In case things get a little tough during the next few months we Texans have a plan... Maybe you don't know it, but Texas is the only state with a legal right to secede from the Union. (Reference: the Texas-American Annexation Treaty of 1848.)
We Texans love y'all Americans, but we'll probably have to take action since Barack Obama won the election and is now the President of the U.S.A. We'll miss ya'll though.
Here is what can happen:
1. Barack Hussein Obama , after becoming the President of the United States , begins to try and create a socialist country, then Texas announces that it is going to secede from the Union .
2. George W. Bush becomes the President of the Republic of Texas .. You might not think that he talks too pretty, but we haven't had another terrorist attack and the economy was fine until the effects of the Democrats lowering the qualifications for home loans came to roost. So what does Texas have to do to survive as a Republic?
* NASA is just south of Houston, Texas. We will control thespace industry.
* We refine over 85% of the gasoline in the United States.
* Defense Industry--we have over 65% of it. The term "Don't mess with Texas," will take on a whole new meaning.
* Oil - we can supply all the oil that the Republic of Texas will need for the next 300 years. What will the other states do? Gee, we don't know. Why not ask Obama?
* Natural Gas - again, we have all we need and it's too bad about those Northern States. John Kerry and Al Gore will just have to figure out a way to keep them warm...
* Computer Industry - we lead the nation in producing computer chips and communications equipment - small companies like Texas Instruments, Dell Computer, EDS, Raytheon, National Semiconductor, Motorola, Intel, AMD, Atmel, Applied Materials, Ball Misconduct, Dallas Semiconductor, Nortel, Alcatel, etc. The list goes on and on.
* Medical Care - We have the research centers for cancer research, the best burn centers and the top trauma units in the world, as well as other large health centers. The Houston Medical Center, alone, employees over 65,000 people.
* We have enough colleges to keep educating and making smarter citizens: University of Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Texas Christian, Rice, SMU, University of Dallas, University of Houston, Baylor, UNT (University of North Texas), Texas Women's University, etc. Ivy grows better in the South anyway.
* We have an intelligent and energetic work force and it isn't restricted by a bunch of unions. Here in Texas, we are a Right to Work State and, therefore, it's every man and woman for themselves. We just go out and get the job done. And if we don't like the way one company operates, we get a job somewhere else.
* We have essential control of the paper, plastics, and insurance industries, etc.
* In case of a foreign invasion, we have the Texas National Guard, the Texas Air National Guard, and several military bases. We don't have an Army, but since everybody down here has at least six rifles and a pile of ammo, we can raise an Army in 24 hours if we need one. If the situation really gets bad, we can always call the Department of Public Safety and ask them to send over the Texas
Rangers.
* We are totally self-sufficient in beef, poultry, hogs, and several types of grain, fruit and vegetables, and let's not forget seafood from the Gulf. Also, everybody down here knows how to cook them so that they taste good. We don't need any food.
* Three of the ten largest cities in the United States, and twenty-three of the 100 largest cities in the United States are located in Texas. And Texas also has more land than California , New York , New Jersey , Connecticut , Delaware , Hawaii , Massachusetts , Maryland , Rhode Island , and Vermont combined.
* Trade: Three of the ten largest ports in the United States are located in Texas..
* We also manufacture cars down here, but we don't need to. You see, nothing rusts in Texas so our vehicles stay beautiful and run well for decades.
This just names a few of the items that will keep the Republic of Texas in good shape. There isn't a thing out there that we need and don't have. Now to the rest of you folks in the United States under President Obama: Since you won't have the refineries to get gas for your cars, only President Obama will be able to drive around in his big 9 mpg SUV. The rest of the United States will have to walk or ride bikes.
You won't have any TV as the Space Center in Houston will cut off satellite communications.
You won't have any natural gas to heat your homes, but since Mr. Obama has predicted global warming, you will not need the gas as long as you survive the 2000 years it will take to get enough heat from Global Warming.
In other words, the rest of ya'll in the USA are screwed!
Signed: The People of Texas
P.S. This is not a threatening letter - just a note to give you something to think about!
Sleep well tonight 'cause the eyes of Texas are on YOU!!
One Nation Under God!
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Sunday, April 19, 2009
HELLO OPERATOR
Actual call center conversations!
Customer: 'I've been calling 700-1000 for two days and can't get through;
can you help?'
Operator: 'Where did you get that number, sir?'
Customer: 'It's on the door of your business.'
Operator: 'Sir, those are the hours that we are open.'
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Samsung Electronics
Caller: 'Can you give me the telephone number for Jack?'
Operator: 'I'm sorry, sir, I don't understand who you are talking about.'
Caller: 'On page 1, section 5, of the user guide it clearly states that I
need to unplug the fax machine from the AC wall socket and
telephone Jack before cleaning. Now, can you give me the
number for Jack?'
Operator: 'I think it means the telephone plug on the wall.'
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Directory Enquiries
Caller: 'I'd like the number of the Argo Fish Bar, please'
Operator: 'I'm sorry, there's no listing. Are you sure that the spelling is correct?'
Caller: 'Well, it used to be called the Bargo Fish Bar but the 'B' fell off.'
------------------ ----------------------------------------------------
Then there was the caller who asked for a knitwear company in Woven.
Operator: 'Woven? Are you sure?'
Caller: 'Yes. That's what it says on the label -- Woven in Scotland ...'
----------------------------------------------------------------------
On another occasion, a man making heavy breathing sounds from a phone box told a
worried operator: 'I haven't got a pen, so I'm steaming up the window to write the number on.'
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tech Support: 'I need you to right-click on the Open Desktop.'
Customer: 'OK.'
Tech Support: 'Did you get a pop-up menu?'
Customer: 'No.'
Tech Support: 'OK. Right-Click again. Do you see a pop-up menu?'
Customer: 'No.'
Tech Support: 'OK, sir. Can you tell me what you have done up until this point?'
Customer: 'Sure. You told me to write 'click' and I wrote 'click'.'
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tech Support: 'OK. At the bottom left hand side of your screen, can
you see the 'OK' button displayed?'
Customer: 'Wow! How can you see my screen from there?'
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This has to be one of the funniest things in a long time. I think this guy should have been
promoted, not fired. This is a true story from the WordPerfect Helpline, which was transcribed
from a recording monitoring the customer care department. Needless to say the Help Desk employee was fired; however, he/she is currently suing the WordPerfect organization for 'Termination without Cause.'
Actual dialogue of a former WordPerfect Customer Support employee.
(Now I know why they record these conversations!):
Operator: 'Ridge Hall, computer assistance; may I help you?'
Caller: 'Yes, well, I'm having trouble with WordPerfect .'
Operator: 'What sort of trouble??'
Caller: 'Well, I was just typing along, and all of a sudden the words went away.'
Operator: 'Went away?'
Caller: 'They disappeared'
Operator: 'Hmm. So what does your screen look like now?'
Caller: 'Nothing.'
Operator: 'Nothing??'
Caller: 'It's blank; it won't accept anything when I type.'
Operator: 'Are you still in WordPerfect, or did you get out?'
Caller: 'How do I tell?'
Operator: 'Can you see the 'C: prompt' on the screen?'
Caller: 'What's a sea-prompt?'
Operator: 'Never mind, can you move your cursor around the screen?'
Caller: 'There isn't any cursor; I told you, it won't accept anything I type.'
Operator: 'Does your monitor have a power indicator??'
Caller: 'What's a monitor?'
Operator: 'It's the thing with the screen on it that looks like a TV.
Does it have a little light that tells you when it's on?'
Caller: 'I don't know.'
Operator: 'Well, then look on the back of the monitor and find where
the power cord goes into it. Can you see that??'
Caller: 'Yes, I think so.'
Opera tor: 'Great. Follow the cord to the plug, and tell me if it's
plugged into the wall.
Caller: 'Yes, it is.'
Operator: 'When you were behind the monitor, did you notice that
there were two cables plugged into the back of it, not just one? '
Caller: 'No.'
Operator: 'Well, there are. I need you to look back there again and
find the other cable.'
Caller: 'Okay, here it is.'
Operator: 'Follow it for me, and tell me if it's plugged securely into
the back of your computer.'
Caller: 'I can't reach.'
Operator: 'OK. Well, can you see if it is?'
Caller: 'No.'
Operator: 'Even if you maybe put your knee on something and lean way over?'
Caller: 'Well, it's not because I don't have the right angle -- it's because it's dark.'
Operator: 'Dark?'
Caller: 'Yes - the office light is off, and the only light I have is
coming in from the window.'
Operator: 'Well, turn on the office light then.'
Caller: 'I can't.'
Operator: 'No? Why not?'
Caller: 'Because there's a power failure.'
Operator: 'A power .... A power failure? Aha. Okay, we've got it
licked now. Do you still have the boxes and manuals and
packing stuff that your computer came in?'
Caller: 'Well, yes, I keep them in the closet.'
Operator: 'Good. Go get them, and unplug your system and pack it
up just like it was when you got it. Then take it back to
the store you bought it from.'
Caller: 'Really? Is it that bad?'
Operator: 'Yes, I'm afraid it is.'
Caller: 'Well, all right then, I suppose. What do I tell them?'
Operator: 'Tell them you're too damned stupid to own a computer!'
Customer: 'I've been calling 700-1000 for two days and can't get through;
can you help?'
Operator: 'Where did you get that number, sir?'
Customer: 'It's on the door of your business.'
Operator: 'Sir, those are the hours that we are open.'
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Samsung Electronics
Caller: 'Can you give me the telephone number for Jack?'
Operator: 'I'm sorry, sir, I don't understand who you are talking about.'
Caller: 'On page 1, section 5, of the user guide it clearly states that I
need to unplug the fax machine from the AC wall socket and
telephone Jack before cleaning. Now, can you give me the
number for Jack?'
Operator: 'I think it means the telephone plug on the wall.'
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Directory Enquiries
Caller: 'I'd like the number of the Argo Fish Bar, please'
Operator: 'I'm sorry, there's no listing. Are you sure that the spelling is correct?'
Caller: 'Well, it used to be called the Bargo Fish Bar but the 'B' fell off.'
------------------ ----------------------------------------------------
Then there was the caller who asked for a knitwear company in Woven.
Operator: 'Woven? Are you sure?'
Caller: 'Yes. That's what it says on the label -- Woven in Scotland ...'
----------------------------------------------------------------------
On another occasion, a man making heavy breathing sounds from a phone box told a
worried operator: 'I haven't got a pen, so I'm steaming up the window to write the number on.'
