Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist

Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist
Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Md Troopers Assoc #20 & Westminster Md Fire Dept Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist

Saturday, June 07, 2008

20080607 C'est un jour parfait à donner des sédatifs


20080607 C'est un jour parfait à donner des sédatifs

20080607 It is ahttp://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2008/06/20080607-cest-un-jour-parfait-donner.htmlay to be sedated

N’est pas VL-WAB?

It’s been a long week.

Lou Reed Perfect Day

http://youtube.com/watch?v=q_WEvqxxQiU

The Ramones - I Wanna Be Sedated

http://youtube.com/watch?v=8FxaJKm9sdI

20080607 C'est un jour parfait à donner des sédatifs

20080607 HamNation: Obama on your shoulder

Mary Katherine Ham - HamNation: Obama on your shoulder

June 7, 2008

Yesterday, Mark Tapscott wrote in an email: If you watch no other video this month, this is the one to watch. Mary Katharine's first day at The Washington Examiner as online editor is June 10.

It’s a great video but I guess my two all-time favorites are:

HamNation... Not Vegetarian!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTAHyd_2SL8

And:

HamNation: Sopranos DC Edition

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULlxwoWMcDM

Meanwhile here is the video called to our attention by Mr. Tapscott:

HamNation: Obama on Your Shoulder

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BtJG0BonMQ

And finally, since I am a geek for economic history and I like to eat – let’s throw in this video for extra measure… Ummm – collard greens…

HamNation: Hold Onto Your Collards!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX_hXDxQgR8

####

20080607 HamNation: Obama on your shoulder

Rumors of Senator Brinkley’s untimely leadership demise are unfounded


Rumors of Senator Brinkley’s untimely leadership demise are unfounded

Saturday, June 7th, 2008 by Kevin Dayhoff


Westminster, Md. - Yesterday, I had the opportunity to speak with Senator David R. Brinkley, (R) Dist. 4, Carroll & Frederick Cos.


I have had the pleasure of working with Senator Brinkley for a number of years; as a fellow elected official, a constituent, and as someone I have covered as a reporter.


Recently the Maryland blogosphere has been titillated with rumormongering and wild speculation, disguised as news reporting, about Senator Brinkley.


I had a blunt and candid conversation with the longstanding and well-respected elected official, in which he acknowledged straightforwardly that recently he and his wife have recently sought marriage counseling.


He also verified that three Frederick County Sheriff’s Deputies went to his house one evening last week. There were no citations as a result of the visit.


On the phone he reiterated essentially what Frederick News-Post writer, Meg Bernhardt wrote in Thursday’s paper. He said that his marriage has hit a rough patch and that he and his wife are working their way through it.


As an aside, may the first person who has not had the opportunity to put a bit of extra effort into their marriage cast the first stone.


I heard exactly what Ms. Bernhardt wrote. Senator Brinkley said:


“We are working on our marriage… We have been in counseling. We are very optimistic on the outcome and frankly reinvigorated. We thank everybody for their calls and prayers of support. Our family is making time to work through this.”


Senator Brinkley said to me, on behalf of himself and his wife:


“Marital issues challenge many Maryland households as they have ours. We are seeking counseling and are very optimistic of the outcome.


We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and concern from so many people. We thank all who hold us and our family in their prayers.”


As is so often the case, how one addresses a challenge is as critical as the challenge itself and it appears that Senator Brinkley has charted a clear-headed responsible approach. I did not expect anything less of the gentleman and I was not disappointed.


Other than that, at my advanced age, it is my view that this isolated event is a personal matter.


The issues at hand are not the stuff of “political scandal” as one Maryland website appeared to be so assiduously interested in generating.


Beginning last Thursday afternoon, as I was quietly attempting to enjoy a Dr. Pepper; I stumbled upon a truly enigmatic series of not one, not two, but eventually seven or so articles reporting on Senator Brinkley with the sort of wide-eyed excitement I usually associate with people recounting their abduction by aliens.


I’ve been a reader of this web site since it recently burst on the Maryland blogosphere and this is essentially my first profoundly unhappy experience.


Perhaps, as a grizzled and crusty observer of more than a few “political scandals,” some real – most not, maybe my jaundiced eye is not one of this web site’s targeted base.


Nevertheless, for what it is worth, here I am on your computer screen to say that the magnificent series of seven scintillating articles were badly done.


At my advanced age I have developed relatively good radar for journalistic silliness produced by the cracked mirror by which much of the media views its navel. Ultimately the writers of the magnificent series of seven scintillating articles must live with the reputation of having written such slipshod drivel.


