Dayhoff Soundtrack: People Cavey-Chris

Showing posts with label People Cavey-Chris. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

20080528 This week in The Tentacle

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Kevin E. Dayhoff

Newspaper junkies learned last week that Mary Katherine Ham is joining The Washington Examiner as the online editor of “the publication’s forthcoming new web site.”

Beach Ladies

Tom McLaughlin

I love women and now that the Memorial Day weekend has just passed, they are parading on the beach in as little clothing as possible. And I am sitting in my sand chair watching.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Joe's Bench

Roy Meachum

It took place in front of Joe Cohen's cigar store; the one with the walk-in humidor - although these days not a lot of folks walk in. Uncle Joe, as he is called, also maintains a bench against his North Market Street window.

The “Invisible” Road Not Taken…

Nick Diaz

The annual “Ride to the Wall” just took place yesterday, and judging from the amount of publicity about this annual event, you have probably heard about it.

Monday, May 26, 2008

Elementary, My Dear Watson – Part Two

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

Last week, we covered the symbols and name recognition in Maryland. This week, we look at how to make a speech about how a legislator works interesting to a fourth grader. No small feat, that!

Short Takes

Steven R. Berryman

Here are some short takes on happenings and observations from the last few weeks. From a Diversity Festival, to an Air Show, to English as a national language, to the proposal for 2300 new Beazer “green” homes, things are happening at a fast and furious pace!

Friday, May 23, 2008

The Banished War

Roy Meachum

The war does not take up very much time on the presidential campaign trail. Emphasis rests on the economy. In rooting around for the causes of the recession, few politicians will finger the real culprit. It is, of course, the war, stupid.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Maryland’s Pulse

Chris Cavey

About two weeks ago I started my fascination with “gas station politics.” We have all encountered this brand of political wisdom, spewed from the innocent perspective of the common citizen normally at too high of a volume and in a public place.

End The Charade; Open The Books

Joan McIntyre

The Board of Education Budget Begging Parade is nearly completed for yet another year. When is this humiliating practice of parading parents, students and teachers before the public - begging for funds - going to stop? Are we just so used to it that we don't even notice anymore?

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Another Lock-Step Decision

Kevin E. Dayhoff

Last Friday, Westminster Common Councilmember, and Democratic National Convention superdelegate, Greg Pecoraro endorsed Senator Barack Obama. His endorsement comes as the Democratic primaries draw to a close and presidential historians are looking to a very busy summer.

Decoration Day

Tom McLaughlin

Even when he was deep into his Alzheimer’s state, Dad always seemed to know when it was Memorial Day – Decoration Day, as he called it. I guess it might have been the war movies that showed constantly on the television that clued him in, or maybe he just knew.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Negative Ladies

Roy Meachum

Much has been made in recent politics about gender, nationally and locally. The chase for the Democratic presidential nomination has been reduced to the candidates' personal plumbing. For the thrill of seeing a woman elected, Hillary Clinton's supporters are prepared to use any weapons at hand.

One Problem, No Single Answer

Farrell Keough

When we were last together, we discussed a presentation given to the Farm Bureau on nutrient problems in the Chesapeake Bay. Since that time, a number of rebuttals have been made with respect to the comments. Here is a brief commentary on some of those points.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Elementary, My Dear Watson – Part One

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

No, not the off-handed comment famously rendered by the brilliant English detective Sherlock Holmes to his trusted companion, Dr. Watson. I’m talking about that generation of learners who fill our elementary schools, our next generation of leaders, scientists, entertainers, and thinkers.

Energy Absurdities

Steven R. Berryman

How does one gage the pain level of rising energy prices on a household budget? When the price at the pump for gas at Sheetz hits $3.79 for unleaded regular, does that do it?

Thursday, May 15, 2008

20080514 This week in The Tentacle

This week in The Tentacle

http://www.thetentacle.com/

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Investigating A Downer

Kevin E. Dayhoff

On May 7, the Humane Society of the United States held a press conference in which it showed the results of an “undercover investigation” of stockyards and livestock auctions in Texas, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and at the Westminster Livestock Auction in Carroll County.

