Dayhoff Westminster Soundtrack

Sunday, June 10, 2007

20070610 The Last Train to Clarksville

The Last Train to Clarksville

June 10^th, 2007

On June 10th, 2007 Maryland Politics Today had a post titled “The Last Money Train To Clarksville.”

As much as I appreciated P. Kenneth Burns calling to our attention the need of Baltimore mayor Dixon to go outside of the city for support for her re-election campaign, I was particularly intrigued with the reference to the “Last Train to Clarksville.”

And only Mr. Burns knows if he was referring to mayor Dixon’s trip to Howard County in the manner in which the 1966 Monkees’ meant it… Or if he was referring to mayor Dixon and “Betamax” metaphorically or if it is a coincidence…

But what a trip down memory lane that reference causes an aging Baby Boomer such as me. Although, I gotta tell ya, “The Monkees” were a little lame for my taste to put it mildly; it nevertheless brings back a time and place from many years ago.

And it comes on the heels of just writing a Westminster Eagle column on aspects of 1967 last Wednesday, June 6th, 2007: Dwight Dingle, 'Sgt. Pepper' and a bathtub band :

“It was 40 years ago last Saturday, June 2, 1967, when the Beatles released their eighth album, "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." Although musical taste can be fiercely debated, many music critics and publications consider this album to be one of the most influential of all time. Rolling Sto...”

“The Last Train to Clarksville,” from 1966, may be considered to be a pop song and to be sure, it certainly has a bubblegum feel and sound to it. Nevertheless the song was about a serious dynamic in the lives of young men eligible for military duty.

The song, with its “pop flavor” and seemingly light-hearted approach is forever engrained in my head as a great example of cognitive dissonance…

Listen to the lyrics.[1]

The song is about a man who is trying to arrange one last date with his sweetheart because he has been drafted and he is about to be deployed to Vietnam. Listen for :

'Cause I'm leavin' in the morning

And I must see you again

We'll have one more night together

'Til the morning brings my train.

And I must go, oh, no, no, no!

Oh, no, no, no!

And I don't know if I'm ever coming home.

And the reference to “Betamax players [2] in home” was equally a hoot. Yes, I actually still have content on old “beta” tapes.” And I thought some of the data migration from my old columns and short stories in DOS-based “Word Perfect” was hard…

And I cannot imagine hardly any of our younger readers are aware of whar being “betamaxed” means… (“A superior technology that is overtaken by an inferior one.”)

Anyway, thanks a bunch for memory Mr. Burns…

Meanwhile if you are not reading Mr. Burn’s excellent work at Maryland Politics Today,” there is no better time than now…. Err, after ya watch, “The Last Train to Clarksville” by the Monkees:

Oh what the heck… Let’s hear more. This is a song that I did like:

“Valerie”

I liked this one too:

The Monkees - A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You

####

[1] Last Train to Clarksville

Words and Music by

Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart

Take the last train to Clarksville,

And I'll meet you at the station.

You can be be there by four thirty,

'Cause I made your reservation.

Don't be slow, oh, no, no, no!

Oh, no, no, no!

'Cause I'm leavin' in the morning

And I must see you again

We'll have one more night together

'Til the morning brings my train.

And I must go, oh, no, no, no!

Oh, no, no, no!

And I don't know if I'm ever coming home.

Take the last train to Clarksville.

I'll be waiting at the station.

We'll have time for coffee flavored kisses

And a bit of conversation.

Oh... Oh, no, no, no!

Oh, no, no, no!

Take the last train to Clarksville,

Now I must hang up the phone.

I can't hear you in this noisy

Railroad station all alone.

I'm feelin' low. Oh, no, no, no!

Oh, no, no, no!

And I don't know if I'm ever coming home.

Take the last train to Clarksville,

[repeat and fade]

[2] Betamax:

The first half-inch, analog videocassette recorder (VCR) format, introduced by Sony in 1975 and commonly known as "Beta." The first Betamax cassettes held only one hour of video, but the capacity was subsequently increased to hold an entire movie. Sony later introduced Beta Hi-fi, which improved audio quality, and SuperBeta, which offered a better image.

