Grease The Hand Rails, Bubba Is Coming Up

I'm not proud of the fact that I've been a 36" waist the past two years. However, when I was heading up the tower at the new Fire Station 16, even I felt it being snug. Then, Comegys came up the stairs and wanted to attempt to get up to the very top like I had been. I thought, this should get interesting!

The next thing I knew, Bubba was rubbing hips on both handrails going up, (hence photo #1) and as he wanted to act like a very young man, the last few steps he sort of raced up there and almost tripped on the last one at the top. If was quite humorous. You know, one of those, WHAT? WHAT? Nothing happened! LOL

After the rise in blood pressure they had to grease the rails so he could come back down again, not. LOL

By the way, this Tower, (although in the original drawings) was NOT planned, (so they claimed) but found they had additional funds to build it and they added it onto the project for I believe around $1,000,000.00. I'm sure I'll be corrected on that figure but if I'm not, you'll know this 4 concrete wall structure was yet another BS expense on the Fire Department. Again, the funny part is, it's in the drawings of the original plans and once again the Taxpayers were scammed.

Delmar, DE. Flushes Their System

Town workers were out putting a strain on the system to run tests to see if they had enough emergency pressure. While doing so, they also took drink breaks to enjoy the Town's water.

Martin Luther King Shot 40 Years Ago Today

On the 40th anniversary of his assassination, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. is to be honored as a champion of peace in the city where he died. A March to honor Martin Luther King will take place today in Memphis.

It was April 4 1968 when Martin Luther King was assassinated in Memphis Tenn. King was shot down on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel while helping organize a strike by Memphis sanitation workers.

The Mayor of Salisbury, (of course) has nothing planned for this day of remembrance/respect.

A LITTLE GUN HISTORY LESSON

In 1929, the Soviet Union established gun control. From 1929 to 1953, about 20 million dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

In 1911, Turkey established gun control. From 1915 to 1917, 1.5 million Armenians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

Germany established gun control in 1938 and from 1939 to 1945, a total of 13 million Jews and others who were unable to defend themselves were rounded up and exterminated

China established gun control in 1935. From 1948 to 1952, 20 million political dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

Guatemala established gun control in 1964. From 1964 to 1981, 100,000 Mayan Indians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

Uganda established gun control in 1970. From 1971 to 1979, 300,000 Christians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

Cambodia established gun control in 1956. From 1975 to 1977, one million 'educated' people, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

Defenseless people rounded up and exterminated in the 20th Century because of gun control: 56 million.

It has now been 12 months since gun owners in Australia were forced by new law to surrender 640,381 personal firearms to be destroyed by their own government, a program costing Australian taxpayers more than $500 million dollars. The first year results are now in:

Australia-wide, homicides are up 3.2 percent

Australia-wide, assaults are up 8.6 percent

Australia-wide, armed robberies are up 44 percent (yes, 44 percent)!

In the state of Victoria alone, homicides with firearms are now up 300 percent. Note that while the law-abiding citizens turned them in, the criminals did not, and criminals still possess their guns!

It will never happen here? I bet the Aussies said that too!

While figures over the previous 25 years showed a steady decrease in armed robbery with firearms, this has changed drastically upward in the past 12 months, since criminals now are guaranteed that their prey is unarmed.

There has also been a dramatic increase in break-ins and assaults of the ELDERLY. Australian politicians are at a loss to explain how public safety has decreased, after such monumental effort and expense was expended in successfully ridding Australian society of guns. The Australian experience and the other historical facts above prove it.

You won't see this data on the US evening news, or hear politicians disseminating this information.

Guns in the hands of honest citizens save lives and property and, yes, gun-control laws adversely affect only the law-abiding citizens.

Take note my fellow Americans, before it's too late!

The next time someone talks in favor of gun control, please remind him of this history lesson.

With Guns...........We Are 'Citizens'.
Without Them........We Are 'Subjects'.

During W.W.II the Japanese decided not to invade America because they knew most Americans were ARMED !

Note: Admiral Yamamoto who crafted the attack on Pearl Harbor had attended Harvard U 1919-1921 & was Naval Attaché to the U. S. 1925-28. Most of our Navy was destroyed at Pearl Harbor & our Army had been deprived of funding & was ill prepared to defend the country.

It was reported that when asked why Japan did not follow up the Pearl Harbor attack with an invasion of the U. S. Mainland, his reply was that he had lived in the U. S. & knew that almost all households had guns.