With my seasoned media values mood decoder ring at the ready; I take no pleasure in pointing out the numerous liberties taken by these writers with the matter in question; but after seven articles, it is a heavy burden from which I cannot avoid being unyoked.


The endless series of articles utilized an approach that employed unique journalistic standards. All right, the articles used an approach that is inconsistent with the journalistic standards of which one should aspire, if they wish to be taken seriously in the long haul.


Someone much brighter than me once said that “Politics is high school drama taken to a new level.” This is more like a “B” movie about middle school.


The tawdry, titillating, anonymous quote-filled articles reminded me of a food fight of middle school proportions with the gratuitous use of “sources say,” “allegations,” “rumors are swirling,” “alleged scandal,” and “as details gather.”


After several paragraphs of this drivel I had arrived at the conclusion that the writers had interrogated a ghost for their salacious walk on the wild side.


With no idea where to begin allow me to be amused with the broad sweeping nefarious conclusions drawn by way of the fact that Senator Brinkley missed Gov. Bob Ehrlich's portrait unveiling.


Even though I had also planned to attend, in the end, I did not go either. As a matter of fact, I was out that evening with another woman – my mother-in-law. As much as I am a big fan of Governor Ehrlich, my mother-in-law outranks the governor and I gave her some company for a social event that evening.


I’m so happy that I avoided any over-analysis as to my absence.


As a matter of fact, under the circumstances, it would have been irresponsible for Senator Brinkley to have attended any recent political gatherings in lieu of tending to the needs of his family.


Elected office in Maryland is extraordinarily difficult on marriages – as is exemplified by the series of articles in question. Most of our marriages survive because many of us had the fortune to marry saints – of which category I include my wife. Let me tell you some stories about irresponsible newspaper articles…


Moreover, to carry it to reductio ad absurdum, although there were events that evening in which both Senator Brinkley and Senator Hillary Clinton did not appear; rumors that they got together are also untrue. That may be about the only wild speculation missed by this august series of article, but then again, the day is young…


For journalists and elected officials to rush to judgment without factual information and then speak publically about the aforementioned speculation is not responsible. Responsible journalists don’t draw facts from conclusions, we draw conclusions from facts.


The rush to judgment on the part of some of the actors in this Kabuki morals play does not command respect. The fact that nefarious conclusions have been drawn about Senator Brinkley’s future leadership because of family challenges or that he did not attend a few events are no more warranted a conclusion than you standing in a garage makes you a car.


When small minded and petty people are shielded by the anonymity of the internet this is the result…


What, in all likelihood has happened is that these writers got used. A political writer simply cannot believe everything they are being told when it is obvious that their source is using you to advance a political agenda at the expense of a colleague’s inadvertent misfortune.


In all likelihood, if the writers of this drivel had attempted to thoroughly examine the “ghosts” that put out this character assassination on an objective basis, the outcome may have been completely different – or at least, gasp - balanced.


However, the results fell flat as the writers overlooked - that by allowing only the opinion of the purveyors of personal destruction, with an axe to grind - to form the basis their conclusions, the articles failed to constitute any responsible semblance of objective examination or responsible journalism.


By challenging their source(s), it would have been obvious to the most pedestrian political observer that in all likelihood Senator Andy Harris and Senator Brinkley are not on each others’ Christmas card list.


If you will recall it was in December 2006, that a divided Republican caucus labored over the choice of choosing Senator Brinkley over Senator Harris to be the Senate Minority Leader


One meeting on December 5, 2006 deadlocked seven to seven for over 10 hours without a winner. Finally on December 18, 2006, the Republican caucus decided upon Senator Brinkley over Senator Harris.


Then on December 26, 2007 Senator Brinkley endorsed State Sen. E. J. Pipkin over Senator Harris in the primary contest in which Senator Harris ousted Maryland’s 1st Congressional Representative Wayne Gilchrest.


Now keep that in mind when you read Senator Harris being quoted, “if the charges of marital infidelity leveled against Senate Minority Leader David Brinkley (R-New Market) are true, ‘Voters would expect’ Brinkley to step down from his leadership position… ‘If it turns out these rumors are true-I think this is why voters are looking for change.’”


Here’s a newsflash for you, most reasonable folks expect Senator Harris, who aspires to gain a higher office with greater responsibilities, to withhold his judgment until all the facts are thoroughly heard.


And yes, voters have expressed a desire for change – away from the what Sen. Alex Mooney explained on December 19, 2006, in a Frederick News-Post article: “I do think Andy would have been more confrontational ... I always thought (Mr. Brinkley would) do a good job, (it's) just that I thought Andy would do a better job.”


A better job at being confrontational – that is.


