http://www.thetentacle.com/Friday, December 18, 2009
On His Way Out the DoorRoy Meachum
The Frederick News-Post published this week the story: On his way out the door, new ex-mayor Jeff Holtzinger “signed off on legal action against Frederick County to appeal an ordinance requiring developers to abide by strict school capacity requirements on newly annexed land.” The quote comes directly from the front-page piece.
Don’t Bet On ItJoe Charlebois
Recently our neighbor to the southwest raised the ante on the Maryland racing industry. By overwhelming numbers the Jefferson County, West Virginia, voters approved a measure to take “racing” there to the next level. The measure that passed approved table games to complement the horse races and slots at Charles Town.
Descent and RecoveryDerek Shackelford
The details continue. Great journalists must be really having a difficult time finding quality in this era. Why? The constant bombardment and stream of salacious detail reporting.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Dear Santa,Chris Cavey
It’s been a long time since I have taken the time to write you a letter. I trust all is well with you and Mrs. Claus. As only you could know, I have been a nice boy over the years, perhaps a naughty slip or two, which have been mostly reconciled. I have worked hard at my job, have done my best to be kind, taught my children well and tried to set an example for my fellow man.
Fuel for the Election FiresJoan McIntyre
The week before Christmas and all is good with the world; well, not so much. We’ve got nothing much changing in the economy except the imaginary grading system President Barack Obama has in his own mind. I’m good, I’m special and – doggonit – I’m worth it. Voters’ remorse is apparent and becoming louder by the day.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
I want a chainsaw for Christmas!Kevin E. Dayhoff
Hopefully, by now you are finishing all your Christmas shopping and wrapping presents with some soothing Christmas music in the background.
Tom Takes a Wife – Part 1Tom McLaughlin
Having asked the question and receiving a positive answer, I never dreamed of the intricacies of the marriage ceremonies. I did not believe they would last a month.
Getting There The Hard Way – Part 2Farrell Keough
Yesterday in this space we discussed some of the political and consensus aspects to long-term transportation planning. We will now pursue some of the myths that surround transportation and determine some of the factors necessary to develop solutions to these problems.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Obama’s Rough RoadRoy Meachum
It was a lark week for the president. Not only because he picked up his Nobel Peace Prize, more importantly there were signs the economy was on the mend. He and I continue to come apart on the issue of the Afghanistan war that was initially botched when his predecessor abandoned the mission, to take on Iraq.
Getting There The Hard Way – Part 1Farrell Keough
My time as chairman of the
National Region Transportation Planning Board Citizens Advisory Committee is coming to an end – thank heaven they do not give out business cards, as this would be about the size of a bumper sticker – must be a government thing.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Paradigm Shifting and Your GovernmentSteven R. Berryman
The first step in solving a problem is to admit that it – in fact – exists. The churning “self-re-election system” that is our federal government has proven to Americans now that it has fully stopped listening to the people.
A New Beginning…Michael Kurtianyk
If you weren’t at the City of Frederick’s inaugural celebration at the Weinberg Center last Thursday, you missed a beautiful event. Handled expertly by Master of Ceremonies John Fieseler, executive director of the Tourism Council of Frederick County, the hour-long program ran smoothly.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Celebrity Crisis to Celebrity CrisisRoy Meachum
This nation seems to lurch from celebrity crisis to celebrity crisis. When there is none, the media declare a scandal and plunge ahead on telling people more than we want to know, particularly when previously unknowns pull off an outrageous trick on the establishment. We’re not talking about Tiger Woods, of course.
Something For NothingJoe Charlebois
In the mid-1980’s Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits, sang “…get your money for nothing and chicks for free.” He may have been singing about how easy money was made in the music industry when one reaches rock star status, but it could just as easily be sung by Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama.
Exploring The Questions? Seeking The Answers!Derek Shackelford
This nation currently finds itself in two wars, one in Afghanistan and one in Iraq. A large part of the discussion has centered on achieving victory. The problem with contemplating strategy appears to be what is victory or what does victory look like.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Removing the StrangleholdTony Soltero
The other day I was discussing the current economic situation with a conservative close relative of mine. He asked me, very simply, "Why is Tim Geithner still being employed by the administration?"
Nation-Building – Another LookPatricia A. Kelly
From the Cato Institute: “Our greatest challenge today is to extend the promise of political freedom and economic opportunity to those who are still denied it, in our own country, and around the world.”
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
The Coming Ice AgeKevin E. Dayhoff
Twenty thousand delegates from 192 countries are currently converging on Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, for the breathlessly awaited “Copenhagen Climate Change Conference.”
In the Footsteps of Charles DarwinTom McLaughlin
Cambridge, England – My mouth dropped open when I visited Charles Darwin’s dorm room at Christ College at Cambridge University. The area was about 25 feet wide and 40 feet long. A huge fire place occupied one side of the end of the room with arms holding implements to boil coffee, tea and cook foods, much like the colonial fireplaces we have seen in pictures. There was no way that room would get cold in the mild English winters.
20091218 sdsom This week in The Tentacle
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