Dress Code For Public Shame

Capitals Win 4-1

Alexander Ovechkin scored his 64th, 65th goals to lead the Caps over the Lightning 4-1. Boyd Gordon and Tom Poti added goals. Filip Kuba had the lone goal for Tampa Bay.

Final Score, Suns 5, Shorebirds 4

Top of 1st - A 1-2-3 inning for John Mariotta of the Shorebirds in the top of the 1st including a K.Bottom of 1st - Stand up double for 2nd baseman Ryan Adams. Adams scored on an Hagerstown error through a Joe Mahoney swing to third base. 0-1, DelmarvaTop of 2nd - Mariotta gave up a walk, but Hagerstown's Stephen King was picked off at 2nd to end the inning. 0-1 DelmarvaBottom of 2nd - Single by Joe Nowicki and stole 2nd to lead off. Jordan Wolf sacrifice out to move Nowicki to 3rd. Stranded on 3rd. 0-1 Delmarva.
Top of the 3rd - Hagerstown scored 2 runs on a stand-up double and a single. 2-1 Suns.
Bottom of the 3rd - 1-2-3 inning for the Birds. 2-1 Suns.
Top of the 4th - One man stranded, 2-1 Suns. Mariotta another K.
Bottom of the 4th - Joe Nowicki stand up double. John Wolf triple to drive in Nowicki. Knotted up at 2-2.
Top of the 5th - One runner allowed but thrown out at 2nd. No runs given up! 2-2.
Bottom of the 5th - 1-2-3 inning for the Birds. Still 2-2.
Top of the 6th -Bill Rhinehart solo HR. Aarron (Dr.) Suess stand up double off the wall. Suess left on 2nd. 3-2 Suns
Bottom of the 6th - Henson stand up double. Mahoney RBI single. Mahoney reaches 2nd on wild pitch. Wolf walked. Men on 1st and 2nd, but left stranded. Tied at 3-3.
Top of the 7th - 1-2-3 inning. Still 3-3.
Bottom of the 7th - 1-2-3 inning. Still 3-3.

Top of the 8th - Nowicki dropped a flyball and Lyons reach 2nd on the error. Lyons stole third but was stranded. 3-3 still.
Bottom of the 8th - 1-2-3 inning. Still 3-3.
Top of the 9th - 1-2-3 inning. Still 3-3.
Bottom of the 9th - Man stranded on third, 3-3. Extra Innings!
Top of the 10th - Single by Lyons but thrown out at 2nd. End of 10th, still 3-3.
Bottom of the 10th - 1-2-3 inning.
Top of the 11th - Dr. Seuss reached 1st on base hit, but thrown out at 2nd base. Still 3-3.
Bottom of the 11th - Mahoney, infield single. Pope hits into a DP. 3-3 Still.

Top of the 12th - Steven King double. Englund reaches 1st on error, King advances to third. Pahuta RBI single, Englund to 2nd. Both stranded on base. 4-3 Suns.

Bottom of the 12th - Wolf walked. Wally Crancer stand up double. Wolf to third. Wolf thrown out at home on fielders choice. Crancer on third. Cash steals 2nd. Adams walked, bases loaded 2 outs. Wild pitch, Crancer scores. Henson KO. Tied 4-4

Top of the 13th - 1-2-3 inning. 4-4
Top of the 13th - Pope broken bat single. Nowicki walked. Wolf singled, bases loaded. Crancer grounds out for final out. 4-4.

Top of the 14th - Cash drops routine fly ball with 2 outs and Stephen King scores. 5-4 Suns
Bottom of the 14th - 1-2-3 inning.

Final Score Suns 5, Shorebirds 4 Recap Tommorrow!

Local Leaders in Attendance

Local Salisbury leaders came out tonight to celebrate the start of the Shorebirds season. Dignitaries included County Executive Rick Pollitt, County Council President John Cannon, and City Council President Louise Smith. They are enjoying the great sky boxes which the Shorebirds offer for games. Thanks for comming out guys!

Live At Shorebirds Home Opener

Joe and I are live in the press box bringing you live updates all game long. Tonight there will be a fireworks display courtesy of Froggy 99.9. The rain is holding off and the game is going to go on. So come over and enjoy a great Delmarva tradition! The 5th pic is what it is all about guys. Comming to the game no matter what the weather is to have fun! Hats off to the grounds crew getting the field in great condition for the game despite the weather.