What change voters want is an end to the bomb-throwing confrontational approach to public policy making – and the Democrats in the Maryland General Assembly. In consideration of the fact that the Democrats vastly outrank and outnumber Republicans in the Maryland legislature, voters were demanding a more measured, thoughtful and sophisticated approach to promoting a conservative agenda in a cobalt blue state.


Actually, what voters want is a change from rush-to-judgment and reckless comments like “Voters would expect Brinkley to step down from his leadership position,” based on rumors and innuendo.


Finally one of the writers wrote yesterday:


“The silence is deafening to his friends. Those who would like to see him go are thinking he could be ousted if he doesn't quit or quell the anxiety of others. Multiple sources have said that the caucus will stall for him until Monday. After that, things change.”


Perhaps this explanation is meaningless to those who practice professional outrage, but there is no “silence,” as has been suggested.


Of course, one can only imagine Senator Brinkley’s reluctance to take phone calls from folks who have a demonstrated an inability to be human or who have behaved with a wonton disregard for facts in order to promote an agenda or attempt to increase their relevancy with breathless recklessness.


As to the wild, self-serving suggestions that he resign from his leadership post - - for what reason, pray tell?


My conversation with the Senator left me with the impression that he has no interest in “resigning.”


In the rapacious world of the Maryland blogosphere where there is a greater narcissistic loyalty to 15 minutes of fame, and the highly rewarding realm of the politics of personal destruction, at some point in time it may be important to aspire to the highest of journalistic standards of sourcing, cites and objective news reporting.


Senator Brinkley has steadfastly devoted years to public service with integrity. At a time when he is facing personal challenges, responsible and reasonable folks are more than willing to give him and his family some space.


Since there is no political nexus with his personal challenges and his responsibilities to his constituents, the matter is really not fodder for responsible journalists. Unless there is an interest in writing about how a community leader has come upon a personal-family problem as a result of some unfortunate events – and has chosen to address it by getting help.


####


20080607 Rumors of Senator Brinkley’s untimely leadership demise are unfounded

20080531 “Is McCain the new Goldwater” by Delmarva Dealings



Is McCain the new Goldwater by Delmarva Dealings

June 6th, 2008

As I was trying to do some file maintenance – and put away everything from last week’s columns and get ready for another Sisyphisian exercise in writing another three columns for next week – I was once again taken by a post by Cato, May 31, 2008, over at Delmarva Dealings: Is John McCain the New Goldwater?

I have done a good bit of research on Arizona Sen. Barry Goldwater and I’m not inclined to see Arizona Sen. John McCain as the next “Goldwater,” with one caveat – Senator McCain, like Senator Goldwater, is well known as a principled public servant who has had very few, if any, “election campaign conversions.”

Nevertheless, it is my view, whether or not Senator McCain is our next president – and I certainly hope that he is – history will be very kind to him as it has been with Mr. Buckley, President Reagan, and Senator Goldwater.

Senator McCain, who is the presumptive Republican candidate for president in this fall’s election, certainly has earned the adjective, “maverick,” and has no concept of political expediency.

And he is certainly not running for President George W. Bush’s third term.

As an aside, I appreciated a recent AP article which quoted Senator McCain:

“You will hear from my opponent's campaign in every speech, every interview, every press release that I'm running for President Bush's third term," McCain said. "You will hear every policy of the president described as the Bush-McCain policy. Why does Senator Obama believe it's so important to repeat that idea over and over again? Because he knows it's very difficult to get Americans to believe something they know is false."

For the younger readers in our midst, Senator Goldwater was first elected to the U. S. Senate in 1952. History may know him best by way of his 1964 campaign for the presidency against the political juggernaut, known as Lyndon Johnson.

Although he lost the election, he is remembered by history, as are William F. Buckley and President Ronald Reagan, as the gold standard for advocating less government, strong national defense, disciplined federal spending and reigning-in federal social welfare programs that do not facilitate personal responsibility or empowerment. Senator Goldwater retired in 1986.

I well understood “Cato’s” comment:

In Quin Hillyer’s excellent piece in the American Spectator, we are treated to a rare objective piece on McCain from a conservative POV. As I have previously noted, just not as eloquently, McCain has been a principled politician most, if not all, of his career.

I certainly don’t agree with the Senator on everything…

[…]

He’s right on a great many more issues. He also appears to be an honorable man.

Read (or hopefully re-read) Goldwater’s Conscience of a Conservative.

While McCain may be weak on excessive government regulation, his record AND rhetoric are much in line with this true blue print of American conservative thought. Rather than risk someone without a true record, but instead one who panders to a philosophy in which they do no believe, McCain can be the bridge that we need from the Bush years back to that shining city.

