suspects were all described as black males, late teens to early twenties in age. The delivery residence was found to be an unoccupied vacant dwelling.
CC # 201000040598

On October 12, 2010 at approximately 9:44 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a local pizza restaurant for the report of the robbery of a delivery person. Upon arrival the officer met with the adult male victim who advised that he had attempted to deliver food to an address on the three hundred (300) block of Truitt Street. As the victim approached the residence he was met by a lone suspect on the front porch. The victim met the first suspect, and observed three (3) other unknown males emerge from behind the residence. The victim was struck in the head area and the suspects took U.S. currency and a cellular telephone from his pants pocket and the delivery food. One (1) of the suspects was also in possession of a black long rifle type weapon. The suspects then fled from the area on foot. The victim sustained minor injuries that were treated by Salisbury Emergency Medical Services. The suspects were all described as black males, wearing dark clothing and masks over their faces. The victim advised that the suspects were all approximately 5’10" tall. The delivery residence was found to be an unoccupied vacant dwelling.   CC # 201000040732

If anyone has any information regarding these two (2) robberies, they are asked to contact the Salisbury Police Department at 410-548-3165, or to contact Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776. Information may be left anonymously.

No Work Session On Safe Streets After 73 Days

73 days since Salisbury Safe Streets Legislation Introduced Still No Council Work Session

Mayor James Ireton, Jr. reminds the public, today, that 73 days have passed since he introduced the Salisbury Safe Streets Legislative Package. The package was introduced to the public and given to City Council on Monday, August 2nd, 2010. This means City Council has had 73 days to place this on a Work session agenda and Council President, Louise Smith, has yet to do so. Mayor Ireton urges the public, in the wake of the current wave of violence, to contact Mrs. Smith and demand that the legislative package get a hearing. The mayor has asked that the package have an up or down vote by Thanksgiving of this year.

Cohen notes crime, rentals link at Safe Streets Forum - http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20101013/NEWS01/10130392/1002/Cohen-notes-crime--rentals-link-at-Safe-Streets-forum

http://www.ci.salisbury.md.us/CityGovernment/CityCouncilofSalisburyMD/tabid/80/Default.aspx   For links to Salisbury City Council Members

http://www.ci.salisbury.md.us/Default.aspx?tabid=643 – Neighborhood Legislative Package Link

WANTED:

BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS TREE DONATED FOR THE DOWNTOWN PLAZA

NEEDED BY NOV 5, 2010

25 TO 30 FOOT EVERGREEN

TO BE THE CENTER OF

ATTENTION FOR THE CITY’S

CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES

PLEASE CONTACT:

HOWARD LANDON

CITY SERVICE CENTER

410-548-3177

Delivery Driver Safety

There have been a number of street robberies during the past month in various areas of Salisbury. The robberies have involved food delivery drivers being robbed. Citizens should be aware of the following safety tips to help prevent becoming a victim;

Delivery Drivers


Verify the address you are going to.

Get a call back phone number and name for the person placing the order.

If you go to a residence for a delivery and there are no lights on; leave the area and have your business call back the person that placed the order.

Look around before you get out of your car to make the delivery. If a situation does not look or feel right, get back in your vehicle and lock the doors. Then have your business call back the number and verify the delivery.

If someone tries to flag you down and you are not at the destination of the delivery, DO NOT STOP.

Continue away from the area. Then stop and contact your Business to verify the delivery.

If you run into s suspicious situation while making a delivery do not hesitate to Contact the police department immediately.

German POWs In The US

WHAT:  Held on the Homefront:  German POWs in the U.S., 1943-46, a traveling exhibit

WHO:  Everyone is welcome to attend.

WHEN: Tuesday, November 9^th, noon – 4 p.m.

WHERE: Wicomico Public Library, outside on Circle Ave.

SALISBURY, MD – October 13, 2010 – The Friends of Wicomico Public Library are co-sponsoring, along with the Historical Society, Held on the Homefront at the Main Library on November 9^th from 12-4 p.m.

Sixty-five years ago Allied forces defeated Nazism in Europe—while almost half a million Axis POWs sat on U.S. soil! From Labor Day 2010 through Memorial Day 2011 TRACES Center for History and Culture is featuring Held on the Homefront: German POWs in the U.S., 1943-46, a traveling exhibit touring the East Coast from North Carolina to Maine; passing through Salisbury in November!

Held on the Homefront is an unusual, rich story brought to life in the BUS-eum, a 40-foot school bus converted into a mobile classroom and museum. The exhibit consists of 15 narrative display panels illustrated
with dozens of photographs and documents, DVD documentaries, artifacts and much more.

Although few people know the story today, almost 380,000 German POWs were held in 660 camps, in almost each of the then-48 states and in the Territory of Alaska. They worked side by side with their American "hosts" and in the process formed relationships, some lasting decades. Their experiences embody ageless and timely themes of war and peace, justice under arms, and issues regarding human rights, international reconciliation and future conflict avoidance.

