20070324 Wyoming Cowboy

Wyoming Cowboy

We’re from the government and we’re here to help.

March 24, 2007

I received this in an e-mail from CJ. Thanks.

A Wyoming cowboy was overseeing his herd in a remote mountainous pasture when suddenly a brand-new BMW advanced out of a dust cloud towards him.

The driver, a young man in a Brioni suit, Gucci shoes, Ray Ban sunglasses and YSL tie, leans out the window and asks the cowboy, "If I tell you exactly how many cows and calves you have in your herd, will you give me a calf?"

The cowboy looks at the man, obviously a yuppie, then looks at his peacefully grazing herd and calmly answers, "Sure, Why not?"

The yuppie parks his car, whips out his Dell notebook computer, connects it to his Cingular RAZR V3 cell phone, and surfs to a NASA page on the Internet, where he calls up a GPS satellite navigation system to get an exact fix on his location which he then feeds to another NASA satellite that! scans the area in an ultra-high-resolution photo.

The young man then opens the digital photo in Adobe Photoshop and exports it to an image processing facility in Hamburg, Germany.

Within seconds, he receives an email on his Palm Pilot that the image has been processed and the data stored.

He then accesses a MS-SQL database through an ODBC connected Excel spreadsheet with email on his Blackberry and, after a few minutes, receives a response.

Finally, he prints out a full-color, 150-page report on his hi-tech, miniaturized HP LaserJet printer and finally turns to the cowboy and says, "You have exactly 1,586 cows and calves."

"That's right. Well, I guess you can take one of my calves," says the cowboy.

He watches the young man select one of the animals and looks on amused as the young man stuffs it into the trunk of his car.

Then the cowboy says to the young man, "Hey, if I can tell you exactly what your business is, will you give me back my calf?"

The young man thinks about it for a second and then says, "Okay, why not?"

You're a Congressman for the U. S. Government, says the cowboy.

"Wow! That's correct," says the yuppie, "but how did you guess that?"

"No guessing required." answered the cowboy. "You showed up here even though nobody called you; you want to get paid for an answer I already knew, to a question I never asked. You tried to show me how much smarter than me you are; and you don't know a thing about cows...

This is a herd of sheep.

Now give me back my dog."

####

20070324 Maryland Blogger Alliance Blog Carnival Number 3

Maryland Blogger Alliance Blog Carnival Number 3

March 24^th, 2007

UPDATE on Maryland Blog Carnival

Hosted by members of the Maryland Blogger Alliance.

The Maryland Blogger Alliance Maryland Blog Carnival Number 3 is scheduled to be hosted by “The Greenbelt,” on March 25^th, 2007.

So many of the bloggers in the Maryland Blogger Alliance appear to have very demanding full time jobs and families. I have not a clue as to how they maintain such great blogs and work 12-hour days.

I am a member of the Maryland Blogger Alliance – check out our reader feed here.

The 2^nd Blog Carnival was hosted by “Pillage Idiot” on March 11, 2007. Click here to find it.

The first Blog Carnival can be found at “Crablaw's Maryland Weekly” or click here: “Carnival of Maryland #1 - 2/25/2007.”

For more information about the Maryland Blog Carnival and to view my submissions to the Blog Carnivals – click here:

Happy reading.

Kevin

20070324 More questions than answers persist about Bowling Brook

“There are more questions than answers remaining about Maryland’s Juvenile Services”

March 24, 2007 by Kevin Dayhoff (693 words)

Thursday March 8, Bowling Brook Preparatory School in Carroll County closed in the wake of the death of Isaiah Simmons at the elite private juvenile services facility on January 23. Almost two months after his death, there remain more questions than answers.

It was an ignoble end for a storied highly touted facility of fifty years in an otherwise discredited juvenile services system in Maryland. Since it closed, many have rallied for it to reopen.

Mr. Simmons died while being physically restrained after it is alleged that he threatened another student. In a January 27 Bowling Brook press release it was revealed, “When Isaiah became threatening, our staff responded for his safety and the safety of others… (H)e was restrained humanely consistent with state-approved discipline policies and counseled throughout to de-escalate the crisis.”

A transcript of the 911 tape reveals a Bowling Brook employee saying, “It was the same thing we do all the time when we have an aggressive kid. I don't know what happened. He was in a restraint, and then he stopped responding.”

This tragic death is horrible but nevertheless situational – not systemic. Carroll County deputy state's attorney, David Daggett, has been quoted in published accounts to say “… it seems that clear(ly) no one intended to kill Simmons…”

As the number of juvenile offenders has exploded in recent years, Maryland has struggled to address the challenges of how to rehabilitate the young men into productive citizens.

In the face of a federal lawsuit and the outcry of juvenile advocates, facilities such as the widely discredited Charles H. Hickey Jr. School were closed as recently as June 30, 2005.