Read Delmarva Dealings’ entire post here: Is John McCain the New Goldwater?

Thanks for calling “Quin Hillyer’s excellent piece in the American Spectator,” to our attention. And suggesting that we (re) read Goldwater’s Conscience of a Conservative.

####

20080531 “Is McCain the new Goldwater” by Delmarva Dealings

20080606 Doug Ross: “I’d rather have Bush’s 3rd term than Carter’s 2nd.”

Doug Ross: “I’d rather have Bush’s 3rd term than Carter’s 2nd.”

June 6th, 2008

Hat Tip: Don Surber – “Just ask me” Thursday, June 5th, 2008; who called to our attention the post by “Doug Ross” on Tuesday, June 03, 2008 “My new bumper sticker.” “I’d rather have Bush’s 3rd term than Carter’s 2nd.”

Friday, June 06, 2008

20080606 D-Day, Carroll County, and the famed 29th Division


D-Day, Carroll County, and the famed 29th Division

(c) By Kevin Dayhoff

29th Div shoulder patch: Nicknamed "Blue and Gray,” the division's motto is "29, Let's Go!" The shoulder patch is a half-blue, half-gray Chinese taijitu; this patch was approved December 14, 1917 and was designed by Maj. James A. Ulio.

Writer’s note: Excerpts of this column appeared in my column in The Sunday Carroll Eagle on June 1st, 2008

Today is the anniversary of “D-Day.” It was at 6:30 in the morning on June 6, 1944 that Allied forces began the campaign to retake Europe from Nazi Germany.

The D-Day campaign began with what historians consider to be one of the largest single-day military operations in history. Over 130,000 troops landed on five beaches along 50 miles of Normandy coast between the Cotentin Peninsula and the Orne River with the support of approximately 196,000 Allied navy personnel.

The amphibious landings portion of D-Day was given the codename “Operation Overlord.” It was divided into five operational zones which were identified by the codenames Gold, Juno, Omaha, Sword, and Utah.

American troops landed on the two western beaches, Utah and Omaha. British and Canadians landed at Gold, Juno, and Sword beaches.

Many Carroll countians fought with the 29th Division, who along with V Corps and the 1st Infantry Division made up the total of 34,250 troops, 3,300 vehicles, who landed at “Omaha Beach.” They were backed-up with naval support provided by two battleships, three cruisers, 12 destroyers and 105 other ships.

The Omaha operation was subdivided into ten sectors, which were named, from west to east: Able, Baker, Charlie, Dog Green, Dog White, Dog Red, Easy Green, Easy Red, Fox Green, and Fox Red.

The 29th Division’s responsibilities were the Able, Baker, Charlie, and Dog Green sectors the western half of the five-mile long beach on the northern coast of France, which stretched from Sainte-Honorine-des-Pertes to Vierville-sur-Mer.

According to numerous historical accounts, assessments of the defenses located in the Omaha field of operation were incorrect and for a number of reasons, nothing went as planned at the Omaha beach landing and the results were disastrous.

One account of the events indicate that Company A of the 116th Regimental Combat Team comprised of approximately 240 soldiers had 50 percent casualties within 15 minutes of landing at Dog Green and were almost hopelessly pinned down at the water’s edge.

Several hours later the assessment of the operation was so dire that the First Army commander, Lt. Gen. Omar Bradley actually considered withdrawing the soldiers off the beachhead.

Valor and heroic action on the part of the Carroll countians who fought that day prevailed. The beach that stretched before them was at the most, 200 yards wide but was mined, and fenced with multiple lines of barbed wire, among many other deadly obstacles.

At the other end were steep banks from anywhere from 100 to 170 foot tall, upon which the German defenders manned machine gun nests which dominated the beachhead with interlocking fields of fire.

The 29th Division went on to see 242 days of combat as they progressed from Normandy, crossed the Elle River, engaged in combat from hedgerow to hedgerow to overtake St. Lo, fought across the Rhineland and into Central Europe.

As a result, two soldiers in the 29th Division were awarded the Medal of Honor, 44 were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, one Distinguished Service Medal, 854 Silver Stars, 17 Legion of Merit, 24 Soldier’s Medal and 6,308 Bronze Stars.

After the war, the 29th Division finally returned home on January 4, 1946.

One column certainly does not do justice to the storied history of the 29th Division. More of the origins and history of the 29th Division can be addressed in later columns. Meanwhile, we’d like to hear from veterans who served in the 29th Division. If you or someone you know served; please be in touch so that we may include your stories in later columns…

Carroll County can be proud of our native sons who were among the 29th Division -and all the men and women who served our country during World War II, in the face of horrendous circumstances. They served so that we could remain free and enjoy our quality of life. We owe them a debt we can never repay.

