PEDESTRIAN CROSSING RT. 50 FATALLY INJURED AFTER BEING STRUCK BY TROOPER IN QA CO

(Queenstown, MD) – A pedestrian who walked into heavy traffic on a controlled-access highway while attempting to cross Route 50 in Queen Anne’s County this morning was struck by a state trooper and later died from his injuries.

The man is identified as James H. White, Jr., 70, of no fixed address. White had been living at the Chesapeake Motel on Rt. 50 in Queenstown.

At about 9:15 a.m. today, First Sergeant Livingston Banks, of the Maryland State Police, had just exited onto westbound Rt. 50 from Nesbit Road and was approaching exit 45A, at the Chesapeake Motel. First Sergeant Banks was driving his department issued 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer with the front lights on.

As he neared the large sign for exit 45A at Hissey Road, First Sergeant Banks observed vehicles on the three-lane westbound highway in front of him veer suddenly and slow abruptly. Without warning, a pedestrian, later identified as White, was in the trooper’s direct path of travel in the slow lane. The trooper attempted to stop immediately and took evasive action, but could not avoid the pedestrian. White was struck by the driver’s side headlight and bumper area of the vehicle.

The trooper was uninjured and immediately called for emergency medical services and notified the barracks of the crash. He then administered emergency care to White until an ambulance arrived. White was transported to Easton Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The Maryland State Police CRASH Team responded to the scene and is conducting the continuing investigation. The preliminary investigation indicates pedestrian error was the cause of the crash and that White stepped from a traffic island at Hissey Road and Rt. 50 directly into traffic. Route 50 is a controlled access highway in that area and pedestrians are not permitted on the roadway in any area.

First Sergeant Banks is a 25-year-veteran of the Maryland State Police. He is assigned to the Automotive Safety Enforcement Division in headquartered in Glen Burnie.

Traffic was detoured around the scene for about four hours today as the investigation was conducted. State Highway Administration personnel coordinated the traffic detour.

Anyone who may have witnessed this crash this morning is urged to contact Maryland State Police at the Centreville Barracks at 410-758-1101.

Leave It To Obama To Screw Up Again

Fort Hood Tragedy -- Barack Obama Gives Odd "Shout-Out" Before He Comments on Massacre -- FOX News

U.S. Chamber Lauds Kratovil for Opposing Health Care Bill

U.S. Chamber Lauds Congressman Frank Kratovil for

Opposing House Health Care Bill


WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President of Government Affairs Bruce Josten issued the following statement thanking Congressman Frank Kratovil for standing up for families and businesses and opposing H.R. 3962:



“We applaud Congressman Frank Kratovil for his statement opposing H.R. 3962, the House health care bill, which could wipe out more jobs, raise costs, and put employers’ and employees’ current health benefits at risk.



“The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has strongly advocated for health care reform and shares the goals of Congress and the Administration to reduce health care costs, while increasing access and quality. But the current proposal in the House includes many provisions that are not consistent with those shared goals.


“The business community at large is eager to work with Congress to develop a workable product that garners broad bipartisan support and preserves the parts of the system that work in a fiscally responsible manner.


“We look forward to continuing to work with Congressman Frank Kratovil as this difficult but important process continues to move forward.”


The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.


www.uschamber.com # # # www.chamberpost.com

The 1st "Joe Albero Show" Will Leave You Wanting More

OK, I just got in my copy of our very first Show and for what it's worth, it's good!

Of course I want to say it's great but I'll leave that up to all of you to judge. Nevertheless, the Show is filled with information many of you were not aware of and quite frankly you'll be shocked hearing much of this news for the very first time.

The format I received it in is difficult to convert but we're working on it and hopefully we can provide an on line version of it some time soon, for those of you who cannot get any of the channels it will be broadcast on.

We'll see you here tomorrow just after the show and get a feel for what you liked or disliked. One thing is for sure, everyone is talking about it and can't wait to see it. I'm confident that the information I provide on this show will not disappoint you.

10:30 AM on Comcast Channel9, Mediacom Channel 99 and Digital TV Channel 31.1.

Kratovil Statement On Health Care Reform Legislation

Washington, DC – Rep. Frank Kratovil released the following statement regarding HR 3962.