However this only exacerbated the Maryland juvenile services capacity problems. One answer was to put increasing numbers of the juveniles in Bowling Brook – a “highly touted private residential treatment facility for aggressively adjudicated young men” according to the 2004 – 2005 annual report of the Office of the Independent Juvenile Justice Monitor. The state poured $737,000 into capital improvements for the facility which housed 170 students.

Gov. Martin O’Malley’s answer to the crisis in juvenile services was to close Bowling Brook and announce in his supplemental budget, $6.8 million to re-open Victor Cullen just several miles from Bowling Brook; for only 48 students. That discredited facility has remained “temporarily” closed since April 2002 due to budget constraints. Where did Governor O’Malley suddenly find $6.8M?

At a time when Maryland continues to face a structural deficit, it has been reported, “The cost of the nonprofit (Bowling Brook) school is $41,000 a year per student – less than the $65,000 a year the state spends to keep a youth at Hickey.”

Why have folks, who once praised the facility, quickly change their tune and sing that Bowling Brook was a victim of its own success and had grown too large?

If the “successful” Bowling Brook School grew too large, then doesn’t it seem more effective public policy to reduce the number of students at Bowling Brook rather than close it?

Why did the Maryland General Assembly overwhelmingly pass House Bill 1148 and Senate Bill 503 in 2005 exempting Bowling Brook from 2004 legislation mandating a capacity limit of 48 for juvenile facilities?

Governor O’Malley’s “Transition Committee for Juvenile Services Report,” issued on February 21, 2007 “strongly recommend(ed) that the new administration proceed quickly with making strategic, evidence-based reforms … addressing problems proactively.”

Is closing the highly acclaimed Bowling Brook, within days of the issuance of the report, “addressing problems proactively” with “strategic, evidence-based reforms?” Exactly why did Mr. Simmons die while being “restrained humanely consistent with state-approved discipline policies?” Why not address that problem proactively?

How are juvenile facilities to appropriately restrain a juvenile offender who is physically threatening other students? Do the state-approved discipline policies for restraint need to be changed with “evidence-based reform” to avoid another tragedy? Why not spend some of the newly minted $6.8M for additional study to change the standards and provide additional training.

How often does a community rally to have a juvenile facility in their own back yard? Many hope that Governor O’Malley will address the challenges of Maryland’s juvenile services with evidence-based reform by re-opening Bowling Brook.

Kevin Dayhoff

The writer is the former mayor of Westminster 2001-2005.

His e-mail address is kdayhoff@carr.org

####

Sunday, March 25^th, 2007 UPDATE: I’m certainly encouraged by the thoughtful and responsible feedback I have received on this post in “comments.”

(For more posts and information on “Soundtrack” please click on Bowling Brook.)

Please keep in mind that letters to editor are also very important in addition to letters to Governor O’Malley and Secretary DeVore.

Letters to the editor can be e-mailed to: jjoyner@patuxent.com

Mr. Jim Joyner, Editor

The Westminster Eagle

121 East Main Street

Westminster, MD 21157

(410) 386-0334 ext. 5004

jjoyner@patuxent.com

I would love for The Westminster Eagle to have a page or several pages of letters to the editor …

Please pass the word. We need as many thoughtful, respectful, and polite letters as possible to go to Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley and Maryland Juvenile Services Secretary Donald W. DeVore.

I have assured many folks that the letters need not to be long or over-thought. Push comes to shove, a hand written note with several sentences expressing support is really all that is needed.

Whispers in the hallways of Annapolis are that the O’Malley administration is counting on the short attention span of folks and the Bowling Brook matter will blow away with the March winds. Obviously such is not the case. Perhaps folks have misjudged the positive impact of this facility - for fifty years - in our community.

The addresses once again:

The Honorable Governor Martin O’Malley

Office of the Governor

100 State Circle

Annapolis, MD 21401-1925

The Honorable Secretary Donald W. DeVore

Maryland Juvenile Services

One Center Plaza, 120 W. Fayette Street

Baltimore, MD 21201.

Thank you. There are many young adults that face an uncertain future as a result of being relocated from Bowling Brook to one of the failed state-run facilities. The quicker Bowling Brook is back in operation, the quicker hope may be restored to the lives of many young men.

####

20070323 A reader responds to my post on the Chambers Property and reservoir

A reader responds to my post on the Chambers Property and the proposed Union Mills reservoir

March 23, 2007

A reader responds to my Winchester Report post on the Chambers property and the Union Mills reservoir: A sordid saga of communists, reservoirs, congressman, and pumpkins

I have removed the name and address of the person with whom I corresponded as my only interest is seeing that as much accurate information gets out about the matter of protecting this valuable national treasure and not about disagreeing with the gentleman…

For additional reading please see my other “Soundtrack” posts: Chambers – Whittaker Chambers and the “Pumpkin Papers”

---

From: Kevin E. Dayhoff [mailto:kdayhoff AT carr DOT org]

Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2007 9:52 AM

To: 'Kevin E. Dayhoff'; --------------; ----------------; -------------------

Subject: RE: You are very misinformed! Story 3-8-07 reservior,communist,congressman

Thursday morning, March 22^nd, 2007

Dear -----------------,

Good morning. Thank you again for your e-mail and thank you for this opportunity to address your concerns.