*****

20080606 D-Day, Carroll County, and the famed 29th Division

20080606 Westminster Police Department Domestic Assault Investigated


Westminster Police Department Domestic Assault Investigated

Captain Gerry Frischkorn

News Release

June 6, 2008

The Westminster Police Department is currently investigating a domestic related assault which occurred on June 6, 2008 at approximately 0230 hours in the 1800 block of Ewing Dr., Westminster.

The suspect, Mary Julieanne Phillips, age 43, threw what is believed to be hot cooking oil on her husband, Daniel Patrick Phillips, age 45, resulting in extensive burns to his face and torso.

Mr. Phillips was transported to Bayview Hospital where he remains for treatment of the extensive burns that he received in the assault. Mr. Phillips is listed in guarded condition.

Mary Phillips fled the area after the assault and a broadcast to neighboring police jurisdictions resulted in Mary Phillips being located by the Pennsylvania State Police at approximately 0530 hours on Route 214 west of the Susquehanna Trail near Loganville, Pa. Mary Phillips remains in the custody of the Pennsylvania State Police in Shrewsbury, Pa. pending extradition proceedings.

A warrant for Mary Phillips has been issued charging the following violations:

First Degree Assault

Second Degree Assault

Reckless Endangerment

20080606 Massive Attack Angel

Massive Attack – Angel

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ygw2zmEVsvc

Love the ending…

20080606 Massive Attack Angel

20080507 Art in the Park June 7 2008 Media Release


MEDIA RELEASE: Art in the Park June 7 2008 Media Release

May 7, 2008

For Immediate Release

Contact: Sandy Oxx

sandyoxx1 AT earthlink.net

410/848-7272

“Art in the Park 2008”

Art in the Park has been a Carroll County tradition for more than 25 years. This year’s events will be held, rain or shine, on Saturday, June 7 from 10 am – 5 pm on the grounds of Westminster City Hall. It is free to the public.

More than 75 artists will be participating in this juried art show with many of them also providing live demonstrations of their work. On display will be paintings, drawings, collage, photographs, fine prints, sculpture, and stained glass. Visitors will enjoy live demonstrations of wood carving, pottery wheel, screen painting, and cartoon illustration.

Entertainment will be provided by a dozen roaming musicians who will perform on dulcimer, banjo, flute, harp, accordion and voice to delight the crowds. A drum circle and a belly dance troupe will perform during the festivities. Actors from Theatre on the Hill’s upcoming production of Pump Boys and Dinettes will be there in costume to sing some of the musical numbers from that show. As always there will be free craft activities for kids to inspire artists of the future!

The event is located at the intersections of Locust, Longwell and Key Streets in downtown Westminster, just 2 blocks northeast of the intersection of Maryland Routes 32 and 27. Festival patrons are encouraged to park free in the parking garage adjacent to the park.

The event is sponsored by Target Stores, the Carroll County Times, Carroll County Recreation & Parks Department and the City of Westminster.

For more information, call 410/848-7272 or visit www.carr.org/arts.

Annual Art in the Park, Art Carroll Co Arts Council Art in Park, Carroll Co Community Events, Westminster File community events

http://www.kevindayhoff.net/, http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/, http://www.westminstermarylandonline.com/

20080603 Barack Obama-Organization, South Carolina Communications Director Kevin Griffis

20080603 Barack Obama-Organization, South Carolina Communications Director Kevin Griffis

Barack Obama-Organization, South Carolina Communications Director Kevin Griffis

Retrieved June 6, 2008

Many will recall that Kevin Griffis used to be with Landmark at the Carroll County Times back around 1999-2000.

Barack Obama-Organization, South Carolina
Revised May 13, 2008
OBAMA FOR AMERICA Headquarters: 1025 Calhoun Street, Columbia

http://www.gwu.edu/~action/2008/obama/obamaorgsc.html

Communications Director Kevin Griffis

(started May 29, 2007) Most recently served as communications director for Democratic nominee Jim Pederson in Arizona's 2006 U.S. Senate campaign. Directed communications for Virginia's Democratic coordinated campaign during Tim Kaine's successful gubernatorial run in 2005.

Directed communications for the Democratic Party of Virginia. Nevada communications director for America Coming Together in 2004.

Political reporter for Atlanta's independent newsweekly, Creative Loafing, 2000-03. B.A. in political science from Beloit College in Beloit, Wisconsin.

20080530 Historical Society of Carroll County Calendar of Events

Historical Society of Carroll County Calendar of Events

June 6, 2008

Please contact the Historical Society at (410) 848-6494 for information about the many events offered during the year.