90 Minutes Away?????

In 90 minutes the Shorebirds take the field for their season opener. However, from the looks of the rain, I'm not so sure this game is going to take place. I'm heading that way anyway because I have things to do on that end of town. I'll be in touch.

WICOMICO COUNTY PRESCRIPTION DISCOUNT DRUG PROGRAM A BIG HIT

Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr., announced today the new county free discount drug program is exceeding expectations. Pollitt said, “During the first eight weeks of the Wicomico County free prescription drug discount program, county residents used the cards 463 times and earned prescription discounts averaging $11.27 per use.”

Lori Brewster, County Acting Health Officer and the administrator of the program, said,

“We launched the program in early January to help consumers cope with the high price of prescription drugs. The county is making the free prescription drug discount cards available under a program sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo) that offers average savings of 20 percent off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs.

“The cards may be used by all county residents, regardless of age, income, or existing health coverage, and are accepted at most all of the county’s pharmacies. A national network of more than 59,000 participating retail pharmacies also honors the Wicomico County Prescription Discount Card.

“Using the NACo prescription discount card is easy,” continued Brewster. “Simply present it at a participating pharmacy. There is no enrollment form, no membership fee and no restrictions or limits on frequency of use. Cardholders and their family members may use the card any time their prescriptions are not covered by insurance.”

A list of card pick-up locations and participating pharmacies is available on the Wicomico County Health Department’s website at www.wicomicohealth.org. County residents may also call toll free 1-877-321-2652 or visit www.caremark.com/naco for additional assistance with the program.

OK Daily Times, Which Is It?

For years now it has been VERY clear that the new Fire Station will cost the Taxpayers $10,000,000.00. However, for the SECOND time this week, Barrie Tilghman and the Daily Times have been promoting the Station costing $8,000,000.00? That's a 20% reduction and even though I did hear it has been completed at 3% under the overall cost, we're talking Bubba Math here Ladies & Gentlemen.

Just how many times in one day can one Newspaper KNOWINGLY LIE to their Customers? IF the Mayor had saved the Taxpayers $2,000,000.00 on that building, a Press Conference would have broken out and at least YOU/I would have seen some relief. However, the Daily Times is once again running Barrie Tilghman's Reelection Campaign and if I were you, I wouldn't take this crap any longer.

It's bad enough they allowed two comments in today's Grapevine, knowing what was stated about Debbie Campbell & Terry Cohen was wrong. However, anything to smear their names and promote the positive for Barrie Tilghman.

I've said enough. YOU look at the article and make up your own mind. Is it 8 million or 10 million dollars?

How Long Will It Last?

03C08002949 Hitchcock, Neil T Defendant Baltimore County Circuit Court Confessed Judgment Closed/Inactive 03/11/2008 Chesapeake Bank Of Maryland vs Island Developers Seaford L L C, et al

050200347731992 Hitchcock, Neil T Defendant Upper Marlboro District Court CONT Closed 12/01/1992

23C04001262 Hitchcock, Neil T Defendant Worcester County Circuit Court Confessed Judgment Closed/Inactive 12/23/2004 Selby Sign Co Inc vs Neil T Hitchcock, et al

23C05000556 Hitchcock, Neil T Defendant Worcester County Circuit Court Liens Closed/Inactive 05/26/2005 Maryland State Of Comptroller Complian vs Neil T Hitchcock

23C07000205 Hitchcock, Neil T Defendant Worcester County Circuit Court Foreign Judgment Closed/Inactive 02/12/2007 Coastal Paving And Resources Inc vs Neil T Hitchcock General Contractors Inc

23C07001573 Hitchcock, Neil T Defendant Worcester County Circuit Court Confessed Judgment Closed/Inactive 11/20/2007 Catherine R Glasgow vs Neil T Hitchcock

23C08000360 Hitchcock, Neil T Defendant Worcester County Circuit Court Contract Open/Active 03/03/2008 Suntrust Bank vs Island Developers 72nd Street LLC, et al

23C08000538 Hitchcock, Neil T Defendant Worcester County Circuit Court Judgment From Other Court Closed/Inactive 03/26/2008 Chesapeake Bank Of Maryland Vs Island Developers Seaford LLC, Et Al

If any of you have used Maryland Judiciary Case search, you can look up Neil Hitchcock or Neil T. Hitchcock and find many different cases on him and his many different companies. These are just some of the samples I found.

