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

Friday, December 15, 2006

20061214 10 Most Read Articles on NYTimes from the past two weeks

10 Most Read Articles on NYTimes.com from the past two weeks

@TIMES - Inside NYTimes.com

Thursday, December 14, 2006

-----------------------------------------

Here are the 10 Most Read Articles on NYTimes.com from the past two weeks (as of 9 a.m. ET, December 14).

=========================================

1) Rumsfeld Memo Proposed 'Major Adjustment' in Iraq By MICHAEL R. GORDON and DAVID S. CLOUD

Published: December 3, 2006

Two days before he resigned as defense secretary, Donald H.

Rumsfeld submitted a memo to the White House that acknowledged that the administration's strategy in Iraq was not working.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/03/world/middleeast/03military.html?ex=1181451600&en=41324795eaad1313&ei=5087&excamp=mkt_at1

2) Video Is a Window Into a Terror Suspect's Isolation By DEBORAH SONTAG

Published: December 4, 2006

A tape provides the first concrete glimpse inside the incarceration of Jose Padilla, whose detention became a test case in the fight against terrorism.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/04/us/04detain.html?ex=1181451600&en=d58e5bb93ae22a66&ei=5087&excamp=mkt_at2

3) Dueling Views Pit Baker Against Rice

By DAVID E. SANGER

Published: December 8, 2006

Many of the critiques in the Iraq Study Group's report boil down to the differing views of a former secretary of state and the current one.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/08/world/middleeast/08diplo.html?ex=1181451600&en=89238c88009b4f8f&ei=5087&excamp=mkt_at3

4) An Ancient Computer Surprises Scientists By JOHN NOBLE WILFORD

Published: November 29, 2006

The Antikythera Mechanism contains "an unexpected degree of technical sophistication," scientists said.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/29/science/30computecnd.html?ex=1181451600&en=b6e37ebf2f33883a&ei=5087&excamp=mkt_at4

5) Supporting Boys or Girls When the Line Isn't Clear By PATRICIA LEIGH BROWN

Published: December 2, 2006

Children who do not conform to gender norms are starting to be supported in their choice by parents and doctors.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/02/us/02child.html?ex=1181451600&en=0de9c781cd024c23&ei=5087&excamp=mkt_at5

6) Prisoners of Sex

By NEGAR AZIMI

Published: December 3, 2006

In Egypt and across the Arab world, homosexuality is becoming a political issue. But as gay people become more visible, they could wind up even less free.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/03/magazine/03arabs.html?ex=1181451600&en=c2a93022121d5a92&ei=5087&excamp=mkt_at6

7) Off to College Alone, Shadowed by Mental Illness By LYNETTE CLEMETSON

Published: December 8, 2006

For young people with serious mental disorders, the transition to college can be particularly fraught.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/08/health/08Kids.html?ex=1181451600&en=70a85891d162a834&ei=5087&excamp=mkt_at7

8) Early 'Maybe' From Obama Jolts '08 Field By ADAM NAGOURNEY

Published: December 4, 2006

Senator Barack Obama's move has created complications for Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and other Democrats.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/04/washington/04candidates.html?ex=1181451600&en=6f27c753ef7f9560&ei=5087&excamp=mkt_at8

9) Praise for Gibson Film, Quandary for Oscar Voters By SHARON WAXMAN

Published: December 5, 2006

Hollywood's tight-knit community of Oscar voters may find itself facing a difficult dilemma in the coming weeks: Will they consider Mel Gibson's "Apocalypto" for an Academy Award?

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/05/movies/05apoc.html?ex=1181451600&en=719c8c8b146a7acc&ei=5087&excamp=mkt_at9

10) The Weighty Responsibility of Drinking for Two By JULIA MOSKIN

Published: November 29, 2006

Americans' complicated relationship with food and drink -- in which everything desirable is also potentially dangerous -- only becomes magnified in pregnancy.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/29/dining/29preg.html?ex=1181538000&en=6c6e85af699f7ed8&ei=5087&excamp=mkt_at10

TimesSelect

=========================================

The Perfect Gift - This holiday season, give TimesSelect gift subscriptions to your friends, family and co-workers.

http://www.nytimes.com/products/timesselect/egctssell.html?excamp=mkt_at11

Travel

=========================================

Where to go in 2007

The party destination of 2007

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/10/travel/10Istanbul.html?ex=1181538000&en=2b5f836aa72e9e9f&ei=5087&excamp=mkt_at12