“We need health care reform that reduces long-term health care spending and expands coverage, but we must find a fiscally sustainable approach to accomplish these goals. After months of thoroughly reviewing legislative proposals and speaking with constituents and stakeholders, I am not satisfied that this bill before us is a sustainable solution. While I applaud the efforts to improve this bill, I still am concerned that this bill does not do enough to bend the long-term cost curve and that it lacks adequate provisions to reduce the deficit and protect small businesses. While I will continue to work with my colleagues to pursue a better bill as this process continues, I do not support HR 3962 and will vote against it when it comes to the floor this weekend.”

OCPD NARCS ARREST SUSPECTED DRUG DEALER

On November 5, 2009, at approximately 8 P.M., the Ocean City Police Narcotics unit with the
assistance of OCPD patrol personnel made traffic stop of a vehicle after the driver of the car sold
suspected crack cocaine to an undercover OCPD detective.

During the stop, the driver of the suspect vehicle was identified as Shanice Eriz Chandler; 24-yearsold of Frankford, Delaware. Chandler and Jennings were taken into custody without incident. It should be noted, that there was a two year old child inside of the vehicle during the drug transaction.

Chandler has been charged with:
• Distribution of Controlled Dangerous Substance, to wit: Crack Cocaine
(Felony)
• Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance, to wit: Crack Cocaine
(Misdemeanor)
• Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance, to wit: Marijuana THC
(Misdemeanor)

A passenger inside of the vehicle during the drug transaction identified as Sheronda Renee Jennings; 38-years-old, of Frankford, Delaware was also arrested and charged with:
• Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Dangerous Substance, to wit:
Crack Cocaine (Felony)
• Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance, to wit: Marijuana THC
(Misdemeanor)

A family member of Jennings did respond to the scene to take custody of Jennings 2-year-old child. OCPD Detectives will be following up with social services regarding the welfare of the child.
Both Chandler and Jennings were seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner; Chandler is being held on a $10,000 bond. Jennings is being held on a $5000 bond.

Delaware Electric Cooperative "Peak Alert"

URGENT “BEAT THE PEAK”

5 P.M. to 8 P.M., Tonight, November 6th


Because of the cold weather forecast in our area tonight, between the hours of 5 P.M. and 8 P.M., we are asking you to delay the usage of all unnecessary lights and appliances during these hours.

The largest users of electricity in the home during these hours are lighting and major appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, clothes dryers, water heaters and ranges. Other important steps to take might include adjusting thermostats down 3 degrees during this “Peak” time of 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

By delaying the use of unnecessary lighting and appliances between 5 P.M. and 8 P.M., tonight and tomorrow night, we can save energy resources, avoid high cost energy and help the environment.

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

OCPD NARCOTICS UNIT MAKES ARREST FOR DISTRIBUTION OF CRACK COCAINE

On November 4, 2009, the Ocean City Police Narcotics Unit concluded a two month
drug distribution investigation with the arrests of Deshawn Cornelius Handy, 26-yearsold and Benny Marion Mullins, Jr., 31-years-old, both of Selbyville, Delaware.

During the investigation, an undercover OCPD detective was able to purchase crack cocaine from Handy on two separate occasions.

Ocean City Police served a search and seizure warrant on Handy’s person and a
vehicle Handy was occupying. Handy was taken into custody without incident. The
vehicle was also seized during the investigation and is pending forfeiture.

Handy was charged with the following:
• Two counts of Distribution of Controlled Dangerous
Substance(Crack Cocaine)(Felony)
• One count of Distribution of Non-Controlled substance
(Felony)
• Two counts of Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance
(Crack Cocaine)

Mullins Jr., was charged with the following:
• Conspiracy to Distribute CDS (Crack Cocaine)(Felony)
Handy and Mullins, Jr. were both seen by an Ocean City District
Court Commissioner. Handy was held on $10,000 bond and transferred to the Worcester County Jail. Mullins, Jr. was released after posting a $5000 bond.

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON NATIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT SURPASSING TEN PERCENT

ANNAPOLIS, MD (November 6, 2009) – Governor Martin O’Malley issued this statement today following the announcement that national unemployment has surpassed ten percent:

“Today’s 10.2 percent national unemployment rate is another signal that, while many economic indicators show signs of improvement, we are not nearly out of the woods. Not as a state, and not as a nation.

“I know that Marylanders are frustrated with the pace of this recovery, and I share in that frustration. Last night, I shared with Maryland’s business community our strategy to strengthen small businesses in Maryland. If we’re going to turn the corner from recovery to prosperity, we must continue to recognize that our progress as a State depends on the prosperity of small businesses, businesses that employ more than 1.2 million people in the State of Maryland.