There were 12 camps in Maryland alone! Irving Kellman, our BUS Driver/Docent Extraordinaire, will be conversant about your state’s local POW stories; some of them included:        Odenton – Gaithersburg – Frederick – Pikesville – Cambridge – Salisbury – Westminster - Berlin - Hurlock – Westover.

For more information on this event or other library services, visit us on the web at www.wicomicolibrary.org or call 410-749-3612.  Programs are free and open to the public. 

The Friends are dedicated to strengthening support for the library, enriching resources and services in partnership with the staff and trustees and promoting awareness of library services and needs.

Wicomico Public Library: Supporting Learning, Building Community, Enriching Lives

Sobos Beer Festival

A Letter To The Editor

SHOULD SALISBURY’S "SAFE STREETS" SCHEME BE RENAMED – OR REVISED?

From the public comments made during the meeting at Station 16 last night, it is apparent that the legislative package formulated by Jim Ireton (in collaboration with Council members Campbell and Cohen) is misleading in its nickname – "Safe Streets." The main thrust is anti-landlord, but the real result would be especially harmful for tenants.

It is now evident that, except for a small group of City residents, there is very little support by the general public for the proposals.

A particularly perceptive comment was made by someone (whose name I missed) wearing a bright green shirt who described himself as a homeowner in the City whose property has been frequently vandalized in a neighborhood ridden with drug dealers and crime. As he pointed out, the proposed legislation provides no real protection against that reality. He said that he was deceived by the "Safe Streets" label because it suggested that the meeting was being held to address the City’s soaring crime problem.

The proposed legislation should be completely redrafted if it is intended to fight and reduce crime. If that’s not done, then a name change is appropriate – it should be called something like "Anti-Affordable Housing & Excessive Rental Business Regulation."

But the best course of action may be simply to let the proposals slip into oblivion without any further ado and get down to proper and promptly instituted measures to fight and reduce crime. Appointing a permanent Chief of Police would be an important first step.

Two Shot In D.C. Public Works Parking Lot

WASHINGTON -- One of the victims in the Wednesday double shooting in a D.C. Department of Public Works parking lot has died, WTOP has learned.

The other victim remains in critical condition at a hospital, police say.

GO HERE to read more.

Federal Judge Orders Immediate End Of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

A federal judge in California on Tuesday ordered the U.S. military to stop enforcing the 17-year-old policy banning openly gay service members, the policy known as "don't ask, don't tell."
Judge Virginia Phillips issued a permanent injunction against "don't ask, don't tell" from her court in Riverside, Calif., declaring that the policy "infringes the fundamental rights of United States service members and prospective service members."
Her injunction applies to U.S. military personnel serving throughout the world. She also ordered the federal government and military "immediately to suspend and discontinue any investigation, or discharge, separation, or other proceeding that may have been commenced under the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Act."
The judge had ruled the policy unconstitutional in a Sept. 9 decision, but delayed issuing the injunction for a month in order to give the Obama administration's Justice Department an opportunity to respond.
Justice Department spokeswoman Tracy Schmaler said Tuesday the decision was under review. The department has 60 days to file an appeal.
Log Cabin Republicans, the party's most prominent gay rights organization, filed the lawsuit in 2004 and hailed Tuesday's ruling as a "complete and total victory." But the group warned that the case isn't yet closed, noting that the administration may still appeal the decision.
"No longer will our military be compelled to discharge service members with valuable skills and experience because of an archaic policy mandating irrational discrimination," said Christian Berle, deputy executive director of Log Cabin Republicans.
Supporters of "don't ask, don't tell" denounced the ruling as a blatant example of judicial activism undercutting the democratic process. The Senate last month debated legislation to repeal "don't ask, don't tell" — already approved by the House of Representatives — as an amendment to a defense-authorization bill, but proponents could not overcome a filibuster.
"Once again, an activist federal judge is using the military to advance a liberal social agenda, disregarding the views of all four military service chiefs and the constitutional role of Congress," said Family Research Council President Tony Perkins. "This move will only further the desire of voters to change Congress."
In most cases, federal lawyers would be expected to challenge an adverse ruling, but this case comes with an unusual set of circumstances. President Obama has said he personally favors repeal of "don't ask, don't tell," and allowing the deadline to pass without filing an appeal would enable him to deliver a top priority for his party's gay supporters without the risks of a nasty congressional battle.

Source.

Greenbackers vs. Goldbugs

The battle to expose the Federal Reserve has been long and arduous. It finally appears that after nearly 100 years of absolute economic control and near complete debasement of the dollar, the Fed’s reign may be coming to an end. Its eventual demise is certain according to Black Swan author Nassim Taleb and others. With all the recent mainstream talk and speculation about the end of the Fed, it is time to debate solutions for the future of America’s currency. This may indeed be the most important discussion of our lifetime.