TUESDAY, JUNE 10

Glimpses of the Civil War

Nearly 1,000 Carroll County men served in the military (on both sides) during the Civil War. Others who passed through during those trying times returned to call the county home. Mary Ann Ashcraft and Ned Landis tell the stories of some of these men and their lives during and after America’s great conflict. Noon to 1:00. Admission is free for HSCC members; $3.00 admission for non-members. At Carroll Post, American Legion, corner of Green and Sycamore Streets in Westminster. Bring a lunch, dessert and beverages provided. Or buy lunch at the Legion. Lunches must be ordered by 11:30; call the Legion at (410) 857-7953 for selections and to place an order.

FRIDAY, JUNE 13

Bus trip - A.R.T. Research Enterprises (fine art foundry) and Ephrata Cloister
You've probably been to Lancaster before but you’ve never seen it like this! Learn to “Think Sculpture” during a unique visit to one of the largest fine arts foundries on the east coast. A.R.T. Research Enterprises has produced sculptures and memorials for locations from New York to Pittsburg to Washington to Detroit to Chicago to Tampa and places in between. This rare tour will provide the opportunity to see new art works being produced using the lost wax method and older pieces being restored to their original appearance.

After our artistic morning, we’re off to the Green Dragon in Ephrata. Since 1932, over 400 local growers, merchants and craftsmen have gathered on this 30-acre site, creating one of the largest farmers markets on the east coast. There will be time to explore the market and to find lunch on your own at one of the five sit-down restaurants or eleven snack shops. Lunch is not included in the price of the trip.

After lunch we’re off to a unique historic site, the Ephrata Cloister. One of America's earliest religious communities, the Ephrata Cloister was founded in 1732 by German settlers seeking spiritual goals rather than earthly rewards. Gathered in unique European style buildings, the community consisted of celibate Brothers and Sisters, and a married congregation of families. At its height in the 1740s and 1750s, about 300 members worked and worshiped at the Cloister. The Society declined after the American Revolution and by 1800 the celibate orders were practically. Many of the buildings remain including the Sisters’ House, Meetinghouse, Bake House, Print House and Solitary House. We’ll have a guided tour and time to explore the other buildings and the grounds.

The bus leaves from the parking lot on Ralph Street, behind the Church of the Ascension at 8:30 a.m. Cost for the trip (includes transportation and admissions) is $65 for Society members and $75 for non-members. Reservations are required by June 2. No refunds can be given for cancellations made after the reservation deadline. To reserve your seat, contact the Society at 410-848-6494.

TUESDAY, JULY 8

The Routes West: The National Road and the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad
Two 19th century civil engineering projects - the Historic National Road and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad - opened up a major section of America for commerce, settlement, industry and leisure travel. Paul Bridge examines the common roots of these projects, how Marylanders were deeply involved and their legacies that are visible today. Noon to 1:00. Admission is free for HSCC members; $3.00 admission for non-members. At Carroll Post, American Legion, corner of Green and Sycamore Streets in Westminster. Bring a lunch, dessert and beverages provided. Or buy lunch at the Legion. Lunches must be ordered by 11:30; call the Legion at (410) 857-7953 for selections and to place an order.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 12

Good Sports

Don Haines, author of a new book on Carroll County athletes, discusses how he became involved in the project, the selection of athletes for inclusion in the book, how he researched his subjects, the choice of a publisher, the cost of the project and some of his favorite stories. Noon to 1:00. Admission is free for HSCC members; $3.00 admission for non-members. At Carroll Post, American Legion, corner of Green and Sycamore Streets in Westminster. Bring a lunch, dessert and beverages provided. Or buy lunch at the Legion. Lunches must be ordered by 11:30; call the Legion at (410) 857-7953 for selections and to place an order.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

Fearless and Bold: The history of McDaniel College, 1866-2002
McDaniel College historian James Lightner will describe the seven-year process of researching and writing this extensive history of the local college, read some short excerpts from the book, answer questions and debunk some myths about the school’s history. Noon to 1:00. Admission is free for HSCC members; $3.00 admission for non-members. At Carroll Post, American Legion, corner of Green and Sycamore Streets in Westminster. Bring a lunch, dessert and beverages provided. Or buy lunch at the Legion. Lunches must be ordered by 11:30; call the Legion at (410) 857-7953 for selections and to place an order.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

Antiques Appraisal Day
Bring your family treasures and join HSCC for this annual event. A panel of nationally-known and certified appraisers will be on hand to examine items and provide an identification and verbal estimation of value. Watch for details.