The luxury destination of 2007

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/10/travel/10zambia.html?ex=1181538000&en=a0ce827c15572f92&ei=5087&excamp=mkt_at13

The family destination of 2007

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/10/travel/10family.html?ex=1181538000&en=4a431c0eda5f0a98&ei=5087&excamp=mkt_at14

DealBook

=========================================

Craigslist Meets the Capitalists

http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2006/12/08/craigslist-meets-the-capitalists/?excamp=mkt_at15

The Double-Bonus Game

http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2006/12/04/commentary-beat-the-clock-and-get-a-double-bonus/?excamp=mkt_at16

Goldman's Other Magic Number: $16.5 Billion

http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2006/12/12/goldmans-other-magic-number-165-billion/?excamp=mkt_at17

Technology

=========================================

Holiday gift ideas

10 most popular cellphones

http://tech.nytimes.com/top/news/technology/products/cellphones/popular.html?excamp=mkt_at18

10 most popular digital cameras

http://tech.nytimes.com/top/news/technology/products/cameras/popular.html?excamp=mkt_at19

10 most popular camcorders

http://tech.nytimes.com/top/news/technology/products/camcorders/popular.html?excamp=mkt_at20

20061214 Donations accepted for injured troopers family

Donations accepted for injured trooper's family.

December 14th, 2006

Both the Westminster Eagle and the Eldersburg Eagle are carrying the information about where to send donations to help the Maryland Troopers Association who assuming the expenses of Tfc. Eric D. Workman’s family who are in Baltimore to be with Tfc. Workman while he is being hospitalized after being shot last Tuesday.

12/14/06 By Kevin Dayhoff

Donations are being accepted to help the family of the Maryland State Trooper critically injured this week in a raid in Baltimore County.

Tfc. Eric D. Workman (Westminster Maryland State Police Barrack G) has family traveling from all over the country and staying in Baltimore while he is hospitalized at Maryland Shock Trauma Center after being shot early Tuesday morning, December 12, in Woodlawn.

Tfc. Workman was working with the Baltimore Warrant Fugitive Task Force, as they executed an arrest warrant for a suspect wanted in a home invasion and abduction Thursday, December 7, in Eldersburg.

The Maryland State Police, in partnership with the Maryland Troopers Association, The State Law Enforcement Labor Alliance and FOP Lodge 76, are attending to the needs of TFC Workman's family.

Those who would like to make a donation to help Tfc Workman’s family may send a check payable to:

Maryland Troopers Association Lodge No. 20

Tfc. Eric D. Workman Family Fund

Westminster MSP Barrack G

1100 Baltimore Blvd.

Westminster, MD 21157

As part of the plea for donations, the Maryland Troopers Association expressed thanks to Vicki Szimanski, Kirk Daugherty, Jim DeWees and the leadership of the MSP and other employee organizations who have worked to attend to the families needs in recent days.

A release from the MTA stated, "It is important we find ways every day to thank the troopers, firefighters and other professionals who protect our community. Today we have a very simple and direct way we can say thank you to one hero and his family."

To read the News Release Department of Maryland State Police, December 12, 2006, “ACCUSED NAMED IN POLICE SHOOTING - WOUNDED TROOPER CONTINUES TO FIGHT FOR LIFE,” go to:

http://www.mdsp.org/media/press_release_details.asp?identifier=362

####

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

20061210 CCC Gala features Moscow Symphony

December 13th, 2006


Later this evening, I’m looking forward to attending a Gala for the benefit of Carroll Community College featuring the Moscow Symphony Orchestra.

Ellie Baublitz penned an excellent piece on this evening’s event the other day in the Baltimore Sun.


Carroll Community College Gala features Moscow Symphony


Orchestra to play holiday concert; members will offer classes


By Ellie Baublitz, Sun Reporter, Originally published December 10, 2006

The Russians are coming, and they will be bringing musical instruments.

The Moscow Symphony Orchestra will take the stage Wednesday at Carroll Community College's Scott Center Theater for the CCC Foundation's Partners Campaign Starry Night gala.

"The college is very excited to be bringing this cultural experience here because it is part of the strategic plan to bring cultural offerings to the college for the whole community," said Sylvia Blair, Carroll's community relations coordinator.