Barrie Tilghman made a proud statement that they had finally opened the Oasis Car Wash next to Sam's Club and let me tell you Ladies & Gentlemen, I'm there quite often and there's rarely anyone there. The first few days they opened they had stragglers here and there but since then, I haven't seen a single car use that facility. I wouldn't be surprised if they get into the Enterprise Zone too. From the looks of it, I'd say this is going to be a very short lived Car Wash under this ownership anyway.

GO HERE to the Maryland Judiciary Case Search to see more, if you'd like.

Comptroller Franchot To Visit Salisbury Tomorrow

(Salisbury)—Del-Mar-Va Central Labor Council President Bob McIntyre and Democratic Club President Jim Ireton welcome Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot to Salisbury on Friday morning April 4, 2008.

Comptroller Franchot will be at Jimmy’s Grille at the corner of Main Street and Rt. 13 in Salisbury to discuss issues facing Lower Shore workers in an economy nearing recession.

Comptroller Franchot will arrive at Jimmy’s Grille at 8:15 AM and will be greeted by labor leaders from the Lower Shore. He will address the audience and take questions. A light breakfast will be served.

Any questions please contact Democratic Club President Jim Ireton at 410-749-5712.

Salisbury Police Press Releases

On April 1, 2008 at approximately 2:36 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department received a call to respond to the Shore Stop Store on Eastern Shore Drive for the report of a robbery. Upon arrival, officers met with an employee who advised that at approximately 2:35 am, two (2) suspects entered the store and approached the employee at the rear of the business.

Suspect # 1 then produced a shotgun and directed the employee to the counter area. Once at the counter, the suspect took an amount of U.S. currency. The suspects then fled from the store on foot, towards Eastern Shore Drive. There were no injuries.

The suspects were described as:

1. Black male, 6’0” tall, wearing a black and red hooded jacket, dark shoes and a brown leather and cloth face mask.

2. Black male, 5’10”, 150 lbs., wearing dark pants, a black hooded jacket, dark shoes and a brown leather and cloth face mask.

If anyone has any information concerning this incident, they are asked to contact the Salisbury Police Department at 410-548-3165. CC # 200800011254

On March 29, 2008 at approximately 9:50 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department were on routine patrol in the eight hundred block of E. Church Street, when they observed the below listed subject with a kitchen type knife, chasing the victim. The Officers intervened and placed the subject under arrest. During the arrest of the suspect for the assault with the knife, suspect # 2 interfered with the arrest of the first suspect, and was also taken into custody.

ARRESTED #1: Juan Arebalo, 45 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
First degree assault
Second degree assault
Possession of a deadly weapon
Disorderly conduct

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking

ARRESTED #2: Cheryl Ann Hunter, 43 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Obstructing and hindering an investigation
Interfering with a lawful arrest
Disorderly conduct
CC # 200800011015

On March 30, 2008 at approximately 12:30 pm, Officers received a call to respond to an apartment on the eleven hundred block of North Division St. for the report of a burglary. Upon arrival, the officers met with the property owner who had received information that the below listed subject, who was known to the property owner, had broken into an apartment. The property owner then checked and found the suspect inside of the property.

ARRESTED: Joseph Walter Smith, 55 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Fourth degree burglary
Malicious Destruction of Property

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 200800011077

On April 1, 2008 at approximately 9:20 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department arrested the below listed subject pursuant to an arrest warrant obtained charging the suspect with burglary and theft. On March 18 of this year it was reported to the Salisbury Police that a suspect had entered a business on Lake St. and had stolen a large amount of metal. An investigation identified the below listed suspect as the individual who took the metal, which was later sold as scrap metal.

ARRESTED: Robert Nathaniel King, 67 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Third degree burglary
Fourth degree burglary
Theft (over $ 500)
Theft (under $ 500)

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200800011288

On April 1, 2008 at approximately 11:40 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department arrested the below listed suspect pursuant to an arrest warrant obtained charging the suspect with a number of counts of using false identity information. On December 27, of 2007, it was reported to the Salisbury Police that a suspect had opened a number of credit card accounts utilizing false identification information of the victim. An investigation revealed that the suspect, a family member of the victim, had obtained and used the information to obtain credit and make several purchases.

ARRESTED: Larry Lee Spencer, 41 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Applying for credit card with false information
Unlawfully receiving a credit card
Signing anothers name on credit card
Theft of credit card
Unlawful use of credit card
Fraud
Unlawful use of signature
Theft (over $ 500)

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200700043212

On April 1, 2008 at approximately 4:11 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department arrested the below listed subject pursuant to an arrest warrant obtained charging the suspect with theft. On January 18 of this year it was reported to the Salisbury Police that a suspect had shoplifted a number of compact disks from the Kmart Store in Salisbury and had fled from the store avoiding apprehension. An investigation of the theft identified the below listed suspect as involved in the theft of the compact disks.