First, we must be aware that the Federal Reserve, along with other foreign private central banks and the IMF, have long had plans for a global currency.  This is not conspiracy theory mumbo-jumbo anymore, but rather cold hard fact.  Lew Rockwell wrote an excellent article summarizing the IMF’s push for a global currency — the Bancor.  The recent international currency war may be the beginning of creating a false demand for something more stable for international trade.  As all major currencies race to the bottom, the private banking cartel will surely offer their global solution.  We know what their solution will be — continued debt slavery with more centralized control — but what will the people’s solution be?

There seems to be another currency war brewing right here in America.  The debate between the two most popular proposed solutions of adopting the Greenback or the Gold Standard has just officially begun. Last week, Gary North, a Goldbug and author of Honest Money, wrote a scathing attack of Web of Debt author Ellen Brown, a Greenbacker.  He took select samples from her book in an attempt to tie her public bank solution to Hitler, but failed to address the “interest-free” philosophy of her policy. Despite that, he does manage to frame the Goldbug’s argument against the Greenback, or public banking, as inferior:

GO HERE to read more.

Where's The Boob Tube?

While I was visiting Station 16 last night I happened to notice one of the really expensive flat screen TV's was missing. Oh, how I missed sitting there watching images of the former Chief See and Bill Gordy being constantly displayed on that screen.

The Original Sin

Home-Owning Dream Becomes A Nightmare

SHATTERED DREAMS: Homes are going into foreclosure at a rate of 120,000 a month, and at least one expert warns the mortgage crisis is poised to become a 'tsunami'.

Charles Brown of CB3 Financial says that instead of selling foreclosed homes, banks have been hanging onto them, waiting for the economy to improve. "These banks that have all this pent-up inventory will unleash it on the market, as soon as they see a minor uptick in real estate prices," Brown said, which will, in turn, reduce housing prices even further.

Experts agree that we have not hit rock bottom yet. People are still losing their jobs. Homes are going into foreclosure at a rate of 120,000 a month. Many who feared foreclosure in their future say they tried to work with the banks for "loan modification" -- but they "were denied or given the runaround," Rep. Mike Quigley of Illinois said. The banks weren't working with people so they made the problem worse. "Servicers are famous for delay tactics...like claiming the fax machine was out of paper," he said.

GO HERE to read more.

Man Charged With Plotting Wife's Death

Montgomery County Police Department officials charged a Rockville man with plotting to have his wife killed.

Richard Boyd Jr. and his wife were in the process of getting a divorce, police said, when Boyd Jr. offered an acquaintance money to kill his wife. The would-be gun-for-hire reported to the police that Boyd Jr. offered specific details about how to carry out the killing.

According to police, the men met last week at Boyd Jr.'s home, where he gave the acquaintance cash, five Oxycontin tablets and other things to carry out the murder.

Boyd Jr. was arrested on Friday morning and charged with solicitation of first-degree murder and distribution of a controlled dangerous substance. He is being held without bond.

Source

Across The U.S., Long Recovery Looks Like Recession

'No wonder Americans are pessimistic and unhappy ... We are entering a period of austerity'

This is not what a recovery is supposed to look like.

In Atlanta, the Bank of America tower, the tallest in the Southeast, is nearly a fifth vacant, and bank officials just wrestled a rent cut from the developer. In Cherry Hill, N.J., 10 percent of the houses on the market are so-called short sales, in which sellers ask for less than they owe lenders. And in Arizona, in sun-blasted desert subdivisions, owners speak of hours cut, jobs lost and meals at soup kitchens.

Less than a month before November elections, the United States is mired in a grim New Normal that could last for years. That has policy makers, particularly the Federal Reserve, considering a range of ever more extreme measures, as noted in the minutes of its last meeting, released Tuesday. Call it recession or recovery, for tens of millions of Americans, there’s little difference.

Born of a record financial collapse, this recession has been more severe than any since the Great Depression and has left an enormous oversupply of houses and office buildings and crippling debt. The decision last week by leading mortgage lenders to freeze foreclosures, and calls for a national moratorium, could cast a long shadow of uncertainty over banks and the housing market. Put simply, the national economy has fallen so far that it could take years to climb back.

GO HERE to read more.

Obama Agency Busts Plan To Sell Rifles To Americans

The Obama-run Washington bureaucracy has classified a common and reliable rifle, the M1 Garand, as a "threat to public safety in the U.S.," and the State Department has canceled plans by the Republic of Korea to return tens of thousands of surplus rifles to the U.S. for sale in the consumer market.

The stunning classification of an ordinary gun that was used in the U.S. military for two decades and issued to thousands of soldiers and Marines during World War II and Korea as a threat came in a document by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

It is being publicized by Examiner gun rights writer David Codrea, who said the federal agency appeared alarmed that there would be "no more controls [over imported Garands] than any other firearm."