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tech Support: 'I need you to right-click on the Open Desktop.'
Customer: 'OK.'
Tech Support: 'Did you get a pop-up menu?'
Customer: 'No.'
Tech Support: 'OK. Right-Click again. Do you see a pop-up menu?'
Customer: 'No.'
Tech Support: 'OK, sir. Can you tell me what you have done up until this point?'
Customer: 'Sure. You told me to write 'click' and I wrote 'click'.'
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tech Support: 'OK. At the bottom left hand side of your screen, can
you see the 'OK' button displayed?'
Customer: 'Wow! How can you see my screen from there?'
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This has to be one of the funniest things in a long time. I think this guy should have been
promoted, not fired. This is a true story from the WordPerfect Helpline, which was transcribed
from a recording monitoring the customer care department. Needless to say the Help Desk employee was fired; however, he/she is currently suing the WordPerfect organization for 'Termination without Cause.'
Actual dialogue of a former WordPerfect Customer Support employee.
(Now I know why they record these conversations!):
Operator: 'Ridge Hall, computer assistance; may I help you?'
Caller: 'Yes, well, I'm having trouble with WordPerfect .'
Operator: 'What sort of trouble??'
Caller: 'Well, I was just typing along, and all of a sudden the words went away.'
Operator: 'Went away?'
Caller: 'They disappeared'
Operator: 'Hmm. So what does your screen look like now?'
Caller: 'Nothing.'
Operator: 'Nothing??'
Caller: 'It's blank; it won't accept anything when I type.'
Operator: 'Are you still in WordPerfect, or did you get out?'
Caller: 'How do I tell?'
Operator: 'Can you see the 'C: prompt' on the screen?'
Caller: 'What's a sea-prompt?'
Operator: 'Never mind, can you move your cursor around the screen?'
Caller: 'There isn't any cursor; I told you, it won't accept anything I type.'
Operator: 'Does your monitor have a power indicator??'
Caller: 'What's a monitor?'
Operator: 'It's the thing with the screen on it that looks like a TV.
Does it have a little light that tells you when it's on?'
Caller: 'I don't know.'
Operator: 'Well, then look on the back of the monitor and find where
the power cord goes into it. Can you see that??'
Caller: 'Yes, I think so.'
Opera tor: 'Great. Follow the cord to the plug, and tell me if it's
plugged into the wall.
Caller: 'Yes, it is.'
Operator: 'When you were behind the monitor, did you notice that
there were two cables plugged into the back of it, not just one? '
Caller: 'No.'
Operator: 'Well, there are. I need you to look back there again and
find the other cable.'
Caller: 'Okay, here it is.'
Operator: 'Follow it for me, and tell me if it's plugged securely into
the back of your computer.'
Caller: 'I can't reach.'
Operator: 'OK. Well, can you see if it is?'
Caller: 'No.'
Operator: 'Even if you maybe put your knee on something and lean way over?'
Caller: 'Well, it's not because I don't have the right angle -- it's because it's dark.'
Operator: 'Dark?'
Caller: 'Yes - the office light is off, and the only light I have is
coming in from the window.'
Operator: 'Well, turn on the office light then.'
Caller: 'I can't.'
Operator: 'No? Why not?'
Caller: 'Because there's a power failure.'
Operator: 'A power .... A power failure? Aha. Okay, we've got it
licked now. Do you still have the boxes and manuals and
packing stuff that your computer came in?'
Caller: 'Well, yes, I keep them in the closet.'
Operator: 'Good. Go get them, and unplug your system and pack it
up just like it was when you got it. Then take it back to
the store you bought it from.'
Caller: 'Really? Is it that bad?'
Operator: 'Yes, I'm afraid it is.'
Caller: 'Well, all right then, I suppose. What do I tell them?'
Operator: 'Tell them you're too damned stupid to own a computer!'
Salisbury Police Department Press Releases
On April 15, 2009 at approximately 4:36 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department received a call to respond to the Walmart Department Store for the report of a shoplifter. Upon arrival, the officers found that store employees had observed the below listed suspect take food from the store without making payment. When security personnel approached the suspect, the suspect assaulted and bit the security officer. Following the arrest it was found that the suspect was also wanted on an outstanding Wicomico Co. District Court Bench warrant and on an outstanding warrant from Delaware.
ARRESTED: Tammy Sue Hernandez, 39 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
Second degree assault
Wicomico Co. District Court Bench Warrant-
Failure to appear in court
Sussex Co., Delaware warrant – Forgery
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 200900012642, 200900012652, 200900012653
On April 16, 2009 at approximately 2:46 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Boscovs Department Store at the Centre at Salisbury for the report of two (2) shoplifters. Upon arrival store employees advised the officers that security personnel had observed the below listed suspects taking jewelry from the store without making any attempts at payment.
ARRESTED #1: Robin Joyce Huntsberger, 45 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
ARRESTED #2: David Alonzo Cooper, 21 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES (Both):
Theft (under $ 500)
Theft scheme (under $ 500)
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 200900012754
On April 16, 2009 at approximately 5:50 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Sears Department Store at the Center at Salisbury for the report of two (2) juvenile shoplifters. Upon arrival, officers met with store security who advised that store employees had observed the below listed suspects attempt to take clothing from the store without making any attempts at payment.
The clothing was recovered and returned to the store.
ARRESTED #1: 15 year old juvenile Salisbury, Maryland
ARRESTED #2: 15 year old juvenile Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES (Both): Theft (under # 100)
DISPOSITION: Both released to guardians
CC # 200900012767
On April 17, 2009 at approximately 12:20 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department received a call to respond to the Monkey Barrel Bar and Grill for the report of an assault. Upon arrival, the officers found that the below listed suspect had struck a victim with a pool cue during an argument.
ARRESTED: Timothy Edward Knapp, Jr., 21 years of age New Milford, Conneticut
CHARGES:
First degree assault
Second degree assault
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 200900012810
Our Friend Kim Reaches Out To Wicomico EMS Personnel
To everyone who helped me today (Saturday),
Thank you so VERY MUCH for you quick response out at Pork in the Park. As we all saw it only took seconds for a wasp to attack my system. Thanks to ALL of you it turned out okay! For those working the event, thank you so much for getting the EMS crew as quickly as you did. I went back out to the park after being released from PRMC but some of you had already left. Especially to the one sitting next to me, Thank you! As for you guys with the EMS, I'm glad I was able to thank you in person on my return trip to the park. Every single one of you got me where I needed to be.
I volunteer for Pork in the Park because it's a great event plus it's a place to see people you haven't seen in years and to meet new people. I still can't believe how many people who had come through the entrance before I had left. It's a great event for Wicomico County. I can't wait for next year, I'll be there again. It's gonna take more than a little wasp to take me down!
Thanks again to each and everyone of you,
Kim
Thank you so VERY MUCH for you quick response out at Pork in the Park. As we all saw it only took seconds for a wasp to attack my system. Thanks to ALL of you it turned out okay! For those working the event, thank you so much for getting the EMS crew as quickly as you did. I went back out to the park after being released from PRMC but some of you had already left. Especially to the one sitting next to me, Thank you! As for you guys with the EMS, I'm glad I was able to thank you in person on my return trip to the park. Every single one of you got me where I needed to be.
I volunteer for Pork in the Park because it's a great event plus it's a place to see people you haven't seen in years and to meet new people. I still can't believe how many people who had come through the entrance before I had left. It's a great event for Wicomico County. I can't wait for next year, I'll be there again. It's gonna take more than a little wasp to take me down!
Thanks again to each and everyone of you,
Kim
Delaware Bike Summit
Internationally recognized Bicycling advocate to speak at Delaware Bike Summit
Dover -- Born and raised in Europe, Michael Ronkin grew up biking and walking everywhere.
Today, Ronkin, a resident of Corvallis, Ore., helps communities in the United States to become more bicycle and pedestrian friendly. As head of the Oregon-based firm, Designing Streets for Pedestrians & Bicyclists, Ronkin has traveled the country as a consultant and offering his bicycle and pedestrian urban design courses.
Ronkin will be one of the headliners at the April 24 Delaware Bike Summit at the Dover campus of Delaware Technical & Community College. The Bike Summit is a one-day conference that will bring in speakers from around the country who will discuss what actions Delaware needs to take if the state is to become more bicycle friendly.
There, he plans to speak about the changes that could be made to make Delaware streets more accessible and inviting to bicycles. Many of the changes are relatively minor and inexpensive, he said, but some changes are much larger.
''We need to make changes because roads are extremely inefficient when used only by one mode of transportation,'' Ronkin said. ''We can significantly raise the capacity of our roads by including other forms of transportation.''
Having visited Newark and Wilmington in the past, Ronkin said the bike and pedestrian issues in Delaware are similar to those in other states.
''Because the problems are similar, the solutions will work in Delaware like they worked in many other areas,'' Ronkin said.
Ronkin has managed a range of bicycle and pedestrian planning projects at state and metropolitan levels and has lead efforts to create, interpret and implement various transportation programs available to improve conditions for biking and walking.
Sen. Thomas R. Carper, Gov. Jack Markell and Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) Secretary Carolann Wicks also join the list of summit speakers.
Another high-profile speaker at the Bike Summit will be Andy Clarke, executive director of the Washington, D.C.-based League of American Bicyclists. Clarke, a graduate of the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom.
The Bike Summit is organized by the Delaware Bicycle Council, and a committee made up of members from DelDOT, Wilmington Area Planning Council, White Clay Bicycle Club, Doever/Kent M.P.O., Sussex Cyclists and Bike Delaware.
To get out the word about the Bike Summit, committee members made presentations to 30 different city and county council meetings, asking political and civic leaders to attend. Committee members also took five days to ride nearly 200 miles across Delaware and held 10 press conferences in as many towns, explaining why local residents should attend the Bike Summit.
Registration for the free summit begins at 8 a.m. and the event lasts until 4:15 p.m. To register, go to www.bike.deldot.gov.
Dover -- Born and raised in Europe, Michael Ronkin grew up biking and walking everywhere.
Today, Ronkin, a resident of Corvallis, Ore., helps communities in the United States to become more bicycle and pedestrian friendly. As head of the Oregon-based firm, Designing Streets for Pedestrians & Bicyclists, Ronkin has traveled the country as a consultant and offering his bicycle and pedestrian urban design courses.
Ronkin will be one of the headliners at the April 24 Delaware Bike Summit at the Dover campus of Delaware Technical & Community College. The Bike Summit is a one-day conference that will bring in speakers from around the country who will discuss what actions Delaware needs to take if the state is to become more bicycle friendly.
