Dayhoff Westminster Soundtrack

Monday, December 07, 2009

The Kinks – Lola

Released in the United States at the end of June in 1970.

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/smwld or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/274295153/the-kinks-lola-released-in-the-united-states-at

Several published accounts refer to “The Kinks: The Official Biography,” in which Ray Davies explains that the inspiration for the song was an incident in which the band’s manager, Robert Wace, had spent the night with a transvestite. (Bummer dude.)

“I remembered an incident in a club... in his apartment Robert Wace had been dancing with this black woman, and he said, ‘I’m really on to a thing here.’ And it was okay until we left at six in the morning and then I said, ‘Have you seen the stubble?’ He said ‘Yeah,’ but he was too pissed (intoxicated) to care, I think.”

Yet another reason to not drink upon such occasions…

I once wrote a short story about a transvestite I ran across at the old “Whistle Stop” grocery store in Patapsco, Carroll County, Maryland. At the time it was owned by then-Westminster Mayor Leroy Conaway.

It was a scream.

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

I met her in a club down in old soho
Where you drink champagne and it tastes just like cherry-cola
C-o-l-a cola
She walked up to me and she asked me to dance
I asked her her name and in a dark brown voice she said lola
L-o-l-a lola lo-lo-lo-lo lola

Well I'm not the world's most physical guy
But when she squeezed me tight she nearly broke my spine
Oh my lola lo-lo-lo-lo lola
Well I'm not dumb but I can't understand
Why she walked like a woman and talked like a man
Oh my lola lo-lo-lo-lo lola lo-lo-lo-lo lola

Well we drank champagne and danced all night
Under electric candlelight
She picked me up and sat me on her knee
And said dear boy won't you come home with me
Well I'm not the world's most passionate guy
But when I looked in her eyes well I almost fell for my lola
Lo-lo-lo-lo lola lo-lo-lo-lo lola
Lola lo-lo-lo-lo lola lo-lo-lo-lo lola

I pushed her away
I walked to the door
I fell to the floor
I got down on my knees
Then I looked at her and she at me

Well that's the way that I want it to stay
And I always want it to be that way for my lola
Lo-lo-lo-lo lola
Girls will be boys and boys will be girls
It's a mixed up muddled up shook up world except for lola
Lo-lo-lo-lo lola

Well I left home just a week before
And I'd never ever kissed a woman before
But lola smiled and took me by the hand
And said dear boy I'm gonna make you a man

Well I'm not the world's most masculine man
But I know what I am and I'm glad I'm a man
And so is lola
Lo-lo-lo-lo lola lo-lo-lo-lo lola
Lola lo-lo-lo-lo lola lo-lo-lo-lo lola

19700600 sdosmyt The Kinks Lola
sdosm 20091207

The Kinks – Lola Released in the United States at the end of June in 1970. http://tinyurl.com/yzmw8b6 http://twitpic.com/smwld http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/274295153/the-kinks-lola-released-in-the-united-states-at

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2009/12/kinks-lola.html http://tinyurl.com/yzmw8b6

*****

Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://www.westgov.net/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/

Women waiting for the perfect man

Women waiting for the perfect man. http://tinyurl.com/yax7vsl

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/sir0o or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/273054352/women-waiting-for-the-perfect-man

[20020725 Women waiting for the perfect man.] Humor, Men and women
sdosm 20091207 http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/2009/12/women-waiting-for-perfect-man.html http://tinyurl.com/yax7vsl

See also: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2009/12/marry-ag-engineer-for-best-chance-of.html http://tinyurl.com/yzudh6d

Marry an ag engineer for best chance of avoiding divorce http://tinyurl.com/yzudh6d or an artist - we’re so stable

Those who are wishing to read the tea-leaves and gain some analysis as to whom to marry for the best chances of matrimonial bliss.

An article in the Telegraph, 'Marry an agricultural engineer for best chance of avoiding the divorce courts,' highlights the results of a study which indicates “Vets, agricultural engineers and teachers are all less likely to divorce than dancers, bartenders and nurses, according to research which claims your job is key to a happy marriage.”

Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoff.com/ (http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/) http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/ New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/

*****

Ted Dix at the organ Oct 30 2004 at the With One Voice Concert

Ted Dix at the organ Oct 30 2004 at the With One Voice Concert http://tinyurl.com/yzg5usx http://twitpic.com/sip68

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/sip68 or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/273031067/ted-dix-at-the-organ-oct-30-2004-at-the-with-one

I was doing some file maintenance on art this evening and ran across this drawing of Ted Dix playing the organ at the October 30, 2004 “With One Voice” concert to benefit the Carroll County Domestic Violence Safe House; sponsored by Human Services Program of Carroll County and Family and Children’s Services of Central Maryland. Kevin Dayhoff December 7, 2009

[20041030 4 c4 WOV TedDix ked] Annual With One Voice concert, Art Artists Culture, Art Artists Culture Carroll Co, Dayhoff Art, People Dix Ted
sdosm 20091207 http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/2009/12/ted-dix-at-organ-oct-30-2004-at-with.html http://tinyurl.com/yzg5usx

Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff
Tumblr: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/

Ted Dix at the organ Oct 30 2004 at the With One Voice Concert http://tinyurl.com/yzg5usx http://twitpic.com/sip68 http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/273031067/ted-dix-at-the-organ-oct-30-2004-at-the-with-one

Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoff.com/ (http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/) http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/ New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/

*****

Westminster Maryland Online http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/ http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/

My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

*****

Sunday, December 06, 2009

Marry an ag engineer for best chance of avoiding divorce

Marry an ag engineer for best chance of avoiding divorce

Those who are wishing to read the tea-leaves and gain some analysis as to whom to marry for the best chances of matrimonial bliss.

An article in the Telegraph, 'Marry an agricultural engineer for best chance of avoiding the divorce courts,' highlights the results of a study which indicates “Vets, agricultural engineers and teachers are all less likely to divorce than dancers, bartenders and nurses, according to research which claims your job is key to a happy marriage.”

The study does not mention the chances of breaking-up with an artist or a writer. Of course, I am sure that is probably because we are such stable folks.

According to the article: “Those who work in the caring professions or who have jobs that are extrovert and stressful are more likely to split from their partner.

“Dancers, choreographers, massage therapists and bartenders have around a 40 per cent chance of experiencing a relationship breakdown. But also at high risk are nurses, psychiatrists and those who help the elderly and disabled.

“However, optometrists, dentists, clergymen and podiatrists are all in occupations which carry a 2 to 7 per cent chance of family breakdown.

“Agricultural engineers were the most faithful of all, with their relationships suffering a breakdown rate of less than 2 per cent.

“The trend has been highlighted in a paper that correlates occupations with divorce and separation rates, to be published in the Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology.”

Read the entire article here: 'Marry an agricultural engineer for best chance of avoiding the divorce courts'

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/6743474/Marry-an-agricultural-engineer-for-best-chance-of-avoiding-the-divorce-courts.html

20091206 Marry an ag engineer for best chance of avoiding divorce

*****

I am in Off Track Studio today

Sunday, December 06, 2009

I’m in the studio today – why not stop by and see me sometime…

Click here for a larger image of the top image: http://twitpic.com/sfw5k or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/272124890/i-am-in-off-track-studio-today-why-not-stop-by-and

It was really busy earlier and the traffic is tapering-off. I’m looking for a corner to take a nap – well, maybe not. Whatever, come by and visit.

Great place to buy Christmas and Hanukah gifts from local (starving) artists.