Beta Vs. VHS

One year after Beta was introduced, the VHS format came out with a slightly larger cassette that held a full movie from the start. VHS began to overtake Beta almost immediately, but for several years, both formats were widely used, and pre-packaged movies were offered in both Beta and VHS. By the late 1980s, Beta had been almost entirely eclipsed by VHS, although Betamax machines were still manufactured by Sony until 2002.

Betamaxed!

The Betamax technology was considered to have superior image quality over VHS, but was hardly noticeable on ordinary home equipment, especially if the recording was done off the air and not from a high-quality master tape. To this day however, "Betamaxed" refers to a superior technology that is overtaken by an inferior one. See VHS, helical scan, Beta/VHS debacle and Betacam.

20070610 The Dreaded Immigration Debate

The Dreaded Immigration Debate

June 10^th, 2007

A colleague whose opinion I’ve come to place a great deal of value recently e-mailed with a heads-up on few topics he would like to tackle in the near future.

One of the topics is the current “third rail” of political/public policy discussion these days, “immigration reform.”

In Washington, various and assorted feckless "leaders" from both sides of the aisle, and the blogosphere are consumed with the immigration matter," and yet the challenges persist.

Is has all become some bizarre Kabuki theater on acid as everyone pursues a political advantage and “Bush Derangement” syndrome instead of attempting to do what is best for the country. A point I covered in my May 9, 2007 Tentacle column, “Déjà Vu, All Over Again.”

To paraphrase a comment by George Will some time ago about another maddening existential moment: “The numbing repetition of uncorrected falsehoods creates a phony atmosphere of uncertainty around key questions … Eventually voters throw up their hands and accept the fact that they’ll never know for sure what the truth is, and confusion ensues.”

I, for one, will look forward to his “post mortem” of the immigration bill. It was going to be the focus of my next Tentacle column, although I have started to find the debate essentially existential, impenetrably technical and Teutonic.

Not to mention the massive headache I get at the very mention of the topic. Something must be done and I have problems with the debate from both sides of the aisle.

Currently my thinking is to write about General Peter Pace stepping down as chair of the Joint Chief’s of Staff – and how this politicalization of the military is ultimately bad for the country…

Especially at this time as Gen. Pace is a veteran of the Battle of Hue in 1968 and has a great deal of insight as to the challenges we currently face in Iraq.

But getting back to the “I” word; much of my interest in immigration reform is from the agriculture point of view - and continuing to attract high-powered science, math, and technology minds to our country.

Word on the street is that if there is not some relief soon on allowing highly skilled mathematicians, scientists and technologists, some of our values research and development sector will also have to leave the country.

Not to mention the challenges that persists for agriculture, restaurants, and segments of the service industry…

Certainly not to be ignored is the continued overall expense for the country as a whole incurred as a result of undocumented aliens – especially as the number of instances increase where they further break the law once they are here.

I’m not hung-up on the “English first” dynamic. Immigrants have traditionally learned English and the current wave will also learn the language of the land. For the first 100 to 150 years of Carroll County a huge percentage of folks living in what we have come to know as present-day Carroll County spoke German. We survived – and prospered.

The best way to solve the “socialization” aspects of the matter is to be as inclusive a society as possible. Marginalizing a specific population only paradoxically exacerbates the problems.

I participated in trying to bring a student from France to our country several months ago and the experience was profoundly disillusioning. It was my view that the student is a poster child for exactly what we want coming to our country – for all the correct reasons.

The experience was as if the existing laws were written by Joseph Heller (of “Catch 22” fame.) It was absolutely maddening.

Although the effort to bring the student to our country looks like it will be successful, the experience was extraordinarily and prohibitively expensive.

It gave me insight into what many employers must do to bring in needed employees to get the work done that needs to get done on our country. The immigration laws, at present bring to mind, some of our country’s approaches to the second amendment in that all it will accomplish is making sure that only criminals can possess a firearm. No wonder there is so much illegal immigration.

