20061226 Three Kings by Major Z

Three Soldiers who spent Christmas at Walter Reed

December 27^th, 2006

Hat Tip: Black Five: “Major Z and the Three Kings”

http://www.blackfive.net/main/2006/12/major_z_and_the.html

Major Z, a Milblogger who writes at “From my Position… On the Way,” visited Walter Reed and writes about three soldiers he visited who were injured in Iraq.

One of the three is from Maryland:

Major Z writes:

“Our second King was injured when his right arm was crushed by a vehicle. Private First Class Stephen Hopkins is a medic in the Maryland National Guard. He was attached to the 324th Military Police Company…”

[…]

“…the true highlight was meeting three young men who were spending Christmas (and New Years, and probably Easter) on ward 57. I spent some time with each one, heard their stories…”

[…]

“They all agreed to let me publish their pictures and addresses with their story. Folks, these guys (and their families) are going to spend one of the greatest holidays in the worst places—because they served you and kept you safe. Please, take a little time this week and remember them, give thanks for them, and maybe even send them a card or a small gift. (It’s okay that it won’t reach them by Christmas, as long as it does reach them.)”

[…]

Read the rest of Major Z’s compelling and personal account of these three heroes here.

If you could take a moment of your time to send a card or a small Christmas gift – do not over-think it, for pity sake, anything and everything is appreciated – to a Marylander who went far away to a foreign land to defend freedom, and as a result, spent Christmas at Walter Reed, while we ate turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy; send it to:

PFC Stephen Hopkins

Room 5717 Ward 57

Walter Reed Amy Medical Center

6900 Georgia Ave. NW

Washington DC 20307

####

20061227 This is not Hobson

This is not Hobson

20061226 President Gerald Ford has died at 93 years old

According to Fox News Channel, former Pres. Gerald Rudolph Ford has passed away at age 93.

11:45 p.m., Tuesday, December 26^th, 2006

UPDATED 1 a.m., December 27^th, 2006 and 2 a.m., December 27^th, 2006

Bottom image - updated at 1 a.m., Wednesday, December 27^th, 2006 - from the Fox News Channel web site.

11:45 p.m., Tuesday, December 26th, 2006: It was just announced that former U.S. President Gerald Ford passed away at 93 years-old in California.

"Biography" Gerald Ford 4President 1976 TV Ad

He was born in Omaha Nebraska on July 14^th, 1913.

The announcement came on Fox News at approximately 11:45 p.m., December 26^th, 2006.

He was the longest living president in US history; having passed former President Ronald Reagan on November 26^th, 2006.

According to Fox News, a statement was released by his widow, First Lady Betty Ford, by way of the Eisenhower Medical Center, Bob Hope Drive, in Rancho Mirage, California, which said:

"My family joins me in sharing the difficult news that Gerald Ford, our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather has passed away at 93 years of age. His life was filled with love of God, his family and his country."

The cause of death was not released, although he was not an admitted patient at the time of death. Perhaps more details will be released later. He had been treated earlier at the Rancho Mirage hospital for pneumonia, last January 2006.

As recently as last August, he had been treated at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN for a heart condition.

He was first elected to the US House of Representatives in 1948, representing the Cedar Rapids area, in Michigan. He served in various leadership positions in the House up until he was named vice-president in 1973.

As the 40^th US vice-president, (December 6, 1973 – August 9, 1974,) he was the only un-elected vice-president in American history. President Richard Nixon chose him from a list of three of four candidates in 1973. The list was reported by Fox News to have included: former Texas governor John Connolly, Nelson Rockefeller and Ronald Reagan.

He replaced former Maryland governor and US vice-president Spiro Agnew, who had resigned on October 10, 1973. He had been caught-up in a scandal that began when he was Baltimore County executive, before he was elected governor of Maryland.

He was the 38^th and only un-elected president in our country’s history. He took office on August 9, 1974 and served until January 20, 1977.