Billed as "an elegant, festive event," the fundraiser will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a black tie optional cocktail reception in the Great Hall, then continue with the 40-piece symphony performance at 8 p.m., Blair said.

The performance will feature a 45-minute set of selections from The Nutcracker, an intermission, then a Holiday Pops set, including the "Harry Potter Concert Suite," "Christmas Festival," "Celebrate Christmas," "Sleigh Ride," "Russian Sailors Dance from the Red," "Fantasia on Green Sleeves" and "Phantom of the Opera."

Read the rest here.

####

20061213 Annual CC MML Legislative Dinner Meeting

Annual CC MML Legislative Dinner Meeting

December 13th, 2006

Later this evening is the annual Carroll County Chapter of the Maryland Municipal League Legislative Dinner.

This is the occasion when the eight Carroll County municipalities review this year’s MML Legislative priorities for the upcoming Maryland General Assembly with the Carroll County Delegation to Annapolis and the Carroll County Commissioners.

Candace Donoho, the MML’s legislative liaison was kind enough to email me this year’s MML Legislative Priories the other day.

The MML does an extraordinarily good job of legislative advocacy for all Maryland’s 157 municipalities.

20070000 MML Legislative Priorities

Maryland Municipal League

GROWING

STRONG

COMMUNITIES

2007 Legislative Priorities

Increased State Aid for Municipal Police Protection

MML’S 2007 AGENDA - ENHANCING AND STRENGTHENING MUNICIPAL SERVICES

BUILDING AND STRENGTHENING RELATIONSHIPS…

Relationships are the backbone of any successful organization’s legislative advocacy program and MML is no exception. The strong grassroots efforts of municipal leaders in their cities and towns is in large part what makes MML as effective as it is when working with legislators and members of the administration.

Beginning with the 2007 Maryland General Assembly session, MML and municipal officials will be working hard to strengthen existing relationships with returning legislators.

MML leadership will also be meeting with newly elected members of the state legislature to convey the needs of municipal government and to make contacts that will well serve Maryland’s cities and towns in the coming four years.

In addition, MML staff will be reaching out to current and new members of the administration in various State agencies important to municipal government in Maryland.

The League will be sponsoring and participating in activities and events that advance this purpose.

With a predicted 1.2 million new residents coming to Maryland within the next 25 years, it is important that municipal public safety programs are well prepared to protect citizens.

The State Aid for Police Protection municipal sworn officer grant currently stands at $1,800 per officer.

The municipal sworn officer grant has not been increased since 1999.

As of FY 2005, municipal police aid grants paid for less than 7% of municipal police expenditures.

Police aid formulas are largely expenditure based which means a municipal police agency must “spend to get” additional public safety funding from the State.

Proposed action: Review current formula for municipal police protection grants-in-aid and seek legislation to provide adequate funding levels to accommodate current and future municipal public safety needs.

Local Government Authority to Purchase Streetlights

Streetlights are an important amenity in a community. Well-lit streets provide a safer environment for all residents. This is especially important for our children and senior citizens.

Existing Maryland law does not allow local governments to purchase streetlights mounted on wooden poles where overhead high voltage lines exist.

If local governments were able to purchase and maintain their own streetlights, it would likely minimize expenditures and maximize local revenues, enhance maintenance efforts, and reduce lengthy outages.

Federal OSHA law already regulates access to high voltage lines. Maryland’s law is unnecessary and duplicative.

Proposed action: Seek legislation to allow local governments to purchase their streetlights from utility companies. This could ultimately save taxpayer dollars, enhance reliability and safety, and allow cities and towns to choose energy efficient equipment.

Municipal Opt-Out Electrical Aggregation

Many municipalities already provide water and sewer utility services for their citizens. The ability to provide for lower cost electrical service is a natural next step in utility service provision.

Currently little or no competition exists in the residential electricity market.

With rate caps off in almost all portions of the State, residents are already experiencing or will likely experience significant electrical cost spikes.

With the uncertainty and volatility at the Maryland Public Service Commission, the pilot program proposed two years ago is unlikely to move forward any time soon.

It is imperative that something be done now to offer some relief to Maryland’s citizens.

Proposed action: Seek legislation to authorize opt-out municipal electrical aggregation.