At this point I’m not sure what the answer is. All I can do is roll my eyes and reach for another aspirin as I mutter epitaphs about everyone involved – both Democrats and Republicans.

####

For more information on Immigration reform

June 10^th, 2007

For more information on Immigration reform on “Soundtrack” click here: Immigration Reform

To view past Tentacle columns on Immigration reform go here:

May 9, 2007, Déjà Vu, All Over Again, by Kevin E. Dayhoff

and here:

May 31, 2006, The Great Mexican Maginot Line, by Kevin E. Dayhoff

_____

On May 9, 2007, in “Déjà Vu, All Over Again,” I wrote in part:

Our Congress is embarking on yet another curious and quixotic adventure, almost like the movie "Ground Hog Day." This time it is again delving into a perilous journey to develop a cogent approach to immigration reform.

Yes, it was just about a year ago that we were all debating and then wrestling to the ground S.2611, the "Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006," and the House version of immigration reform, "The Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005"

For years Congress has grappled with the first major overhaul of our country's immigration laws since a 97-3 majority passed Senate Bill 1664 in 1996.

That 1996 legislation was huge on several fronts. Scores of measures were enacted to limit the opportunity for illegal immigration. The border patrol was increased in both funding and staffing. Provisions barred an apprehended illegal alien for re-entry into the country for 10 years.

The most noteworthy legacy of the 1996 legislation was that it was a huge failure.

With the exception of that 1996 legislation, all immigration reform since 1990 has been ad hoc and piecemeal, all with the same results - failure to regulate and manage demands on immigration labor and maintaining a secure border with Mexico.

Alright - all immigration approaches by Congress have failed since the ill-fated 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act was passed by Congress.

[…]

Nevertheless, it appears that this year the divisions in both the Democrat and Republican parties have deepened to the point that any discussion resembles a circular firing squad.

The Washington Times quoted "a senior Republican aide," who nailed it: the Democrats "want the issue, not an accomplishment." The immigration issue divides the Democrats as much as the Republicans. The aide went on to add "that Mr. Reid's move appears designed to force Republicans to filibuster the bill, thus allowing both sides to point fingers at each other.

"He wants us to save Democrats from themselves - 'Stop me before I take bad votes again.' That's where (Senator Reid) is. He wants us to be (the) grown-ups."

Read the entire column here: Déjà Vu, All Over Again

On May 31, 2006, The Great Mexican Maginot Line, I wrote in part:

Last Thursday, the United States Senate passed the "Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006" by a vote of 62 to 36. The legislation has sparked rigorous and rancorous debate as it supports a bi-partisan, multi-disciplinary approach to the challenges of immigration reform embraced by President George W. Bush.

The Senate legislation connects the necessary security of the border with Mexico with a "guest-worker" program, which will enable immigrant laborers to work in our country. It also creates a procedure for current undocumented workers to pay back taxes, pay a fine, learn English and apply for citizenship.

[…]

There is no doubt that the border with Mexico must be secured. One of the basic definitions of a nation-state is definable and defensible borders and right now the border with Mexico looks more like the Kashmir region between India and Pakistan.

Nevertheless, overlooked in the great immigration debate is the critical need for immigration reforms that will secure a legal and stable workforce - especially in agriculture. The House "enforcement only" legislation ignores agriculture's labor needs and will have a huge negative effect on our food supplies, on American farms and the economy.

[…]

Read the rest of the column here: The Great Mexican Maginot Line

####

20070610 For more information on Immigration reform

For more information on Immigration reform

June 10^th, 2007

For more information on Immigration reform on “Soundtrack” click here: Immigration Reform

To view past Tentacle columns on Immigration reform go here:

May 9, 2007, Déjà Vu, All Over Again, by Kevin E. Dayhoff

and here:

May 31, 2006, The Great Mexican Maginot Line, by Kevin E. Dayhoff

_____

On May 9, 2007, in “Déjà Vu, All Over Again,” I wrote in part:

For years Congress has grappled with the first major overhaul of our country's immigration laws since a 97-3 majority passed Senate Bill 1664 in 1996.