"If I read this right, what they're saying is, every gun poses a threat to public safety in the U.S.," he wrote. "This is the same rationale used in model-specific 'assault weapons' bans – the type of gun is somehow deemed relevant, even though untold numbers of such firearms are already peaceably owned in this country, and even though no supporting evidence for this conclusion exists beyond agenda-promoting speculation."

More

Webcam-Spying School District Settles Out Of Court, FBI Declines To Press Charges

Looks like the Lower Merion School District will be paying off kids who got zinged by its laptop tracking program -- to the tune of some $610,000. As you might recall, there was quite a bit of hubbub earlier this year when students discovered that their school issued computers tended to activate their webcams and shoot the photos back to administrators. Apparently the FBI has decided not to bring any charges in the case after all, and the various families of the students settled with the school district out of court. And yes, the schools have discontinued the tracking program.

Source

Group Asks High Court To Take D.C. Gay Marriage Case

WASHINGTON (AP) - Opponents of same-sex marriage in Washington are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to take their case.

A group headed by Bishop Harry L. Jackson which had opposed same-sex marriage in the city says it filed a petition with the high court on Tuesday, asking the justices to take their case.

GO HERE to read more.

Naked D.C. Firefighter Chef On Leave

WASHINGTON - A firefighter photographed cooking eggs naked after a retirement party in a D.C. firehouse has been placed on enforced leave and is now the subject of a new investigation, WTOP has learned.
 
"I'm sad to report that the scope of the investigation has broadened significantly," D.C. Fire Chief Dennis Rubin said during an exclusive interview in his office.
 
"The firefighter has been placed on enforced leave."
 
Rubin says for the first five days of the investigation, the employee was entitled to his regular pay.
 
"Now they've converted to their own time -- leave without pay."

GO HERE to read more.

Rewriting Maryland Constitution Is Up To Voters, But Not Many Know

While candidates dominate the news, a ballot question that could make a bigger difference than any one politician is at the bottom of this year’s ballot.

Voters are being asked whether Maryland should call a convention in order to revamp the state’s constitution, a question the document itself requires be on the ballot every 20 years.

There are no signs, political ads, mailers or overt campaigners urging people to vote one way or another.

GO HERE to read more.

Gibbs: Don't Bother Us With Facts When Obama Attacks Chamber

President Obama won’t retreat from his accusation that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which generally supports Republicans, may have received foreign donations to fund its political activity, says White House press secretary Robert Gibbs. That’s what Gibbs told reporters Tuesday, despite the fact that fact-checking website PolitiFact found no foreign donations being given to the Chamber, Politico reports.

The Politifact rebuttal “doesn’t bother me at all,” Gibbs said. "The president will continue to make this argument. We don't know where this money comes from."

More here

Dem Candidate: DCCC Canceled Ads Because I Won't Support Pelosi

A Democratic candidate for Congress accused the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) of pulling its support for his campaign because he said he wouldn't support Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) as House Speaker.

State Sen. Roy Herron (D), who's running for the opening seat held by retiring Rep. John Tanner (D) in Tennessee's 8th congressional district, suggested the DCCC's decision to cancel ad buys in the race was tied to his refusal to back Pelosi.

"This morning The Jackson Sun reported for the first time what I’ve repeatedly told citizens: I will not vote for Nancy Pelosi for House Speaker," Herron said in a statement. "If the DCCC pulling ads is the price of independence and following my conscience, so be it. That’s the kind of congressman I’ll be."

Herron's locked in a tough race against Republican Stephen Fincher for a seat that the GOP needs to win if it hopes to pick up the 39 or more seats they need to win back control of the House. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the contest as a "lean Republican" race, with only three weeks to go until the election.

A handful of Democrats have said they wouldn't back Pelosi to remain as leader of the House Democrats, and several more have been noncommittal. Rep. Bobby Bright (D-Ala.) released an ad on Tuesady touting his pledge to vote against Pelosi, and Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) has suggested Pelosi's leadership might not be tenable if Democrats sustain heavy losses.

More here

Republicans Prove Unpopular With Voters Opposing Obama In Poll

Republican attacks on President Barack Obama’s policies are resonating with voters, even as many Americans give a thumbs-down to the party and some of its specific ideas, a Bloomberg National Poll shows.

Three weeks before the midterm elections, Republicans maintain a position of strength due to the commitment of their supporters and the likelihood they will vote.

The general Republican message of less spending, lower taxes and repeal of the health-care overhaul is connecting. Pluralities of those polled support overturning the health-care measure -- Obama’s signature legislative accomplishment -- and back the “Pledge to America” that offers a road map for how Republicans would govern if they win congressional majorities.

Still, the poll suggests voters aren’t embracing Republicans as much as they are rejecting Democrats.

Poll participant Carol Wortham, 62, a retired state and federal government worker in Bayou Vista, Texas, who considers herself an independent voter, said she plans to support Republicans this year, though she isn’t excited to do so.

“They are the lesser of two evils,” she said.