Thursday, September 18
Bus trip - Green Mount Cemetery and Hampton National Historic Site

Join HSCC as we travel to Baltimore and visit two extraordinary historic sites. First is Green Mount Cemetery, Baltimore's first garden cemetery and one of the earliest in the nation. Dedicated on July 13, 1839, Green Mount represented a new type of burial ground. Until this time burials were in churchyards which presented death as a terrifying passage to an unknown future and their grim appearance discouraged people from visiting them. By contrast, garden cemeteries reflected the Romanticism of the mid-19th century, showing death as a benign "falling asleep," glorifying nature by their landscaping and encouraging visitation. Built on the former country estate of merchant Robert Oliver, Green Mount encompasses 68 hilly acres with a long central plateau. Among the more than 78,000 graves at Green Mount are those of at least eight governors of Maryland (including Carroll County’s own Frank Brown), philanthropists Johns Hopkins and Enoch Pratt, Betsy Patterson Bonaparte, John Wilkes Booth and his father Junius Brutus Booth. A guided tour by historian Wayne R. Schaumburg will introduce us to some of the cemetery’s famous residents, with an emphasis on Union Bridge native William Henry Rinehart whose works and grave are in Green Mount.

Lunch will be at the Valley Inn. Watch for details on lunch choices.

After lunch we’re off to Hampton National Historic Site, home to the Ridgely family from 1695 to 1979. Between 1783 and 1790, Captain Charles Ridgely built a magnificent house on his 24,000 acre property. When completed, the house would be the largest in the United States. Hampton reflects classic Georgian symmetry with a large three-story structure connected to smaller wings on either side by hallways. The exterior is constructed of stone quarried on the property, stuccoed over and scored to resemble blocks of limestone. The large and lavish rooms reflected the Ridgelys’ taste for the styles of ancient Greece and Rome. Italianate gardens set on terraced earthworks were in place on the south side of the mansion by 1802 and on the north side was an English-style landscaped park. In the 1830s and 1840s, John and Eliza Ridgely carefully enhanced the "natural" landscape with exotic trees. The house was at the center of a financial empire that included ironworks, grain crops, beef cattle, thoroughbred horses, coal mining, marble quarries, mills, and mercantile interests. After a guided tour of the mansion, there will be time to explore the grounds and outbuildings.
The bus will leave from the parking lot on Ralph Street, behind the Church of the Ascension at 9:00 a.m. and will return to Westminster at 5:00 p.m. Watch for details on reservation deadline and pricing.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14

A Healthy Endeavor

For nearly half a century, Carroll Hospital Center has been providing quality medical care for the communities it serves. Founded by a group of forward-thinking community members, Carroll Hospital Center opened it doors as Carroll County General Hospital in 1961. Staff from the hospital offer insights about the people and events that have shaped the organization into the thriving medical center it is today. Noon to 1:00. Admission is free for HSCC members; $3.00 admission for non-members. At Carroll Post, American Legion, corner of Green and Sycamore Streets in Westminster. Bring a lunch, dessert and beverages provided. Or buy lunch at the Legion. Lunches must be ordered by 11:30; call the Legion at (410) 857-7953 for selections and to place an order.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11

Tours of Duty: Carroll County and the Vietnam War
Hundreds of Carroll County residents served in the military during the Vietnam War. Carroll County native Gary Jestes (a Vietnam veteran) and Jay Graybeal (Chief Curator at the Army Heritage and Education Center) tell the stories of some of Carroll’s soldiers - before, during and after the war - and of the twenty-one men who never returned home. Noon to 1:00. Admission is free for HSCC members; $3.00 admission for non-members. At Carroll Post, American Legion, corner of Green and Sycamore Streets in Westminster. Bring a lunch, dessert and beverages provided. Or buy lunch at the Legion. Lunches must be ordered by 11:30; call the Legion at (410) 857-7953 for selections and to place an order.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9

Hail to the Chiefs: Presidential Visits to Carroll County

From 1791 through the middle of the 20th century, Carroll County played host to five American presidents. Historical Society Curator Catherine Baty examines the who, when and why of these memorable days. Noon to 1:00. Admission is free for HSCC members; $3.00 admission for non-members. At Carroll Post, American Legion, corner of Green and Sycamore Streets in Westminster. Bring a lunch, dessert and beverages provided. Or buy lunch at the Legion. Lunches must be ordered by 11:30; call the Legion at (410) 857-7953 for selections and to place an order.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11

Holiday bus trip to Washington, D.C.

If your holidays are hectic, take a break and spend the day in Washington with the Historical Society of Carroll County.