The Maryland Municipal League

The Maryland Municipal League represents all 157 municipal governments and two special taxing districts in the State. A voluntary, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization controlled and maintained by city and town governments, MML works to strengthen and support municipal government through advocacy and the development of effective leadership.


Municipal government is often referred to as “the government closest to the people”. Citizens who reside in a municipality have the authority to make quality-of-life decisions on behalf of their community.


The MML legislative program represents the collective efforts of elected and appointed municipal officials who identify legislation and advocate on behalf of issues that directly affect the quality of life in Maryland’s cities and towns and the well-being of citizens who choose to live there.


Working through MML, Maryland’s incorporated cities and towns provide a powerful legislative voice for the almost 1.5 million citizens living in Maryland’s municipalities.


MML Legislative Staff

Scott A. Hancock, Executive Director


Candace Donoho, Director/Government Relations


James P. Peck, Director/Research & Information Management


Jessica Barnes

Legislative Assistant


1212 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401

410-268-5514 ~ 800-492-7121

www.mdmunicipal.org

20061212 MTA Lodge 20 TFC Workman Donation Request

Donations being accepted by MTA Lodge # 20 for support
for Tfc. Eric Workman’s family.
December 12th, 20006


Tfc. Eric D. Workman (Westminster Maryland State Police Barrack G) has family traveling from all over the country and staying in Baltimore while he is hospitalized at Maryland Shock Trauma Center after being shot early Tuesday morning, December 12th, 2006, in Woodlawn, Baltimore County.

Tfc. Workman was working with the Baltimore Warrant Fugitive Task Force, as they executed an arrest warrant for a suspect wanted in a home invasion and abduction Thursday, December 7, 2006 in Eldersburg, Carroll County.

The Maryland State Police, in partnership with the Maryland Troopers Association, The State Law Enforcement Labor Alliance and FOP Lodge 76, are attending to the needs of TFC Workman's family.

If you would like to make a donation to help Tfc Workman’s family please make a check payable to:

Maryland Troopers Association Lodge #20
Tfc. Eric D. Workman Family Fund
Westminster MSP Barrack G
1100 Baltimore Blvd.
Westminster, MD 21157

The Maryland Troopers Association would like to thank Vicki Szimanski, Kirk Daugherty, Jim DeWees and the leadership of the MSP and other employee organizations who worked diligently to attend to the families needs yesterday.

It is important we find ways every day to thank the troopers, firefighters and other professionals who protect our community. Today we have a very simple and direct way we can say thank you to one hero and his family.

To read the News Release Department of Maryland State Police, December 12, 2006,

“ACCUSED NAMED IN POLICE SHOOTING - WOUNDED TROOPER CONTINUES TO FIGHT FOR LIFE,” go to:
http://www.mdsp.org/media/press_release_details.asp?identifier=362

Excerpts from the press release:

TFC Workman enlisted the assistance of the Baltimore Regional Warrant Fugitive Task Force … assist in the search for Jones.

Police began a search for Jones early this morning. After visiting several residences and gathering additional information, police found a van belonging to Jones outside the residence where the shooting occurred. Police contacted the homeowner by phone and were allowed access to the house. Police were also told the suspect was upstairs in the residence.

… Jones came out of an upstairs room armed with a handgun and immediately began firing at police… TFC Workman was at the bottom of the stairs and was struck once. Police officers returned fire, fatally wounding Jones …

TFC Workman is a decorated trooper, who has been with the Maryland State Police since 1997. In 1998 he received a certificate of recognition for saving a suicidal person on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and another for his outstanding work in a shooting investigation. In 2000, he was given the Commander’s Award for outstanding service. That same year, he was presented the Baker Award for Highway Safety. In 2005, he received a governor’s Citation for bravery, after disarming a knife wielding suspect he and another trooper were attempting to arrest.


####

20061212 Westminster MSP Barrack G Tfc Workman shot


Tfc. Eric D. Workman (Westminster Maryland State Police Barrack G) has family traveling from all over the country and staying in Baltimore while he is hospitalized at Maryland Shock Trauma Center after being shot early Tuesday morning, December 12th, 2006, in Woodlawn, Baltimore County.

Tfc. Workman was working with the Baltimore Warrant Fugitive Task Force, as they executed an arrest warrant for a suspect wanted in a home invasion and abduction Thursday, December 7, 2006 in Eldersburg, Carroll County.