There, he plans to speak about the changes that could be made to make Delaware streets more accessible and inviting to bicycles. Many of the changes are relatively minor and inexpensive, he said, but some changes are much larger.
''We need to make changes because roads are extremely inefficient when used only by one mode of transportation,'' Ronkin said. ''We can significantly raise the capacity of our roads by including other forms of transportation.''
Having visited Newark and Wilmington in the past, Ronkin said the bike and pedestrian issues in Delaware are similar to those in other states.
''Because the problems are similar, the solutions will work in Delaware like they worked in many other areas,'' Ronkin said.
Ronkin has managed a range of bicycle and pedestrian planning projects at state and metropolitan levels and has lead efforts to create, interpret and implement various transportation programs available to improve conditions for biking and walking.
Sen. Thomas R. Carper, Gov. Jack Markell and Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) Secretary Carolann Wicks also join the list of summit speakers.
Another high-profile speaker at the Bike Summit will be Andy Clarke, executive director of the Washington, D.C.-based League of American Bicyclists. Clarke, a graduate of the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom.
The Bike Summit is organized by the Delaware Bicycle Council, and a committee made up of members from DelDOT, Wilmington Area Planning Council, White Clay Bicycle Club, Doever/Kent M.P.O., Sussex Cyclists and Bike Delaware.
To get out the word about the Bike Summit, committee members made presentations to 30 different city and county council meetings, asking political and civic leaders to attend. Committee members also took five days to ride nearly 200 miles across Delaware and held 10 press conferences in as many towns, explaining why local residents should attend the Bike Summit.
Registration for the free summit begins at 8 a.m. and the event lasts until 4:15 p.m. To register, go to www.bike.deldot.gov.
Salvation Army Baseball
Hello Joe,
I read the Salisbury News and didn't know if you would post something for the Baseball program at the Salvation Army Boys Club.I have two boys that play there and I coach a team as well.The registration for this years season is really low and just trying to get the word out about there Baseball program. They have two age groups,
5-6 years old-This is done with a pitching machine and soft tee balls.
7-8 years old-This is what they call (live pitch.)They play with a real ball,the kids pitch, umpires and everything.
This is a really great baseball program and also a great organization.It would be a shame if this program could not continue for lack of registration.They have extended the registration date till 4-24-2009 in hopes to try to get more kids.They can call the Salvation Army Boys Club @ 410-749-4757.Any assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated.Thank you,
Gary Peek
I read the Salisbury News and didn't know if you would post something for the Baseball program at the Salvation Army Boys Club.I have two boys that play there and I coach a team as well.The registration for this years season is really low and just trying to get the word out about there Baseball program. They have two age groups,
5-6 years old-This is done with a pitching machine and soft tee balls.
7-8 years old-This is what they call (live pitch.)They play with a real ball,the kids pitch, umpires and everything.
This is a really great baseball program and also a great organization.It would be a shame if this program could not continue for lack of registration.They have extended the registration date till 4-24-2009 in hopes to try to get more kids.They can call the Salvation Army Boys Club @ 410-749-4757.Any assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated.Thank you,
Gary Peek
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Missing Lab
Hi Joe.
I'm hoping you can help with a missing pet of Pastor Mike Phillips of Delmar Church of God. Unfortunately, I don't have a photo but he is a black male Lab, 5-years-old that lives in the Pepperbox Road area. His name is Dozer. He was last seen last night. We would appreciate any help if you can. They can contact me through my email address: ccchase@comcast.net. Thanks a million!
A devoted reader.
MORE INSIDE POOP ON SALISBURY’S WWTP
As Barrie Tilghman rides the verge of becoming “history” of the worst kind for the City of Salisbury, stuff is beginning to leak big time. A copy of these documents recently surfaced.
Hopefully, the City has the contractor’s Performance Bond that the State required for its special financing and has not waived any warranty of performance obligations under the contract with O/Brien & Gere.
Despite Barrie’s promise to disclose full details about the problems at the WWTP in the first week of April, she has not yet done so. Of course that would have been before the election, but it occurred over 10 days ago.
Barrie’s silence is deafening. Perhaps she will come clean at the City Council meeting on Monday.
Hopefully, the City has the contractor’s Performance Bond that the State required for its special financing and has not waived any warranty of performance obligations under the contract with O/Brien & Gere.
Despite Barrie’s promise to disclose full details about the problems at the WWTP in the first week of April, she has not yet done so. Of course that would have been before the election, but it occurred over 10 days ago.
Barrie’s silence is deafening. Perhaps she will come clean at the City Council meeting on Monday.
Don't Miss Pork In The Park This Weekend
We arrived yesterday anticipating a huge crowd and we got exactly what we had expected. There were so many dignitaries there, far too many to mention.They did the ribbon cutting ceremony and off we went. I actually thought I'd go there and hang out with my Grandson for a little while and the next thing we knew we were leaving after dark, we had a BLAST!
I want to thank all of the people that came up to me thanking me for what we do. It's always great to get such a reception because all of this is done for YOU. Nevertheless, make sure you get out there and have some fun. The kids rides are slightly more expensive this year but if you buy the bulk tickets they're around $22.00 for 20 tickets and the main rides take 3 tickets each. That's not too bad.
The food is to die for. I'll have additional Posts on that later but bring a healthy apatite and go enjoy the Battle of the Bands tonight. That should be really worth while. The gates open at 10:00 AM this morning and if you click on Pork in the Park on our calendar to the right you'll get more details.
I'll see you there I'm sure. Enjoy this beautiful day!
RABIES VACCINATION CLINIC
WHERE: Wicomico County Humane Society, 5150 Citation Drive, Salisbury
WHEN: Sunday, April 19th, 10am - 12pm
COST: $10.00 Cash Only
WHEN: Sunday, April 19th, 10am - 12pm
COST: $10.00 Cash Only
37 Best Oxymorons:
37. Jumbo Shrimp
36. Adult Male
35. State Worker
34. Legally Drunk
33. Exact Estimate
32. Act Naturally
31. Found Missing
30. Resident Alien
29. Genuine Imitation
28. Airline Food
27. Good Grief
26. Government Organization
25. Sanitary Landfill
24. Alone Together
23. Small Crowd
22. Business Ethics
21. Soft Rock
20. Butt Head
19. Military Intelligence
18. Sweet Sorrow
17. Happily Married
16. Now And Then
15. Passive Aggression
14. Clearly Misunderstood
13. Peace Force
12. Extinct Life
10. Terribly Pleased
09. Computer Security
08. Political Science
07. Tight Slacks
06. Definite Maybe
05. Pretty Ugly
04. Rap Music
03. Working Vacation
02. Religious Tolerance
01. Microsoft Works
1. Is it good if a vacuum really sucks?
2. Why is the third hand on the watch called the second hand?
3. If a word is misspelled in the dictionary, how would we ever know?
4. If Webster wrote the first dictionary, where did he find the words?
5. Why do we say something is out of whack? What is a whack?
6. Why does "slow down" and "slow up" mean the same thing?
7. Why does "fat chance" and "slim chance" mean the same thing?
8. Why do "tug" boats push their barges?
9. Why do we sing "Take me out to the ball game" when we are already there?
10. Why are they called "stands" when they are made for sitting?
11. Why is it called "after dark" when it really is "after light"?
12. Doesn't "expecting the unexpected" make the unexpected expected?
13. Why are a "wise man" and a "wise guy" opposites?
14. Why do "overlook" and "oversee" mean opposite things?
15. Why is "phonics" not spelled the way it sounds?
16. If work is so terrific, why do they have to pay you to do it?
17. If all the world is a stage, where is the audience sitting?
18. If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular?
19. If you are cross-eyed and have dyslexia, ca n you read all right?
20. Why is bra singular and panties plural?
21. Why do you press harder on the buttons of a remote control when you know the batteries are dead?
22. Why do we put suits in garment bags and garments in a suitcase?
23. How come abbreviated is such a long word?
24. Why do we wash bath towels? Aren't we clean when we use them?
25. Why doesn't glue stick to the inside of the bottle?
36. Adult Male
35. State Worker
34. Legally Drunk
33. Exact Estimate
32. Act Naturally
31. Found Missing
30. Resident Alien
29. Genuine Imitation
28. Airline Food
27. Good Grief
26. Government Organization
25. Sanitary Landfill
24. Alone Together
23. Small Crowd
22. Business Ethics
21. Soft Rock
20. Butt Head
19. Military Intelligence
18. Sweet Sorrow
17. Happily Married
16. Now And Then
15. Passive Aggression
14. Clearly Misunderstood
13. Peace Force
12. Extinct Life
10. Terribly Pleased
09. Computer Security
08. Political Science
07. Tight Slacks
06. Definite Maybe
05. Pretty Ugly
04. Rap Music
03. Working Vacation
02. Religious Tolerance
01. Microsoft Works
1. Is it good if a vacuum really sucks?
2. Why is the third hand on the watch called the second hand?
3. If a word is misspelled in the dictionary, how would we ever know?
4. If Webster wrote the first dictionary, where did he find the words?
5. Why do we say something is out of whack? What is a whack?
6. Why does "slow down" and "slow up" mean the same thing?
7. Why does "fat chance" and "slim chance" mean the same thing?
8. Why do "tug" boats push their barges?
9. Why do we sing "Take me out to the ball game" when we are already there?
10. Why are they called "stands" when they are made for sitting?
11. Why is it called "after dark" when it really is "after light"?
12. Doesn't "expecting the unexpected" make the unexpected expected?
13. Why are a "wise man" and a "wise guy" opposites?
14. Why do "overlook" and "oversee" mean opposite things?
15. Why is "phonics" not spelled the way it sounds?
16. If work is so terrific, why do they have to pay you to do it?
17. If all the world is a stage, where is the audience sitting?
18. If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular?
19. If you are cross-eyed and have dyslexia, ca n you read all right?
20. Why is bra singular and panties plural?
21. Why do you press harder on the buttons of a remote control when you know the batteries are dead?
22. Why do we put suits in garment bags and garments in a suitcase?
23. How come abbreviated is such a long word?
24. Why do we wash bath towels? Aren't we clean when we use them?
25. Why doesn't glue stick to the inside of the bottle?
Friday, April 17, 2009
SPECIAL EVENTS TOMORROW (Saturday - April 18, 2009)
12:00 PM -- Congressman Kratovil Open House -- Kratovil office on Main Street, Salisbury, opposite the Wicomico County Courthouse.