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/sfzsj or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/272139541/im-in-off-track-studio-2day-why-not-stop-by-see

[20091029 OTA I am in the studio today] Art Artists Culture Carroll Co, Art Off Track Art, Dayhoff Off Track Art, Westminster businesses
[20090711-OTA-(3)-OpenKbsm.gif] top: http://twitpic.com/sfw5k
[20091029-OTA-Rack-Card-Open.gif] side:

Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff
Tumblr: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/

I am in Off Track Studio today why not stop by and see me sometime [OTA Open] http://tinyurl.com/ycx5xgx #art http://twitpic.com/sfw5k

Downtown Westminster MD Great place 2 buy Christmas & Hanukah gifts from local (starving) artists http://tinyurl.com/ycx5xgx #art http://twitpic.com/sfw5k

http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/2009/12/i-am-in-off-track-studio-today.html http://tinyurl.com/ycx5xgx

[20091029 OTA I am in the studio today] Art Artists Culture Carroll Co, Art Off Track Art, Dayhoff Off Track Art, Westminster businesses
[20090711-OTA-(3)-OpenKbsm.gif] top: http://twitpic.com/sfw5k

~
I’m in Off Track Studio 2day why not stop by & see me [OTA Rack Card Open] http://tinyurl.com/ycx5xgx #art http://twitpic.com/sfzsj
Downtown Westminster MD Great place 2 buy Christmas & Hanukah gifts from local (starving) artists http://tinyurl.com/ycx5xgx #art http://twitpic.com/sfzsj [20091029 OTA I am in the studio today] Art Artists Culture Carroll Co, Art Off Track Art, Dayhoff Off Track Art, Westminster businesses
[20091029-OTA-Rack-Card-Open.gif] top: http://twitpic.com/sfw5k

Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoff.com/ (http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/) http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/ New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/

*****

Spoons

“Spoons” November 26, 2009 Kevin Dayhoff

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/sdqm4 or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/271531750/spoons-november-26-2009-kevin-dayhoff

[20091126 spoons] Dayhoff Daily Photoblog, Dayhoff photos, Food, Smurf family

http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/2009/12/spoons.html http://tinyurl.com/yabprk4

Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff
Tumblr: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/

“Spoons” November 26, 2009 Kevin Dayhoff http://tinyurl.com/yabprk4 #photo http://twitpic.com/sdqm4

Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoff.com/ (http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/) http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/ New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/

*****

Today’s snow looking out my kitchen window

Today’s snow looking out my kitchen window

December 5, 2009 by Kevin Dayhoff http://tinyurl.com/ykwl8vh

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/sdfp9 or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/271425074/todays-snow-looking-out-my-kitchen-window-5dec09

Although I did eventually venture out in the snow to go to the festival of Wreaths at the Carroll County Arts Center and had dinner with sister and her husband, Grammy, Mrs. Owl; this was my predominant view of today’s snowfall, from inside the house looking out.

Although I really enjoy photographing snow; I don’t understand snow. I don’t do snow.

[20091205 UTR Kitchen window snow] Dayhoff Daily Photoblog, Dayhoff photos, Dayhoff photos snow, Weather Winter Snow

http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/2009/12/todays-snow-looking-out-my-kitchen.html http://tinyurl.com/ykwl8vh

Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff

Today’s snow looking out my kitchen window 5Dec09 by Kevin Dayhoff http://tinyurl.com/ykwl8vh http://twitpic.com/sdfp9

Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoff.com/ (http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/) http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/ New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/

*****

Saturday, December 05, 2009

The Tree Lighting and Santa are still on for Sykesville, Maryland

The Tree Lighting and Santa are still on!

for Sykesville, Maryland

Santa Arrives By Fire Truck
Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 6 pm
Shops open until 9 pm

Santa arrives by Fire truck to light the Town Christmas Tree
S&P Model Trains Open & Photos with Santa at the Pullman car
St Paul’s Church Holiday Bazaar
St Barnabas Parrish House featuring Live Bluegrass
Old Main Line Visitor’s Center & Post Office open

Refreshments Served at all of the above locations

Annual Christmas Carroll Co, Carroll Co Dist Sykesville

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2009/12/tree-lighting-and-santa-are-still-on.html http://tinyurl.com/y9y6ql2

The Tree Lighting and Santa are still on for this evening for Sykesville, Maryland http://tinyurl.com/y9y6ql2

*****

IMA World Health Recognized by Forbes as One of Nation’s 20 Most Efficient Charities

For Immediate Release

Provider of Health Care Services and Supplies Has 100% Fundraising Efficiency

http://www.imaworldhealth.org/press-room/ima-world-health-recognized-by-forbes-as-one-of-nations-20-most-efficient-charities.html

New Windsor, MD — December 1, 2009 — Forbes magazine and Forbes.com have named IMA World Health (IMA) as one of the “Most Efficient” large charities in the

United States

. In its special report, America’s 200 Largest Charities, Forbes identifies IMA as one of the major non-profit organizations that efficiently provides donations to those who need them.