ARRESTED: Christian Karla Dailey, 22 years of age Berlin, Maryland

CHARGES: Theft (under $ 100)

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200800002038

Capitals Gets Big Help From Penguins, Devils

Good news for Caps fans came last night with Pittsburg topping Philadelphia 4-2 and New Jersey beating Boston in overtime. Boston earned a point for the O.T. period tie but New Jersey got the extra point by winning the shootout. Washington is still 2 points behind the Boston Bruins and only a point behind the Flyers with two games remaining on the Caps regular season. Boston and Philadelphia both have two games reamaining in their season. The most points Washington can earn is 94 points and the max for the Bruins and Flyers are 96 and 95 point respectively.

To secure an at large bid Washington must win at least one game with New Jersey lossing out or they can win out and have the Flyers win only one game or have OT ties. With Boston getting a point from making it through the 4 on 4 O.T. period, Washington's best bet with overtaking the Bruins is to win out coupled with losses from Boston.

The Carolina Hurricanes bounced back against Tampa Bay 6-2 after a critical loss to the Capitals. Washington would win the division by winning out and a Hurricane loss to Tampa Bay Friday night. The Capitals are in action tonight against Tampa Bay, the last place team in the Eastern Conference who they beat one week ago 4-3 at 7:00 on Comcast Sports.

The Daily Times Grapevine

Salisbury City Council

I find it very disturbing that two current City Council members -- Debbie Campbell and Terry Cohen -- have each been involved in the past two years in lawsuits involving the city. In both cases, they were siding against the very city they're (not) representing. So who do they really represent -- the taxpayers or themselves?

Can't the city of Salisbury and its governmental antics (you, too, Wicomico County) settle down? Now we have yet another City Council member testifying in court against the city? Gracious. Debbie Campbell seems to be on her own personal crusade -- one that apparently is bent on giving the city more black eyes. Can't everyone just relax?

Are You Freakin Kidding Me? The Daily Times is THAT desperate that they would allow such comments? You know what Greg Basset, you really suck at what you do, seriously. And the Times complains about the Blogs?

Not for nothing Folks but back in the day when I played Pool on Tour, one of the main strategies was to always make your opponent shoot your game. In other words, if he was a really slow player, force him to pick up his speed and you've got the match won. You get my drift. As far as I'm concerned, the Daily Times is no longer playing their game and the match has been won. Hence the comments above.

NO, My Dogs Haven't Pissed On It YET

Once again, I went into yet another section of today's paper and this is what I got. This is simply ridiculous, seriously. ANYONE in the Printing Industry has to be looking at the Daily Times and saying, FIRE THESE IDIOTS!

Today's Daily Times

If you're wondering where your paper is this morning, they had problems with the press again last night and this was hand delivered this morning. You know me, the Blogger gets special delivery attention because they know I'll blast away at them, just like I am now.

I made my second tip out to the mailbox this morning and as I was walking away, a pickup truck pulled up and the guy got out and said, "you didn't get your paper?" Nope, I replied. He reached into the truck and pulled one out and handed it to me. The timing was simply freak? One reason I say that is, he was heading in the opposite direction of a normal delivery. In other words, he would have had to insert the paper through his passenger window, not the drivers.

Nevertheless, I asked what the delay was and he replied they had problems with the press again. Obviously when I returned back to the house and opened the paper from its plastic bag, this is what I got. A pathetic waste of paper and print! It's no wonder my numbers are what they are every day!

So for those of you who are advertising in that piece of crap newspaper, know I paid no attention to any ads in there simply because I'm NOT taking this PUZZLE of a newspaper and piecing it together to read what I probably wrote two days ago anyway.

How's It Working For You Folks?

Once again, one year ago today this is what we saw at the Polls. And people wonder why one of these Idiots is threatening a lawsuit against Debbie Campbell?

The Three Wise Men

While everyone waited for the results from the polls on election day one year ago, these three gentlemen stood toe to toe talking politics. They would be, G.A. Harrison, Jim Ireton & Bob Caldwell. These are the faces we need to see in the Mayor's Office and on Council.

One Year Ago Today Part II

It was one year ago today people went to the polls and voted, these were the end results. How's it working for ya Folks?