I am a member of Maryland Troopers Association Lodge # 20, which is assuming the expenses of the family while they are staying in Baltimore for Tfc. Workman.

A memo has been drafted to ask for donations to help the family and as I post this it has not been approved.

Once it is approved, I will post it on the blog…

Various media outlets have carried the story:

UPDATE - The Examiner has an article today, December 13th, 2006 by Kathleen Cullinan: “Trooper shot, suspect killed during skirmish.”

Carroll County Times by Ari Natter: “Trooper in critical condition.”

Baltimore Sun: “
Trooper critically wounded in Balto. Co. shooting Ex-con killed after firing on police as they attempted to serve warrant.

Fox 45: “
Md. State Police trooper wounded, suspect killed in shooting.”

Fox 45: “
Police identify suspect killed in state trooper shooting.”

Fox 45: “
Shot trooper in critical but stable condition.”

WBAL: "
Highly Decorated" State Trooper Now Critical And Stable After Shooting.”

Fox 45: “
Man killed in exchange of shots with trooper had criminal record.”



News Release Department of Maryland State Police
December 12, 2006
“ACCUSED NAMED IN POLICE SHOOTING - WOUNDED TROOPER CONTINUES TO FIGHT FOR LIFE,”


(Woodlawn, MD) Maryland State Police have identified the wanted man who was fatally wounded after he fired on police and wounded a state trooper attempting to arrest him early this morning.

The deceased is identified as Steven T. Jones, 38 of the 3500 block of Langrehr Road, Glen Oak, Md., 21244. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting, a home in the 5500 block of Forest Park Avenue, Woodlawn, Md.

Maryland State Police obtained an arrest warrant for Jones, charging him with 60 criminal charges in connection with an armed burglary/kidnapping that occurred December 7, 2006 at a home in Carroll County.

TFC Workman enlisted the assistance of the Baltimore Regional Warrant Fugitive Task Force, a team of officers from Baltimore Police, Baltimore County Police and Maryland State Police, to assist in the search for Jones.

Police began a search for Jones early this morning. After visiting several residences and gathering additional information, police found a van belonging to Jones outside the residence where the shooting occurred. Police contacted the homeowner by phone and were allowed access to the house. Police were also told the suspect was upstairs in the residence.

Police officers identified themselves verbally, displayed badges, and were wearing clothing emblazoned with the word “POLICE,” as they climbed the stairs to locate Jones. Jones came out of an upstairs room armed with a handgun and immediately began firing at police.

TFC Workman was at the bottom of the stairs and was struck once. Police officers returned fire, fatally wounding Jones. One of the police officers on the team was a paramedic and provided immediate emergency care to the wounded trooper and the accused. Medics arriving at the scene pronounced Jones dead.

TFC Workman is a decorated trooper, who has been with the Maryland State Police since 1997. In 1998 he received a certificate of recognition for saving a suicidal person on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and another for his outstanding work in a shooting investigation. In 2000, he was given the Commander’s Award for outstanding service. That same year, he was presented the Baker Award for Highway Safety. In 2005, he received a governor’s Citation for bravery, after disarming a knife wielding suspect he and another trooper were attempting to arrest.


####

20061213 Say It In Broken English

Say it in Broken English

December 13, 2006 by Kevin Dayhoff (668 words)

http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?pnpid=978&show=archivedetails&ArchiveID=1247802&om=1

I was watching the current TV series “Studio 60” when this column came to life. In the curious and paradoxical world of word associations, there was an oblique reference to Anita Pallenberg in the show.

Ms. Pallenberg was a protégée of the early “Rolling Stones” and Marianne Faithful; who cut one of my all time favorite albums, “Broken English,” in October 1979. (One song, “The Ballad Of Lucy Jordan," was used in Ridley Scott’s 1991 movie “Thelma and Louise.”)

In a later conversation with my wife (pray for my wife) I segued into the current discussions about the history of English as the predominant language in Carroll County. English speaking Europeans came to Carroll County slowly at first, but in the end it appears that the English speakers write the history books.

Before 1744, the predominant government in Carroll County was the Haudenosaunee Nation – the “Six Nations.” The Haudenosaunee played a key role in the evolution of American democracy and paradoxically, they are why we speak English today.

Much of our current way of life is owed to the heritage and legacy of the Haudenosaunee Nation. Several main roads in Carroll County have their beginnings as Haudenosaunee trading routes. And several towns in Carroll County - Patapsco for example - had their beginnings as Haudenosaunee settlements.