Forbes notes that 99% of IMA‟s total expenses are devoted to charitable services. In addition, 100% of IMA‟s fundraising expenses are used to raise money and supplies for recipients.

“Especially in these difficult economic times, donors expect every dollar to be put to good use,” said Richard Santos, President and CEO of IMA. “Efficient management has been a central part of the „IMA Way‟ for nearly 50 years. We put significant effort into leveraging each dollar.”

Since it was founded in 1960, IMA has been supporting the provision of medicines and supplies, disease control, essential healthcare services and bolstering healthcare systems in developing nations. An example of IMA‟s efficient delivery of supplies and expertise to those in need is its Safe Motherhood Kit. For only $25, donors can provide a mother and her baby in the developing world with the clean and sterile supplies, clothes for a newborn, and education she needs to ensure safe childbirth.

Others have recognized IMA‟s efficiency as well. IMA has received the highest possible efficiency rating from the recognized charity watchdog group Charity Navigator for five consecutive years.

Working efficiently has enabled IMA to expand its scope and reach in post-conflict situations, where the need is often most acute. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), IMA helps bring primary healthcare to roughly 10 million people, in the process building that country’s capacity to sustain that care. IMA is also participating in the effort to prepare war-torn Southern Sudan for independence through the creation of a basic healthcare system in the two largest states.

“IMA increasingly focuses on developing entire health care systems in places where they have been damaged, destroyed or never existed,” added Santos. “Our internal efficiencies are a major benefit as we assist others in establishing effective and sustainable systems focused on helping vulnerable people who truly need basic medical care.”

About IMA World Health

IMA World Health is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps provide essential healthcare services and medical supplies to people in need around the world. IMA operates primarily in developing nations to restore health, hope and dignity to those most in need. For more information, visit us at www.IMAWorldHealth.org or call 877-241-7952.

IMA is one of Forbes 20 most efficient Charities.

IMA received Charity Navigator's highest rating for efficiency.

*****

Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/ or http://kevindayhoffart.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/ or http://www.westgov.net/ = www.kevindayhoff.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/ = www.newbedfordherald.net Explore Carroll: www.explorecarroll.com The Tentacle: www.thetentacle.com

Friday, December 04, 2009

Don’t apologize

… something on my mind… don’t apologize, i hope you choke and die… and oh, have a nice day. adapted by kevin dayhoff december 3, 2009
http://tinyurl.com/yf4yops

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/s2v55

20091203 Dont apologize Dayhoff Art, Dayhoff Art words, Words of wisdom

http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/2009/12/dont-apologize.html http://tinyurl.com/yf4yops

Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoff.com/ (http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/) http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/ New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/

*****

Red Glasses

Red Glasses November 25, 2009 by Kevin Dayhoff http://tinyurl.com/yaz2faa

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/s2r0q or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/268836700/red-glasses-november-25-2009-by-kevin-dayhoff

http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/2009/12/red-glasses.html

[20091125 red glasses] Dayhoff Art, Dayhoff Daily Photoblog, Dayhoff photos

Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff

Red Glasses November 25, 2009 by Kevin Dayhoff http://tinyurl.com/yaz2faa #art #photos http://twitpic.com/s2r0q

Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoff.com/ (http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/) http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/ New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/

*****

Ice Cream Diaries: For the Fear of Campo

Ice Cream Diaries: For the Fear of Campo

Bryan Nuckles, Staff Reporter The McDaniel Free Press December 1, 2009

What is the deal with Campo? As far as I can tell they’re pretty nice people. Just the other week I got locked out of my room, with roommate nowhere to be found and no sign of his returning soon. So I played my get-out-of-jail-free card and called Campo. Now just to be clear I was terrified of the officers that walk around campus. In fact I had my friend call for me because I was afraid of what they would say. Or worse, charge me for the trouble.