With respect to the watershed protection zone around the proposed Union Mills reservoir, apparently what is being considered - - should the commissioners decide in the future to go forward with the project - - is the property owner is to be paid to do what they otherwise want to do anyway. The property owner gets to keep their property and on top of that the county is going to make the property a protected waterfront property to be enjoyed by the property owner in perpetuity.

I have had a chance to re-read my March 8^th, 2007 column in the Winchester Report on the Westminster Eagle’s web site and a number of dynamics come quickly to mind.

For the most part, especially at the local level, elected and appointed officials and members of staff are our friends and neighbors who are working tirelessly to do the right thing for as many Carroll Countians as possible.

Causing community decision makers to spend valuable time counteracting misinformation and fending off personal attacks is not helpful. Accusing public officials of “intending” to do something before they have made a decision is the stuff of enduring bewilderment.

What is productive is providing community decision makers with thoughtful feedback – especially from folks who wish the decision makers to go in a different direction.

The column, “A sordid saga of communists, reservoirs, congressman, and pumpkins” was specifically focused on what is, in my view misinformation being disseminated in the greater community about the alleged attempt on the part of the Carroll County Board of Commissioners to “seize” the site of the “pumpkin patch papers.”

It is my view that the “pumpkin patch,” right here in our own backyard in Carroll County – is a revered national treasure and I feel rather strongly that preserving this site is a serious responsibility.

It is to that end that I wrote the column to respond to persistent misinformation that it was the intent of the commissioners to flood, “seize,” “take” or otherwise desecrate the site.

Although, I certainly do not speak for the commissioners, I have been led to a clear understanding that the commissioners share the view of many that everything possible needs to be done to preserve the “pumpkin papers” site yet nevertheless, take care of the commissioners’ basic “health, safety, and welfare” responsibilities to greater Carroll County.

I would like to call to your attention the three paragraphs in my column in which I quoted the commissioners’ from their January 18^th, 2007 letter in response to Congressman Bartlett’s January 3^rd, 2007 letter. The critical paragraph being:

“With regard to the Pipe Creek Farm specifically, Carroll County has no intention of negatively impacting the field identified as the location of the famed “pumpkin patch” and has designed the reservoir in a way that minimizes impacts on the balance of the farm. Indeed, the impact anticipated by the planned reservoir… is limited to the northeastern edge of the farm where the Pipe Creek stream crosses the property.

As far as properties inside “the minimum acquisition line for the reservoir”; to the best of my knowledge, the exact area of the water protection buffer zone has not yet been determined, just as the pool line is still an estimate based on the 30-year-old plans.

For those of us who are well informed; it has been rather difficult to decode and understand the quickly changing landscape of often conflicting state planning and environmental mandates with respect to maintaining an adequate supply of drinking water for Carroll Countians.

To the best of my understanding, the commissioners were placed in a position of acting quickly to preserve the option, with the state, of exploring the reservoir. In doing so they dusted off work that dates back to the 1970s and brought it to the public’s attention for feedback and discussion.

However, at this stage, no permits have been sought and no engineering or design work has taken place since the 1970s. At present, no decision has been made about the reservoir except to begin a conversation about creating reservoirs in Union Mills and Gillis Falls as options in the future.

Once the plans and the old maps were brought to light, it became obvious that the one thing that needed to be changed right away is the idea of a “minimum acquisition line.”

That has been modified to reflect an appropriate change, in my view, in the county’s approach. The map now refers to that area, approximately 2,200 acres, of which the county already owns 1500 acres, as a “water resource protection zone.” It’s not simply different words; it is a different planning concept.

If the county makes a decision to go forward with the Union Mills reservoir, it may be necessary for the county to comply with common sense and state and federal laws requiring the area around the reservoir to be protected.

The information that I currently understand is not consistent with your position, “the county intends on buying (the property in the ‘buffer zone’) and (that property) will not be able to be used by the former owner’s.”

If you are suggesting that the county needs to do everything possible to protect personal property rights, then I cannot agree with you more. From what I understand of the county’s position, Carroll County government also wants to protect personal property rights, all the while, protecting the health safety and welfare of all Carroll Countians…

But I find the statement put forth in your e-mail: that the county has placed your “little piece of the American dream” for which you have worked your “whole life to get there and then have it show up on a map marked to be taken away without any explanation…” to be inconsistent with what I believe is to be what the county is considering.

It is my understanding at present that in order for the county to comply with current federal and state mandates with respect to protecting the watershed; it does not necessarily mean the county needs to “buy” the property and or deprive the owner from the ownership, physical possession, and enjoyment of their property.