2:30 PM -- Meet and Greet with Salisbury's Mayor-Elect, Jim Ireton, and the new State Democrat Party Chair, Susie Turnbull -- Wicomico County Public Library on S. Division Street, Salisbury, in Meeting Room 1.
After that, Jim Ireton will be at Pork in the Park at Winter Place Farm.
2:30 PM -- Meet and Greet with Salisbury's Mayor-Elect, Jim Ireton, and the new State Democrat Party Chair, Susie Turnbull -- Wicomico County Public Library on S. Division Street, Salisbury, in Meeting Room 1.
After that, Jim Ireton will be at Pork in the Park at Winter Place Farm.
Someone Reported To Be Gloating Over Shanie Shields Victory Today
It has been reported that Chief Webster is gloating over Shanie Shields victory today, as if it allows job security. If that's what it takes to make a Department Head happy, good for Chief Webster and others.
How nice it mujst be to go to work every day with some of the worst stats in the entire United States of America and be happy because you think your job is secure. Now that's a man for ya.
So Chief, perhaps now is the time for me to expose your last round of abuse of power. Now seems to be a really good time for everyone reading this Blog to know just what you've been up to lately.
You see Folks, Chief Webster has been doing everything in his powers to have me arrested once again. That's right, he has been trying to have me charged with stalking and harassment.
On April 1, 2009 I came to learn that Chief Webster had been to the States Attorney's Office for a meeting with Davis Ruark and Sheriff Mike Lewis. He presented a package that had information from a Post I put up HERE back on March 8, 2009. You remember the Brooke Mulford Fundraiser at Seacrets, right? Well, it turns out Chief Webster became irate because I Posted 13 pictures, 3 of which had Chief Webster in them.
Mind you, this was a public event in a public building and he's a public official. There are signs posted all over the place in Seacrets stating pictures and video can be taken. Yet the Chief of the Salisbury Police Department felt I was stalking him. You need to seriously get over yourself Chief because I truly have no interest in you or your family. Your paranoia is really shining through.
I went there to cover this event and as many of you know I have pretty much been to almost every one of these events held for Brooke. Since that time, Chief Webster has had detectives investigating me and WASTING your tax dollars because quite frankly Davis Ruark and Sheriff Lewis immediately determined I had done absolutely nothing wrong and no charges were going to be filed against me for breaking any laws.
Chief Webster stated that his Girlfriend's Daughter was with him at the time, like that would make any difference. So you'd think it would be over, right? NOPE, not at all. Furious and frustrated, Chief Webster then took his case to Worcester County to try to get States Attorney Joel Todd involved. Rumor had it that Worcester County was going to file for a warrant against me around April 1, 2009.
It was around this period of time the Fat Man was starting to put out hints of me being arrested, it was only a matter of time, they said. They then posted photo shop pictures of me in the back of a Salisbury Police Car with Chief Webster driving. We immediately started preparing lawsuits against Worcester County just in case something did in fact happen. Fortunately the charges seemed to disappear once the word got out of our intentions.
That being said, we are still trying to decide if we will file suit against the City of Salisbury, Chief Webster and anyone else who was involved. I have done nothing wrong and I have every right to take Chief Webster's photo. Go to the link and see for yourself. I said nothing about the Chief and it's pretty clear that Chief Webster was never a target in those photos. We were in one room and when you Post 13 pictures, I'm sure there are plenty of others out there who ended up in more than one picture.
I believe their goal was to make front page news in the Daily Times. Something along the lines of, Local Blogger Arrested For Stalking, Tied To The Campbell Ireton Campaign. It backfired but YOU should know what YOUR Chief of Police has been up to and or capable of.
How's that gloating working for you now Chiefy? Other lawsuits are also pending against the City on my behalf over the Mayor and Chief of Police refusing to allow me into Press Conferences. The Chief was made well aware that a Judge did consider me Main Stream Media, I just wasn't protected by the "Shield Law" because of only one reason, I haven't taken an income from Salisbury News. Other than that I am Main Stream Media and they MUST allow me into any and all Press Conferences.
As for Press Credentials, they're not necessary. The ONLY time that is necessary on a local level is if the President were to come to Salisbury. I would then have to be registered. Considering I do this full time they must allow me in. Now, if the Fat Man wants to try to claim he deserves the same rights, that's really cool because he'd then have to make contact with Disability and they would have to reduce his benefits substantially, if not all together. He does not have the same rights.
Have a nice weekend Chief and all Department Heads. I too am happy for Shanie's win and I'm sure we'll all be seeing one and other real soon. Oh, by the way. If anyone wants to consider the other person following them, perhaps the Chief should take down that video camera across the street from my building at 300 W. Main Street. After all, there's only been one car broken into there in years. I would hardly think graffiti on a building would warrant spending thousands of dollars purchasing and installing a camera for that parking lot area. That's OK though Chief, I'm not coming back to that building anyway. Thanks for adding that security for those people who will be renting space in my building and I'm sure your people will be keeping an eye on all of their vehicles from here on out.
In closing, if you taxpayers feel this is the way your Chief of Police should be using his resources, so be it. I personally do not feel this was proper. Mind you, when my Wife was working at the Salisbury Zoo for 18 years, when the Mayor wanted to get rid of her she went to the Styaff there and held a meeting asking them to come up with ANY dirt they could on her. One of them told her that she had heard that Jennifer was taking drugs home from the Zoo to euthanize some of our animals. That was good enough for the Mayor and Chief to start a CRIMINAL investigation against my Wife. It was hearsay and certainly NOT something you would assign a Detective to investigate. Nevertheless, this is Salisbury and they went and started interviewing everyone Jennifer knew but they never once interviewed Jennifer. They never once went to Dr. Tragle who's name was on the licence for such said meds. In fact, they NEVER even checked the inventory sheet for the medications they had in stock. Some kind of INVESTIGATION, eh? It was a witch hunt designed to intimidate my Wife and myself. It failed.
I personally would like to see this Chief of Police thrown out of Office because as I have said many times in the past, I think he sucks at what he does. I think he abuses his power and this go around I have enough witnesses to make a very solid case against the city and this man. It's nice that you're happy Chief but I doubt that smile is going to last for very long because you will be hearing from my attorneys in the very near future.
How's that murder case coming along with the dead prostitute Chief?
FIGHT CRIME, NOT OPINIONS!
The Eastern Shore Mayors Association Meeting In Delmar
Frank White wishes Louise Smith a Happy Birthday
Frank White welcomes Mayor Elect Jim Ireton
Frank White welcomes Mayor Elect Jim Ireton
Frank White addresses the Eastern Shore Mayors Asociation
Frank congratulates Jim for his huge victory.All in all it was a wonderful evening at the VFW in Delmar, Maryland.
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Releases
Incident: Resisting Arrest
Date of Incident: 15 April 2009
Location: 20700 block of North Tourmaline Drive, Hebron, MD
Suspect: Don W. Vass, 25, Hebron, MD
Narrative: On 15 April 2009 at 11:13 PM, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office went to a residence in the 20700 block of N. Tourmaline Drive in Hebron in an attempt to locate Don Vass. The Fruitland Police held an outstanding warrant for the arrest of Vass in connection with an armed robbery. Upon arrival at the residence, the deputies made contact with the occupants and announced they had observed Vass inside the residence. Upon beginning a search of the residence, one of the deputies guarding the perimeter of the residence heard a commotion on the roof. Upon shining his flashlight on the roof, the deputy observed the target of their search, Don Vass clinging to the roof in an attempt to hide. The deputy called for Vass to come down from the roof, but instead he attempted to climb to the other side in a further attempt to hide. Vass was unable to stay on the roof, falling off into the backyard, landing right where a deputy was there waiting.
Deputies attempted to take Vass into custody but he struggled and resisted their efforts. The deputies managed to get Vass into handcuffs and transported him to the Central Booking Unit. Once there he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Vass was released by the Commissioner on Personal Recognizance on the Resisting Arrest charge. Vass was then processed on the outstanding Fruitland police warrant.
Charges: Resisting Arrest
Incident: False Statement
Date of Incident: 16 April 2009
Location: Ocean Gateway at Stanton Ave, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Brenda J. Ames, 46, Baltimore, MD
Narrative: On 16 April 2009 at 1:39 PM, a WCSO deputy stopped to check on a female walking on the shoulder of Ocean Gateway in the area of Stanton Avenue. Upon being stopped by the deputy, the subject provided the deputy an identity that was later discovered to be false. During the encounter, the deputy was unable to verify the provided information. When questioned again, the subject became nervous and provided a second identity. That too was unable to be verified by the deputy. The subject was adamant that the information was correct but could not produce any identification. After more investigation, the deputy finally discovered the subject’s true identity, Brenda J. Ames.
Ames was arrested for Hindering and Obstructing and also providing a False Statement to Law Enforcement. Ames was transported to the Central Booking Unit where she was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Ames was released by the Commissioner on Personal Recognizance.
Charges:
Hindering and Obstructing
False Statement
Incident: False Statement
Date of Incident: 17 April 2009
Location: 100 Block of Onley Road, Salisbury, MD
Suspect:
1. Daniel P. Litfin, 19, Eldersburg, MD
2. Mark S. Litfin, 20, Sykesville, MD
Narrative: On 17 April 2009 at 1:53 AM, a deputy on patrol observed two individuals in the process of placing an orange traffic barrel being placed over a mailbox in the 100 block of Onley Road. The deputy recognized that the traffic barrel had been taken from a construction site nearby. When the two individuals saw the deputy, they attempted to flee but were apprehended by the deputy. Upon examining the barrel and the mailbox, the deputy discovered that both were damaged.
Both subjects, identified as Daniel Litfin and Mark Litfin were placed under arrest and transported to the Central Booking Unit where they were processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, both were released by the District Court Commissioner.
Charges: Malicious Destruction of Property
Salisbury News Just Got A Winning Ticket
Like it or not, as of this moment Shanie Shields in the winner of the District 1 Council Seat. So what does this mean for Salisbury News, a lot!
If Cynthia Polk would have won, what would we have to write about for the next 4 years? Because Shanie has temporarily won her District, I know darned well that Mayor Tilghman will be running the City of Salisbury along with Mike Dunn, Lynn & Don Cathcart, SAPOA, you name it. They're have a 3 to 2 vote on the Council and while the new Mayor of Salisbury, Jim Ireton will do everything in his powers to deliver reasonable and responsible legislation, the Council will shoot it down time and time again because Bubba, Louise and Shanie are too afraid of their own shadows, let alone those mentioned above.