Here’s the amazing thing though. The guy was actually really nice.

He was kind of …

Read the rest here: Ice Cream Diaries: For the Fear of Campo

Bryan Nuckles, Staff Reporter The McDaniel Free Press December 1, 2009 Features.

http://mcdanielfreepress.com/v2/2009/12/01/ice-cream-diaries-2/

http://mcdanielfreepress.com/v2/

20091201 Ice Cream Diaries For the Fear of Campo

Speech Competition Has Rich Roots
A Different Kind of Mail
Off-Campus Party Report Released
Local Bon Appetit Food Service Focuses on ‘Social Responsibility’
Presidential Search Committee Reviews Candidates

Sections
Centerspread (7)
Features (180)
News (200)
Op-Ed (15)
Opinion (154)
Sports (140)
Uncategorized (3)

*****

Thursday, December 03, 2009

Happy Birthday Ozzy

Happy Birthday Ozzy

12/03/2009

Black Sabbath - War Pigs (Live in Paris 1970)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtqy4DTHGqg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiShfBmb-oA

Lita Ford & Ozzy Osbourne - Close My Eyes Forever
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loyTCkV06xQ

Ozzy Osbourne - Mr. Crowley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSnj8X1zAZI

Black Sabbath Paranoid
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aIhh9nFYv4

20091203 sdsom Happy Birthday Ozzy

*****

All aboard for Ozzy Osbourne day

All aboard for Ozzy Osbourne day

Ozzy Osbourne was born today, December 3, 1948

Born in Birmingham, England, musician Ozzy Osbourne is known as lead singer of Black Sabbath, which recorded metal anthems like “War Pigs” (1971). He went solo in 1978, cultivating a social misfit image, then struggled with substance abuse. Osbourne regained popularity with reality TV show 'The Osbournes', which...

http://tinyurl.com/yl2k5wb

*****

This week in The Tentacle

This week in The Tentacle

http://www.thetentacle.com/

http://www.thetentacle.com/author.cfm?MyAuthor=41

Wednesday, December 2, 2009
The Rise of Parentalism
Kevin E. Dayhoff
In early November, Towson University announced that it will become a smoke free campus in late summer 2010.

Accepting One’s Inadequacies
Tom McLaughlin
London – I had the pleasure of visiting many scientists in the Museum of Natural History in this fabled town. My good friends, Jan and George, scientists in their own right who work there, introduced me to these scholars and they patiently explained their research.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Obama’s Breach of Faith
Roy Meachum
When the president of the United States talks to the nation tonight, I will not be listening. One chief reason I backed so enthusiastically Barack Obama was his campaign pledge to remove American forces from the Middle East. In addition to everything else, including his endorsing George W. Bush’s wars, Sen. John McCain was simply not my political tea.

For Better or Worse?
Farrell Keough
We’ve all seen and heard the current brouhaha’s within the Board of Education, but have we been able to follow the alternatives presented to this group for better educational choice and potential savings?

Monday, November 30, 2009
Considering the Source
Steven R. Berryman
More than a headline, title or subject line, considering the source author itself is most vital to comprehension when establishing the weight of your various media viewings and readings.

From Hither, Thither and Yon…
Michael Kurtianyk
I like it that Maryland’s State Highway Administration (SHA) is testing a new mixture for pre-treating roads this winter. It seems that the $25,000 pilot program will treat this winter’s roads with a mixture of salt water and a sugar beet molasses byproduct.

Friday, November 27, 2009
REVIEW: Good and Bad Theatrical Nights
Roy Meachum
It has been nearly 44 years since I first sat on the aisle as a critic; although reviewer might be more appropriate. Because of working on television (Washington’s Channel 9), the number of words was limited to maybe 250. Switching to print, the amount doubled but still not enough to nit and pick aspects of the production and the people in it.