It is apparently the prevailing convention that purchasing such easements, that would help to protect the water without the landowner giving up his ownership, is for the most part, the best way to proceed.

Yes, state regulations and best management practices would lead the county to apply some restrictions to the land, but only to portions that fall within the easement.

The specific lines delineating the water resource protection zone will be determined when new engineering studies are conducted (assuming the option of reservoirs is something the commissioners choose to pursue). The only outright purchase would be of land that falls in the pool line.

Ironically, most of what I have heard from folks such as yourself, and the county; is that you are on the same page as far as preserving the land in private hands – and for facilitating open space and against future residential development or the construction of magnesium smelting factories on the properties.

The irony is exacerbated by the fact that what the county may propose is to add an additional layer of protection to the farm that once housed the “pumpkin papers,” and perhaps compensate the property owner for that further protection.

In addition, the county wishes to purchase a protection from certain properties in order for the property owner to continue to do what the property owner has already stated they wish to do – preserve the property.

To recap, apparently what is being considered is that certain (as yet undetermined) property owners are to be paid to do what they otherwise want to do anyway. The property owners gets to keep their properties and on top of that the county is going to make the property a waterfront property all the while providing drinking water (and thus protecting the health, safety and welfare) for many Carroll Countians in perpetuity.

Thank you for your time. I hope that this has been helpful. As always, your thoughtful consideration is appreciated regardless of the outcome on any particular issue. Whether we agree or disagree, always find my door open for friendly constructive dialogue.

Kevin Dayhoff

---

From: Kevin E. Dayhoff [mailto:kdayhoff AT carr DOT org]

Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2007 10:12 AM
To: --------------; ----------------; -----------------

Subject: RE: You are very misinformed! Story 3-8-07 reservior,communist,congressman

--------------------,

Thanks a bunch for your e-mail. I really appreciate that you have taken the time to be in touch. I’m tied it with family responsibilities for most of the rest of the day. I’ll take a good look at the points you raised in the e-mail and look forward to getting back with you. I’m always interested in another thoughtful point of view.

Thanks again. Have a great day.

Kevin

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

www.kevindayhoff.net

E-mail him at: kdayhoff AT carr DOT org

His columns appear in The Tentacle, www.thetentacle.com; Westminster Eagle Opinion www.thewestminstereagle.com and Winchester Report.

---

From: ------------- [mailto:------------------]

Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2007 9:56 AM
To: kdayhoff AT carr DOT org; ----------------; --------------------

Subject: You are very misinformed! Story 3-8-07 reservior,communist,congressman

What would you do if your house and property showed up on a map inside the minimum acquisition line for the reservoir? The county has notified none of these property owners as to any thing different. You say that these areas are buffer zones and won’t be affected by the pole level. That is well and good but this is still property the county intends on buying and will not be able to be used by the former owner’s. The county commissioners could have very easily notified the affected property owners of there intentions. If this would have been done and they don’t need to purchase properties I am very sure there would have been a different result from the community.

You also say the reservoir should have been built back in the 70’s.You might be right on that but they missed there chance. With today’s technology there are numerous alternatives to the reservoir. Controlling the amount of water that is wasted through leakage alone would be a good start. If you would have come to some of the other meetings and listened you would have heard some of these other ideas. Unfortunately for the county government we have some very informed citizens that would be more than willing to share there ideas. You like the county government just want to stick with a idea who’s time has passed.

There is a lot more to say in opposition to what you have wrote in your story! But maybe for someone that hasn’t worked there whole life to get there little piece of the American dream and then have it show up on a map marked to be taken away without any explanation you won’t understand.

I do encourage you to come to some of the Union Mills Water Ass. meetings and listen further to what they have to say.

20070313 Another loony moment from Andy Rooney

Another loony moment from Andy Rooney

Andy Rooney doesn’t write – he types.

March 13^th, 2007 – March 22, 2007

As indicated by the March 13 Frederick News-Post editorial; the paper is taking some heat for printing Andy Rooney's March 5 column, “I feel a draft.”

Justifiably so. The editorial wrote: “In our opinion, Rooney made some thoughtless and downright untrue statements in that column…” I could not agree more… But the column by Mr. Rooney was unworthy of a response. That only draws more attention to his mindless mumblings.

I cannot find the column by Mr. Rooney on the Frederick News-Post web site, however, you may find here on Mr. Rooney’s web site… The column appeared on the CBS web site on March 11, 2007…

The Frederick News-Post editorial wrote:

Andy Rooney's March 5 column, "I feel a draft," addressed the current and pre-World War II composition of the U.S. armed forces. That column has drawn several indignant letters and other communications, and we understand why.