So for me, this is really cool. Advertisers are lining up for Salisbury News and we continue to grow each and every day. Just when you think you're reached that ultimate plateau, in comes a couple more thousands hits and they stay there without negative change.
So it looks like we're going to be taking on the Big Boys, the MSM. WMDT, WBOC and the Daily Times will soon feel the impact of our new presence and at 11:00 or so today we were delivered some of the best news we could receive.
That being said, I'd like to personally congratulate Shanie Shields and thank her for her commitment to the Council. Things are going to get really interesting from here on out and in my line of business, this is perfect. Without a Shanie Win I would have had to reconsider this Blog because quite frankly things would have been quite boring.
So what's to become of our new Mayor? I happen to know Mr. Ireton's strategies on this matter and quite frankly, the man is a genius! Nope, I'm not going to share it. You people mentioned above will simply have to sit back and recalculate everything because not only are you not going to be able to figure this guys out, you're not going to know what to do about it.
I see a self destructing group and even more growth for Salisbury News. Why is that so important? Because the more we grow, the more we deliver for our advertisers. The more we grow, the more business they get. The more advertisers we get, the lower the cost for their advertisements so it's a win/win for everyone.
Prepare for the next level from Salisbury News. It's coming soon.
If Cynthia Polk would have won, what would we have to write about for the next 4 years? Because Shanie has temporarily won her District, I know darned well that Mayor Tilghman will be running the City of Salisbury along with Mike Dunn, Lynn & Don Cathcart, SAPOA, you name it. They're have a 3 to 2 vote on the Council and while the new Mayor of Salisbury, Jim Ireton will do everything in his powers to deliver reasonable and responsible legislation, the Council will shoot it down time and time again because Bubba, Louise and Shanie are too afraid of their own shadows, let alone those mentioned above.
So for me, this is really cool. Advertisers are lining up for Salisbury News and we continue to grow each and every day. Just when you think you're reached that ultimate plateau, in comes a couple more thousands hits and they stay there without negative change.
So it looks like we're going to be taking on the Big Boys, the MSM. WMDT, WBOC and the Daily Times will soon feel the impact of our new presence and at 11:00 or so today we were delivered some of the best news we could receive.
That being said, I'd like to personally congratulate Shanie Shields and thank her for her commitment to the Council. Things are going to get really interesting from here on out and in my line of business, this is perfect. Without a Shanie Win I would have had to reconsider this Blog because quite frankly things would have been quite boring.
So what's to become of our new Mayor? I happen to know Mr. Ireton's strategies on this matter and quite frankly, the man is a genius! Nope, I'm not going to share it. You people mentioned above will simply have to sit back and recalculate everything because not only are you not going to be able to figure this guys out, you're not going to know what to do about it.
I see a self destructing group and even more growth for Salisbury News. Why is that so important? Because the more we grow, the more we deliver for our advertisers. The more we grow, the more business they get. The more advertisers we get, the lower the cost for their advertisements so it's a win/win for everyone.
Prepare for the next level from Salisbury News. It's coming soon.
FRUITLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT HONORED FOR EXCELLENCE IN TRAFFIC SAEFTY ENFORCEMENT
Maryland Law Enforcement Challenge Recognizes Top Statewide Agencies
FRUITLAND - The Fruitland Police Department was honored this week as the top agency in its category at the annual Maryland Law Enforcement Challenge recognition ceremony in Baltimore, Maryland. Winning a Law Enforcement Challenge award signifies not only excellence in traffic safety enforcement, but also a commitment to overall public safety. The 2008 campaign featured an emphasis on seat belt, DUI, and aggressive driving enforcement and education activities.
“Traffic safety is one of our top priorities,” stated Chief Michael Phillips. “Earning this award, especially in light of the increased demands of the program, is truly special and it is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the Fruitland Police Department.”
Co-sponsored by the Maryland Chiefs of Police Association, the Maryland Sheriff’s Association and the Maryland Highway Safety Office, the Maryland Law Enforcement Challenge promotes competition among Maryland police agencies, while recognizing and honoring those that excel in traffic safety enforcement.
“More than 600 people are killed every year on Maryland’s roadways,” said Maryland Chiefs of Police Association President Chief Bernadette DiPino. “I want to congratulate the officers of the Fruitland Police Department for their commitment to the Maryland Law Enforcement Challenge and the service to their community.”
“Lives are at stake and our message is simple,” began OFC Nick McLeod, “buckle up, slow down and always drive sober. We will continue to educate people in Fruitland, but when that outreach fails, we are dedicated to enforcing Maryland’s traffic safety laws.”
Polk Loses By ONE Vote
Shanie Shields is victorious by one single vote. More to come.
UPDATE: A recount of District 1 has been requested
Reckless Riders Offered Sobering Data In Hopes For Change
You may hear them before you can see them- a motorcycle bellowing out either the low pitched thunder from a traditional bike or the high pitched rev from a highly tuned performance machine. As the weather warms, citizens here in Delaware are most likely to experience the increased presence of motorcycles on our roadways. Last spring and summer, the Delaware State Police had investigated far too many serious and fatal motorcycle crashes and witnessed many acts of reckless riding behavior. Thus, the hope is that by presenting some very sobering data to the motoring public, we can reduce the number of these types of occurrences. It is prudent and important to first note that the vast majority of motorcycle operators enjoy this means of transportation safely and they follow the rules of the road. Unfortunately, it is the small percentage of reckless operators that create hazerdos driving conditions on our highways.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), "nearly half of all motorcycle driver deaths involve just the motorcycle and no other vehicle. This proportion has remained largely unchanged over time. Speeding and alcohol use contribute to many of these fatal single-vehicle crashes. In 2007, 48 percent of the 2,087 motorcycle drivers killed in single-vehicle fatal crashes were speeding. Forty-one percent of motorcycle drivers killed in single-vehicle crashes in 2007 had blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher Over one quarter, or twenty-six percent, of motorcycle riders who were involved in fatal crashes were riding without a valid license in this same year."
The National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA) supported these findings and in one report and they focused on the implication of impaired riding. NHTSA says that "in 2007, 27 percent of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over 0.08 percent (the national definition of drunk driving), compared with 23 percent of drivers of passenger cars, 23 percent of light truck drivers and 1 percent of large truck drivers in fatal crashes." They added that an additional 8 percent of these fatal crashes involved operators who's BAC was at a lower level (0.01 to 0.07 percent BAC.)
Speeding also plays a major factor in fatal motorcycle crashes. The most recent data available from NHTSA was for the year 2007. In this report, it states that "36 percent of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were speeding. This compares to 24 percent for drivers of passenger cars, 19 percent for light truck drivers and 8 percent for large truck drivers." With speed in mind, the IIHS draws a correlation to the type of bike one may ride how it relates to fatal crashes. They advise, "Motorcyclists who drive supersport motorcycles, which make up a small fraction of registered motorcycles, and are overrepresented in fatal crashes. The driver death rate per 10,000 registered motorcycles for supersports is about 4 times higher than the rate for motorcyclists who ride cruisers, standards, or touring bikes. Supersport motorcycles are built on racing platforms but modified for the highway and sold to consumers. A combination of light weight and high-horsepower engines means many of these motorcycles can reach speeds of more than 160 miles per hour."
The Delaware State Police hopes that those who choose to ride motorcycles here in Delaware do so safely and in accordance to state law. Again, the goal of this news release is not to discourage anyone from riding a motorcycle, but to encourage safe riding habits by underscoring the key factors that are involved in fatal crashes.
Sources:
www.iihs.org/research/qanda/motorcycles.html
www.nhtsa.gov
Wicomico Library System Turns 140 Years Old
This week the Wicomico County Library turned 140 years young. A Celebration was held in honor us such a grand accomplishment. I left before the cake was served, so I can't tell you how good it was. However, here's some history on the system itself. Oh, before I forget. The last photo is Mr. & Mrs. Art & Dorothy Goetz. Art was the Director of the Wicomico County Library System for many years before retiring and turning things over to Tom Hehman. I'm very proud to say that Dot & Art Goetz are my In Laws.
Wicomico Public Library began as a subscription library in 1869, only two years after the formation of the county itself. By 1878 the library had increased its membership from 30 to 100 members. In the early 1900s interest waned and the library closed. It was successfully re-launched in 1916 and by 1923 was operating on a subscription of $1.00 a year.
By 1925, the library was recognized as a needed community service and the idea of free library service in Wicomico County was born. The doors opened on February 2, 1926 as the Salisbury-Wicomico Free Public Library; open two afternoons and one evening a week. This became officially known as the Wicomico County Free Library with the approval of the certificate of corporation on June 24, 1927. The need for more space moved the library to High Street, in its own building in 1934. In 1948 the first bookmobile was purchased and began service.
As services, patrons and materials increased, the library once again moved - to its present location on Division St. in 1963. In 1978 a major renovation started, which was completed in 1980. The building has essentially remained the same ever since.
In FY2008 circulation was 743,090; 804 programs were offered and attended by 13, 506 people. The library system has expanded to four locations, is open 197 hours per week, and has 69 public access computers. The newest bookmobile (the library’s fourth) started service in February 2007 and makes 30 stops per week around the county.
HELP STOP LOCAL GOV'T. CONFISCATION!
A real "tea party" is in order if the Wicomico County Council passes this bill. Not every member can be expected to "just say no" to the environmental elite and NIMBY's who are urging them to pass this bill.
Even if you're not a landowner, your rights could be attacked next. There are only TWO County Council Members who are against this Bill and quite frankly, to the 5 wanting to vote for it, expect Salisbury News to support whatever candidate will be running against you because YOU need to go.
Violating our rights like this is a travesty and clearly our Government is getting too big and clearly has too much time on their hands as well. Be prepared because the battle started when you actually considered this crap, now the WAR begins so that we can REMIND ALL of YOU that you work for We The People.
It's scary enough that most Americans are worried what direction this Country is headed. Now we have local politicians trying to demand they know what's better for us property OWNERS and what we can or can't do with this property. BITE ME! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! The War has just begun Folks. Any politician that supports this Bill will be exposed here on Salisbury News with the STRONG recommendation they be removed in the next election. WE pay our taxes, mind your own business and stay away from OUR land.