Thursday, November 26, 2009
It Isn’t Just a Game
Tony Soltero
In November of 1979, Iranian militants invaded the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and took more than 60 Americans hostage. A few were sent home shortly afterwards, but 52 of them remained captives of these terrorists for 444 excruciating days, finally being released after a long, arduous series of negotiations and a failed rescue attempt.

“Like the Pendulum Do”
Patricia A. Kelly
We’re trying too hard, and it isn’t working. Maybe it started when trash men became sanitation engineers, and when people started considering whether to call congressmen congress persons.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Goodbye, and Good Riddance
Kevin E. Dayhoff
Merry Christmas, weeks early. It’s a great day in American. Bill Moyers is leaving weekly television.

Gramps’ Special Black Friday Gifts
Tom McLaughlin
It has been a few years since Mom and Dad passed away but I remember the torture I went through to try and figure out what to get them for Christmas. Even now, the thought makes me shudder.

A Plus, A Minus, and Thanks
Derek Shackelford
Former Vice-Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin is currently on a cross county tour promoting her book, “Going Rogue.” She has recently made the rounds on many of the most popular television shows, The Oprah Winfrey Show, an interview with Barbara Walter, The Sean Hannity Show, and many of the morning news programs.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Childhood Holidays
Roy Meachum
With its rich tradition of Mardi Gras, I must report it was the only holiday publicly celebrated. In my New Orleans childhood, while there were balls in the weeks before Fat Tuesday, attendance was limited to Krewe (club) members. Things really came apart the weekend before Ash Wednesday when out-of-towners poured through the railroad stations; air travel was still in the future. But Thanksgiving couldn’t be celebrated in a more subdued manner.

The Pain of Taking a Break
Farrell Keough
I have been on hiatus. I would say sabbatical, but that involves payment during the absence and considering the vast sums we are paid here at TheTentacle.com, how could one possibly expect our esteemed editor to pay us when we are away?

Math-Test Taking: A Study Guide
Nick Diaz

Two weeks ago I listed the causes of math-test anxiety and the ways a student should deal with such a condition. In this column I’ll list some strategies that may lead a student to improve his math-test-taking skills.

Monday, November 23, 2009
Of Double-Dips and Bubbles
Steven R. Berryman
The corollary of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s famous “We have nothing to fear but fear itself” is that economically, it’s the “not knowing” that can damage us even worse than a specific negative indicator of our progress in recovery.

To Grow or Not to Grow
Michael Kurtianyk
So, the current aldermen overrode a veto by Mayor Jeff Holtzinger on the city’s Comprehensive Plan. Specifically, the Board of Aldermen voted to approve it. Mayor Holtzinger vetoed the plan, citing the approximately 1,100 acres intended for development in the future may not have future water and sewer capacities. Thus, the mayor doesn’t want to mislead those property owners by having them think their parcels could be developed.

20091202 sdosm This week in The Tentacle

*****

Shop with a Cop events planned for Dec 12

Shop with a Cop events planned for Dec 12

WESTMINSTER POLICE DEPARTMENT
36 LOCUST STREET
WESTMINSTER, MD 21157
410-848-4646

JEFFREY SPAULDING
CHIEF OF POLICE

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 2, 2009

On December 12, 2009 at 7:30 a.m., the Westminster Police Department in conjunction with the Westminster Wal-Mart will be hosting our 6th Annual “Shop With A Cop” Program.

The “Shop With A Cop” program originated in 1978 as a way to give deserving children an opportunity to purchase Christmas gifts for their family members.

The program also gives children the opportunity to meet and spend time with police officers in a positive and non-confrontational environment.

Our “Shop With A Cop” celebration will take place at the Westminster Wal-Mart which is located at 280 Woodward Road, Westminster, Maryland.

The children selected will be teamed with a Police Department employee to pick out gifts for the holiday season. Wal-Mart will be providing gift cards in order for the children to purchase their holiday gifts.

After our shopping is completed, everyone will return to the Westminster Senior Center where we will wrap those gifts that were purchased.

Following the gift-wrapping, the Police Department will be hosting a holiday party from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Westminster Senior Center for all participating families to attend.