The poll finds Republicans in an anomalous position -- poised to make political gains while the party and its policies are unpopular.

A Letter To The Editor

Hi Joe,

"here is something maybe you can post or idea to go on...I'm all about sharing the road with bicycle riders..but it is really getting out of hand. On several different occasions I've had them basically play chicken with me, i see them all the time go against traffic where they are getting hit, and they are some who are riding them while they are either stoned or drunk. Do they not know they have to obey traffic laws like vehicles??? I am beginning to think maybe they should start handing out license to drive a bicycles if your going use them as a mode of transportation....I don't mean kids who ride them for recreation..I'm talking about adults who know better. Anyway I am just fed up with those who are not considerate of others on the road. Not to mention there is that ole saying law of tonage."

Ours?

Brian Wagner Memorial Rockfish Tournament

Here's the basics:

What:  1st Annual Brian Wagner Memorial Rockfish Tournament

Where:  Fishing in the Chesapeake Bay.  Weigh in is at Kingfish II Marina, Wenona, Maryland

When:  Friday, November 26, 2010  Weigh in is at 5PM.

Who:  All anglers including recreational anglers, charter boat captains and professional fisherman

Cost:  Early registration $175 on or before November 15, 2010; Regular registration $200 no later than November 24, 2010

The Fish:  Rockfish only. 28 inches and longer.  Must be caught on hook and line as described in Maryland and Virginia recreational standards.

Prizes:  $5,000 Guaranteed Grand Prize (no matter the number of boats entering).  $25,000 Pickup Truck Biggest Fish Prize.  Up to $45,000 in other cash prizes (based on the number of boats entering).

Food and Beverage:  A pig, raw and steamed oysters, fixin's and beverages/beer after the tournament at the Kingfish dock for all anglers participating.

Benefiting:  The Children of Brian Wagner Educational Fund

We have a Facebook Fan Page located at www.facebook.com/RockfishTournament.

That page is open to everyone whether a Facebook user or not.

RSC Update

From the Chairman

According to the Democrats’ latest talking points (originated by the far-left Center for American Progress), if the upcoming elections go against them it will be due to massive amounts of foreign money illegally spent on campaign ads by organizations like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Even though the story has been debunked by Factcheck.org, the Associated Press, and even the New York Times, Democrats have tried to use it to gin up support for the DISCLOSE Act once more. This bill – which obstructs the First Amendment rights of private companies and nonprofit groups while giving broad exemptions to labor unions and a few large interest groups – passed the House last summer and could come up in the Senate during the post-election Lame Duck session.

These smears also serve another purpose – to distract people from the fact that 9.6% of the country is still unemployed, spending remains out-of-control, and higher taxes and government mandates threaten to take more money away from struggling families and businesses. Federal spending is nearly twice as high as it was just ten years ago, yet Washington’s insatiable appetite has done nothing to get our economy back on track. We have to cut spending so we can get back on the path to a balanced budget and let Americans get back to work – with more of their own money in their pockets.

Sincerely,

Congressman Tom Price

Chairman, Republican Study Committee

Never Click On "Free Public Wifi"

When you're cruising for a hotspot at a coffee shop, never click on the "Free Public Wifi" wireless network. "Free Public Wifi" is a Windows XP quirk; when a computer can't find any of its favorite networks it creates a network on-the-fly, but it doesn't go anywhere. At best, you'll never connect to the internet. At worst, you could be exposing your computer to hackers.

More »

Movie Night

WAL-MART vs. THE MORONS

1. Americans spend $36,000,000 at Wal-Mart Every hour of every day.

2. This works out to $20,928 profit every minute!

3. Wal-Mart will sell more from January 1 to St. Patrick's Day (March 17th) than Target sells all year.

4. Wal-Mart is bigger than Home Depot + Kroger + Target +Sears + Costco + K-Mart combined.

5. Wal-Mart employs 1.6 million people, is the world's largest private employer, and most speak English.

6. Wal-Mart is the largest company in the history of the world.

7. Wal-Mart now sells more food than Kroger and Safeway combined, and keep in mind they did this in only fifteen years.

8. During this same period, 31 big supermarket chains sought bankruptcy.

9. Wal-Mart now sells more food than any other store in the world.

10. Wal-Mart has approx 3,900 stores in the USA of which 1,906 are Super Centers; this is 1,000 more than it had five years ago.

11. This year 7.2 billion different purchasing experiences will occur at Wal-Mart stores. (Earth's population is approximately 6.5 Billion.)

12. 90% of all Americans live within fifteen miles of a Wal-Mart.

You may think that I am complaining, but I am really laying the ground work for suggesting that MAYBE we should hire the guys who run Wal-Mart to fix the economy.

This should be read and understood by all Americans Democrats, Republicans, EVERYONE!!