It was not until after the Treaty of the Six Nations was signed on July 4, 1744 with the Haudenosaunee Nation, and the dispute over the Mason-Dixon Line was settled in 1767 that settlers started to come here in greater numbers.

It was near present-day Linwood, that the first recorded structure in the territory was built around 1715 by John Steelman. In 1744, approximately 65 families lived in Carroll County.

The Treaty of Paris in 1763 signaled the end of the North American portion of a global war between France and England, the French and Indian War, 1754–63.

It was one of the last pieces of the puzzle enabling settlement in Carroll County with relative freedom from violence. The last piece, of course, was the American Revolution, 1775-83.

But the very first “settlers” were the Algonquians who arrived around 800 B.C. The original Algonquians divided into a number of distinct tribe-nations, which formed a multi-nation government under a constitution that dates to approximately August 31, 1142.

The Algonquians called themselves the “Haudenosaunee” meaning “People of the Longhouse” and their government was one of the first true participatory democracies in history. It also incorporated full political and leadership rights for women.

The French term for the Six Nations confederacy was “Iroquois.” The term is considered a racial slur by many Native-Americans. The original Carroll Countians spoke one of many dialects of the Algonquian-Wakashan linguistic family of North America.

The Six Nations consisted of “nation-states” made up from different areas governed by the Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, Cayugas, Senecas and the Tuscaroras. The Six Nations extended from Labrador to South Carolina.

Many historians to this day credit the multi-cultural and multi-lingual participatory democracy as exemplified by the Haudenosaunee Nation to be the inspiration for our nation’s founders’ ideas for our system of government.

Other historians have vigorously contested this theory as anecdotal and supposition. Read: history is written by the victorious. However, there is evidence, for example, that both Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson in particular used material delineated in a famous speech made by the great Haudenosaunee “sachem” (chief,) Canassatego, in 1744 at the signing of the Treaty of Six Nations.

In the Constitutional Convention of May through September, 1787, the basis for the “federal system” of government advocated by Messrs. Jefferson and Franklin was based on the Haudenosaunee system of government.

Today it is a paradox that for 75 percent of Carroll County’s history, we did not speak English. But to this day, the English speakers are (re)writing history.

And Marianne Faithful; four decades later, she is currently victorious over many personal challenges, living in Paris and enjoying yet another successful re-write of her singing and acting career – and performing in French.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

E-mail him at: kdayhoff AT carr.org

####

Often, when I consider the immigration discussions in Taneytown, I think of Marianne Faithfull’s “Say it in Broken English.” (I had the opportunity to see Marianne Faithful in Fells Point – quite a number of years ago and it sounded more like this.)


_____

Related:

Immigration Gumballs

This clip from the longer video, Immigration by the Numbers, features Roy Beck demonstrating the catastrophe of the huge numbers of both legal and illegal immigration by Third World people into the modern nations. He uses standard statistics and simple gumballs to show this disaster in the making.

Video was done by roy beck:

http://www.answers.com/topic/roy-beck

Full video on google:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5871651411393887069

####

"Five Easy Pieces"

20061212 MDA Secretary Lewis R Riley is retiring


Lewis R. Riley, Secretary of Agriculture, February 2003. Photo by Richard Lippenholz

Maryland Department of Agriculture Lewis R. Riley is retiring

December 13, 2006

My latest Tentacle column is up on The Tentacle web site: “Farmers' Friend Turning In Political Plow Shares.”

Farmers' Friend Turning In Political Plow Shares.”

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Maryland Department of Agriculture secretary Lewis R. Riley announced last week at the Maryland Farm Bureau Convention in Ocean City that he plans to retire in January.

In an interview with WTOP, secretary Riley cut to the chase; succinctly putting it, “I'll sum it up in two words: It's time.”…

As for his future plans, the secretary said, “I plan to become the hired hand now.”

Many will agree that the secretary will make one heck of a knowledgeable “hired hand.”

In a Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) press release, secretary Riley remarked, “I came out of retirement to serve under Governor (Robert L.) Ehrlich and I thank him for that opportunity. With so much accomplished for the benefit of agriculture in the past four years, I am eager to retire – once and for all – so that I can enjoy more time with my family and get back to working the land.”