Additionally, a visit from Santa will take place during the holiday party.

Over 90 local businesses have made a donation to support the “Shop With A Cop” program. Approximately 300 “Angels” were purchased by the citizens of Carroll County.

These gifts will be distributed to the children and their families

Please contact Sgt. Keith Benfer at (410) 857-9282 with any questions.

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MEDIA CONTACT

Sgt. Keith Benfer
Community Education Section
Westminster Police Department
36 Locust Street
Westminster, Maryland 21157
(410) 857-9282

20091202 sdosm Shop with a Cop events planned for Dec 12

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Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Budget problems continue for Maryland’s local governments

And it is only going to worse…

December 1, 2009 by Kevin Dayhoff

I did this piece of art in September 1994. The more things change the more they stay the same. At some point, the entire manner in which local government in Maryland is funded needs to be changed so that all our tax revenue does not get lost in a black hole in Annapolis and gets re-directed to the government that is closest to the citizens. Woman with the Ones above Carroll County
http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/2009/12/woman-with-ones-above-carroll-county.html)

Read: See Charles Schelle’s article on the press conference today when the employee layoffs were announced: 18 county government employees to lose jobs By Charles Schelle Move to save estimated $3 million http://www.explorecarroll.com/news/3672/layoffs/

See also: Carroll County Commissioners to hold news conference on budget http://tinyurl.com/yhcoklt - and - Carroll Co Budget, Carroll Co employees, MD State Budget

18 county government employees to lose jobs:

This is so sad. And at this time of the year; not that any time of the year is a good time to lose employees – or your job...

My heart and prayers go out to the employees who have lost their job – and to the folks who were forced to make theses difficult decisions.

I happen to agree with the Carroll County government press release today, Carroll Co MD Commissioners eliminate positions http://tinyurl.com/y9zyanu http://tinyurl.com/y9zyanu: “Carroll County already has one of the leanest staffs in Maryland. A survey by the Maryland Association of Counties ranks Carroll as the second-lowest number of employees per capita.”

The problem is certainly not with over-staffing on the part of Carroll County government.

The problem is the systematic irresponsible spending in Annapolis and now the state is balancing its books on the backs of local government.

Neither the current administration or the Maryland General Assembly has the stomach for raising taxes – especially after the fiasco from the Maryland Special Taxing Session from November 2007, which only made matters worse…

So instead of doing the correct thing and cutting-out systemic wasteful spending, they want to force local government to raise taxes.

Add this to the incredible amount of money that Maryland has lost to surrounding states in retail sales as a result of raising the retail sales tax. Remember there is barely any location in Maryland that is not within 40 miles of the state line…

And add to this the large number of high income Marylanders who have simply left the state as a result of the prohibitive tax increase that was levied against them…

The result is a net loss of a great deal of state revenue that is above and beyond the turndown in the economy – especially since, until the recent taxing initiatives had such a disastrous result, most economist and political pundits considered Maryland recession proof.

This is a mess. And it is not a mess that will be solved anytime soon because nothing will hold the Maryland General Assembly accountable and the ruling party in Maryland is so arrogant they are completely inaccessible to any contrarian argument or debate, discussion or dialogue…

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20091201 sdosmked Budget probs continue for MD local govt
[19940914 0758b Woman w Ones above CC]

*****

The other shoe drops on Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon

For the love of shoes

December 1, 2009 by Kevin Dayhoff http://tinyurl.com/ykjdkjw

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/rtdv4 or here http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/266103473/who-can-forget-when-baltimore-mayor-sheila-dixon

Wbal.com is reporting VERDICT IN DIXON CASE: A Baltimore Circuit Court jury has found Mayor Sheila Dixon GUILTY of one count of misappropriation

But it ain't over 'til the fat lady sings. She'll appeal...

That said, this is alleged to be about more than a few gift cards that may or may not have been mishandled. On face value the charge seems so Mickey Mouse.

However... there's the rest of the story...

Some will suggest that the conviction is a result of her karma.

The conviction certainly raises more questions than answers at the moment and for those who think that this has been a soap opera of kindergarten proportions, you ain’t seen nothing yet.