Rooney, a World War II veteran, complained that when, as a college student, he was drafted in August 1941, the Army was already full of soldiers who had joined up as a last resort because they couldn't make a go of it in the wider world. Rooney and thousands like him were called up by the draft intended to fill the ranks for the coming war.

[…]

Several letter writers have suggested that we should not have run Rooney's column. We believe the discussion that it generated has justified the decision to publish it.

The editorial is right – and then again, in a roundabout way, this last paragraph missing a more subtle point.

When I scanned the column, my thoughts were that it was a waste of my time and then I wondered that considering all the talented columnists available these days – Why in the world is the Frederick News-Post running Andy Rooney?

At the time I felt no overwhelming need to respond. I just put the column in the “Ann Coulter” category. I have arrived at a point where I simply ignore her See here: “20070303 Ann Coulter comment on Edwards is reprehensible and here and here: “20070305 Time to Give Coulter the Cold Shoulder.”

The editorial said, “We believe the discussion that it generated has justified the decision to publish it.”

Well, in order to elicit intelligent discussion, run an intelligent column. And it is not a matter as to whether or not I agree with the particular worldview of a particular columnist. Heckfire, I often do not agree with Joe Voltz – but I will actually read his column.

Andy Rooney is a washed-up has-been nebbish. Perhaps the Frederick News-Post may want to consider running a cogent column which folks are actually going to read and gain value.

Run a column which folks are actually going to read and gain value.

To utilize a Truman Capote quote to succinctly critique Mr. Rooney’s columns, ‘That's not writing, it's typing.”

####

20070322 A couple of columns by Hugh McLaurin

A couple of columns by Hugh McLaurin that are worth a read

“Airport benefits community”

“Arts flourish in Carroll”

March 22, 2007

Roaming around on the Carroll County Times web site I came across two columns by one of my favorite columnists at the Times… Hugh McLaurin.

Read the two columns quickly before the links go bad. On my wish list for the Carroll County Times web site are an RSS Feed and permalinks.

But then again, mind you, I’m not throwing stones. I only wish I had just two items on the wish list for “Soundtrack.”

The first column, on the matter of expanding the Carroll County Regional Airport, causes me to wonder if after he published it – he was not whisked away to an undisclosed location.

The folks who are upset with the idea of the airport expanded are usually, how shall I say, aggressive with anyone who dares write in support of the airport – and/or the airport expanding.

More often than not the opponents personally attack you, your mother, and anything that moves or breathes near you.

I know many of the opponents and have known one of the spearheads of the anti-expansion initiative, for sometime. He is neat people. I’m just predisposed to disagree with him on this issue…

Darn shame about their approach because as with any public policy decision, contrarian and counter arguments have their place. To be sure, even though for the most part, Mr. McLaurin’s second paragraph is most applicable, their concerns must be heard and taken into consideration with any expansion.

[His second paragraph reads:

A common scenario goes like this: Sprawl overtakes an airport that once sat on a rural tract of land outside of town. Houses go up around the airport and people who move in knowing full well that the airport is there decide that it has to go, citing concerns over noise and safety.]

I’ve weighed-in on my thoughts about the airport before; however, I maintain an open mind and will wait to see what actually goes on the table in front of the Carroll County Board of Commissioners before I pass judgment on the expansion plans… My columns, written from the days when I was with the Westminster Advocate are here: “20050921 Carroll Airport outlook good” and here: “20050817 Dedication of the Westminster Airport in 1943.” (Or find them both here.) (I’ve posted them on “Soundtrack” because there were written before the Westminster Advocate had a web site… Now it has a nice web site – check it out here.)

Meanwhile, Mr. McLaurin’s Sunday, March 11, 2007 Carroll County Times column is titled, “Airport benefits community.”

The second column which caught my eye is an equally good read: “Arts flourish in Carroll.”

I’ve written about the art scene in Carroll County before, especially focusing on the economic benefits of the arts. I’ll have to double back at a later time and find the articles and call them to your attention.

Meanwhile, Mr. McLaurin gives a nice synopsis of the arts scene in Carroll County and his column is a nice read.

If ya go to the web site, give their blogs a try. I like to read the editor, Jim Lee’s posts. I like them better than some of his editorials which make me wanna throw coffee cups… His latest blog post is right on the money: “We're obsessed with firsts.” Go there and leave a comment that we want the publisher, Sarah Baker to run for president…

I have often wondered why Mr. Lee has a decent picture to go with his columns and posts when so many of the other pictures of the other journalists at the Carroll County Times are sooooo baaaad. See: “20060622 A picture suggestion for Jamie Kelly.” Or – “20070305 Frederick News-Post web cast.”

While you are on the web site, take time to read everything that Carrie Knauer writes. It will be time well spent.

If you are accessing this post at a later date and the links have gone bad, e-mail me and I’ll fix it somehow…

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

E-mail him at: kdayhoff(at)carr.org

####

20070321 The secret life of baby spiders

The secret life of baby spiders

Photo caption: “Fired spiders and gum” from the web site, “Photography by Ewen Bell.” Neat site – check it out.