We’ll be dropped off at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, the first national museum in the country dedicated exclusively to Native Americans. The building, with its distinctive textured golden-colored limestone exterior was designed in consultation with many Native Americans. Approximately 8,000 objects from the museum’s permanent collection are on display in the exhibitions including Our Universes, Our Peoples, Our Lives, Window on Collections and Return to a Native Place.

Across the street is the United States Botanic Garden, located on the U.S. Capitol Grounds campus. The building includes a large Lord & Burnham greenhouse and is divided into separate rooms, each one simulating a different habitat. Noted for its displays of holiday plants, the Garden is the perfect spot to escape the winter chill. Feel free to spend your time in one museum or take the opportunity to visit both.

Everyone is free to enjoy lunch on their own. The Mitsitam Native Foods Café in the Museum of the American Indian is highly regarded and features Native foods found throughout the Western Hemisphere, including the Northern Woodlands, South America, the Northwest Coast, Meso America and the Great Plains.

After lunch we’re off to The Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture. Located in the Patent Office Building, the Center is home to two wonderful museums. The National Portrait Gallery portrays the men and women who have made significant contributions to the history and culture of the United States through its collection of paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings and photographs. The Smithsonian American Art Museum is dedicated to the art and artists of the United States.

The bus leaves from the parking lot on Ralph Street, behind the Church of the Ascension at 8:00 a.m. Cost for the trip (includes transportation and admissions) is $45 for Society members and $55 for non-members. Reservation required; watch for reservation deadline. No refunds can be given for cancellations made after the reservation deadline. To reserve your seat, contact the Society at 410-848-6494.

Last updated: May 30, 2008
Historical Society of Carroll County
210 East Main Street, Westminster MD 21157
(410) 848-6494

20080606 A lesson to be learned from Ford versus Toyota

A lesson to be learned from Ford versus Toyota

Hat Tip: Grammy June 6, 2008

I received this allegory in an email. It was simply too true to not pass on and post…

A Japanese company (Toyota) and an American company (Ford) decided to have a canoe race on the Missouri River. Both teams practiced long and hard to reach their peak performance before the race.

On the big day, the Japanese won by a mile.

The Americans, very discouraged and depressed, decided to investigate the reason for the crushing defeat. A management team made up of senior management was formed to investigate and recommend appropriate action.

Their conclusion was the Japanese had 8 people rowing and 1 person steering, while the American team had 8 people steering and 1 person rowing.

Feeling a deeper study was in order, Ford management hired a consulting company and paid them a large amount of money for a second opinion.

They advised, of course, that too many people were steering the boat, while not enough people were rowing.

Not sure of how to utilize that information, but wanting to prevent another loss to Toyota, the Ford rowing team's management structure was totally reorganized to 4 steering supervisors, 3 area steering superintendents, and 1 assistant superintendent steering manager.

They also implemented a new performance system that would give the 1 person rowing the boat greater incentive to work harder. It was called the' Rowing Team Quality First Program,' with meetings, dinners, and free pens for the rower. There was discussion of getting new paddles, canoes, and other equipment, extra vacation days for practices and bonuses.

The next year the Japanese won by two miles.

Humiliated, the American management laid off the rower for po or performance, halted development of a new canoe, sold the paddles, and canceled all capital investments for new equipment. The money saved was distributed to the Senior Executives as bonuses and the next year's racing team was out-sourced to India.

Sadly, The End

Here's something else to think about:

Ford has spent the last thirty years moving all its factories out of the US , claiming they can't make money paying American wages.

TOYOTA has spent the last thirty years building more than a dozen plants inside the US The last quarter's results for 2007:

TOYOTA makes 4 billion in profits while Ford racked up 9 billion in losses.

Ford folks are still scratching their heads.

IF THIS WEREN'T TRUE, IT MIGHT BE FUNNY

(I drive a Prius.)

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20080606 A lesson to be learned from Ford versus Toyota


Thursday, June 05, 2008

20080605 “Pretty in Pink” and Massive Attack’s “Teardrop”

Untold - A Pretty in Pink Trailer

http://youtube.com/watch?v=5dSFgY7ro4Y

For fans of the movie, “Pretty in Pink,” this YouTube is a video about “Pretty in Pink,” with Massive Attack’s “Teardrop,” for the soundtrack.

The poster, fayzabeam wrote:

This is DEFINITELY the last Pretty in Pink video for the time being! I wanted to experiment with using some dialogue from the film in a video, to see if it actually was possible to represent a slash subtext using the actual script. I had to be creative here, but I think it works! The song, whilst not contemporary to the film, works well as a backing track; the footage itself was built around one long, slow clip of James Spader that I'd forgotten to include in the previous videos and I desperately wanted to give a home to! Oh, one thing - there is some *strong* language in this video, because it has dialogue - consider yourself warned!

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