“Maryland is fortunate to have consistently held unemployment well below the national average at 7.2 percent. For all the challenges we’re facing as a country, there are plenty of reasons why we in Maryland are in a better position than our counterparts in other States to transition from recovery to prosperity. We are home to one of America’s most highly skilled workforces, the nation’s top public school system, countless world class institutions and federal facilities, and we remain one of only six states to defend a Triple A bond rating.”

Last night, Governor O’Malley outlined a ten point strategy before the Maryland Chamber of Commerce to strengthen small business in Maryland. The Governor’s full remarks can be found here.

House Passes Extension Of Home Buyer Tax Credit

Washington, DC – Yesterday the House of Representatives passed and today President Obama signed into law legislation that will extend the $8,000 homebuyer tax credit past the November 30th deadline to first-time homebuyers with a binding contract before April 30, 2010.

“Realtors and home buyers alike are reporting that the first time home buyer tax credit is working to revitalize the housing industry. In this economy it would be foolish to allow something that is working to simply expire,” said Rep. Frank Kratovil (D-MD). “I was please to help in the fight to extend the first time home buyer tax credit because when more first time buyers have an opportunity to enter the market the entire economy gets a shot in the arm.”

The bill will expand the homebuyer tax credit to more families, phasing out for individuals with income above $125,000 and for joint filers with income about $225,000 (the current law credit phases out for individuals with income starting at $75,000 and for joint filers with income starting at $150,000). It also creates a $6,500 credit available to homebuyers who have been in their current residence for five or more consecutive years out of the last eight years.

In late September Reps. Frank Kratovil (D-MD) and Travis Childers (D-MS) introduced The Tax Credit Extension for Homebuyers with a Loss Deduction Incentive Act (H.R. 3640), similar legislation to what was passed yesterday to help families buy and sell homes and spur growth and stability in the American housing market. Congressman Kratovil’s legislation was backed by the National Association of Realtors.

“In my short time here I have certainly learned that building consensus for good policy is how the Congress can gets things done on behalf of our constituents,” said Rep. Kratovil. “There was overwhelming support for this very popular tax break and I am pleased that we were able to create language that will extend it so that many more families can take advantage of it.”

The language was included in H.R. 3548, The Worker, Homeownership and Business Extension Act, by a vote of 403-12. House passage now sends the bill to the President’s desk for his signature. In addition to extending the tax credit the legislation also extends unemployment insurance for out of work Americans in all 50 states.

Lost Dog In Hebron

Joe,

I am asking you to post a lost dog notice please. Yesterday my friends dog disappeared. She lives on main street in Hebron, MD not far from the carnival. The dog is a female silver Yorkie that goes by the name Trixie. Her fur is cut very short and she is shy around strangers most of the time. She has never spent much time outside other than to go to the bathroom. Last evening was spent walking the streets of Hebron looking for her as well as calling for her. If anyone has her or has any information about seeing her please call Sherry at 410-251-0541 or me at 443-880-1495.

Lori

UPDATE: Trixie has been FOUND. Thanks Folks.

Salisbury Man Gets 25 Years For Home Invasion

A Salisbury man is sentenced to 25 years for his role in a home invasion that occurred nearly a year ago.

This morning, a Wicomico County Circuit Court judge sentenced 22-year-old Deshawn Stevenson to 20 years for each count of Armed Robbery and 1 count of 1st Degree Burglary and 5 years consecutive for Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery.

Last month, Stevenson was convicted of 3 counts of Armed Robbery, 3 counts of Robbery, 3 counts of 1st Degree Assault, 3 counts of 2nd Degree Assault, 3 counts of Reckless Endangerment, 3 counts of Theft, 1st Degree Burglary, 4th Degree Burglary, Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery, Conspiracy to Commit 1st Degree Burglary, and Illegal Possession of a Regulated Firearm.

Deputy State’s Attorney Sam Vincent says on November 9, 2008, Stevenson was with two other men, 23-year-old Michael Ingram and 26-year-old Deonte Spratling, when they invaded a home wearing masks and carrying handguns at Marley Manor Apartments. Vincent says one of the victims answered the door, and Stevenson, Ingram, and Spratling ordered the victim and two others to hand over their valuables at gunpoint. A shotgun, medication, a laptop computer, a PlayStation, paintball gun, jewelry, and cash were stolen from the apartment.

Ingram pleaded guilty to Armed Robbery on April 21, 2009 and was sentenced to 18 years. Spratling pleaded guilty to Armed Robbery on May 28, 2009 and was sentenced to 15 years.