March 21, 2007

This post is for my wife. Read it quickly before it is prevailed upon me to amend it or take the post down.

Me: spiders gotta live somewhere. I just Zen them. As long as they don’t change the settings on my computer or eat my ice cream – I’m good. Whatever.

My wife: Spiders seem to make my normally unfazed, calm, and sedate wife go from zero to animated in a nanosecond. I know of nothing else that bothers my wife (except liberals… fortunately she doesn’t feel the need to squish them… .)

It is somewhat the source of amusement with me. Trust me, my amusement is not shared by my wife, and I have long since learned to adjust my approach. [Soccer Dad doesn’t wear paisley (My goodness that was an ugly tie.) - - I take spiders seriously – when they are the source of my wife’s undivided attention…]

Me to wife: Wife, I just saw on Nancy Grace that Anna Nicole Smith is still dead and the world is going to come to an end. Could ya please help me grab my computer before we go to the bomb shelter?

Wife: I don’t care - - There’s a spider in the house! Get it.

Over the years we have come to a sorta agreement. Found spiders in the house are not to be killed. They are to be invited to go outside… This seems to work as long as the spider is cooperative.

For the safety of spiders, I have posted a sign at the back door that our house is not safe for spiders. It seems to have worked.

Sooo, it was with some amusement that I saw that “Spiders Love to Snuggle.”

Perhaps Jeremy Bruno up at Voltage Gate (Besides, Mr. Bruno has not one article about spiders on his blog. What gives”) may have to interpret some of this for us, but according to Jeanna Bryner LiveScience Staff Writer LiveScience.com Wed Mar 21, 8:45 AM ET :

While not usually considered paragons of tender, familial love, some spiders do have a touchy-feely side. Scientists have discovered two arachnids that caress their young and snuggle together.

Social behavior is extremely rare in arachnids, a group of critters typically defined by their aggression, clever hunting methods and even predatory cannibalism.

"This was the best example I had ever seen of friendly behavior in an arachnid," said lead study author Linda Rayor, a Cornell University entomologist.

[…]

Video: Spider Baby Rub

Video: Spider Tickle

For (Phrynus) marginemaculatus, the stroking was mutual, with the three-week-olds also whip-caressing their moms and one another.

Video: Spider Siblings

[…]

Video: Spiders' Psychedelic Courtship Dance

Images: Creepy Spiders

Original Story: Creepy: Spiders Love to Snuggle

Since this is a family blog – we may wanna have Attila pick up the story here and here… . He goes places I can’t.

Read the rest of the article here: “Spiders Love to Snuggle.”

####

20070322 Frank Lloyd Wright on God

Frank Lloyd Wright on God

March 22, 2007

H/t: Jeremy Bruno’s Voltage Gate

Roaming through the blogosphere this evening, I came across this quote on Jeremy Bruno’s Voltage Gate:

"I believe in God, only I spell it 'Nature'," - credited to Frank Lloyd Wright.

Clips http://scienceblogs.com/voltagegate/

Category: Conservation Posted by Jeremy Bruno at 09:26 AM

If you have not been to Voltage Gate recently – take this opportunity. It’s better than ice cream – well almost.

I’ve always been a huge fan of the work of Frank Lloyd Wright.





I’ve visited Falling Water and the Guggenheim and if I am not mistaken, isn’t there a Frank Lloyd Wright designed home in Baltimore? I haven’t a clue as to where my file on him is at present. Nor do I have the time… But if I am not mistaken, it is on Cross Country Boulevard…

All right, if I can get a few things done, I’ll venture to where my old landscape design business records are in the basement and see what I can find… The only problem with going to the basement is that I tend to get lost down there – and I’m on deadline for my Westminster Eagle column…

Kevin

20070313 Mindless ramblings about peripatetic artisans of the keyboard

Mindless ramblings about old geezers, old columnists, young writers, and peripatetic artisans of the keyboard

March 13^th, 2007 – March 22, 2007

Joe Volz writes a column for the Frederick News-Post and I re-read a recent column today and enjoyed it… Old Soldiers Never Die by Joe Volz.

As a columnist Mr. Volz maintains a rather frenetic pace. If I am not mistaken, he writes three columns a week. I write two columns a week and sometimes that maxes me out. I marvel at the folks like Rick Weldon, Joe Volz and Wendi Thomas, who just seem to effortlessly knock out one interesting and well written column after another.

Certainly another writer for which I have always been impressed is the editor of the Carroll County Times, Jim Lee, who if I am not mistaken, writes most all of the 6 editorials a week that appear in the paper and a weekly column…

Then there is Kelsey Volkmann who just seems to knock out several articles a day – all week… and still have time to chat.