His first act was to officially pardon former President Richard Nixon, which many historians say contributed to his election loss to President Jimmy Carter in 1976.

It was during his term in office that the Vietnam War ended with Saigon being over-run by Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces in April 1975.

He was well liked on both sides of the aisle. He was friendly, open and honest with the public and was known for liking media reporters. He was known to say that he had many adversaries but no enemies.

I’ll update this post after bit.

####

20061226 Senator McCain recently visited Ramadi

Senator McCain recently visited Ramadi

A Man of Character

December 26^th, 2006

Badger 6 has a short post about Arizona Sen. John McCain on Badgers Forward.

[…]

“Recently his visited Ramadi for a look around. He did not glad hand the troops and pose for pictures; he met with Lieutenant Colonels…”

[…]

“…His son just graduated from US Marine Corps basic training. Read this story in the WaPo. His son could soon be headed here as a rifleman…”

[…]

Read the rest here.

####

20061226 James Hooker sings about Hanging Out With The Boys

James Hooker sings about “Hanging Out With The Boys.”

December 26^th, 2006

Hat Tip: Mudville Gazette. The post from December 23, 2006 can be found here: “A Christmas Gift.”

…From James Hooker:

“I'm offering, to the troops, downloads my new album FREE until 1 Jan. 2007 over at my place. Homemade Sin Permalink to the post, which I've made a sticky, is HERE.”

For more information, go here: "at Hooker's."

“Hanging out with the Boys”

For all our brave men and women in uniform serving over in the sandbox. God Bless you for your service.

####

20061225 The Christmas Tree

The Christmas Tree

20061225 CSM Beyard says Merry Christmas from Kuwait

Command Sergeant Major Tom Beyard wishes folks a Merry Christmas.

December 25th, 2006

I called CSM Beyard in Kuwait late Christmas Day in the evening. By that time it was early Tuesday morning, December 26th, 2006.

I dialed the number and he picked up the phone.

“This is Command Sergeant Major Beyard.”

It was as simple as that. However he was busy and we did not spend a long time on the phone. The telephone connection was good, but there was a great deal of activity on Tom’s end and he had a hard time hearing us at times.

My brother-in-law, a retired U.S. Army Colonel had a chance to extend best wishes and thanks. The Colonel asked him what he needed and Tom answered “coffee,” right away.

“We drink a lot of coffee… and finding good coffee is hard…,” Tom said.

He wished everyone home a Merry Christmas.

So, as I keyboard, coffee is wrapped in a box to go out in the mail Tuesday morning.

My wife is going to take it into the Post Office first thing in the morning. I have heard reports that filling out the paperwork to ship packages to the troops in the Middle East is a chore. Please let that not be the case. I’ll post an update as soon as I get a report from my wife.

Sooo, we now know he needs coffee.

Everyone has an empty shoe box lying around the house. I just grabbed an empty shoe box and threw a can of coffee in it with a few “Westminster” things lying around for “packing” and taped it shut and addressed it. It took only minutes.

The address is:

CSM Thomas Beyard
TF AVCRAD 06-08
Camp Arifjan, Kuwait
APO AE 09366

Kevin, December 25th, 2006

20061225 The Sudoku Players

The Sudoku Players

The Sudoku Players

The Sudoku Players

December 25, 2006 by Kevin Dayhoff

Dayhoff Daily Photoblog

20061225 The Sudoku Players

The Smurf Family Mrs Owl

Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

20061224 Christmas Eve Service at Grace Lutheran Church

20061224 Christmas Eve Service at Grace Lutheran Church

20061222 Merry Ice Cream

Merry Ice Cream

20061222 Merry Ice Cream

Merry Ice Cream

20061223 Do Robots Dream of Electric Sheep?

Do Robots Dream of Electric Sheep?

December 23^rd, 2006

According to the December 20^th, 2006 “Political Grapevine” by Fox News’ Brit Hume’s “Special Report,” robots in the future will want human rights.

Human Rights?