Thoughts on the Tea Party
While I commend anyone that takes a stand, I have to wonder what they were standing for? I heard all of the complaints of higher taxes. What I didn't hear were the complaints when the City of Salisbury raised property taxes just 2 years ago. I didn't hear the complaints last year when the sewer and water rates were increased 50% over 5 years and now another 15% coming this year. Where were the protesters then? Where were your signatures when we were out collecting them to take the proposed 17% tax hike to referendum? Where will you be when Rick Pollitt makes every attempt at removing the tax cap in the county? Exactly what taxes were being protested? Cigarette tax, fuel tax, food tax, lodging tax, luxury tax, clothing tax, property tax, income tax, school tax, amusement tax, etc.?
While I agree this country is out of hand with it's give aways and wasteful spending I will also agree attention was brought to the White House through a nationwide effort. I don't agree it will be effective. If you want to affect change start in your own towns and cities then take it to the county level, moving on to the state house then take your complaints to DC once you have affected change on a local level.
Start with city and county council meetings, let these elected officials know people are watching and people will stand up and speak against wasteful spending. The city and county are both going into their budget sessions, spend some time hearing how they want to spend your tax dollars. Start with demanding an audit of the Board of Education or making positions at the Board of Ed elected. I'm certain a lot of fat can be cut from their administrative budget. There is a difference in spending on education and spending on administration for education. We can cut the fat in the fire department. What is the purpose of having the newest "toys" if you don't have the manpower to utilize those "toys"? If you are going to be active, be active right here in your own back yard. Believe me when I tell you the city council members get especially nervous when the room is packed with citizens. In fact, Louise Smith comes unglued and has been known to shut meetings down completely.
What will happen to the city when the last of the old timers can no longer attend meetings and speak out against wasteful spending? There will be no one there to hold their feet to the fire. In two years there will be another city council election, the incumbents will either get their act together now during this budget session or know they have no chance of ever being reelected to office. The same goes for the wasteful spending on the county side, hold their feet to the fire or let them know in no uncertain terms they will not be reelected. Of course none of this can be done without active participation of the citizens and a watchful eye.
The apathy has paralyzed the citizens in this area. I have heard people say they don't speak up because it won't change anything, or they say I have a business or, I don't want them coming after me or, I work for the city I don't want to lose my job. The reign of terror in the city is over so stop making excuses and take hold of your city and the way elected officials handle your money.
You need only speak three words for them to hear the message loud and clear. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
While I agree this country is out of hand with it's give aways and wasteful spending I will also agree attention was brought to the White House through a nationwide effort. I don't agree it will be effective. If you want to affect change start in your own towns and cities then take it to the county level, moving on to the state house then take your complaints to DC once you have affected change on a local level.
Start with city and county council meetings, let these elected officials know people are watching and people will stand up and speak against wasteful spending. The city and county are both going into their budget sessions, spend some time hearing how they want to spend your tax dollars. Start with demanding an audit of the Board of Education or making positions at the Board of Ed elected. I'm certain a lot of fat can be cut from their administrative budget. There is a difference in spending on education and spending on administration for education. We can cut the fat in the fire department. What is the purpose of having the newest "toys" if you don't have the manpower to utilize those "toys"? If you are going to be active, be active right here in your own back yard. Believe me when I tell you the city council members get especially nervous when the room is packed with citizens. In fact, Louise Smith comes unglued and has been known to shut meetings down completely.
What will happen to the city when the last of the old timers can no longer attend meetings and speak out against wasteful spending? There will be no one there to hold their feet to the fire. In two years there will be another city council election, the incumbents will either get their act together now during this budget session or know they have no chance of ever being reelected to office. The same goes for the wasteful spending on the county side, hold their feet to the fire or let them know in no uncertain terms they will not be reelected. Of course none of this can be done without active participation of the citizens and a watchful eye.
The apathy has paralyzed the citizens in this area. I have heard people say they don't speak up because it won't change anything, or they say I have a business or, I don't want them coming after me or, I work for the city I don't want to lose my job. The reign of terror in the city is over so stop making excuses and take hold of your city and the way elected officials handle your money.
You need only speak three words for them to hear the message loud and clear. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
Dave Suiter, On The Road Again
Hi Folks,
This will be a little long as I explain the pics (attached).
Sailor was just outside Garden City,KS as I was heading west.
West KS is typical scenery but notice the BIG elevator.
Feed Yard is just outside Lamar,Co at junction of 50 & 287. Look at it on Google earth. 1000s of cattle there. SMELL from miles away. I was told that the cattle are raised on the range and at a certain size/weight, they are sold by rancher to one of the co-ops that run feed lots. Cattle eat,poop and get fat. Then they are sold for slaughter. Looking at the conditions these animals live causes me to question eating beef again. They have no range to roam. They lay in their poop., can't help not to!! SAD!!
BTW!! saw a Tyson plant near Lamar that is probably bigger than all of the Tyson, Perdue and Allen facilities all added together.
Irrigation! Noticed west KS and east Co that there were few of the spray units that make the big circles. Look at Google again!! They use drainage irrigation. Water is run through canals, concrete ditches, and miles of white plastic pipe. Any field that has a slope, is watered this way. I wonder how each farmer that uses the water pays his share!!??
Rockies 1,2 and 3 are west of Pueblo,Co.
Locals west of Salida.
Monarch Pass Summit. Google it!! My ears popped three times going up. Over 11K'. Temp dropped to 25. Was extra careful looking for melt water running across the road at that low temp.
Had planned to stop at Pueblo and run up to CO Springs/Garden of the Gods. Forecast was for rain/snow showers. As I cam into Pueblo, noticed clouds building and getting darker. Decided to run as far west as I could before the bottom fell out. As I went west, the sun stayed on my left shoulder. Clouds closing in from East and SE. Saw precip falling to my left/north but made it to Gunnison with out a drop or flake. Long run but fun and beautiful scenery. Tired so checked in where I stayed two years ago. Asked about the weather and hear that "maybe upwo feet in the mountains". may be here a day or two! 2 wheels and snow equal trouble!!!
I must say this and I will probably say it again in the next weeks. Pictures are great!! They feed an interest. BUT!! There is nothing like stopping, smelling the air, taking in the view and marveling at the majesty of Gods creations. Whatever your religious persuasion, you can not help but to be feel something overpowering.
I do hope that you may one day have the chance to go around our great country. We don't have to go to Europe or Hawaii. It's all here!! From the Blue Ridge to the Rockies, come and enjoy the wonder of it all.
Enough preaching!
May not be "stuck in Lodi again" but may stuck in Gunnison,CO. Oh well!! The VFW has a great dinner and only ten blocks trudge through the snow.
Best to all! Get your motor runnin'. See you around the bend in the road.
Dave
Crisfield
All Fashionable Crisfield Ladies know-
When it rains in Crisfield you not only
become waterfront property owners but
set the standard for fashion.
High Tide Heels
Available in all fine shoe stores in
Apes Hole, Byrdtown, Sackertown, and Lawsonia
Habitat ReStore Expands Hours & Needs Donations
The ReStore Home Improvement Outlet of Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County is now open six days a week and in need of donations.
The ReStore, which sells new and gently used home improvement materials and furniture to benefit Habitat’s home building program, has expanded it hours to Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The public is invited to shop and donate items at the ReStore. Habitat needs donations from contractors, businesses and private citizens. Items the ReStore accepts include construction and home improvement materials, appliances and furniture and much more. All donations are tax deductible and Habitat will provide an appropriate receipt for the items.
Donating unwanted items to Habitat also helps to keep them out of the landfill and avoids tipping fees.
The ReStore is located at 609 Shiloh Street in Salisbury and can be reached at 410-749-6325. E-mail Rota L. Knott, store manager, at rota@wicomicohabitat.org.
Donations can be dropped off at the store during business hours or Habitat will gladly arrange for pick-up of large items that can’t be dropped off.
The ReStore, which sells new and gently used home improvement materials and furniture to benefit Habitat’s home building program, has expanded it hours to Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The public is invited to shop and donate items at the ReStore. Habitat needs donations from contractors, businesses and private citizens. Items the ReStore accepts include construction and home improvement materials, appliances and furniture and much more. All donations are tax deductible and Habitat will provide an appropriate receipt for the items.
Donating unwanted items to Habitat also helps to keep them out of the landfill and avoids tipping fees.
The ReStore is located at 609 Shiloh Street in Salisbury and can be reached at 410-749-6325. E-mail Rota L. Knott, store manager, at rota@wicomicohabitat.org.
Donations can be dropped off at the store during business hours or Habitat will gladly arrange for pick-up of large items that can’t be dropped off.
Lane Restrictions Required For Route 404 & Route 13 Project
Beginning on Monday, April 20
Bridgeville -- As part of the U.S. Route 13/Route 404 project, the Department of Transportation (DelDOT) announces daytime intermittent lane restrictions on Route 404 eastbound/southbound and Route 13 northbound/southbound between Route 18 and Rifle Range Road for paving. The work will begin on Monday, April 20 and end on May 8, weather permitting. In addition, the contractor will work on weekends. The contractor for this rehabilitation project is Mumford & Miller, Inc.
At all times, one lane will remain open to traffic. Motorists are advised to use caution and expect lane shifts. State Police and flaggers will be on site to direct traffic.
Traffic alerts and traveler information are available at www.deldot.gov or tune to WTMC-AM 1380.
Bridgeville -- As part of the U.S. Route 13/Route 404 project, the Department of Transportation (DelDOT) announces daytime intermittent lane restrictions on Route 404 eastbound/southbound and Route 13 northbound/southbound between Route 18 and Rifle Range Road for paving. The work will begin on Monday, April 20 and end on May 8, weather permitting. In addition, the contractor will work on weekends. The contractor for this rehabilitation project is Mumford & Miller, Inc.
At all times, one lane will remain open to traffic. Motorists are advised to use caution and expect lane shifts. State Police and flaggers will be on site to direct traffic.
Traffic alerts and traveler information are available at www.deldot.gov or tune to WTMC-AM 1380.
Morality Question
There's a morality test with only one question, but a very important one. It features an unlikely, completely fictional situation in which you will have to make a choice. Remember that your answer needs to be honest, yet spontaneous.
THE SITUATION:
You are in Florida. There is chaos all around you caused by a hurricane with severe flooding. This is a flood of biblical proportions. You are photojournalist working for a major newspaper, and you're caught in the middle of this epic disaster. The situation is nearly hopeless.
You're trying to shoot career-making photos. There are houses and people swirling around you, some disappearing under the water. Nature is unleashing all of its destructive fury.