A Failure to Communicate

Tom McLaughlin

In my last column, I said I would contact Black leaders to try to answer my questions about the perceived new relationship between Blacks and Whites. I didn’t. The reason is lack of courage.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Sadness for My Beloved Home

Roy Meachum

As we were told on yesterday’s Frederick News-Post front page, the Walkersville council plans at its next meeting (tomorrow) to take up the question of designating English as the town's official language.

Same-Ol’-Same-Ol’

Nick Diaz

In my last column I devoted some time to present you with a minority opinion about the “made-in-the-USA” motorcycle, the Harley Davidson. I concluded with the statement that Harley Davidson is not really an American motorcycle, inasmuch as the spirit of American creativity, ingenuity, and innovation are nowhere to be found in motorcycles made by “The Motor Company.”

Monday, May 12, 2008

Always There When Needed

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

A consequence of political service is speeches. They run the gamut in both topics and the diversity of organizations before which the speech is given.

Anticipating the Air Show!

Steven R. Berryman

Time to break with your hibernation from the winter blahs, stop getting upset about the politics of Democratic deconstruction and more illegal aliens for a time. Andrews Air Force base, in nearby Prince George’s County offers the best Air Show in the region once a year, and it’s this coming weekend!

Friday, May 9, 2008

An Appropriate Memorial

John W. Ashbury

Wednesday evening was special in Frederick in more than the usual ways. The suspension bridge in the Carroll Creek Linear Park was re-dedicated to the memory of William O. Lee, Jr. It was a time to remember the man who gave so very much to the community he called home.

How Much Longer?

Roy Meachum

Bill Clinton and his Democratic Party cohorts "knew" his wife had the presidential nomination sewed up. This explains their launching an imperial procession planned and financed only until early February's Super Tuesday. Through their experience-hardened eyes, the junior senator from Illinois was a minor distraction, at best.

Shakespeare's Best Known Play

Roy Meachum

With no research details at hand, I still believe "Hamlet" is the most frequently staged Shakespearean work; the lead has much to do with my "fact." The tale of the Melancholy Dane is a star vehicle after all. Shakespeare contrived the tragedy in his later years and it abounds with parts various players can get their teeth in, as the saying goes.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Take Up The Challenge

Joan McIntyre

Why is the crack down on criminal illegal immigration any different from any other crackdown on any other crime? We have come down on speeding, drugs, rape, child abuse, spousal abuse, just about every crime. So why is it different – or wrong – when an illegal immigrant commits yet another crime on top of their first one?

Another Primary Possibility

Chris Cavey

In November, the entire United States will trudge to the ballot box on the Tuesday which follows the first Monday of the month – General Election Day. Everyone who wishes to uphold their duty as a citizen knows that is the day to cast their vote. So, why then do we make Primary Election Day so complicated?

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Pandering of Tulipomaniac Proportions

Kevin E. Dayhoff

In last week’s episode of “Democolypse Now,” the continuing saga of the deconstruction of America by the 2008 presidential campaign, we find Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton proposing a summer suspension of the federal taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel.

Blacks on The Precipice

Tom McLaughlin

I am confused about Black America. What is the message Barack Obama and his supporters are sending?

Improving The Chesapeake – Part 2

Farrell Keough

Yesterday we explored the health of the Chesapeake Bay. We noted various terms like Point Source and how Atmospheric Deposition can break down into those constituents which are to blame for the algae blooms and low oxygen levels within the Bay.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Improving The Chesapeake – Part 1

Farrell Keough

We are facing yet another crisis. The Chesapeake Bay has algae blooms and low dissolved oxygen levels. After years of studies, programs, and billions of dollars, it seems we cannot prevent this body of water from being listed on the impaired waters list of the Clean Water Act.

Another View of “Wright”

Derek Shackelford

This last week of the primary presidential election season has not been about politics. It has more exemplified a mini-drama series.

Monday, May 5, 2008

Even when you know you're right…

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

...you might still be wrong. Seems obvious, right? So obvious that it shouldn't have to be said. Unfortunately, in spite of the clear nature of the conclusion, the business of politics is about absolutes.

Our 10 Most Dangerous Concepts

Steven R. Berryman

It has been said many times over the last week that before we can solve a problem, we first must be able to identify it; and thus get our arms around it. In many instances, by the simple act of stating the outline correctly, one can be drawn to solutions.