And a report commissioned by the British government's chief scientist says that robots may have to be given human rights one day. The report called "Robo-Rights — Utopian Dream or Rise of the Machines?" says that if machines are given artificial intelligence, they could provide a tremendous boost to productivity — and might eventually pay taxes and serve in the military.

But they also may end up wanting rights of their own — such as voting, welfare, and "robo-healthcare to fix the machines over time." And it says these rights would invariably clash with the property rights of their owners.

—FOX News Channel's Martin Hill contributed to this report.

20061220 CSM Beyard Greetings from Kuwait

CSM Beyard Greetings from Kuwait

December 20^th, 2006

Command Sergeant Major Thomas B. Beyard, aka Westminster Planning and Public Works Director says “Merry Christmas” from Task Force AVCRAD, Patton Army Air Force Field, Kuwait, December 2006.

Cards and “stuff” (1) from home can be sent to CSM Beyard (2) at:

CSM Thomas Beyard
Command Sergeant Major
TF AVCRAD 06-08
Camp Arifjan, Kuwait
APO AE 09366

And oh - - CSM Beyard shared in a recent e-mail:

“Last Monday, BG Patricia McQuistion, CG of AMC-FWD-SWA and Diretor of Operational Sustainment for U.S. Army CENTCOM, presented our commander, me and the soldiers of our unit with the Third Army combat patch to wear on the right sleeve of our uniform.”

“Third Army is also known as Patton's Army, in honor of WWII General George Patton and the success of Third Army in contributing to the liberation of Europe from the Nazis. Third Army was one of the most successful large units of that era. When the patch was presented, BG McQuistion said ‘Patton's Own’ and each soldier said ‘Always First’ ”

####

PS: My latest Tentacle column is up and it addresses folks serving in uniform in Iraq and Afghanistan:

Wednesday, December 20, 2006, “An Uneasy Truce” by Kevin E. Dayhoff

Christmas is within a week and my thoughts and prayers go out to the men and women in uniform who are deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Read the rest here.

---

(1) From a 2003 list that I have handy, things to send are: baby wipes with Aloe, bar soap, deodorant, foot cream, foot powder, sun block, chapstick, disposable razors, shaving cream, hand lotion, q-tips, batteries, fans, insect repellent, paper, pens, envelopes, stamps, nuts, beef jerky, hard candy, gum, snacks and powdered drinks.

I have also read and heard that magazines, tootsie rolls, cookies and baked goods, coffee, tea, sugar, and creamer. Do not worry about collecting a bunch of stuff for a large package. Send little packages often.

Be sure to enclose a note to say who it is from. If/when you wrap something for shipping, wrap it in a recent local paper for folks to read. Folks like Tom are fairly voracious readers.

For those who may have a better idea as to what to send, please read over the list and make suggestions, additions, deletions or corrections in comments or e-mail. Once I have a better list… I’ll post it separately.

(2) Tom has said in several e-mails that he doesn’t need anything… Oh so typical Tom… Whatever. But knowing Tom, he will share with other soldiers…

#### ####

20061220 I’ll blog for food

“I’ll blog for food.”

Bloggers Must Disclose Sponsored Posts

The Examiner is carrying an Associated Press piece in today’s paper: Technology: “Bloggers Must Disclose Sponsored Posts.”

My initial reaction was, “Well Duh!” Good grief; of course a blogger must disclose for pity sake. This is a no-brainer. This kind of stuff in the blogosphere makes my head hurt.

In the interest of full disclosure, I only wish I had this problem, but I don’t.

I’ll disclose right here and right now, that my blogs, “Soundtrack Division of Old Silent Movies” and “Kevin Dayhoff.com” and the “New Bedford Herald” are all supported by wife making me step-away from the keyboard from time to time at which time she will feed me spaghetti, yogurt, or macaroni and cheese or we’ll go out to eat.