But anyway, where was I - - Oh, getting back to Mr. Volz…

I do not always agree with Mr. Volz but I try to read his column as often as possible. My favorite Joe Volz column in 2006 was his June 6^th, 2006, “The Obit Page.”

I wish I had a link – but then again, I don’t think the Frederick News-Post uses permalinks - - and their archives hidden behind a pay-wall is just really quite annoying, bit involves a scope well beyond this piece… Maybe Joe’ll consider letting me post it.

My favorite paragraph (among many) was: “Perhaps, the amateur obit writers may not match the skill of the late New York quip-witted humorist, Dorothy Parker, who once observed, ‘I don't care what is written about me as long as it isn't true.’ ”

Yes, I’m a huge Dorothy Parker fan.

Jim Lee over at the Carroll County Times has recently ventured into the world of blogs. In one of his recent posts, “Mega-bust,” in which he questioned aloud what you would do if you won the lottery, I wrote in the comment section:

Kevin Dayhoff wrote on March 12, 2007 1:27 AM: "If I were to win the lottery, the first thing I would want is advice; so I would probably endeavor to interview Annabel and Midge from Dorothy Parker’s “The Standard of Living.” Of course things were different in 1941; nevertheless, one can be sure that their guidance would be crucial. Then I would go get a Hoffman’s milkshake and a package of Starbuck’s coffee – and go back to my desk and go back to work. "

I wish I could link ya to the post on the Carroll County Times web site, but the paper does not use permalinks and the post, to the best of my knowledge, the blog entry has long since disappeared into cyber-space….

A recent Joe Volz column involved a human-interest story and I just thought it was a nice read – I guess especially since I had a number of friends who either live, work or went to school in New Jersey.

One of the great joys of toiling as a New Jersey newspaperman for a number of years was that I got to cover the state's great cultural institution -- organized crime.

So, when I moved to Maryland 30 years ago, where the crime is of a decidedly different caliber -- mainly disorganized -- I was distraught.

[…]

Down in Maryland, I encountered a bunch of non-violent criminals, like Vice President Spiro Agnew, who had no difficulty getting in trouble with the law. Frankly, their exploits weren't as colorful.

[…]

The prevailing wisdom among us Mafia watchers was that mobsters didn't have to worry about Medicare. They didn't live that long, invariably dying in their prime from a lethal dose of lead poisoning.

So, it is heartening to read the latest news from Fort Lauderdale. At least one old Mafia soldier has defied the odds.

[…]

You would think that Albert Facchiano, who turns 97 tomorrow and is appropriately nicknamed "The Old Man," would have gotten a little respect from Florida law enforcers just for dodging so many bullets for so long.

Read the rest of the column here and enjoy it: “Old Soldiers Never Die by Joe Volz.”

####

20070321 Have a cup of tea

Have a cup of tea

Top of the morning to ya. Have a cup of tea.

© Kevin Dayhoff

March 21^st, 2007

20070321 Four Years Later: New Strategy Requires Patience And Determination

Four Years Later: New Strategy Requires Patience And Determination

March 16, 2007 – posted March 21^st, 2007

H/t: GOPCharlie

On The Fourth Anniversary Of The Beginning Of Operation Iraqi Freedom, The Regime Of A Brutal Dictator Has Been Replaced By A Democratically Elected Government Operating Under One Of The Most Progressive Constitutions In The Arab World. While there is much work to be done, there are encouraging signs of progress.

Achieving Our Goals Will Require Patience And Determination

Iraqi Security Forces Are Stepping Up To Take Control Of Their Country's Security. Iraqi Security Forces continue to gain strength and are fighting alongside Coalition forces. Their commitment and sacrifice are real: Casualty levels for Iraqi Security Forces are now higher than for Coalition forces.

Iraq is now operating 9 National Police brigades and 31 Iraqi Army brigades, meaning almost 329,000 Iraqi Security Force members are now risking their lives to secure their country and allow political progress to continue.

9 of Iraq's 10 Army divisions are taking the lead in their areas of operation.

3 of Iraq's 18 provinces have acquired full responsibility for their own security.

Iraqi-planned, Iraqi-conducted, and, most important of all, Iraqi-led missions continue throughout Iraq.

Iraqis Are Beginning To Meet Benchmarks To Achieve Political Reconciliation.

In February 2007, Iraq's Council of Ministers approved a national hydrocarbon law that provides for an equitable distribution of oil revenues throughout the country. It now needs to be approved by the Council of Representatives and then implemented.

Last month, the Iraqi government also approved a $41 billion budget that includes $10 billion for reconstruction and capital investment and $7.3 billion for development of Iraqi Security Forces and security related expenses.

Iraq's leaders must meet the other pledges they have made. These include:

1) Narrowing the limitations of the de-Baathification law;

2) Establishing the framework and setting a date for provincial elections; and

3) Continuing to pursue the constitutional review process: The Constitutional Review Committee, with representation from all major political blocs and technical assistance from the United Nations, is now working and is likely to present potential amendments to parliament in the next two months.