The most noteworthy legacy of the 1996 legislation was that it was a huge failure.

Alright - all immigration approaches by Congress have failed since the ill-fated 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act was passed by Congress.

[…]

Nevertheless, it appears that this year the divisions in both the Democrat and Republican parties have deepened to the point that any discussion resembles a circular firing squad.

"He wants us to save Democrats from themselves - 'Stop me before I take bad votes again.' That's where (Senator Reid) is. He wants us to be (the) grown-ups."

Read the entire column here: Déjà Vu, All Over Again

On May 31, 2006, The Great Mexican Maginot Line, I wrote in part:

[…]

Read the rest of the column here: The Great Mexican Maginot Line

####

20070611 CCBOC Agenda

Agenda for the Week of June 11, 2007 ~ Revision 1

The agenda for the Carroll County Commissioners for the week of June 11th, 2007

Editors note: Pray for the commissioners this Tuesday as they deliberate and possibly decide upon whether or not to expand the Carroll County Regional Airport. For more information click here: Carroll County Regional Airport.

Please Note: This weekly agenda is subject to change. Please call 410-386-2043 to confirm a meeting you plan to attend. All meetings will be in Room 300A, (Unless otherwise noted) Carroll County Office Building.

Indicates Outside Activities

Monday – June 11, 2007

11:00 a.m. Ribbon Cutting for Extension of High Street
New Windsor
Commissioner Zimmer

Tuesday – June 12, 2007

10:00 a.m. Board of County Commissioners Open Session

Discussion, Deliberation & Possible Adoption of the Airport Master Plan
Mrs. Cindy Parr ~ Chief of Administrative Services
Mr. Gary Horst ~ Sr. Auditor

Discussion, Deliberation & Possible Adoption of Proposed Amendments
Chapter 103 Traffic Studies
Department of the County Attorney ~ Ms. Kimberly Millender
Department of Planning ~ Mr. Steve Horn
Department of Public Works ~ Mr. J. Michael Evans

Discussion/Review Exterior Building Elevations for Community Improvement
Projects Currently Under Design
~ Old New Windsor School County Government Offices
~ South Carroll Senior & Community Center
~ Carroll Community College Classroom Building #4
Department of General Services ~ Mr. Ralph Green
Department of General Services ~ Mr. Tom Rio

Tuesday – June 12, 2007 ~ Continued

Board of Education Capital Improvement Program Transfer No. 3
Sykesville Middle Roof Replacement
Department of Management & Budget ~ Mr. Ted Zaleski
Board of Education ~ Mr. Al Eilbacher

Request Approval to Proceed to Public Hearing for Consideration of
Amendment to IR (Industrial Restricted) Zone Allowing Business Parks
Department of Economic Development ~ Mr. Larry Twele

Chief of Staff Time ~ Mr. Steve Powell

ADMINISTRATIVE ~ Closed

4:00 p.m. Carroll County Behavioral Health and Addictions Council Meeting
Carroll County Health Department
Commissioner Zimmer

Wednesday – June 13, 2007

7:30 a.m. McDaniel College Annual Business Breakfast
Westminster
Commissioners Minnich & Zimmer

11:30 a.m. Luncheon
Westminster Senior & Community Center
Commissioner Zimmer

5:00 p.m. Carroll County Board of Education Meeting
Board of Education Offices
Commissioner Zimmer

6:00 p.m. Maryland Municipal League Dinner
Mt. Airy Fireman’s Activities Building
Commissioner Minnich

Thursday – June 14, 2007

9:30 a.m. Board of County Commissioners Open Community Discussion

10:00 a.m. Board of County Commissioners Open Session

Gordon L. Filbey Estate Donation
Department of Planning ~ Mr. Steve Horn

Bid Approval ~ Environmental Compliance Engineering Service
Bureau of Purchasing ~ Mr. Rich Shelton
Department of Planning ~ Mr. Steve Horn

Bid Approval ~ Interagency Family Preservation Services
Bureau of Purchasing ~ Mr. Rich Shelton
Department of Citizen Services ~ Mrs. Jolene Sullivan