Thursday, May 01, 2008

20080430 This week in The Tentacle

This week in The Tentacle

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Seeing Red-Eye in the Camera

Kevin E. Dayhoff

The discussion and debate over speed and red light cameras continues to reverberate. It is one of a number of headaches lingering in the aftermath of the recent and unusual session of the Maryland General Assembly.

Las Vegas Finale

Tom McLaughlin

“Las Vegas was built and runs on tips” was the advice given to the bus load of passengers as we returned from the Grand Canyon in a not so subtle hint. To make sure we got the point, on the “menu” at the National Geographic Center where we were served the most god- awful lunch probably prepared from the remains of animals on failed expeditions, was advice on how much to tip him, which was between $5-$10 depending on the service.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

New Know-Nothings

Roy Meachum

When the county commissioners overwhelmingly rejected the notion of adopting English as Frederick's official language, I could but stand and cheer. The proposal came from Charles Jenkins, and I have no reason to doubt his motives.

Hardly Ablesons

Nick Diaz

I’m an ardent admirer of the United States of America, my adopted country, which welcomed me to these shores a half century ago. This great country has provided me with opportunities I wouldn’t have faced, had I remained in Communist Cuba.

Monday, April 28, 2008

General Assembly Journal 2008 – Volume 11

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

Any General Assembly wrap-up would be incomplete without a scorecard of the work of the Frederick County Delegation. Normally, this column avoids conflict with other delegation members, and focuses on the back-and-forth with the county. Not this time, kiddies! Ahead: some serious onion peeling!

Free Money!

Steven R. Berryman

Congratulations for being smart enough to be in the United States of America. Everything is free here. And when you run out of money to spend, we’ll give you some of that, too. In Frederick County, if you can’t read this, I’ll bet there will be a sign on a bus in Espanol repeating it soon.

Friday, April 25, 2008

Why the Uproar?

Roy Meachum

Reading closely the Pennsylvania Democratic primaries this week, it's difficult to see why the Clinton camp is in such a joyous uproar.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Republican of the Year

Patricia A. Kelly

My mom, Dorothy Kelly, recently featured in the Frederick News Post with a headline that included the word “Opinion,” was born in Tioga, Texas, on April 14 1925 to Raymond and Dovie Bodovsky, farmers, is the 2007 Republican of the Year for Frederick County.

A Prime Example

Chris Cavey

Last week was quite an adventure…a two-day trip to St. Paul, Minnesota – site of the 2008 Republican National Convention. The goal for the trip was to “scout out” the city, the Maryland Delegation’s hotel accommodations, and available venues. The best part, however, was my side trip to the State Capitol.

Order from The Smorgasbord

Joan McIntyre

The newest trend is mini burgers. I’m going one better and giving you four mini-articles this week. Would you like bacon, or cheese, or fries on the side?

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

The Winds of Darkness

Kevin E. Dayhoff

On April 12, Gov. Martin O’Malley announced his administration’s opposition to the construction of wind power generators on public lands under the jurisdiction of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Days in The Desert

Tom McLaughlin

"Good luck to you" is the farewell greeting stated to people when used instead of "bye" or "have a nice day" here at Sam’s Town Casino and R.V. Park.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

"Mr. Inside" Out

Roy Meachum

For a little shy of 25 years, Josef Ratzinger furnished John Paul II a strong base. While the ebullient Polish prelate toured the outside world, kissing earth and babies by the score, the man who would become Benedict XVI tended to inside chores.

Keeping the Basket Full

Farrell Keough

I have the great privilege of enjoying a variety of friends. It is likely that my ability to keep and keep up with these people is more a tribute to my wife, (She Who Must Be Obeyed), than to my sterling personality.

This is NOT a Test! – Part 2

Steven R. Berryman

Now that you have been exposed to the various levels of potential hazards hanging over us all like Damocles’ sword in Part 1 on yesterday’s TheTentacle.com, the onus to take action now lies squarely on you.

Monday, April 21, 2008

General Assembly Journal 2008 – Volume 10

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

Last week, we spent some time considering the end of the General Assembly session. The conclusion: Rest easy Marylanders, the legislature has gone home for the year.