Electricity Rates to Go Up on Shore?

Do you want to pay more for your electricity?  Probably not.  Unfortunately, that could be in the cards unless you speak out!

On Tuesday, November 10th there will be a public hearing of the Maryland Public Service Commission at Salisbury University.  The hearing will be at 7:00 PM in the Nanticoke Room (Room 236) of the Guerrieri Center.

One hearing has already been held in Salisbury.  However, Delmarva Power advertised the hearing (and several others on the Shore) in a less than honest manner.  (No mention was made of a rate increase).  Fortunately (for rate payers) Del. Mike Smigiel (R-36) called Delmarva Power on their little game and the PSC has called for a new round of hearings.

I know that Tuesday will be a tough day.  There is a WCBOE meeting (that has been moved to the afternoon so folks from the school board can go to the County Council hearing on Tuesday night and tell us that they don’t waste a dime, but “it’s for the children” anyway).  At the same time Tuesday evening the Wicomico County council is holding a hearing on the disastrous Rick Pollitt budget proposal.

Try to hit both Tuesday night meetings.  Go to SU first and register your opposition to higher electrical rates and then head over to the Civic Center.  There will be plenty of county and BOE employees trying to argue their case at that one.

from Delmarva Dealings

CHIEFY WEBSTER’S “WHISTLE-BLOWER” BALONEY

Shortly before he sued the City of Salisbury, Chiefy Webster began to portray himself as a public-spirited whistle-blower in his protracted attempt to smear Councilwoman Campbell in the local mainstream media. This fiction – that Webster is acting as a diligent watchdog against crime – is embellished to absurdity in the lawsuit filed on his behalf by Robin Cockey, who is known for his obvious stage acting in various venues.

The allegations are designed to paint a portrait of Webster almost single-handedly saving Salisbury from an ignominious fate by his selfless effort to recover a tape recording that allegedly was given to Ms. Campbell in 1998 by Webster’s trusty ally and foot-soldier, Mark Tyler, who (some might surmise) deserves a round of sustained applause for disclosing that he did so. That Tyler’s disclosure was made more than 10 years later and came just as Ms. Campbell was standing for reelection this year is mere coincidence, of course. Better late than never, right?

This patent public posturing by Webster-Cockey is pure nonsense. The City’s “whistle-blower” policy and protection exist to promote rapid reaction to legal violations by City employees in the course of conduct in that capacity. Ms. Campbell is not a City employee, and she did not become a member of the City Council until more than 6 years after Tyler claims that he gave the tape to her. There is no suggestion that he loaned it to her or said that it should be returned.

Now, if the City should proceed to sanction Tyler for improperly disposing of what is now said to be significant “evidence,” Webster might be shielded by that whistle-blower protection against retaliation. But, it appears that Tyler has not even been reprimanded.

The Webster-Cockey ploy is to “fast forward” to this year and suggest that Ms. Campbell is in violation of the law by (allegedly) having possession of the tape that Mark Tyler gave to her in 1998. The fantasy that Cockey filed in the Wicomico County Circuit Court proclaims that Ms. Campbell is “in unlawful possession of police property (soon to be labeled “the missing tape”).” Wow, that’s stellar stuff – look for Cockey on one of those “law” shows on TV real soon now.

As Davis Ruark no doubt realized immediately upon hearing the tale told by Webster and friends, it is not unlawful to have possession of something given to you by the party claiming theft. Cockey must have been sick (or performing somewhere else) the day that point was discussed in law school.

But even if (1) Tyler gave the tape to her in 1998, which she denies; (2) Ms. Campbell still has the tape; and (3) it remains “police property” after being given to her, she has not committed any violation of law under that scenario, either. The law does not take kindly to “Indian givers.”

Also, the matters alleged by Cockey-Webster involve actions as an ordinary person and not as a member of the City Council or as a city employee. Thus, the whistle-blower protections are inapplicable.

Still, it’s nice that there is so little crime in Salisbury that Webster can spend hours if not days trying to recover a “missing tape” that the Police Department deliberately disposed of more than 10 years ago but didn’t know was “missing” until this year.

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

[in this commentary, it is assumed that the statements by Webster and Tyler are true]

Yard Sales 11/6/9

CLICK HERE for upcoming yard sales.

If you have a yard sale to post, please email it to atlanticjw@aol.com. Please type "yard sale" in the subject of your email.

Have a great weekend.

