20070606 through 20070101 Westminster Eagle Column Archives

Westminster Eagle Column Archives from January 1^st, 2007 through June 11^th, 2007

Posted June 11^th, 2007

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Wednesday, June 6^th, 2007

Dwight Dingle, 'Sgt. Pepper' and a bathtub band

By Kevin E. Dayhoff

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...

[Read full story]

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Wednesday, May 30^th, 2007 A 'thank you' for those who serve in public service

By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Recently, most of our local municipalities in Carroll County held elections for leadership positions.

We owe everyone who left the safety and security of their comfortable lives to stick their heads above the crowd and run for office, a debt of gratitude.

Every one of them is a winner -- regardl...

[Read full story]

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Wednesday, May 23^rd, 2007 The silence and service of Joseph W. Blickenstaff

By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Ever since May 28, 1990, the faces of 18 brave Carroll County sons have silently stood guard over our community from the vantage point of an 8-foot high, 4-foot wide and 1-foot thick solid black granite memorial.

Their faces are etched in time in what may be Carroll County's smallest -- but most s...

[Read full story]

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Wednesday, May 16^th, 2007 Hallowed ground of Union Meeting House

By Kevin E. Dayhoff

On Monday, May 28, Carroll County will gather for the 140th time to commemorate Memorial Day. Folks will congregate at the large urn, located on the knoll immediately in view as one enters the historic Westminster Cemetery from Church Street.

Carroll Post 31 of the American Legion is once again or...

[Read full story]

Wednesday, May 9^th, 2007 The legacy of Westminster's 'Singing Barber'

By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Wednesday, May 2^nd, 2007 Recalling Westminster's Disney World: Bobby's Hobby Lobby

By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Wednesday, April 25^th, 2007

Who was Kate Wagner, and why did she rule the road?

By Kevin E. Dayhoff

How many folks pass by Kate Wagner Road in Westminster and wonder to themselves, “Just who was Kate Wagner?”

I did not know myself until recently, when I happened to have a conversation with one of my Westminster High School class of 1971 classmates, Steve Sinnott.

... [Read full story]

Wednesday, April 18^th, 2007

20070418 The passion thrill and magic of April

By Kevin E. Dayhoff

The American essayist, poet, and leader of the Transcendentalist movement in the early nineteenth century, Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “The April winds are magical, and thrill our tuneful frames. The garden-walks are passional to bachelors and dames.”

Hopefully we won’t have an April this year as we had 110 years ago. The Democratic Advocate reported on April 24, 1897: “A blast from the North bore down on this section Monday night, sending down the mercury to 26 at 7 o'clock on Tuesday morning… This has been the coldest April for twenty years.”

To look back in Carroll County history, any given month of the year provides an historian with a cornucopia of thrilling stories to explore, but April has always been especially fascinating.

[…]

On another positive note, the Carroll Record reported on April 5, 1973, “Friday morning started grey and rainy, much to the dismay of local residents of the Union Bridge area. (It) was the day that Sergeant Peter Edward Drabic (finally returned) to his hometown after four and one half years of captivity in Vietnam.”

Hopefully Mother Nature has remembered to schedule spring this year. We’re overdue for “passional magic to thrill our tuneful frames.”

…[Read full story]

Wednesday, April 11 2007 This 'Candy drive' benefits the East Middle School Bulldogs ... and the three Rs

By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Thursday, April 05 2007 In the storied history of Carroll Hospital Center, Steve Bohn poised to take a 'SPIRIT'-ed place

By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Wednesday, March 28 2007 If you think school overcrowding is bad now, consider Westminster High School, circa 1920

By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Friday, March 23 2007 History of education, minus beheadings, in our state By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Wednesday, March 14 2007 The high cost of twin tragedies at Bowling Brook By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Wednesday, March 07 2007 History of slavery leaves many rivers yet to cross By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Wednesday, February 28 2007 Recalling when B's Coffee Shoppe was all abuzz By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Wednesday, February 21 2007 Frozen in time: The Great Sleet Storm of 1902 By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Thursday, February 15 2007 As we all know, winter is a four-letter word

By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Wednesday, February 07 2007 Westminster is great, even if it does get your goat By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Wednesday, January 31 2007 Westminster was built on the blessing of water By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Wednesday, January 24 2007 Phil Wampler and our own 'Greatest Generation' By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Friday, January 19 2007 Water issues in Carroll have always been ... fluid

Wednesday, January 10 2007 Monk Campbell: a man of law and order for Carroll By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Wednesday, January 03 2007 You can bank on it: More change coming in 2007 By Kevin E. Dayhoff

20070611 Follow-up on "20070610 The Last Train to Clarksville”

Follow-up on "20070610 The Last Train to Clarksville”

June 11^th, 2007 2:30 AM

UPDATE: I wanted to call to your attention the comment that Mr. Burns left… on "20070610 The Last Train to Clarksville" (I wish I could figure out a way to highlight comments better…)

Before I get to Mr. Burns’ comment, I want to say again, how much I appreciated his post that brought back so many memories of a time and place from a long time ago. Thanks.

For those who are not aware of Mr. Burn’s web site – Please check it out. It has become part of my necessary reading everyday. Find it here: Maryland Politics Today.

As far as Dwight Dingle and WTTR – these folks are simply super. Dwight and I had a great deal of fun with my Westminster Eagle column on aspects of 1967 last Wednesday, June 6th, 2007: Dwight Dingle, 'Sgt. Pepper' and a bathtub band . (I may need to republish it on “Soundtrack” as I have received questions from many folks as to where they may find it.

Meanwhile – some insight into the column can be found here: “20070606 Dwight Dingle and The Mamas and The Papas.”

Of course, it was the topic of on-air discussion the day it came out, June 6^th, 2007 and then the next evening, I talked about the column and other erratum on-air with Bruce Main…

Anyway:

P. Kenneth Burns has left a new comment on your post "20070610 The Last Train to Clarksville":

Believe me when I tell you this, it was more of a play on words than anything.

Little known fact, around the time when I was in the 2nd grade back in 198x, Nickelodeon and Nick and Nite picked up The Monkees television show. Then some years later, I come to find out that there is a Clarksville in Howard County.

As far as the Betamax reference, that was more irony than anything. If you are a regular YouTube user, feel free to look up user "videoholic2007," who was boasting about his Betamax collection.

BTW, Dwight Dingle and the folks at WTTR are a nice group. check out the pictures on my main site, www.kennyburns.com from my visit up there last year.

Thanks for the feedback. And oh, I saw The Monkees TV show when it was prime time TV… And Mr. Burns, the next time you are in town, please let me know. Lunch is on me.

####

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

####

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[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,

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:

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

####

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
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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.

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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

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