To President Obama and all 535 voting members of the Legislature,

It is now official you are ALL corrupt morons:

a.. The U.S. Postal Service was established in 1775. You have had 234 years to get it right and it is broke.

b.. Social Security was established in 1935. You have had 74 years to get it right and it is broken.

c.. Fannie Mae was established in 1938. You have had 71 years to get it right and it is broke.

d.. War on Poverty started in 1964. You have had 45 years to get it right; $1 trillion of our money is confiscated each year and transferred to "the poor" and they only want more.

e.. Medicare and Medicaid were established in 1965. You have had 44 years to get it right and they are broke.

f.. Freddie Mac was established in 1970. You have had 39 years to get it right and it is broke.

g.. The Department of Energy was created in 1977 to lessen our dependence on foreign oil. It has ballooned to 16,000 employees with a budget of $24 billion a year and we import more oil than ever before. You had 32 years to get it right and it is an abysmal failure.

You have FAILED in every "government service" you have shoved down our throats while overspending our tax dollars.

AND YOU WANT AMERICANS TO BELIEVE YOU CAN BE TRUSTED WITH A GOVERNMENT-RUN HEALTH CARE SYSTEM ??

MAYBE WE OUGHT TO KICK YOUR EGG-HEAD BUDDY BUMS OUT OF OFFICE AND HIRE WAL MART TO RUN THE GOVERNMENT ???

WAL MART SEEMS TO KNOW HOW TO RUN A BUSINESS.......WHY DON'T YOU GUYS JUST ADMIT IT'S WAY BEYOND YOUR PAY GRADE, AND QUIT?

The Great Fire Exhibition

Joe, 

I would like to invite you & your readers to ‘The 2010 Great Fire Exhibition.’

The Great Fire Exhibit is a temporary museum display all about the fire that destroyed Salisbury in 1886.

There will be many interesting photos and artifacts on display including a piece of the bell that rang out the fire alarm 124 years ago.

This year we expect about 400 students from both public & private schools to visit the exhibit and learn something about our History.

The exhibit is located in the City Center building at 213 West Main Street, right next to Escape Restaurant.

Mayor Ireton & other local dignitaries will open the exhibit 5:00 pm this evening at a short opening ceremony and it will be open until 8 pm.

The exhibit will then be re-opened for several scheduled student groups and the general public from 9 am – 8 pm on both Thursday & Friday (which coincidentally is Downtown’s monthly 3rd Friday event as well.)

The exhibit is FREE of charge and appropriate for children ages 8 & up.

The Salisbury Fire Department, Nabb Research Center, Urban Salisbury, & Mayor’s office have all had a hand in organizing this event & I hope that you can make it.

Sincerely,

Joey DiCarlo

Exhibit Director

The 2010 Great Fire Exhibition

An Urgent Reminder

Crime In Our Neighborhood

All,

The recent burglaries and attempted B&Es on Forest Lane and nearby streets have shown us that we need to look a little harder at the concept of "people who don't belong" in our neighborhood.  It was reported that at least a couple of neighbors saw the two going up and down the streets allegedly looking for lawnmowing jobs (without so much as a lawnmower, on the morning of a school day), but didn't think to report them as potential criminals because they were both white and fairly clean cut looking (one reportedly had braces on his teeth).  The nagging suspicion was there for those folks, but they were swayed by their expectations that all criminals have a "look" about them.  While this may sometimes be the case, it isn't always so. 

I very strongly urge everyone to exercise heightened awareness when it comes to protecting our neighborhood.  We're already the victims of gang activity, muggings, shootings, armed robberies, vandalism, car theft, assaults and murder in the Camden neighborhood. 

We are the eyes and ears of our neighborhood.  We've all worked hard and put much of what we have into getting where we are.  We have to protect it, and in doing so,we extend that protection beyond our boundary streets.  Without being proactive in our approach to crime, and being complacent instead of vigilant, we're in for nothing but more trouble in both frequency and intensity.  Our police do everything they can to assist us, given their current resources, but without us to keep them aware, that service for which we pay becomes less than as useful as it has the potential of being. As our Chief of Police said to me this evening, "I don't want to hear about it (a crime) the next morning.  I want a call while the guy is still sitting on the front steps."

Please be vigilant.  If there are people on your street that you've never seen before, or who seem even the least bit suspicious to you in their manner or appearance, it's your responsibility to yourself and to us all to drop a dime on them.  Call the police, give them the information, just as soon as your suspicion is alerted.  Note the dress, age of the person(s), etc.  and get on the phone.  The very worst that can happen is that the police will stop the individual(s) and do an identity check, which is well within the law.  It may be that these persons are people that the police already know, that have committed crimes elsewhere, or could be linked to crimes that have yet to be reported on your street, just like on Forest Lane.

Lastly, I'd like each and every one of you to share my email address with your neighbors.  Ask them to email me and I'll put them on the crime report mailings and alerts, and ask them to pass my address on to their neighbors.  We can lick this.  It won't be easy or fast, but with more sharing of information and education of what is is we're up against, we can do it.