THE TEST:
Suddenly you see a man and a woman in the water. They are fighting for their lives, trying not to be taken down with the debris. You move closer. Somehow they look familiar. You suddenly realize who they are. It's Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi!! At the same time you notice that the raging waters are about to take them under forever. You have two options: You can save their lives or you can shoot a dramatic Pulitzer Prize winning photo, documenting the deaths of two of the world's most powerful people.
THE QUESTION:
Here's the question, and please give an honest answer...
Would you select high contrast color film, or would you go with the classic simplicity of black and white?
THE SITUATION:
You are in Florida. There is chaos all around you caused by a hurricane with severe flooding. This is a flood of biblical proportions. You are photojournalist working for a major newspaper, and you're caught in the middle of this epic disaster. The situation is nearly hopeless.
You're trying to shoot career-making photos. There are houses and people swirling around you, some disappearing under the water. Nature is unleashing all of its destructive fury.
THE TEST:
Suddenly you see a man and a woman in the water. They are fighting for their lives, trying not to be taken down with the debris. You move closer. Somehow they look familiar. You suddenly realize who they are. It's Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi!! At the same time you notice that the raging waters are about to take them under forever. You have two options: You can save their lives or you can shoot a dramatic Pulitzer Prize winning photo, documenting the deaths of two of the world's most powerful people.
THE QUESTION:
Here's the question, and please give an honest answer...
Would you select high contrast color film, or would you go with the classic simplicity of black and white?
Delmarva Paintball Responds
"Hello all, This is Dan Wallace, Owner of Delmarva Paintball.
Before people go haywire on this, I'd like to clear a few things up.
First the totals are way off. While still quite high the actual amount is far less than a third of what is listed. The amounts listing me as the officer are duplicates of what the company was assesed but with fewer penalties.
How did it happen? 8 years ago when I moved Delmarva Paintball from DE. to Salisbury I spoke with a representative from the comptrollers office. I asked very specific questions and got horribly inacurate answers.
Much like Crown Sports I was not made aware of the Admissions and Amusements tax and thus did not collect it from my customers.
I also asked about whether paintballs sold for use at the facility were to be charged sales tax. I was told no. To quote the Comptrollers representative "you don't charge tax on ketchup if it's being used at the restaraunt either" Turns out they were very wrong and I was very wrong for going to the Comptrollers Office for tax advice.
After being open for more than 6 years in the county and paying all and every tax that I was aware of, I was audited.
It made no difference that the missinformation that I recieved was directly from the Comptrollers Office. It made no difference that the amount they were looking for was never collected from the customers.
Remember... this is not a tax on me or on my business, it is tax on people who play paintball. I am just required to collect it from you for the state.
It would have been simple to charge each customer a few extra dollars during that time and just hand it over to the state. That's what I did with all the other collected taxes.
Now I will admit, when I got that bill I was shocked. I had been playing above board and as far as I knew all was well in taxville.
I had no way of paying what they were asking and of course it was impossible to go back to 6 years worth of customers and say "Hey, I need another couple of bucks from you" So, I am stuck finding a way to come up with the money.
I have never hid this. It is something I have been dealing with for two years. I had to file tons of forms and I am working on payment arrangements with the state.
No, I am not rolling in the dough. Actually the paintball business is a tough one, made even tougher with the extra taxes put on me. Most weekends my referees take home more than I do and the government definately collects more in taxes from Delmarva Paintball than I make in a year. Most days I'm just hoping I can afford to stay open another week.
Thanks for reading.
Dan Wallace
Delmarva Paintball"
From Joe Albero:
Mr. Wallace,
The state has provided this information and fully expects you, (as well as the Corporation) to make good on those figures. Unfortunately, (for you) you will also be subjected each and every day to penalties and interest until the full amounts both corporate and personal are paid off.
I have owned several businesses in my day, some of which were Billiard Rooms. They were subjected to a 10% Amusement Tax as well and this was considered and adjusted immediately when I started those businesses. ANY good Accountant or CPA would know this, as should YOU.
To claim you made calls and were told different, well, no disrespect but that was a lame excuse. I'm personally confident that YOU have spoken to other business owners, (in the SAME business) that bitched and complained about the Amusement Taxes they were paying, therefore I find it pretty much impossible to believe your story.
You went on to quote, "you don't charge tax on ketchup if it's being used at the restaurant either" Mr. Wallace, come on now. That's about as made up a statement as I've ever heard any businessman make. In the Billiard business you hand them a rack of 16 balls and two pieces of chalk, they are expected to return to the counter with the same. If you SELL them something, it's taxed. The ketchup thing, well, that's just ridiculous. When you sold your customers Paintballs, they weren't coming back to the counter to return them.
"It made no difference that the miss information that I received was directly from the Comptrollers Office. It made no difference that the amount they were looking for was never collected from the customers." There was a time I had an accountant who was actually paying the 10% Amusement Tax as well as a 5% Sales Tax. The Accountant was wrong for doing so. It was one or the other, whichever is higher. Nevertheless, when we went to the state and asked for the additional 5% we had been paying, back, they simply told us that if we could prove we were going to pay back each and every Customer that 5% they would do so. However, they knew that was impossible, so hundreds of thousands of dollars was kept by the State. No hard feelings, our mistake. However, at least we were honest and paid our fair share.
The tail end of your message is truly puzzling. My kids played paintball on a Semi Pro level. ANYONE reading this Post that has kids and have been subjected to the cost of a day of Paintball knows the expense of this sport. It's out of this world, cost wise. Let me put it to you this way Mr. Wallace. We used to hear complaints at the Billiard Rooms from people saying, TWENTY BUCKS, YOU'RE KIDDING ME, RIGHT? Mind you, there were two to four of them playing for hours on brand new tables, TV's showing sporting events all day and night, heat and or air conditioning and space that cost at least $16.00 per sq. ft. Yeah, TWENTY BUCKS!
You sign up for a Paintball Game and it will cost you that much. Then there's the rental of the guns and gear. Then there's the Painballs. COME ON NOW, you must not be reporting every sale Mr. Wallace because I know Paintball Fields where they're making so much money hand over fist it isn't funny. More importantly, while we were paying Staff to man the Billiard Rooms, paying rent, gas & electric and insurance, we also paid our taxes and quite frankly, WE MADE MONEY.
My kids would spend anywhere from $150.00 to $200.00 a day, (PER KID) playing Paintball. Not TWENTY BUCKS! Now if I was under the impression you were only bringing in twenty bucks per kid each time they came to play Paintball, I might believe you had some problems surviving. I know that's not the case and so do you. I should add, to EVERY Parent reading this article, they know what they spend on their kids playing Paintball and quite frankly, it's nuts!
Going into business is a serious responsibility. There are laws to follow, NONE of which are ever given to you by the state. They expect each and every business person to know these rules/laws and abide by them, this is why we hire Lawyers and Accountants. This is why Banks require business plans, should you borrow money to get into business. If ANY one of the three didn't pick up on that before you went into business, well, my guess is that you went into business winging it and without professional advice.
Yes, there are actually some cases where a good lawyer is worth his weight in gold. Fortunately for me I have been surrounded by such professionals. Mistakes do happen but negotiating for two years and you still haven't settled on an amount due, you Sir are not serious about being in business. I'm sure the rest of us will pay for your failures through these Bailouts and or simply as a taxpayer in the state.
Mr. Hearne's situation is completely different from yours. Nice try on that one but you're completely wrong. Mr. Hearne didn't believe he owed any taxes on TEAM SPORTS for CHILDREN under 18 years of age. If you simply walked in the door and wanted to play an open game of volleyball, YOU WERE TAXED. If you were an adult, YOU WERE TAXED. The County didn't have enough room to provide ball fields for many TEAM SPORTS for children, so they went to the Crown and asked if they could provide the space. They did so but no one ever dreamed that HE/THEY would be taxed for Amusement for CHILDREN playing organized team sports. They don't charge a tax when you sign your kids up for sports.
Nevertheless, he owned up to his responsibility and quite frankly I'm amazed that the state is allowing you to continue operating your business while you still owe this money after 6 years of not doing so. While many might believe you need to stay in business in order to pay off that debt, I believe after what you've said above that they should close that business down immediately and take their losses. This would still require you to pay back that debt but all in all I do not feel one bit sorry for the position you are in. Get a Lawyer, get an Accountant and face this thing head on. Not doing so for six years, well, shame on the state. You're in a cash business and you don't abide by the rules. It's time you close down and go to work for someone who does.
Before people go haywire on this, I'd like to clear a few things up.
First the totals are way off. While still quite high the actual amount is far less than a third of what is listed. The amounts listing me as the officer are duplicates of what the company was assesed but with fewer penalties.
How did it happen? 8 years ago when I moved Delmarva Paintball from DE. to Salisbury I spoke with a representative from the comptrollers office. I asked very specific questions and got horribly inacurate answers.
Much like Crown Sports I was not made aware of the Admissions and Amusements tax and thus did not collect it from my customers.
I also asked about whether paintballs sold for use at the facility were to be charged sales tax. I was told no. To quote the Comptrollers representative "you don't charge tax on ketchup if it's being used at the restaraunt either" Turns out they were very wrong and I was very wrong for going to the Comptrollers Office for tax advice.
After being open for more than 6 years in the county and paying all and every tax that I was aware of, I was audited.
It made no difference that the missinformation that I recieved was directly from the Comptrollers Office. It made no difference that the amount they were looking for was never collected from the customers.
Remember... this is not a tax on me or on my business, it is tax on people who play paintball. I am just required to collect it from you for the state.
It would have been simple to charge each customer a few extra dollars during that time and just hand it over to the state. That's what I did with all the other collected taxes.
Now I will admit, when I got that bill I was shocked. I had been playing above board and as far as I knew all was well in taxville.
I had no way of paying what they were asking and of course it was impossible to go back to 6 years worth of customers and say "Hey, I need another couple of bucks from you" So, I am stuck finding a way to come up with the money.
I have never hid this. It is something I have been dealing with for two years. I had to file tons of forms and I am working on payment arrangements with the state.
No, I am not rolling in the dough. Actually the paintball business is a tough one, made even tougher with the extra taxes put on me. Most weekends my referees take home more than I do and the government definately collects more in taxes from Delmarva Paintball than I make in a year. Most days I'm just hoping I can afford to stay open another week.
Thanks for reading.
Dan Wallace
Delmarva Paintball"
From Joe Albero:
Mr. Wallace,
The state has provided this information and fully expects you, (as well as the Corporation) to make good on those figures. Unfortunately, (for you) you will also be subjected each and every day to penalties and interest until the full amounts both corporate and personal are paid off.