This is NOT a Test! – Part 1

Steven R. Berryman

Your radio or television begins the strange squealing, coded sounds you have heard so often before. “Here we go again” is the first thought that comes to mind. Programming is instantly interrupted. In disbelief, the Emergency Alert System (EAS) continues with “This is NOT a Test!”

Thursday, April 24, 2008

20080424 This week – or so, in The Tentacle

This week – or so, in The Tentacle

April 23, 2008

The Winds of Darkness

Kevin E. Dayhoff

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

How to Make Trash Go Away

Kevin E. Dayhoff

Tomorrow the Carroll County Board of Commissioners will deliberate in open session and – hopefully – make a decision regarding the offer from Frederick County to join forces to make 1,100 tons of trash a day go away.

April 9, 2008

Wendi Peters – Mount Airy’s Steel Magnolia

Kevin E. Dayhoff

People were delighted to see former Maryland Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., last Friday when he came to Frederick County in support of Mount Airy Councilwoman Wendi Wagner Peter’s re-election bid.

_____

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Republican of the Year

Patricia A. Kelly

A Prime Example

Chris Cavey

Order from The Smorgasbord

Joan McIntyre

The newest trend is mini burgers. I’m going one better and giving you four mini-articles this week. Would you like bacon, or cheese, or fries on the side?

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

The Winds of Darkness

Kevin E. Dayhoff

Days in The Desert

Tom McLaughlin

"Good luck to you" is the farewell greeting stated to people when used instead of "bye" or "have a nice day" here at Sam’s Town Casino and R.V. Park.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

"Mr. Inside" Out

Roy Meachum

Keeping the Basket Full

Farrell Keough

This is NOT a Test! – Part 2

Steven R. Berryman

Monday, April 21, 2008

General Assembly Journal 2008 – Volume 10

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

Last week, we spent some time considering the end of the General Assembly session. The conclusion: Rest easy Marylanders, the legislature has gone home for the year.

This is NOT a Test! – Part 1

Steven R. Berryman

Friday, April 18, 2008

Darker Days

Roy Meachum

It's hard to know where to put the blame, on government or the web of businesses caught up in the current economic crises. That word is plural, in case you read "crises" quickly.

Clinton Woes, the O’s and Global Warming

Edward Lulie III

A certain amount of smug belief in consensus thinking is pretty typical of those in the major media. The one thing about the media being certain of something is that it almost always guarantees that they will be wrong. Lately we have a number of examples of that proving to be the case yet again.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Flies in The Ointment…

Farrell Keough

Zero Waste or Zero Landfill is a somewhat new catchphrase gaining use in our lexicon. Let’s be clear, there is no such thing as Zero Waste. Sooner or later, virtually every product we use becomes waste. To believe any different is to fool yourself.

Republicans v. Democrats: A Primer

Patricia A. Kelly

This is for me, as much as for you, a study of the theoretical differences between the two major political parties, one of which will provide us with our next president.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

How to Make Trash Go Away

Kevin E. Dayhoff

Las Vegas Bound

Tom McLaughlin

Viva Las Vegas! Viva Las Vegas! The Elvis Presley tune has not left my brain since I decided to visit that city in the desert.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Havemus Papam!

Roy Meachum

After the cardinals' votes are counted, a white plume from the Sistine Chapel tells St. Peter's Square and the world "We have a pope!" "Havemus Papam," in Latin, once the customary language within the Vatican's walls.

A Change in Direction Needed

Nick Diaz

As your son or daughter and their friends were moving from elementary school to middle school, you may have noticed that a number of them did not want to be identified as “smart kids” – even though they had always done rather well during their elementary years. Some of them were afraid that they would be picked on by other students if it were known that they were bright. Others just wanted to fit in.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

20080416 This week in The Tentacle

This week in The Tentacle

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

How to Make Trash Go Away

Kevin E. Dayhoff

In recent separate interviews with Carroll County Public Works Director Mike Evans, and Carroll County Commissioners Mike Zimmer and Dean Minnich, the conversation quickly turned away from the actual choice to the intellectual, critical criteria necessary in order to make such a legacy decision.

Both commissioners bristled over the political threats and emotional advocacy and pleaded for more scientific information.