Secretary Riley is certainly no stranger to agriculture and has worked tirelessly to make sure that agriculture remains the number one industry in Maryland.

Read the rest of the column here.

Kevin

Monday, December 11, 2006

“Le déjeuner des canotiers” Pierre Auguste Renoir 1881

“Le déjeuner des canotiers” Pierre Auguste Renoir 1881

http://twitpic.com/gxqc0
Dec 11, 2006 The family at “Le déjeuner des canotiers” Pierre Auguste Renoir 1881

From the family December 2006 Christmas card.

December 11, 2006

Kevin, Caroline and Evelyn had a fête galante attending the “Luncheon of the Boating Party” with friends of Pierre Auguste Renoir on a balcony of the Maison Fournaise along the Seine River in Chatou, France in 1881.

We went with Aline Charigot, a young seamstress, whom Mr. Renoir married in 1890. She is in the foreground playing with a small dog. Behind Kevin in the yellow hat is Alphonse Fournaise Jr., who was responsible for the boat rentals.

The woman leaning on the rail, wearing the yellow hat is Alphonsine Fournaise, the daughter of the proprietor. She is talking with a gentleman, whom we cannot see, who is the former mayor of Saigon, Baron Raoul Barbier.

Later he hit on Caroline. Not to worry, Caroline has had enough of mayors, she likes artists and writers. Seated in the chair with the yellow hat in the right-foreground, is fellow artist and close friend Gustave Caillebotte who is talking with Angèle, an actress, in the blue dress, and Maggiolo, an Italian journalist.

I did talk with him some later. He also likes semi-colons.

From right to left across the back is Jeanne Samary, an actress. She is wearing the blue dress and is behind Maggilo.

Hitting on Ms. Samary is the artist Paul Lhote and Eugène Pierre Lestringez, who is some sort of bureaucrat. All the way in the back, wearing the top hat is the editor of the Gazette des Beaux-Arts, Charles Ephrussi.

Editors are pretty cool and he was fun to talk with later. Here, he is talking with Jules Laforgue, wearing a brown coat and cap. He is a poet, critic, and Mr. Ephrussi’s personal secretary.

From the family December 2006 Christmas card. SDOSM 20061211 Xmas
September 5, 2009 UPDATE: http://twitpic.com/gxqc0 Dec 11, 2006 The family at “Le déjeuner des canotiers” Pierre Auguste Renoir 1881 http://tinyurl.com/kw3glb
****

Later in the summer, we all had a great week together at the beach in July 2006.

We greatly miss Dad, who died on August 22nd, 2006.

Evelyn really enjoyed her surprise 80th birthday party in October 2006.

Marian is busier than ever now that she has retired from teaching.

Ron is looking forward to retiring next year.

Bill and Trisch still love Alaska where Bill is selling real estate and Trisch is teaching.

Sarah has finished most of her seminary classes.

Frank and Rosa are getting married at Willis Street in May.

Marnie, Elizabeth and David III are all in college.

Jamie is looking at colleges for next year.

Melissa is a high school sophomore.
*****

Sunday, December 10, 2006

20061209 Is a new age of American Journalism by Mark Tapscott




December 9th, 2006

Tapscott's Copy Desk on Examiner.com
http://www.examiner.com/blogs/tapscotts_copy_desk

Mark Tapscott
[1] is a fellow Carroll Countian and the editorial page editor for the Washington Examiner.

On Mr. Tapscott’s blog, “
Tapscott’s Copy Desk,” he has quite an interesting post on the future of journalism, which makes for a worthwhile read:

Is a new golden age of American journalism right around the corner?


December 6, 5:36 PM

This may shock some but my answer to the question posed by the headline is an enthusiastic yes. The Internet has reduced the cost of publishing to virtually zero and made it possible for everybody with access to a computer to have their say on anything and everything.

When the creative energies of a bunch of people are given free rein - which by the way is essentially what the free market does on the economic side of life - good things happen. Innovative new products and services appear, problems are solved and opportunities created. There is no reason to think journalism is exempt from this process.

There are all kinds of fascinating new approaches to the gathering and reporting of news. Blogs, of course, represent the biggest expansion of publishing in the history of mankind and, while most of the estimated 55 million blogs now in existence are not devoted to the news, thousands of them are and the result is more news is being produced, sliced and diced and communicated than ever.


Read the rest here.