I have owned several businesses in my day, some of which were Billiard Rooms. They were subjected to a 10% Amusement Tax as well and this was considered and adjusted immediately when I started those businesses. ANY good Accountant or CPA would know this, as should YOU.
To claim you made calls and were told different, well, no disrespect but that was a lame excuse. I'm personally confident that YOU have spoken to other business owners, (in the SAME business) that bitched and complained about the Amusement Taxes they were paying, therefore I find it pretty much impossible to believe your story.
You went on to quote, "you don't charge tax on ketchup if it's being used at the restaurant either" Mr. Wallace, come on now. That's about as made up a statement as I've ever heard any businessman make. In the Billiard business you hand them a rack of 16 balls and two pieces of chalk, they are expected to return to the counter with the same. If you SELL them something, it's taxed. The ketchup thing, well, that's just ridiculous. When you sold your customers Paintballs, they weren't coming back to the counter to return them.
"It made no difference that the miss information that I received was directly from the Comptrollers Office. It made no difference that the amount they were looking for was never collected from the customers." There was a time I had an accountant who was actually paying the 10% Amusement Tax as well as a 5% Sales Tax. The Accountant was wrong for doing so. It was one or the other, whichever is higher. Nevertheless, when we went to the state and asked for the additional 5% we had been paying, back, they simply told us that if we could prove we were going to pay back each and every Customer that 5% they would do so. However, they knew that was impossible, so hundreds of thousands of dollars was kept by the State. No hard feelings, our mistake. However, at least we were honest and paid our fair share.
The tail end of your message is truly puzzling. My kids played paintball on a Semi Pro level. ANYONE reading this Post that has kids and have been subjected to the cost of a day of Paintball knows the expense of this sport. It's out of this world, cost wise. Let me put it to you this way Mr. Wallace. We used to hear complaints at the Billiard Rooms from people saying, TWENTY BUCKS, YOU'RE KIDDING ME, RIGHT? Mind you, there were two to four of them playing for hours on brand new tables, TV's showing sporting events all day and night, heat and or air conditioning and space that cost at least $16.00 per sq. ft. Yeah, TWENTY BUCKS!
You sign up for a Paintball Game and it will cost you that much. Then there's the rental of the guns and gear. Then there's the Painballs. COME ON NOW, you must not be reporting every sale Mr. Wallace because I know Paintball Fields where they're making so much money hand over fist it isn't funny. More importantly, while we were paying Staff to man the Billiard Rooms, paying rent, gas & electric and insurance, we also paid our taxes and quite frankly, WE MADE MONEY.
My kids would spend anywhere from $150.00 to $200.00 a day, (PER KID) playing Paintball. Not TWENTY BUCKS! Now if I was under the impression you were only bringing in twenty bucks per kid each time they came to play Paintball, I might believe you had some problems surviving. I know that's not the case and so do you. I should add, to EVERY Parent reading this article, they know what they spend on their kids playing Paintball and quite frankly, it's nuts!
Going into business is a serious responsibility. There are laws to follow, NONE of which are ever given to you by the state. They expect each and every business person to know these rules/laws and abide by them, this is why we hire Lawyers and Accountants. This is why Banks require business plans, should you borrow money to get into business. If ANY one of the three didn't pick up on that before you went into business, well, my guess is that you went into business winging it and without professional advice.
Yes, there are actually some cases where a good lawyer is worth his weight in gold. Fortunately for me I have been surrounded by such professionals. Mistakes do happen but negotiating for two years and you still haven't settled on an amount due, you Sir are not serious about being in business. I'm sure the rest of us will pay for your failures through these Bailouts and or simply as a taxpayer in the state.
Mr. Hearne's situation is completely different from yours. Nice try on that one but you're completely wrong. Mr. Hearne didn't believe he owed any taxes on TEAM SPORTS for CHILDREN under 18 years of age. If you simply walked in the door and wanted to play an open game of volleyball, YOU WERE TAXED. If you were an adult, YOU WERE TAXED. The County didn't have enough room to provide ball fields for many TEAM SPORTS for children, so they went to the Crown and asked if they could provide the space. They did so but no one ever dreamed that HE/THEY would be taxed for Amusement for CHILDREN playing organized team sports. They don't charge a tax when you sign your kids up for sports.
Nevertheless, he owned up to his responsibility and quite frankly I'm amazed that the state is allowing you to continue operating your business while you still owe this money after 6 years of not doing so. While many might believe you need to stay in business in order to pay off that debt, I believe after what you've said above that they should close that business down immediately and take their losses. This would still require you to pay back that debt but all in all I do not feel one bit sorry for the position you are in. Get a Lawyer, get an Accountant and face this thing head on. Not doing so for six years, well, shame on the state. You're in a cash business and you don't abide by the rules. It's time you close down and go to work for someone who does.
WARN YOUR FRIENDS!
You've heard about people who have been abducted and had their kidneys removed by black-market organ thieves?
My thighs were stolen from me during the night a few years ago. I went to sleep and woke up with someone else's thighs. It was just that quick.
The replacements had the texture of cooked oatmeal. Whose thighs were these and what happened to mine? I spent the entire summer looking for my thighs.
Finally, hurt and angry, I resigned myself to living out my life in jeans.
And then the thieves struck again.
My butt was next. I knew it was the same gang, because they took pains to match my new rear-end to the thighs they had stuck me with earlier.
But my new butt was attached at least three inches lower than my original!
I realized I'd have to give up my jeans in favor of long skirts.
Two years ago I realized my arms had been switched. One morning I was fixing my hair and was horrified to see the flesh of my upper arm swing to and fro with the motion of the hairbrush. This was really getting scary - my body was being replaced one section at a time. What could they do to me next?
When my poor neck suddenly disappeared and was replaced with a turkey neck, I decided to tell my story. Women of the world, wake up and smell the coffee! Those 'plastic' surgeons are using REAL replacement body parts -stolen from you and me! The next time someone you know has something 'lifted', look again - was it lifted from you?
THIS IS NOT A HOAX. This is happening to women everywhere every night.
WARN YOUR FRIENDS!
P..S. Last year I thought someone had stolen my Boobs. I was lying in bed and they were gone! But when I jumped out of bed, I was relieved to see that they had just been hiding in my armpits as I slept. Now I keep them hidden in my waistband.
Thought this was too 'important' not pass on. Have a wonderful day - with a joy filled heart.
These same thieves come in my closet and shrink my clothes!
How..... do..... they...... do it????
My thighs were stolen from me during the night a few years ago. I went to sleep and woke up with someone else's thighs. It was just that quick.
The replacements had the texture of cooked oatmeal. Whose thighs were these and what happened to mine? I spent the entire summer looking for my thighs.
Finally, hurt and angry, I resigned myself to living out my life in jeans.
And then the thieves struck again.
My butt was next. I knew it was the same gang, because they took pains to match my new rear-end to the thighs they had stuck me with earlier.
But my new butt was attached at least three inches lower than my original!
I realized I'd have to give up my jeans in favor of long skirts.
Two years ago I realized my arms had been switched. One morning I was fixing my hair and was horrified to see the flesh of my upper arm swing to and fro with the motion of the hairbrush. This was really getting scary - my body was being replaced one section at a time. What could they do to me next?
When my poor neck suddenly disappeared and was replaced with a turkey neck, I decided to tell my story. Women of the world, wake up and smell the coffee! Those 'plastic' surgeons are using REAL replacement body parts -stolen from you and me! The next time someone you know has something 'lifted', look again - was it lifted from you?
THIS IS NOT A HOAX. This is happening to women everywhere every night.
WARN YOUR FRIENDS!
P..S. Last year I thought someone had stolen my Boobs. I was lying in bed and they were gone! But when I jumped out of bed, I was relieved to see that they had just been hiding in my armpits as I slept. Now I keep them hidden in my waistband.
Thought this was too 'important' not pass on. Have a wonderful day - with a joy filled heart.
These same thieves come in my closet and shrink my clothes!
How..... do..... they...... do it????
The Funeral
A man was leaving a convenience store with his morning coffee when he noticed a most unusual funeral procession approaching the nearby cemetery.
A long black hearse was followed by a second long black hearse about 50 feet behind the first one.
Behind the second hearse was a solitary man walking a dog on a leash.
Behind him, a short distance back, were about 200 men walking single file.
The man couldn't stand the curiosity.
He respectfully approached the man walking the dog and said, "I am so sorry for your loss, and I know now is a bad time to disturb you, but I've never seen a funeral like this. Whose funeral is it?"
"My wife's."
"What happened to her?"
The man replied, "My dog attacked and killed her."
He inquired further, "But, who is in the second hearse?"
The man answered, "My mother-in-law. She was trying to help my wife when the dog turned on her."
A poignant and thoughtful moment of silence passed between the two men.
"Can I borrow the dog?"
The man answered "Get in line."
A long black hearse was followed by a second long black hearse about 50 feet behind the first one.
Behind the second hearse was a solitary man walking a dog on a leash.
Behind him, a short distance back, were about 200 men walking single file.
The man couldn't stand the curiosity.
He respectfully approached the man walking the dog and said, "I am so sorry for your loss, and I know now is a bad time to disturb you, but I've never seen a funeral like this. Whose funeral is it?"
"My wife's."
"What happened to her?"
The man replied, "My dog attacked and killed her."
He inquired further, "But, who is in the second hearse?"
The man answered, "My mother-in-law. She was trying to help my wife when the dog turned on her."
A poignant and thoughtful moment of silence passed between the two men.
"Can I borrow the dog?"
The man answered "Get in line."
4/17 Yard Sales & Help Wanted Ads
GO HERE for the latest Help Wanted section of Sbynews.
GO HERE for the latest Yard Sales section of Sbynews.
It's going to be a beautiful Saturday for yard sales.
If you would like to contribute, please email SunnyInOC at atlanticjw@aol.com. Please type "yard sale" or "help wanted" in the subject of your email. Please have all requests to me by Thursday at 3pm to ensure your ad will be included.
Remember folks, IT'S FREE . . . What do you have to lose?
GO HERE for the latest Yard Sales section of Sbynews.
It's going to be a beautiful Saturday for yard sales.
If you would like to contribute, please email SunnyInOC at atlanticjw@aol.com. Please type "yard sale" or "help wanted" in the subject of your email. Please have all requests to me by Thursday at 3pm to ensure your ad will be included.
Remember folks, IT'S FREE . . . What do you have to lose?
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