Commissioner Minnich immediately identified science and long-term safety as a decision driver. Commissioner Zimmer also identified science; and both commissioners agreed that a thorough public education and discussion process was critical.

And what an education process it has been so far. In a series of recent conversations with a few old-timers, all agreed that we have never witnessed such an exhaustive and open public discussion and education process on any public policy decision or environmental issue.

Bear in mind, a review of my files indicates that this is my fourth go-round regarding what to do with trash in Carroll County in 41 years – going back to 1967. It was a few short years after the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, that trash really hit the fan in Carroll County.

Read the entire column here: How to Make Trash Go Away

Las Vegas Bound

Tom McLaughlin

Viva Las Vegas! Viva Las Vegas! The Elvis Presley tune has not left my brain since I decided to visit that city in the desert.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Havemus Papam!

Roy Meachum

A Change in Direction Needed

Nick Diaz

Monday, April 14, 2008

General Assembly Journal 2008 – Volume 9

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

It never ceases to amaze. The Maryland General Assembly Session is 90 days long, as defined in the state constitution. Legislators are summoned to Annapolis on the second Wednesday of January every year. At that moment, the 90-day session seems almost eternal, the thought of time away from home and family adds burden to those long winter nights.

Charlton Heston: A Commentary

Steven R. Berryman

I would never pretend to write a biography or obituary for Charlton Heston, and certainly have nothing first hand to offer as does The Tentacle’s Roy Meachum, but I have been affected by his life and his death. And his work.

Friday, April 11, 2008

Mother Egypt Cries – Again!

Roy Meachum

Lurking in newspapers' back pages, correspondents report there are riots along the Nile over the scarcity and cost of bread. For Egypt's millions of poor, it is not simply "the staff of life." Those flat loaves are life itself.

"Leatherheads" & "Smokey Joe"

Roy Meachum

Much to my surprise, "Smokey Joe's Cafe" enchanted and George Clooney's new flick did not.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Sine Die Came Too Late

Chris Cavey

This week the General Assembly was dismissed from Annapolis to return home to the real world. And not a moment too soon. The annual legislative session is like a visit to the dentist; you know it has to happen and you’re glad when you are finished – especially if you had a political root canal.

An Open Letter to the Commissioners

Joan McIntyre

I want to thank you in advance of the adoption of next year’s budget. I do this primarily because I know this may well be the most difficult budget year in many of your careers. There will be very little thanks in this particular portion of your job.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Wendi Peters – Mount Airy’s Steel Magnolia

Kevin E. Dayhoff

People were delighted to see former Maryland Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., last Friday when he came to Frederick County in support of Mount Airy Councilwoman Wendi Wagner Peter’s re-election bid.

Fallen from Grace

Tom McLaughlin

I have trouble equating human life with money. It’s like combining an apple and an orange to make a new fruit. Shakespeare and algebra simply will not go together in a publishable book.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Bemoaning Rick Weldon's Farewell

Roy Meachum

The legislative process, state or federal, frequently invokes the image of grass growing; it is generally long and tedious, unmemorable. The real trick for a journalist comes from watching out for "moles," the bills that work slightly undercover, like the fuzzy critters.

How to Avoid Getting Run Over…

Farrell Keough

Sometimes you are the bug and sometimes you are the windshield. It seems that recently we taxpaying residents of Maryland have been the bug. Of course, this covers a multitude of sins.

Monday, April 7, 2008

“1984” Predicts 2008

Steven R. Berryman

Enabling legislation passed by our Maryland General Assembly will allow Frederick to use red light cameras for law enforcement. Frederick is now one small step closer to becoming Montgomery County. Your accuser may be “Big Brother” instead of a police officer. Beware the trend.

The Yin and the Yang of Annapolis

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

This place is really odd. There is just no more appropriate one-word definition. We begin our legislative session in middle of winter’s icy grip, and we end it in all of spring’s emerging glory.

Moses Without a Chariot

Roy Meachum

Charlton Heston and I met a couple of times in Washington. He went to testify before a congressional hearing, something about the American Film Institute.

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

20080402 This week in The Tentacle

This week in The Tentacle

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

The McCain Vice President Decision

Kevin E. Dayhoff

Speculation persists as to who presumptive Republican presidential nominee Senator John McCain will choose as a running mate. This upcoming decision has sparked a growing debate among many political pundits for a number of reasons.