Our next Camden Neighborhood Association meeting is Thursday, October 28th.  We'll meet in the basement meeting room of Bethany Lutheran Church.  I hope to see you there.  Bring a neighbor.

Thanks for reading - I know it was a long one.

Tim

"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance."

 Thomas Jefferson

Matt Fund Raiser

Ten Chile Miners Gain Freedom

SAN JOSE MINE, Chile — The miners emerged like clockwork, jubilantly embracing wives, children and rescuers and looking remarkably composed Wednesday after languishing for 69 days in the depths of a mine that easily could have been their tomb.

The anxiety that had accompanied the final days of preparation melted away at 12:11 a.m. when the stoutest of the 33 miners, Florencio Avalos, 31, emerged from the missile-like rescue capsule smiling broadly after his half-mile journey to the surface.

In a din of cheers, he hugged his sobbing 7-year-old son and wife and then President Sebastian Pinera, who has been deeply involved in an effort that had become a matter of national pride.

The most ebullient of the bunch came out second, an hour later. Mario Sepulveda, 40, hugged his wife, Elvira, and then jubilantly handed souvenir rocks from his underground prison to laughing rescuers.

"I'm so happy!" Sepulveda yelled, grinning, punching his fist in the air and hugging everyone in sight. Sepulveda later said he had spent the last 10 weeks "between God and the devil."

"They fought, God won," he added.

GO HERE to read more.

Halloween Happenings At The Westside Community Center

Have a Spooktacular time with the Westside Community Center this Halloween Season

(Salisbury, MD) From hayrides to haunted trails, Wicomico Recreation, Parks & Tourism’s Westside Community Center has a variety of Halloween-themed programs planned this month.

The Westside Community Center will kick the season off with hayrides this Friday, October October 15^th from 6:30pm to 9pm.  Riders will be picked-up and dropped-off at the Westside Community Center.  Rides are $3 per person or $5 for the whole family.  Hot chocolate, apple cider and baked goods will also be available.  If you are not able to make it out this Friday, rides will also be offered from 6:30pm to 9pm on Friday October 22 and 29^th as well as Saturday, October 30^th. 

Those coming out for hayrides on October 29^th and 30^th can also venture down the ‘Haunted Trail of Doom’ if they dare.  The trail, which is also open on Sunday, October 31^st will start at 7pm each night.  Those brave enough to wander through the trail will catch glimpses of scenes like The Electric Chair, Mine Shaft, Funeral Parlor Viewing, Jason’s Cage, The Guillotine, Alien Invasion, Dracula, Chainsaw Massacre, and more.  Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12.  Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.  The trail is located at 3938 Texas Road, Bivalve, MD 21814.  From Salisbury, take Rt. 50 to Nanticoke Road.  Follow for about 15 miles.  Turn left at Westside Fire Hall onto Texas Road.  The Haunted Trail will be on your right.
 

The Westside Community Center will wrap up its spooky celebrations with its Annual Halloween Party on October 31^st from 5pm to 8pm.  The whole family can enjoy a safe and fun Halloween with plenty of games, candy, a bounce house, costume contest, haunted house, and more!  Admission is just $3 per person.
 

Proceeds from the events above benefit the Westside Community Center.  For more information call 410-873-2993.  The center is located at 21109 Bivalve Lodge Road Bivalve, MD 21814.  From Salisbury, take Rt. 50 to Nanticoke Rd.  Follow for about 15 miles.  Turn left at the Westside Fire Hall onto Texas Road and then take your first left onto Bivalve Lodge Road.  The Community Center will be on your right.

Senator Colburn To Serve As Guest Bagger At Easton Safeway

CAMBRIDGE – A former grocery clerk, Senator Richard F. Colburn (R-37) will again be bagging groceries at the Safeway store in downtown Easton on Monday, October 25, 2010 from approximately 3:30-4:30 pm.

Throughout the month of October, Safeway stores across the country will be commemorating Breast Cancer Awareness month by raising funds for the prevention, treatment, and research needed in order to fight this devastating disease.

Safeway Inc., is one of the nation’s largest corporate supporters of cancer research and treatment, and is launching its annual month-long public service campaign. The proceeds from this campaign will be used to help find a cure to fight this disease. Over 200,000 Safeway employees and honored guests across North America will reach out to millions of customers during October to raise millions of dollars through many in-store activities.

Acting as a "Celebrity Guest Bagger", Senator Colburn will encourage shoppers to make a donation and constituents will see their Senator rolling up his sleeves to help a cause that has touched the lives of so many.

Senator Colburn can directly relate to the importance of finding a cure for breast cancer as he is a prostate cancer survivor himself. He states, "The key to becoming a survivor is early detection; it saved my life. I encourage all women to take action through routine doctor visits and preventive screenings. Ignoring a potential problem could cost you your life."

Donations from this event will go to the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, the innovative I-Spy Trials at Innova Fairfax and Georgetown hospitals, as well as to help fund the Mamovan managed by George Washington University Hospital.