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[1] According to a brief bio on Mark Tapscott’s blog, “Tapscott’s Copy Desk,” “Mark Tapscott is editorial page editor of The Washington Examiner and tracks the internet revolution in media and government. He is a member of the National Freedom of Information Hall of Fame and a member of the Media Bloggers Association board of directors. He is also a founding member and host of NewsTrust.net, as well as a visiting journalism fellow at The Heritage Foundation think tank.”

Saturday, December 09, 2006

20061208 Carroll County government news episode no 1

http://carroll.granicus.com/ASX.php?view_id=2&clip_id=109&r=e3fcf7e660d396e624194c06708efffb&xp=y&intro=1&sn=carroll.granicus.com&sn=carroll.granicus.com

Chris Swam, media production specialist for Carroll County government has the first of what is billed as a weekly news broadcast up on the Carroll County government web site.

It is very informative, as matter of fact, a fun word that comes to mind, is “effusive.” I’m effusive about the news program and the idea of Carroll County government doing a news broadcast.

You may find it here.

Folks this is cutting edge stuff and Carroll County is to be applauded for doing it.

All too often in the past, news and activities of government was filtered by one or two local media outlets. All too often the emphasis was what went wrong and for those of us who have a good idea of what is going on; we only got part of the story and yes, from time-to-time, government was unfairly emphasized in a negative light. Gee, say it isn’t so.

Information dissemination systems such as this put citizens in touch with “primary source information”. This way we get information straight from the horse’s mouth and we are better informed as a result.

With more information dissemination systems like this, perhaps the local media may be better on their toes when certain news events are spun and slanted.

Covered this week is the swearing-in ceremony of the three Carroll County Commissioners last Monday, December 4th, 2006.

The “dog-chaining ordinance” was discussed by County attorney, Kim Millender.

The commissioners’ quadrennial organizational meeting was covered.

An upcoming public hearing for the county the “10 year Solid Waste Management Plan” was touched upon. The plan must be updated every three years, so that it is consistent with the County’s comprehensive plan...

Certainly one of the bright spots of the newscast was watching Vinnie Legge, bureau chief of solid waste management explain the upcoming the solid waste management plan hearings. Trust me; she is much more attractive than the director of public works, Mike Evans and Chris Swam, the media production specialist.

We would certainly like to see more video footage of Ms. Legge.

“Carroll County Design Expectations” was covered in depth. This was one of former Commissioner Perry Jones’ initiatives and the coverage of the design expectations was quite well done and very informative. Lots of great footage of Carroll County and excellent design ideas.

Also featured was a segment on William Powel being recognized with a “Lifetime Achievement Award,” by the “American Farmland Trust.” This is great for Mr. Powel to get the positive attention he so richly deserves for his 20-years of efforts preserving agricultural land in Carroll County.

I got a chuckle out of the “dictionary” segment of the program in which certain words and terms used frequently in current Carroll County news was covered. It was very informative. I had visions of Mr. Rogers or Big Bird being the anchor for this segment. Actually, county receptionist Kay Church would be excellent for this segment. Colorful, friendly and consummately in the customer service business; she would be a hoot – and quickly extend her legendary cult status.

The last segment was a mention of the “Neighbors in Need” holiday program sponsored by the Human Services Programs of Carroll County. This program helps less fortunate folks enjoy a great Christmas. If you can help with a donation, call: 410-857-2999.

(There is a good article on this in today’s Carroll County Times: “
Organization readying shop to help less-fortunate families through holidays,” by Karen Karaszkiewicz, Times Staff Writer. She is a new writer and this is her second article. It is quite informative. Looks like she came to the Times by way of theThe Digital Collegian,” up at Penn State and “The Record Herald” up in Waynesboro, Greencastle and Chambersburg area.)

Hopefully in the future, Carroll County government employees from throughout Carroll County government will be featured in the news broadcasts. Not the department heads or bureau chiefs, but the regular workers who work where the rubber meets the road and make things happen for all of us in Carroll County.

Carroll County is blessed with many great employees and we would like to put a face with the work and hear them explain their duties and share their pride for how well they get things accomplished.

Finally, I would love to see a very brief synopsis of the broadcast in print on the web to accompany each broadcast. In busy weeks, the synopsis could be sampled on the blog to attract attention to the broadcast and then I could hyperlink the reader to the news program.

Kevin

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