Certainly one issue is that when he is sworn in next January, he will be 72 years – old and therefore the oldest first term president in American history.

Remember, President Ronald Reagan was 73 when he was sworn in for his second term.

Another reason, which I first discussed back in January – after the New Hampshire primary – on WYPR with political analyst Bob Sommersby, is that Senator McCain needs to shore-up his conservative base. At the time, I got very little traction on the idea.

Read the rest of the column here: The McCain Vice President Decision

Farmers and the Bays

Tom McLaughlin

Where in the world are we going to put the chicken poop? That is the question most people on the Eastern Sore are asking. “Not in my back yard!” said the towns. “Not in my backyard” said the counties. Not on the fields said the wacko environmentalists.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

War That Won't Disappear

Roy Meachum

Despite administration strategy to keep the war in Iraq out of sight, the official image formed over the past five years busted out in the open last week. The accompanying text confirmed the road to peace had made another violent turn. Those surprised belonged to the administration's Coue faction.

In The Preacher’s Defense

Derek Shackelford

So far this presidential election has developed many subplots. They – if we are not careful as voters – will take us away from the important issues that affect this nation.

Roadmaps to Success

Nick Diaz

What is happening to American institutions requires both art and science. From its churches to its educational system, from the government and political party system to the military, an invasive form of totalitarian groupthink has been artfully and successfully applied to those institutions.

Monday, March 31, 2008

Hang ‘Em High, Just Not in Maryland!

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

As the 2008 General Assembly session starts to wind down, the issues are easier to define. The big revenue shortfall is the 800-pound gorilla, but there a whole bushel of other topics that have garnered the attention of the press corps.

The Semantic War 4000

Steven R. Berryman

Survey says: You don’t want to hear it. The 4,000 war-attributed deaths in combat were reported as a “milestone” event last week in our Iraq War. Why did one have to turn to page A-3 in many papers to read the story? Strange, as we are told by President George W. Bush’s administration that this is the defining issue of our day, even in light of the “recession.”

Friday, March 28, 2008

Clintons' "Audacity of Hopelessness"

Roy Meachum

The phrase is not mine. Playing off the title of one of Sen. Barack Obama's books, New York Times' columnist David Brooks strung the words together, which is why they're set in quotes. Running counter to the newspaper's endorsement, he both opposes and doubts Sen. Hillary Clinton's White House quest.

Camelot "Revisited"

Roy Meachum

A REVIEW

Shortly after Jack Kennedy's inauguration, I moved to New York, taking residency at the now-vanished Hotel Dauphin. By chance, the rooms assigned me had once been part of the suite of legendary Broadway producer David Belasco.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Dems Campaign Won’t End In Desired Result

Chris Cavey

A week or so ago, while chatting up Maryland politics with a yellow dog Democrat friend of mine, our topic shifted to presidential politics. He lamented to me about not knowing what he would do come November. He might even stay home in disgust! Unable to remain silent my comment was: “Glad I’m not a Democrat.”

Consequences of Irresponsibility

Joan McIntyre

Before it's too late and you and I are left holding the entire bag, do something for me, please. Start screaming; make it so loud that the local, state and federal governments finally hear you.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Preaching to the Choir

Kevin E. Dayhoff

As April 7, the final day of the 2008 Maryland General Assembly session, looms on the horizon, a great deal of conversation is focused on the fate of many of the “social initiatives” of the administration of Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley.

Piner Whiners

Tom McLaughlin

The people in Ocean Pines are so old! That’s what I discovered when I returned to Middletown after a month’s absence. It is so nice to see young people and families. Strong vibrant individuals walking purposefully onward in their lives.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Joyful Noises

Roy Meachum

If you still wonder what the Psalm meant by "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the world," you obviously didn't visit Walkersville's Calvary Assembly of God church this Easter weekend.

You Can’t Get There from Here

Farrell Keough

Recent articles on the Transportation Planning Board for the National Capital Region studies indicate that solutions to our road congestion are still very much in limbo. Ideas like Private Toll Roads, (HOT Lanes and such) may not offer the solutions people were hoping to see.