Bid Approval ~ Mt. Airy Library Carpet Tiles
Bureau of Purchasing ~ Mr. Rich Shelton
Department of General Services ~ Mr. Ralph Green

Bid Approval ~ Construction of Engineered 54' x 80' Metal Sided, Vehicle Maintenance Building at the Northern Landfill
Bureau of Purchasing ~ Mr. Rich Shelton
Department of General Services ~ Mr. Ralph Green

Bid Approval ~ Economic Development to Piggyback Skyline Contract
for Project Management & Network Operations Management Services
Bureau of Purchasing ~ Mr. Rich Shelton
Department of Economic Development ~ Mr. Larry Twele

Bid Approval ~ Finksburg Branch Library
Bureau of Purchasing ~ Mr. Rich Shelton
Department of General Services ~ Mr. Ralph Green

Request Approval ~ Option for Agricultural Land Preservation
Easement (County's Critical Farms Program) ~ Application Submitted by
Steven D. & Lori E. Harman
Department of Planning ~ Mr. Steve Horn

Thursday – June 14, 2007 ~ Continued

Concurrence of Health Services with Carroll Occupational Health, LLC Department of Management & Budget ~ Mr. Ted Zaleski

Capital Budget Resolution C~15 Safe Haven Expansion
Department of Management & Budget ~ Mr. Ted Zaleski
Department of General Services ~ Mr. Ralph Green

Capital Budget Resolution C~16 North Carroll Senior Center
Department of Management & Budget ~ Mr. Ted Zaleski
Department of General Services ~ Mr. Ralph Green

Capital Budget Resolution C~17 Transfer of Funds for Sewer Study Update
Department of Management & Budget ~ Mr. Ted Zaleski
Department of Public Works ~ Mr. J. Michael Evans

Capital Budget Resolution C~18 Transfer of Funds for Pine Knob Rd.
Hydraulic Looping and Piney Ridge Parkway Hydraulic Looping
Department of Management & Budget ~ Mr. Ted Zaleski
Department of Public Works ~ Mr. J. Michael Evans

Chief of Staff Time ~ Mr. Steve Powell

Friday – June 15, 2007

Saturday – June 16, 2007

Sunday – June 17, 2007

8:05 a.m. “The Commissioners’ Report” – WTTR
Commissioner Minnich

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: The Americans with Disabilities Act applies to the Carroll County Government and its programs, services, activities, and facilities. If you have questions, suggestions, or complaints, please contact Ms. Jolene Sullivan, the Carroll County Government Americans With Disabilities Act Coordinator, at 410-386-3600/1-888-302-8978 or TTY No. 410-848-9747. The mailing address is 225 North Center Street, Westminster, Maryland 21157.
Posted: 07/07/06

CARROLL COUNTY
a great place to live, a great place to work, a great place to play

Saturday, June 09, 2007

20070609 Quote of the day

Quote of the day It’s not news – it’s pathetic

June 9th, 2007

"This fight between the judge and the sheriff is a fight over whose johnson is longer. It's so pathetic."

--Geraldo Rivera on Studio B.

On Thursday Brian Williams carefully avoided the Hilton drama. But on Friday night it was the #2 story on NBC Nightly News.

[…]

Variety quotes an NBC News spokesperson: "We're covering it as the appearance of the LA legal system in turmoil. We're not above the news here."

Paris Isn't Free: "We're Not Above The News"

NY Daily News: "The three cable news networks went wall-to-wall with Paris Hilton's return to the slammer yesterday, in a way rivaled only by the nuttiness surrounding another talentless blond…

More…

####

20070608 Gen. Pace: Throwing the Baby out with the Bath Water

Gen. Pace: Throwing the Baby out with the Bath Water

Video: Gates Announces Choice for New Chairman

Biography of Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen

Biography of Marine Gen. James E. Cartwright

Gates Recommends Mullen to Replace Pace

Gen. Pace Terminated as Contentious Reconfirmation Hearing Loomed

June 8th, 2007

The sudden announcement that Gen. Peter Pace, USMC, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, would not be reappointed to the post was a surprise and has annoyed many…

Secretary of Defense Dr. Robert Gates:

“said while he wanted Pace to continue as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he decided a bruising confirmation battle was not worth it. ‘The focus of his confirmation process would have been on the past rather than the future. There was the very real prospect the process would be quite contentious.’"