Although I have met Mayor Dixon a couple of times, I do not know her. Many folks who do know her have praised her for her work ethic and love of the city. Many of her employees have spoken well of her.

However, there has been a cloud hanging over her for many years.

Whether that cloud is real or not, the perception persists.

What has yet to be determined to everyone’s satisfaction is whether or not there really is a fire somewhere associated with that cloud of smoke.

In spite of the accolades bestowed upon her by mutual friends, her reputation for having a cold and aloof – if not condescending manner towards those who do not share her position of power and prestige has not served her well.

Folks have quietly suggested that her manner is a manifestation of the arrogance of power and the lack of accountability that plagues one party ruling factions.

By many measures, the once proud city of Baltimore appears to continue in decline and that makes many sad.

Whether it is the perception of crime and corruption or the simple practical issue that you go to Baltimore in absolute fear of having some Kafkaesque experience with a parking ticket; the avoidance of traveling to Baltimore for business or art and cultural events continues.

While many had hopes for a phoenix-like turnaround with former Mayor O’Malley, our hopes have not been realized under the tenure of Mayor Dixon.

As for the mayor herself, she appears to be a person who has accomplished so much in spite of being such a fictional Dickensian character with Shakespearian character flaws.

Some of it would be humorous if it was not the stuff of fiction, but it is not…

Who cannot quietly chuckle at the time she gave members of the media the finger… Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/rtdv4

And then there is the matter of Mayor Dixon and the persistence of shoes being a major prop in her own Kabuki morality play…

Apparently her affection for shoes – to actually wear – is relatively well documented in her current challenges.

The there is that other shoe incident from 1999…

“Although Dixon is often remembered—primarily by white voters—as the incendiary force behind "the shoe incident" in 1991 (when she taunted white council members about the effects of redistricting by waving her high heel and yelling, "Now the shoe is on the other foot.")…” The City Paper http://www.citypaper.com/news/story.asp?id=2587

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“The Mayor's team found a way to hide the old city council shoe video…” “Shelia Dixon Gives the Media the Finger” Tuesday, January 13, 2009 Adam Meister, Baltimore Examiner http://wbal.com/apps/news/templates/smith_show.aspx?articleid=19569&zoneid=13

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“Though Dixon was already a well-known and well-established political figure at the time, the prospect of her becoming mayor had left many uneasy. Indeed, during the 2006 gubernatorial election there were whispers among city voters that a vote for the popular O'Malley as governor would amount to a vote for a Dixon administration at City Hall.”

[…]

“Dixon's nearly 20 years in public office have not been without controversy. When she was City Council president, The Baltimore Sun reported extensively on apparent conflicts of interest involving a firm that employed her sister, Janice. The paper also disclosed that Janice Dixon was on the public payroll as an employee in Sheila Dixon's office, a fact which the then-council president was required by law to report but did not.

“‘I stand by me being very straightforward and cooperative and that I didn't do anything wrong,’ Dixon said.

“The public's first real impression of Dixon probably came 16 years ago, when she was a young member of the City Council, and - at least for some Whites – she came across as a divisive firebrand. That came at a redistricting meeting when she famously waved a shoe at her White colleagues and said, ‘You've been running things for the last 20 years. Now, the shoe is on the other foot.’

“Dixon said the shoe-waving incident was ‘misinterpreted,’ but acknowledges she gets excited about things that are important to her. ‘Do I still get passionate about issues? I do,’ she said.” Dixon Impresses Early On, But Questions Remain By Jonathan N. Crawford Capital News Service Thursday, May 3, 2007 http://www.washingtoninformer.com/NATBaltimoreMayer2007May3.html

It ain’t over yet. There are more acts to follow in this morality play – and there is sure to be a sequel after the sequel...

Seems a shame for someone so bright and talented, who presents as spoiled brat who is now earning back years of bad karma.

Memo to Mayor Dixon: Always take care of people when you are going up, because ya never know when you are coming down.

It must be lonely to be Mayor Sheila Dixon these days….

To be continued…

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