Monday, March 24, 2008

General Assembly Journal 2008 – Volume 5

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

Crossing Over

Okay, I’m not talking about that show where they talk to dead people. This is Cross Over Week, the constitutional deadline for bill passage in the House and Senate so bills can “cross over” to the other chamber by Sine Die.

The Dilution of our Citizenship and Branding of America

Steven R. Berryman

Membership has its rewards! Just ask major credit card providers. Citizenship in America is much the same way. When we “brand” America, in the demographic sense, citizenship should be the upgrade, and it should not be provided with no strings attached!

Thursday, March 27, 2008

20080327 This week in The Tentacle

This week in The Tentacle

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Dems Campaign Won’t End In Desired Result

Chris Cavey

Consequences of Irresponsibility

Joan McIntyre

Before it's too late and you and I are left holding the entire bag, do something for me, please. Start screaming; make it so loud that the local, state and federal governments finally hear you.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Preaching to the Choir

Kevin E. Dayhoff

The outlook for the administration isn’t bright. The second floor of the State House has failed to get its message out on why we need such broad sweeping social change.

The choir gets it. The congregation is bewildered.

Of course, for those who are pre-occupied with studying the big-picture political theory of Governor O’Malley’s approach to governance, it is not the two weeks remaining that fascinate us. The curiosity is what will be the fate of the next two years of the O’Malley Administration.

There’s a new political paradigm in town and – by all accounts – the O’Malley Administration appears to be the last to know.

[…]

Part of the answer is that the days of a lack of accountability for populist-liberals are gone. Sure, to be certain, the sycophant press that exonerated past liberal regimes is still in place, but its creditability is increasingly questioned and its effectiveness is waning.

The advent of the Internet-based information dissemination age has led to a blogosphere with increasing clout. And not to be overlooked is the fact that – in today’s world – constituents are kept abreast of current events as quickly as they can read their emails.

Add to this a heightened status of other newspapers in the state whose readership is rising as a result of its more credible approach to news reporting.

Simply put, a well-informed constituency is demanding a level of accountability for which the old populist leadership paradigm has not adjusted.

People who know the high level of Governor O’Malley’s technologically proficiency have been left totally bewildered at this administration’s inability to (technologically) get out its message.

[…]

Read the entire column here: Preaching to the Choir

(Author’s note: As an aside… In one example close to home; after being on the information distribution list for the previous two or three administrations – and after the current administration has been in office for over a year, all requests by this writer to be placed on the current press secretary’s e-mail distribution list have been ignored.)

Piner Whiners

Tom McLaughlin

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Joyful Noises

Roy Meachum

If you still wonder what the Psalm meant by "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the world," you obviously didn't visit Walkersville's Calvary Assembly of God church this Easter weekend.

You Can’t Get There from Here

Farrell Keough

Monday, March 24, 2008

General Assembly Journal 2008 – Volume 5

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

Crossing Over

The Dilution of our Citizenship and Branding of America

Steven R. Berryman

Friday, March 21, 2008

Bears Dance and Bulls Weep

Roy Meachum

The bulls generally linger out of sight. Wall Street bears lord it over the markets these days, especially for the Bear Stearns kind of traders, as you know.

The Importance of Being Obama

Steven R. Berryman

The media fanfare trumpeted the coming of candidate Barack Obama’s urgent speech on race relations. Surely he could turn the audacious comments of his own Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright to make political hay, or at least defray the intense criticism of him and mitigate the close connection.

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Must be Something in the Water

Edward Lulie III

March Madness doesn’t mean taxpayers getting into a fevered frenzy over the coming of April 15th and tax time…well not yet anyway. It means a nationwide obsession with college basketball and the NCAA tournament that starts today with 64 teams and eventually winds down to the final four, and then the championship game.

A Model Failure

Tony Soltero

When the Bolsheviks overthrew Czar Nicholas II and, after a civil war, established the USSR, they launched the first large-scale practical application of Karl Marx's economic theories. His worldview had its share of appeal to many Russians on paper, especially after centuries of oppressive monarchic rule.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Channeling the Kingfish

Kevin E. Dayhoff

On Monday, New York Gov. Eliot “Mr. Clean” Spitzer’s resignation took affect. To be sure, the country has been in a deep funk ever since the fall 2006 elections, but the last 10 days was not good for the weak-kneed political observer.