Bad Day?

After his first gubernatorial debate, Bob Ehrlich exited WJZ studios through a back entrance into his waiting vehicle without answering any questions from reporters.

Instead, Ehrlich Press Secretary Andy Barth gave the post-debate press conference to reporters despite saying that “Ehrlich always takes questions.”

I guess it was a bad day.

O'MALLEY TO MAKE POLICY ANNOUNCEMENT ON EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION IN BALTIMORE

Will also join hundreds of Women for O'Malley-Brown-Mikulski in Baltimore for a rally

Baltimore, MD --Today, Governor O'Malley will make a policy announcement building on his commitment to advancing and protecting the needs of every child through early childhood education. 

Over the past four years, Governor O'Malley made record investments in our public schools to help build the number one ranked school system in the country.  He set big goals to reduce infant mortality 10% by the end of 2012 and under his leadership, Maryland is on track to become the first state in the country to end childhood hunger within its borders.

Governor O'Malley increased investment in the Infants and Toddlers program by 71% which facilitated a 50% increase since 2003 in the number of children receiving much needed treatment for developmental disabilities.  But while progress has been made, Governor O'Malley knows that more needs to be done.  Tomorrow's announcement will highlight a plan to continue moving Maryland forward.

Tomorrow, Governor O'Malley will also join Lt. Governor Brown and Senator Barbara Mikulski for the last of three 1,000 Women for O'Malley-Brown-Mikulski rallies.  The excitement at these events has been great and is a true indication of the momentum the O'Malley-Brown-Mikulski team has moving forward.

Meet Me In Baltimore

Dear Joe,

I'll be coming to Baltimore on October 21st for a rally with my good friend Martin O'Malley. 

And while I'm there I'd also like to meet you!  

Please enter to win a chance to meet me in Baltimore.  I hope to see you there.

Your friend,

Bill Clinton

NEW O'MALLEY-BROWN TV AD CALLS OUT EHRLICH ON TAXES, SPENDING, AND EDUCATION CUTS

Ehrlich Has Made A Billion Dollars in New Spending Promises, With No Plan to Pay for Them Aside from Cutting Education

Baltimore, MD (October 12, 2010) -- The O'Malley-Brown campaign today released a new TV ad calling attention to Bob Ehrlich's budget-busting plans to increase state spending by a billion dollars without plans to pay for these empty promises.  The ad, "Trust," is airing in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. markets.

It can be viewed here.

"Marylanders know that Bob Ehrlich was the biggest spending governor in Maryland history, and that he raised taxes by $3 billion. So it's no surprise he's not a leader we can trust when it comes to the budget," said Rick Abbruzzese, O'Malley-Brown Deputy Campaign Manager.

Lowering Of The United States Flag And Maryland State Flag To Half Staff

Army Sgt. John F. Burner, III

            This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half-staff on Wednesday, October 13, 2010, from sunrise to sunset.   This is in memory of Army Sgt. John F. Burner, III of Baltimore, Maryland, who died on September 16, 2010 in Iskandariya, Iraq.

            This action is taken under the Protocol for the United States and Maryland State Flag.  Any questions on the above should be directed to the Office of the Secretary of State.

SMAG Drill

Salisbury Fire Department to Participate in SMAG Drill on the Wicomico River

The Salisbury Fire Department, an active member of the Salisbury Mutual Assistance Group, (SMAG), will participate in a drill, to be held today, October, 13th at 9am on the Wicomico River. The purpose of these drills is for the multiple participating agencies and members to prepare for an emergency on the Wicomico River, such as a fuel spill from one of the depots, a vessel fire or crash, or a Homeland Security issue.

The Salisbury Fire Department is the first responder to the Port of Salisbury, the second largest port in the State of Maryland. Annually, barges carry over 1.3 million tons into the port, with over 60% being petroleum in nature.

The SMAG drill will begin this morning at 0830 hours at Cato Gas & Oil.

FOP Lodge #111 Endorses Matt Maciarello & Beau Oglesby

The Wicomico County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #111 has chosen to endorse the following candidates for the 2010 Gubernatorial Election:
Rick Pollitt – Wicomico County Executive
David Cowall and Ed Taylor – Wicomico County Council At Large
Sheree Sample-Hughes – Wicomico County Council District 1
Stevie Prettyman – Wicomico County Council District 2
Gail Bartkovich – Wicomico County Council District 3
Joe Holloway – Wicomico County Council District 5
Mike Lewis – Wicomico County Sheriff
Matt Maciarello – Wicomico County State’s Attorney


FOP Lodge #111 has also chosen to support the following candidates who were endorsed by the Maryland State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police:
Frank Kratovil – U.S. House of Representatives District 1
Jim Mathias – Maryland State Senate District 38
Jeannie Haddaway – Maryland House of Delegates District 37B
Beau Oglesby – Worcester County State’s Attorney