One Year Ago Today Part 1

Need I say more?

Fine Dining At The Shorebirds Game

Oh look, its Michael eating a good meal for once. Num, Num! Tonight he'll be back to the hot dogs and beer.

Last night there were quite a few people who came to the Stadium to enjoy a meal, meet the new Players and watch them practice. This is another way you can come and enjoy a game, (first class, mind you) and get a spectacular view of the game while dining. We're not talking about hot dogs and hamburgers. I'm talking true restaurant style food.

Shorebirds Open Up Season Tonight!

The Shorebirds are officially back in town and ready to kick-off another season at Perdue Stadium tonight at 7:05 against the Hagerstown Suns. This year the weekday games will be held at 7:05 unless otherwise noted. Some games will start at an earlier time.

The first 1,000 fans through the gate receive a pair of thunder stix and all fans in attendance receive the 2008 Magnet Schedule courtesy of Oddi-Atlantic! Following the game will be a Froggy 99.9 FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA!! -from the Birds website.

Also Tonight for opening day at 6:05 PM Enjoy Opening Night from the BEST SEATS in the house by taking part in our Opening Night BASH! Watch all the festivities from inside our Executive Club, enjoy a 2 hour buffet, receive a FREE Shorebirds Coffee Mug and watch a post game FIREWORKS Extravaganza! For more info or to reserve your seats call 410-219-3112 ext. 130 - from the Birds website!

Nick

LIVE

Here we go Folks. The Players have taken the field, the lights are on, some of us are pleasantly plump from all the food and the guys are ready to show us what tey've got.

Think of the possibilities......

LIVE From The Arthur Perdue Stadium

As I sit comfortable at the Shorebirds Stadium, it's a little nippy in the shade but the Team is in the Outfield warming up for their final practice before tomorrow nights game.

Upstairs in the Restaurant is Michael Shwartz and another 100+ people enjoying fine food and looking down upon the field in anticipation to seeing a few balls fly over the outfield fence.

It's exciting for this day to come and if you haven't been a part of the Shorbirds, it's the best deal in town! Tickets are cheap, the food is fairly reasonable but more importantly the Games are always exciting.

I'm going to attempt to post a few more pictures later tonight of the Team and perhaps some interior photos as well.

Remember, the first Game is tomorrow night at 7:05 PM. I'll be back.......

Requests From Anne Arundel County

If you didn't know, I spent quite a few years living in Anne Arundel County. Most probably do not know that Billy Gibbs also owns a Dough Rollers in Crofton, Maryland on Rt 3/301.

The news spread and I have been asked for permission to provide photos from that fire for their local paper. I agreed as long as they referenced www.sbynews.com. Looks like we're spreading further away and it would explain the massive hits every day.

COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO UNVEIL PRELIMINARY FISCAL YEAR 2009 BUDGET AT PUBLIC MEETING

Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr., will welcome the public to an informational session about his proposed Fiscal Year 2009 Operating Budget on Thursday, April 10th at 7:00 P.M. in the Flanders Room at the Wicomico County

Youth & Civic Center. Under the new form of county government, this is the traditional first step on the way to eventual ratification of the operating budget that will be effective on July 1, 2008.

“While the Charter does not require me to hold a public hearing on the budget, my own standards do,” said the Executive. “I think it is extremely important for our ‘glass house’ concept of government that the public be involved in this important financial exercise.”

Per County Charter requirement, Mr. Pollitt will deliver his recommended operating budget to the Wicomico County Council on April 15th. The Council will hold an advertised public hearing on the operating budget at a later date. The Council may cut from but not add to the recommended budget.

More Hebron Fire Photos

LIVE From Old Railroad Road In Hebron

A 7 alarm fire broke out on Old Railroad Road in Hebron just moments ago. I was told directly by one of the construction workers that they all smoke and more than likely they started the fire. As you can see, the tall grass is very dry and would flare up in an instant. More photos to come as soon as I load them.

I Love My Firefighter

I've seen more "I want my vote back" Louise Smith bumper stickers and the "Enough is Enough" Barrie Tilghman bumper stickers than I have these "I Love My Firefighter" bumper sticker.

Blogging from 300 W. Main Street.

Don't Even Think Of Going To Canada, Eh?

I have several friends who recently went up to Upstate New York on business. While they're up there they decided last night to make a trip into Canada to take some pictures.