[…]

“Pace was first appointed vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs in October 2001, and four years later he would become the first Marine named to the top job of chairman of that group.”

Many felt that he had done a great job in extraordinarily difficult circumstances…

And how quickly has the liberal mainstream media piled-on in an echo meme routine that has by now become only too familiar.

“There was no doubt that many folks felt that Gen. Pace was too compliant with the directives of Secretary Rumsfeld and he should have spoken up more forcefully,” said Gen. William Nash of the Council on Foreign Relations and an ABC News consultant. "At the same time it's an obligation of the chairman of the Joints Chief of Staff to serve loyally both the defense secretary and the president."

[…]

"Obviously the job was not good enough to warrant confirmation for a second tour," Nash added.

For Corps and Country,

Thank you General Pace for serving your Country with great honor.

####

General Peter Pace

Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff

United States Department of Defense web site bio:

General Peter Pace was sworn in as sixteenth Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Sep. 30, 2005. In this capacity, he serves as the principal military advisor to the President, the Secretary of Defense, the National Security Council, and the Homeland Security Council. Prior to becoming Chairman, he served as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. General Pace holds the distinction of being the first Marine to have served in either of these positions.

General Pace was born in Brooklyn, NY and grew up in Teaneck, NJ. A 1967 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, he holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration from George Washington University and attended Harvard University for the Senior Executives in National and International Security program. The General is also a graduate of the Infantry Officers' Advanced Course at Fort Benning, Ga.; the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, in Quantico, VA; and the National War College, at Ft. McNair, Washington, DC.

In 1968, upon completion of The Basic School, Quantico, Va., General Pace was assigned to the 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division in the Republic of Vietnam, serving first as a Rifle Platoon Leader and subsequently as Assistant Operations Officer. He was later assigned to Marine Barracks, Washington, DC, where he served in a number of billets, to include Security Detachment Commander, Camp David; White House Social Aide; and Platoon Leader, Special Ceremonial Platoon.

General Pace has held command at virtually every level, and served in overseas billets in Nam Phong, Thailand; Seoul, Korea; and Yokota, Japan. While serving as President, Marine Corps University, then Brigadier General Pace also served as Deputy Commander, Marine Forces, Somalia, from December 1992 - February 1993, and as the Deputy Commander, Joint Task Force - Somalia from October 1993 - March 1994.

After an assignment as the Director for Operations (J-3), Joint Staff, Washington DC, then Lieutenant General Pace served as the Commander, U. S. Marine Corps Forces, Atlantic/Europe/South. He was promoted to General and assumed duties as the Commander in Chief, United States Southern Command in September 2000.

As the Vice Chairman from October 2001 to August 2005, General Pace served as the Chairman of the Joint Requirements Oversight Council, Vice Chairman of the Defense Acquisition Board, and as a member of the National Security Council Deputies Committee and the Nuclear Weapons Council.

General Pace's personal decorations include: Defense Distinguished Service Medal, with two oak leaf clusters; Defense Superior Service Medal; the Legion of Merit; Bronze Star Medal with Combat V; the Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal with gold star; Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V"; Navy Achievement Medal with gold star; and the Combat Action Ribbon.

General Pace and his wife, Lynne, have a son, Peter, a daughter, Tiffany Marie, and a daughter-in-law, Lynsey Olczak Pace.

20070611 Mayor and Common Council Meeting

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

Mayor and Common Council Meeting of June 11, 2007

City Hall-1838 Emerald Hill Lane, Westminster, MD

City Council

City Council Members | Minutes of City Council Meetings

AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER – 7:00 P.M.