On March 12, 2007, Iraq Convened A Regional Conference Of Thirteen Nations, Including Neighboring Countries And The U.S., As Well As The United Nations, The Islamic Conference, And The Arab League. Conference attendees discussed issues of common concern regarding Iraq and agreed to form working groups on border security, fuel imports, and refugees. They plan to hold another regional me eting at the ministerial level in April, which U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will attend.

On July 27, 2006, Iraq And The UN Announced The Formal Launch Of The International Compact With Iraq. This Compact, jointly shared by the Government of Iraq and the United Nations, with the support of the World Bank, will bring together the international community and multilateral organizations over five years to help Iraq implement key reforms and grow fully integrated into the international economic community .

On March 16, 2007, U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon Urged Representatives From Over 90 Countries To Back The Compact. Representatives at this meeting closed the text of the Compact and are now moving on to the formal signing and implementation stage.

The New Way Forward In Iraq

In January, President Bush Announced A New Strategy For Iraq. This strategy has as its top priority reducing violence in Baghdad, to give Iraqi leaders the breathing room they need to make political progress. It gives our troops the reinforcements they need, and it demands more from Iraq's elected government. We have seen tangible progress, but this is work that will not be accomplished in days or weeks it requires a sustained course of action over many months. The strategy includes:

Establishing More Than 45 "Joint Security Stations" Throughout Baghdad. These stations are neighborhood outposts where U.S. and Iraqi forces are jointly deployed 24 hours a day to secure the population, provide emergency aid to local communities, and gather information to root out extremist networks throughout the capital.

Stepping Up Training The Iraqi Army And Police So We Can Help Ensure That The Iraqi Forces Are Capable Of Providing The Security That Iraq Needs.

Ordering Reinforcements Of More Than 20,000 Combat Forces To Iraq. The vast majority of these troops will go to Baghdad. Two of the five additional American combat brigades we committed to this fight are now in place and involved in operations with their Iraqi counterparts. The flow and movement of the third brigade to Kuwait has begun, and troops continue to arrive every day.

Enhancing Our Civilian And Diplomatic Efforts. As our military reinforces its mission in the greater Baghdad area and Anbar province, a complementary effort is underway on the civilian side in the form of a joint Defense Department and State Department initiative to double the number of Provincial Reconstruction Teams in Iraq, with a primary focus on Baghdad and Anbar province. The first wave of civilian volun teers has completed training and will deploy to Iraq by the end of this month.

Implementing This Strategy Will Require Sustained Action Over Many Months, But We Have Already Seen Progress.

The Iraqi government has completed the deployment of three additional Iraqi Army brigades to the capital. These additional forces join the nine National Police and seven Iraqi Army brigades already in the Greater Baghdad area.

Prime Minister Maliki has affirmed that there will be no political interference in security operations. Iraq's leaders have lifted restrictions on Iraqi and Coalition forces that prevented them from going into certain areas, and U.S. and Iraqi troops are now pursuing the enemy in neighborhoods like Sadr City, where operations were once restricted.

About half of the planned joint security stations have been established in neighborhoods across Baghdad.

Iraqi and U.S. forces have rounded up hundreds of people affiliated with violent extremist groups, discovered and destroyed weapons production facilities, and recovered large weapons caches, including mortar weapons systems and rocket-propelled grenades.

Iraqi and U.S. forces have launched successful operations against Sunni extremists.

Sectarian killings have been lower in Baghdad over the past several weeks than in the previous month.

Two major car bomb factories have been destroyed on the outskirts of Baghdad.

Several trucks equipped with heavy machine guns used for engaging Coalition aircraft have been destroyed.

In Anbar province, a number of Sunni tribes have begun to unite against extremists, providing a new wave of Iraqi recruits to join the fight against the terrorists.

Millions Of Iraqis Have Risked Their Lives To Secure A Democratic Future For Their Nation, And America Will Not Abandon Them In Their Hour Of Need. The vast majority of Iraq's citizens want to live in peace, and they are showing their courage every day.

In October 2005, Iraqi voters approved a new permanent constitution.

In December 2005, nearly 12 million Iraqis braved car bombers and assassins to choose a permanent government in free elections under the new constitution.

In April 2006, Iraqi leaders announced agreement on the top leadership posts for a national government uniting Sunni, Shiite, and Kurd, led by President Jalal Talabani and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

In November 2006, an Iraqi Court convicted and sentenced Saddam Hussein for the massacres committed by his regime in the town of Dujayl. The former dictator was put to death in December 2006.

Our New Strategy Builds On What Has Proven To Work And Corrects For What Has Not Worked In Iraq. It specifically accounts for the heightened levels of sectarian violence seen over the course of 2006 and is designed to help Iraqis defeat extremists from all communities and provide the space necessary for advancing meaningful political reconciliation.