The Joe Albero Show Airs Tomorrow

Many people have been writing in asking when the show is going to air and on what channels.

The only thing I'll ask all of you critics is just to remember I do not do this for a living. What we have developed and delivered is something none of you have seen before. Not locally, anyway.

OK, the show will air on Saturday morning at 10:30 AM on the following channels.

COMCAST Channel 9

Mediacom Channel 99

Digital TV Channel 31.1

UPDATE: We have been advised to let those with Comcast that can not receive channel 9 should go to the Comcast office and ask them for the converter box. This box is free. They haven't advertised it when the switch was made from analog to digital for obvious reasons.

Toys For Tots

Why This Real Estate Bust Is Different

Unrealistic assumptions, layers of investors, sky-high prices, and possible fraud will make it hard to clean up the mess in commercial real estate

When Goldman Sachs (GS) sold complex bonds backed by the Arizona Grand Resort and other commercial properties in 2006, it suggested the returns would be strong. The 164-acre luxury Arizona Grand, set against the Sonoran Desert in Phoenix, boasted an award-winning golf course, deluxe spa, and several swank restaurants. The on-site water park was named one of the best in the country by the Travel Channel. With the resort's new owners planning to refurbish hotel rooms and common areas, Goldman told investors that the renovations would help boost cash flow.

As was so often the case during the real estate boom, the lofty projections didn't pan out. When the economy softened and business travel slumped, Arizona Grand's bookings slipped to 67%, from 80%. The resort defaulted on the $190 million underlying loan in 2009—a hit that alone could largely wipe out investors who bought the riskier pieces of the Goldman mortgage-backed securities deal.

"It's one of the largest losses we have forecasted for an individual loan," says Steve Kuritz, a senior vice-president at Realpoint, an independent credit-rating agency. The property, once valued at $246 million, is now worth just $93 million. A spokesman for Goldman says the pricing on the bonds was in line with market levels at the time and not above what investors could get on similar securities. Grossman Co. Properties, which owns Arizona Grand, didn't return calls for comment.

GO HERE to read more and see video.

Unemployment Seen Nearing 10 Percent

Employers likely are skeptical about the sustainability of the economy

WASHINGTON - The economy is rebounding from its deepest slump since the 1930s, but it probably won't seem that way when the government releases its monthly employment report on Friday.

Employers aren't expected to start adding jobs for several more months. Many are skeptical about the strength and sustainability of the recovery,

The nation's economy probably lost a net total of 175,000 jobs in October, pushing the unemployment rate to 9.9 percent, according to a survey of Wall Street economists by Thomson Reuters. The Labor Department report is scheduled for release at 8:30 a.m.

GO HERE to read more.

The "Costs"Of Medical Care: Part III

One of the strongest talking points of those who want a government-run medical care system is that we simply cannot afford the high and rising costs of medical care under the current system.

First of all, what we can afford has absolutely nothing to do with the cost of producing anything. We will either pay those costs or not get the benefits. Moreover, if we cannot afford the quantity and quality of medical care that we want now, the government has no miraculous way of enabling us to afford it in the future.

If you think the government can lower medical costs by eliminating "waste, fraud and abuse," as some Washington politicians claim, the logical question is: Why haven't they done that already?

Over the years, scandal after scandal has shown waste, fraud and abuse to be rampant in Medicare and Medicaid. Why would anyone imagine that a new government medical program will do what existing government medical programs have clearly failed to do?

If we cannot afford to pay for doctors, hospitals and pharmaceutical drugs now, how can we afford to pay for doctors, hospitals and pharmaceutical drugs, in addition to a new federal bureaucracy to administer a government-run medical system?

Nothing is easier for politicians than to rail against the profits of pharmaceutical companies, the pay of doctors and other things that have very little to do with the total cost of medical care, but which can arouse emotions to the point where facts don't matter. As former Congressman Dick Armey put it, "Demagoguery beats data" in politics.

Economics and politics confront the same fundamental problem: What everyone wants adds up to more than there is. Market economies deal with this problem by confronting individuals with the costs of producing what they want, and letting those individuals make their own trade-offs when presented with prices that convey those costs. That leads to self-rationing, in the light of each individual's own circumstances and preferences.

Politics deals with the same problem by making promises that cannot be kept, or which can be kept only by creating other problems that cannot be acknowledged when the promises are made.

Price controls are a classic example. At various times and places, in countries around the world, price controls have been put on any number of goods and services-- going all the way back to the days of the Roman Empire and ancient Babylon.

GO HERE to read more.