When they attempted to cross the Border they were asked for their Birth Certificates or Passports. Only one of them had a Passport but it was out of date. Canada didn't care about it being out of date. When the other two tried they only had drivers license's, so they did a background check on them. One of them had a DUI 25 years ago and has been completely 100% sober ever since. NOPE, they wouldn't let him in because of that.

So if you're thinking of going to Canada and you have ANY kind of record, Fagetaboutit! Eh? Me personally, I used to have an Office in Canada and let me tell you this, yes, it's very clean there but other than that, I'll never go back. Besides, with my Zoo background record, (ROTFLMAO) they probably wouldn't have me anyway.

Fruitland Police Chief To Retire

Although the Daily Times announced Fruitland's Police Chief Paul Jackson is retiring, they didn't mention the assistant Chief Sandy Bradley has NO INTEREST in the job.

Although she qualifies and although she could take the job over any man in that Department, Sandy is more interested in raising her three Boys and spending time as a Family. So to all those Bloggers out there who think they have the inside scoop on what's about to happen, YOU'RE WRONG!

A panel will be created of at least three people from outside the County to search for a new Chief and more than likely, (99% sure) they will NOT hire from within. Heck, they're not even going to hire someone from within the County. So for any of those out there thinking they might have a shot, NOT!

Mr. Jackson, you're a VERY smart man and you have the interest of the Citizens in mind. I know and understand how and why you've made the moves you have and my hat is tipped to you.

Will The Real Barrie Tilghman Please Stand Up?

Boy oh boy, I just can't tell who Barrie Tilghman is any more. At least in the Real Estate Industry they FORCE you to use a current photo of yourself or you get fined.

I wonder where the Daily Times got that Glamour Shot of Barrie and how long ago it was?

Caps Win Must Win Game 4-1

Cristobal Huet dominated the net only giving up one goal as the Capitals continue their filibuster to reach the postseason. The win gives the Capitals a tie for the Divisional lead with the Hurricanes and are now only 1 point behind Boston and Philly for the at large playoff spots. Matt Cooke and Brooks Laich scored in the first to set the pace. Scott Walker scored at the 2:38 mark to cut the lead to one but towards the end of the period Alexander Semin scored a power play goal to put the lead back to 2.

Ovechkin scored late in the third to put a comeback completely out of reach of the Hurricanes. Ovechkin has 110 points this season, 63 goals and 47 assists and the numbers are good enough for third all time in total points for left wings. Luc Robitaille has the record with 125 points with the L.A. Kings in the 1992-93 season.

Washington has done what it has needed to do by winning the last 9 out of 11 games.

The Caps play Tampa Bay Thursday at 7pm. The Caps beat the Lightning 4-3 last thursday

Manufactured News?

One of two things are happening here. Either someone at the Daily Times has decided they don't like this water tower and they want it removed OR Barrie Tilghman is once again using the Front Page of the Daily Times to market her new strategy of tearing down the properties near the end of the River to revitalize everything at taxpayers expense.

Now look, I'm not saying that one day that old water tower should come down. I'm saying. LOOK YOU IDIOT, we're not only in a recession, we're in a Depression! Hell, even Shanie Shields on the City Council is losing her home to this fallen economy!

One way or the other, no other source of media got this information and quite frankly, even if they did, it's not news unless people recognize THEY CAN'T AFFORD IT!

I told ALL of you long ago, Mayor Tilghman is attempting to drive the Blacks out of that area and the west side of Salisbury. The real estate is cheap and while the Mayor stated in her State of the Screwed Up City Address that "cleaning up this area was said to be impossible," WHO said that Mayor? That was a manufactured statement and some might call that a LIE! YOU just want to control every neighborhood and decide what's livable and not livable to YOUR standards.

I can assure you, no one in that neighborhood is complaining about that water tower. Actually, I think the Adult Book Store on Rt. 13 looks far worse than that water tower, to be quite frank. I guarantee you the graffiti all over the place is far worse, yet you've done nothing about that either.

The taxpayers are sick and tired of you BS schemes of paying for everything YOU want and they're tired of your lies about someone else saying, (like it was a lot of people) it's impossible to clean up the north prong. Show me the video of it. Show me the newspaper articles showing someone in fact made that statement. Then I want to see it not being ONE person, I want to see a crowd of people with signs saying, WE JUST CAN'T TAKE IT ANY MORE!

It's not there because it's MANUFACTURED.

Wicomico Liquor Dispensaries Are For the Children?

I don't think so; but that seems to be one of only two arguments to keep the antiquated Wicomico County Liquor Control Board (LCB). The other argument appears to be one of money.