Have a Happy Recession

Tom McLaughlin

Hanging around a redneck bar gives one a certain window on the economy. I have spoken to painters, dry wallers, contractors, roofers and others. I discovered that the ones who have done quality work in the past and have a good reputation have more business than they can handle.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Pushkin's Prime Promenades

Roy Meachum

Farmers once took as an article of their agricultural faith that dogs and cats should not be permitted in the house but left to hassle the outdoors cats and other varmints.

Taking Up The Banner …

Farrell Keough

My computer has been trashed; I allowed someone else to use it and a program was downloaded that hacked my system. For me, this is a painful process as I use my computer regularly to communicate with folks, look up information, post my viewpoints on issues, etc. But, it also gave me an opportunity to view some of the issues of illegal immigration in a new light.

Understanding the Problem

Nick Diaz

“Make sure you take Algebra II!” So goes the typical admonishment by teachers, counselors, parents, directed at middle-school students in the act of planning their future high school program.

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Monday, March 17, 2008

20080317 This week in The Tentacle

This week in The Tentacle

Monday, March 17, 2008

General Assembly Journal 2008 – Volume 4

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

Less than four weeks to go, and some of the biggest battles remain to be fought. Seems odd, but it’s completely natural in Annapolis.

Political Pornography

Steven R. Berryman

Just imagine that – in 10 years or so – you will be reminding yourself of just where you were and what you were doing when Gov. Eliot Spitzer (D., N.Y.) abruptly resigned his sacred office. Not!

Friday, March 14, 2008

Politics of Desperation

Roy Meachum

Geraldine Ferraro's withdrawal from the Clinton campaign drowned in the flood of news generated by the New York governor's resignation. Elliot Spitzer accepted the inevitable. The lady was altogether another case.

Politics as Usual – Sadly

Patricia A. Kelly

My life as a Republican was altered forever on the day the United States Senate attempted to circumvent the ruling of the state of Florida regarding Terry Schiavo. Bill Frist, a Tennessee senator, and cardio-thoracic surgeon said that, in his opinion from viewing a four year old videotape, there were signs of life in Terry, in spite of multiple court rulings that she was in a persistent vegetative state.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Character Counts…

Chris Cavey

The race to become the 44th President of the United States has boiled down to three individuals, two Democrat and one Republican. There are some similarities, such as all three are members of the human race and each have the letters a, c and o in their name. They are also each members of the U.S. Senate, however only one passes underwriting standards.

“Sing A Song Of Sixpence…”

Joan McIntyre

Perceptions.................. what are they and how do they develop?

My perception is that our government spends too much of our money.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

“Power to Tax, Not Power to Destroy…”

Kevin E. Dayhoff

…With all apologies to Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.; but today is being dubbed as “tax day” in the Maryland General Assembly.

Gilgamesh and such…

Tom McLaughlin

I have tried many different and unique ways to meet ladies of quality and one of them is to join poetry groups. My logic is that warm, sensitive and intelligent women would be attracted to these gatherings and I would woo them with my rhymes.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Commissioners' No Common Sense

Roy Meachum

Sweeping aside the short-neck, no-growth mentality promoted chiefly by newcomers, will someone please explain why Frederick's Board of County Commissioners insisted on penalizing taxpayers again by their erratic logic?

Monday, March 10, 2008

Casa de Illegals

Steven R. Berryman

Historians contend that “Nero fiddled while Rome burned.” While The Maryland General Assembly is allowing time for debate on key issues such as the protection for “Doo-Wop” singers against copyright infringement, consequential issues like the current illegal immigration disaster fall by the wayside. Do we really want to hold a nationally infamous title as a “Sanctuary State?”

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March 6, 2008

Making Trash Go Away – Part 2

Kevin E. Dayhoff

The February 26^th joint meeting between Frederick and Carroll County over how to make trash go away came after two years of discussions and deliberations resulting from the Frederick County commissioners’ adoption of Resolution 06-05, on February 16, 2006.

March 5, 2008

Making Trash Go Away – Part One

Kevin E. Dayhoff

On February 26, the Frederick and Carroll County commissioners met to discuss how to make a combined 1,100 tons of trash-a-day go away.