This week in The Tentacle
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Never bet against the American farmerGreetings from Southern California. This week I had the opportunity to attend a nationwide agri-business economics conference in San Diego and what I found is somewhat a mixed bag – of sorts.
Raya – The End of Ramadan
Kuching, Malaysian Borneo – We begin with anticipation. Raya does not officially start until the new moon of the Islamic month of Syawal and has been sighted by the Islamic Rulers.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Seeking Gadhafi for RevengeReminiscent of the search for Iraq’s Saddam Hussein, triumphant rebels are beating Libyan bushes, looking for Muammar Gadhafi; when they find him, they announced the 40-year dictator will stand trial and probably be executed, following the example in Baghdad.
Repressive Public Policy
As a native of a Spanish-speaking country, I’m often asked by natural-born Americans whether Spanish-speaking people living in the USA today are getting too comfortable with having translation readily accessible to them.
Governor’s Power Grab
What is PlanMaryland? Why do we “need” it? And what is the true purpose of this policy proposal?
Monday, August 29, 2011
A Vote for Jobs Starts at HomeWhile two of every 10 Americans remain un- or under-employed; while our troops fight wars with no clear objective and no end in sight; while our borders remain a porous political play; while the value of 401Ks and IRAs slump back to 2010 levels; and while our deficit and debt rise due to Congress' unwillingness to look past their own self interests, the dog and pony show circuit – beginning with the Ames (IA) straw poll – offered voters a false premise for meaningful change.
Engulfed by Irene
Al Roker and Joe Bastardi are now the media icons of America. On Saturday and Sunday, while absorbing hurricane Irene, we all hunkered-down in our safest places and watched these weather video journalist he-men flex their muscles, leaning into the wind for emphasis.
Grove Stadium Issues Debated
One of the great joys about being active in local politics is meeting with local elected leaders to discuss issues. Much has been made in recent weeks about issues specific to Frederick City.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Earthquake and HurricaneThe 6.0 earthquake hit Market Street while Pushkin and I took our early afternoon walk; we had just returned from West Frederick Veterinary Hospital for the English Pointer’s biweekly acupuncture. None of the places I’ve lived in has a reputation for tremors; Tuesday’s was my very first.
Invasive State Control of Growth – Part 4
In reviewing Gov Martin O’Malley’s PlanMaryland proposal, we have but one remaining area to cover. We have seen six others areas and how this proposal might affect Marylanders:
The Return of The Muppets
The Muppets return this fall with an all new movie for young and old alike. Release of the ninth Muppet movie Thanksgiving weekend comes nearly six years after the last theatrical release and 32 years since the first.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Did you know…..Did you know: That a teachers union in a nearby county is handing out postcards to send to the state demanding they fund – and more – the Maintenance of Effort budget for the school system when, in my last recollection there wasn't any money left to be had.
Filling The Shoes for Success
The current crop of Republican presidential candidates is less than awe inspiring, and many knowledgeable voters are already grumbling, “Can’t we find someone better?”
Defending The Second Amendment
Liberals love to talk about the Bill of Rights. In fact, they have created an entire national organization, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which is devoted to defending the Bill of Rights.
Invasive State Control of Growth – Part 3
In our continuing conversation about of the governor’s PlanMaryland proposal to restrict land use, we now move forward to analyze two areas directly affecting every Marylander.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
As You Like It Richard IIINow is the winter of our discontent… On the morning of August 22, in 1485, a defining moment in English history took place with the death of King Richard III in the Battle of Bosworth Field.
Invasive State Control of Growth – Part 2
Yesterday we began a conversation on the O’Malley Administration’s proposal entitled PlanMaryland. We covered two areas: Unmanaged Development and Smart Growth as driving factors to promote and justify this plan. We saw that the crisis portrayed about growth is not quantifiable by the actual data and the public is not embracing the concepts of Smart Growth.
Studying Stromatolites in Deer Cave
Kuching, Malaysian Borneo – One of the joys of living in Borneo is one gets to meet some of the top scientist from around the world. Being a biologist, I was eager to attend a talk about Deer Cave, the second largest cave in the world.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Stadium StutteringWHAG-TV’s Tim Wesolek first brought attention to the stuttering going on over the Harry Grove Stadium. In the latest episode of the confusing situation, Alderman Carol Krimm’s motion to declassify the meeting’s minutes received unanimous support from the board. Still the confusion lingers on.
Invasive State Control of Growth – Part 1
For the next few days, we will review a new proposal from the O’Malley’s Administration entitled PlanMaryland. This plan has far-reaching consequences and should be thoroughly reviewed before any type of implementation.
Firing-up The Contenders
Now that the Republican Iowa Straw Poll is in the rear view mirror, the level of speculation regarding the GOP’s true national presidential front runner has kicked into high gear.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Creation vs. Evolution: Re-staging the battleIf you’ve read these columns, you’ll recognize a familiar pattern. Every few years, the call of the live stage is too strong to ignore. A show comes along that peaks an interest, and the juices start flowing.
Family Fundraiser FUNomenon!
Next Saturday, August 27th, you can see The Oak Ridge Boys cover their classic country and gospel standards at the all-day family oriented benefit “Family Fundraiser FUNomenon” at the Great Frederick Fairgrounds.
Learning Wisconsin’s Lesson
It was with great amusement that Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) offered to meet and discuss a compromise on a new law limiting collective bargaining among unions in that state. The bill, known as SB-5, was signed into law on March 31.
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FCS Institutions: 
Total agricultural production expenses are forecast to rise sharply in 2011, due to changes in both price paid for inputs and the quantity of inputs used. Prices for all crop-related inputs are expected to rise in 2011, while acres planted to principal crops are forecast to rise to 326 million acres, a 3-percent increase over 2010. Expenses for several crop-related expenses are expected to show some of the sharpest changes this year. After steady increases between 2002 and 2008, fertilizer expenses dropped roughly 10 percent in both 2009 and 2010. In 2011, fertilizer expenses are forecast to resume their climb, going up 14 percent. After stalling in 2010, the upward movement in seed and pesticide expenses is also forecast to resume. Seed expenses are expected to rise over 5 percent in 2011 after dropping by 2 percent in 2010. Pesticide expenses are forecast to rise around 7 percent after falling about 5 percent in 2009-10. This chart is found in the ERS briefing room on Farm Income and Costs, and reflects the February 14, 2011 forecast. (From USDA's Economic Research Service, 