LCB chair Stewart Haemel painted pictures of little kids walking to school and buying liquor on the way. Could it happen? Sure. Will it? Probably not. Despite LCB supporters claims that there will be a liquor store on every corner, this wouldn't be the case if the legislature abolished the LCB. The number of liquor stores would be limited. In addition, the market will regulate the behavior of license holders.

A license to sell liquor isn't cheap. If a license holder is caught selling to minors they can lose their license, possibly forever. This is not the case with the LCB. Despite the arguments of Haemel and fellow board member Ron Alessi to the contrary, the LCB's record on this issue isn't spotless. The LCB has been caught selling to minors. Of course the Liquor Licensing Board can't take the LCB's license away.

LCB proponents also claim that Wicomico County would lose too much money by abolishing the LCB. This is only true in a vacuum. License fees would need to be increased. Current license holders appear to be willing to pay extra for the privilege of other cost savings (and efficiencies) inherent in the abolition of the LCB. Liquor will cost less (to license holders). They can have their product delivered and even get emergency deliveries if necessary.

What really amazes me in this whole affair is how Republicans like Haemel and Alessi can claim that the government not only should compete against private business, but that they are more efficient in doing so.

cross posted at Delmarva Dealings

Technorati Tags: Maryland, Wicomico, politics, Wicomico politics, Stevie Prettyman, Joe Holloway, Rick Pollitt, liquor licensing

County Loses $1,000,000.00 In Tax Revenue

During yesterday's County Council Work Session, Joe Halloway made mention that the County lost $1,000,000.00 worth of taxable revenue because of sales dropping so low. Considering they're so early into their fiscal year, this is a major impact towards the outlook of economical growth in Wicomico County for the year.

This is one reason why they could clearly see the impact the Liquor Dispensary System is hurting the Bar/Restaurant business. Every little bit helps, they claimed.

One Council Member asked, how is the smoking ban affecting you? They replied, it's not. It's actually helped our businesses. OK, cut the crap! I'm confident that's a direct quote from the Maryland Restaurant Association. The reason I say that is, while they were complaining about business dropping so much, they want to buy direct from the Liquor Distributors so they can save more money. Which is it? Business is either up, or it's not. So far as I can tell, business is down, period.

In Memory of Lon Chaney

Lon Chaney as Phantom of the Opera

I almost let today go by without mentioning that it is Lon Chaney's birthday(April 1,1883).Not to be confused with his son,Lon Chaney Jr.,also a horror actor,Lon Chaney Sr. was best known for his role in "Phantom of the Opera". A century later,his silent horror films are still chilling.

The Kids Are Alright?

A plot by several third-graders to attack and "overthrow" one of their teachers was foiled Tuesday at a school in Waycross,Georgia after a student reported one of her classmates brought a weapon to school.Police seized a broken steak knife, handcuffs, duct tape, electrical and transparent tape, ribbons and a crystal paperweight from the students, who apparently intended to use them against the teacher, and all kids involved were either 8 or 9 years old!WTF???While school admininstration said all students involved in the scheme have been indefinitely suspended,they cannot be charged with a crime under state law because they are under 13!Mothers of other 3rd grade students have joined forces to demand the participants be expelled for the safety of their own kids.Chillingly,they had the whole thing planned out-even conspiring to cover the windows so nobody could see in and witness the impending attack.The teacher reportedly was a 3rd grade"special ed" teacher,and instructed children with ADD,and other developmental problems.The plot was in retaliation to her disciplining a classmate for standing on a chair.While some people may find this amusing,I think it is extremely disturbing.Had these kids had the opportunity to set their plan in motion they could have seriously injured or even killed the teacher.(and in accordance to Georgia law,gotten away with murder!)There is nothing "special" about these special ed kids,they demonstrated that by working in tandem to cook up an ambush!Is this what schools are coming to?What about the kids with learning disabilities who truly need special education?They clearly are not getting the attention they require if the teacher is pre-occupied with controlling kids who have severe personality disorders.And just because they under 13 and cannot be prosecuted does not mean it is out of the states hands.Social Services should do independent investigations into each of these children because plotting to kill an adult,a teacher no less,is NOT normal!Are they growing up in homes with domestic violence,sexual abuse,substance abuse,or mental illness?We cannot sit back and wait until they older and not intervene.Incidents like Jonesboro prove that even young kids can pull off school massacres and they did not just "snap" one day-there were signs of trouble before they decided to shoot up the school.