Reappointment of Mr. Stephen Allgeier to the Parks Board
Award of Preservation Month Scavenger Hunt Prizes

2. MINUTES OF THE MEETINGS OF MAY 7, 14, AND 21, 2007

3. CONSENT CALENDAR:

April and May 2007 Departmental Operating Reports

Renewal of Audit Contract

Purchase Orders for Vehicles

Wireless Connection from 56 West Main to 105 Railroad Avenue

4. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

5. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:

Suspend the Rules of Order and Procedure to Introduce and Adopt
Ordinance No. 765 – Recreation and Parks Advisory Board

Suspend the Rules of Order and Procedure to Introduce and Adopt
Ordinance No. 766 - Powers and Duties of the Director of Recreation
and Parks; Authorization of Mayor and Common Council to Adopt Park
Rules and Regulations by Resolution

Resolution No. R07-7 – Rules and Regulations Regarding Playgrounds

Resolution No. R07-8 – Designation of Locust Lane Park

6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

a. None as of June 7, 2007

7. NEW BUSINESS:

a. Approval of Carroll County Regulatory Commission Budget for Fiscal Year 2008

8. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

9. CITIZEN COMMENTS

10. ADJOURN

20070606 Scientists say Iceman died from arrow

Neolithic Age, or 3,300 to 3,100 B.C.

Scientists say 'Iceman' died from arrow

By FRANK JORDANS, Associated Press Writer

Wed Jun 6, 2007

A prehistoric hunter known as Oetzi whose well-preserved body was found on a snow-covered mountain in the Alps died more than 5,000 years ago after being struck in the back by an arrow, scientists said in an article published Wednesday.

Researchers from Switzerland and Italy used newly developed medical scanners to examine the hunter's frozen corpse to determine that the arrow had torn a hole in an artery beneath his left collarbone, leading to a massive loss of blood.

That, in turn, caused Oetzi to go into shock and suffer a heart attack, according to the article published online in the Journal of Archaeological Science.

[…]

Oetzi, also known as the Iceman, caused a sensation after his body was discovered by hikers in 1991 on a glacier 10,500 feet above sea level on the border between Austria and Italy.

The body has provided researchers with a wealth of information about the late Neolithic Age, or 3,300 to 3,100 B.C. Archaeologists believe Oetzi, who was carrying a bow, a quiver of arrows and a copper ax, may have been a hunter or warrior killed in a skirmish with a rival tribe.

[…]

On the Web:

South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology: http://www.archaeologiemuseum.it

####

20070608 Corbit’s Charge Commemorative Weekend June 23rd and 24th, 2007

Battle of Westminster, Maryland

“Corbit’s Charge”

Commemorative Weekend June 23rd-24th, 2007

(posted June 8^th, 2007)

Come Join Us and Learn

BEFORE THERE WAS GETTYSBURG, there was CORBIT’S CHARGE AND THE BATTLE OF WESTMINSTER!!!

Join us to commemorate the 144th Anniversary of the cavalry battle in the streets of Westminster that helped to alter the outcome of the decisive battle of the Civil War at Gettysburg.

The encampment will be open to the public on Saturday, June 23rd, from 10 a.m. until Dark; and Sunday, June 24th, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. EDUCATIONAL AND FUN-FILLED ACTIVITIES WILL TAKE PLACE BOTH DAYS. A Civil War Tent-Style Church Service is scheduled for Sunday at 10 a.m. The public is invited.

The City of Westminster is proud to sponsor this premier annual event to commemorate this important engagement in the Gettysburg Campaign. The Pipe Creek Civil War Round Table is the host for the weekend’s activities.

Civil War Living History Encampment

Period Music Concerts -

2nd SC String Band - 6/23 @ 6:30 p.m.

Gilmore’s Light Ensemble - 6/24 @ Noon

Cannon Firing Exhibitions

Speakers & Book Signings

Artisans & Sutlers

Children’s Activities

Camp Life Demonstrations

Civil War Tent-Style Church Service

(Sunday - 10 a.m.)

Guided Battle Site Walking Tours (Sun.)

AND MUCH MORE!!!

In Historic Westminster, MD at 224 N. Center Street, just off MD 140, across from the County Office Building

To learn more about the daily schedule of activities, or for directions to the site, please call Mr. Stan Ruchlewicz with the City of Westminster at (410) 848-5294; email Mr. Ron Kuehne at ronaldk AT carr.org; or visit the Pipe Creek Civil War Round Table Website at www.pccwrt.addr.com.

This event is funded in part by a grant from the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority and the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area

Schedule For Corbit’s Charge Event – 2007

Updated April 5, 2007

This will be a 2 day event located on the grounds of the encampment site on Center Street.

Friday, June 22, 2007

3:00 p.m.

Encampment opens for re-enactor camp setup.

Saturday, June 23, 2007

9:00 a.m.

Unit Commanders meeting.

10:00 a.m.

Encampment opens to the public with unit drill and camp life demonstrations and displays. Sutlers and food will be available

12:30 p.m.

Re-enactors assemble for parade to Court House for wreath laying at battle monument and Lt. Murray’s grave.

2:00 p.m.

Re-enactors return to encampment to continue unit drill and camp life demonstrations and displays.

5:00 p.m.

Re-enactors dinner is served.

6:30 p.m.

Concert of civil war period music. Music provided by the 2nd South Carolina String Band. Snack Food service is available to the public.

9:00 p.m.

Encampment closes to the public.

Sunday, June 24, 2007

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Encampment is open to the public with camp life demonstrations, unit drill and displays. Sutlers and food will be available.

10:00 a.m.

A Civil War Tent Style Church Service. Chaplin Allan Farley officiating.

Public is welcome.

12 noon

Tours of the battle site begin. Period music is provided by Gilmore’s Light Ensemble from noon to 4:00 p.m.

4:00 p.m.

Encampment closes.

Re-enactor Units

3rd Maryland Infantry, USA

150th New York Volunteer Infantry, USA

1st Maryland Artillery, CSA

4th Virginia Cavalry, CSA

21st Pennsylvania Cavalry, USA

Historical Impressions, USA (Engineers)

Field Hospital, Robert Urban

Officer Interpreters:

General Robert E. Lee General U.S. Grant

General James Longstreet General J.E.B. Stuart

Sutlers – Displays

(Free except for sutler and food purchases)

Pipe Creek Civil War Round Table

Historical Society of Carroll County

Western Maryland RR Historical Society

President Street Station Museum

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Friday, June 08, 2007

20070608 Troopers add more K9 Teams

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 8, 2007

TROOPERS ADD MORE K-9 TEAMS TO THE PATROL FORCE

(Glen Burnie, Maryland) - The Maryland State Police graduated its most recent class of K-9 handlers Friday morning, and deployed them across the state for patrol duties.

Seven K-9 teams were awarded certificates of completion. “This is the proud culmination of eleven weeks of very demanding training,” said Major Pete Landon, Assistant Bureau Chief, Special Operations Command. “We are proud of their willingness to serve the citizens of this state, knowing that they will often be required to work under great pressure and in difficult circumstances, especially when a missing person is involved.”

The ceremony was held at the completion the Maryland State Police Special Operations Division=s canine school. Two bloodhound tracking teams, including a team from the Prince George’s County Police Department, and five K-9 controlled dangerous substance detection teams graduated.

The bloodhound tracking teams completed ten weeks of field and classroom work. Instructors used various terrains and settings to teach the handlers tracking, land navigation, management of search operations and high-risk tactical tracking skills.

The controlled dangerous substance detection teams went through eleven weeks of training. The dogs were taught to detect a variety of illicit drugs and substances and the handlers were trained to recognize the actions of their dogs which would alert them to the presence of the drugs.

With the approach of the summer months, the bloodhounds will join other search teams from the seashore to the mountains, assisting with the location and safe return of lost hikers and children, as well as the tracking of fleeing criminals. The drug detection teams will continue to assist road patrol units across the state with the interception of hidden quantities of illegal substances and contraband. The Maryland State Police patrol with a variety of K-9s, including patrol, drug detection, explosives detection, and bloodhound search dogs.

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