In other words, “I’ll blog for food” and be more than happy to disclose…

Cheese blintzes or potato latkes are always welcome. I’ll blog “Lady Chatterley’s Lover,” along with going on trial for writing it and defend myself against Kate Millet for steak and eggs and grits - - lots of grits. Throw in some southern sweet iced tea and I’ll keyboard in the rain to write “Rain” and only wish I got paid as well as Somerset Maugham. I’ll take my chances with “The Lottery” for a grilled cheese sandwich. I’ll write (and of course, disclose) most anything ya want for rice pudding. I’ll keyboard “Heart of Darkness” from experience for ice cream.

Yep folks, it is all about food. And yes I’ll disclose.

Oh, the Winchester Report is a blog for which I am paid by the Westminster Eagle, a Patuxent Publishing paper, which is owned by Tribune. A point of which I can only imagine is obvious since it is hosted on the paper’s web site…

I could not agree more with the comment by David Sifry, the founder Technorati. See it below.

Bloggers Must Disclose Sponsored Posts

http://www.examiner.com/a-467462~Bloggers_Must_Disclose_Sponsored_Posts.html

By ANICK JESDANUN, The Associated Press Dec 20, 2006 1:26 PM

NEW YORK - A company that helps advertisers connect with bloggers willing to write about their products for payment will now require disclosures amid criticism and a regulatory threat.

[…]

David Sifry, founder of the blog search site Technorati, praised PayPerPost's move.

"Overall, this is an encouraging and long-awaited change," he said. "I think that people have learned that without trust, all posts become suspect. ... By encouraging honesty and transparency in sponsored posts, PayPerPost adds (some) clarity to the waters they muddied when they launched six months ago."

[…]

Read the rest here.

####

20061220 ScrappleFace has exclusive video of Zawahiri

ScrappleFace has exclusive video of Zawahiri

ScrappleFace has exclusive video of Zawahiri wishing us a Merry Christmas

http://www.scrappleface.com/?p=2442

December 20th, 2006

ScrappleFace, the source of all news worth our time, has released an exclusive video of Ayman al-Zawahiri, al Qaeda’s second-in-command, wishing us a Merry Christmas. He also treats us to a Bible lesson. He even quotes from my favorite book in the Bible, “Romans.”

Meanwhile, wouldn’t it be wonderful if it were true? As a paradox, one could only imagine how many more converts to Islam would happen if they took the path of peace rather than the sword?

It is must see video…

Al Qaeda No. 2 Releases Christmas Video by Scott Ott

(2006-12-20) — Ayman al-Zawahiri, al Qaeda’s second-in-command, today released his Christmas video through Al Jazeera TV.



####

20061220 ScrappleFace has exclusive video of Zawahiri

ScrappleFace has exclusive video of Zawahiri wishing us a Merry Christmas

ScrappleFace, the source of all news worth our time, has released an exclusive video of Ayman al-Zawahiri, al Qaeda’s second-in-command, wishing us a Merry Christmas. He also treats us to a Bible lesson. He even quotes from my favorite book in the Bible, “Romans.”

Meanwhile, wouldn’t it be wonderful if it were true? As a paradox, one could only imagine how many more converts to Islam would happen if they took the path of peace rather than the sword?

It is must see video…

Al Qaeda No. 2 Releases Christmas Video by Scott Ott

(2006-12-20) — Ayman al-Zawahiri, al Qaeda’s second-in-command, today released his Christmas video through Al Jazeera TV.



####

20061220 MACo designates interim leadership

Board Names Interim President & 1 st VP

http://www.mdcounties.org/publications/ctnews.cfm

December 20th, 2006

On December 11th, 2006, the Maryland Association of Counties announced the designation of an interim president and 1st vice-president:

As a result of Board turnover due to elections and voluntary decisions, the five Officer positions for MACo became vacant. Consistent with the MACo By-Laws the Board designated an interim President[1] and 1st Vice President to serve until the Winter Conference business meeting at which time Officer and Board positions will be filled.

Frederick County Commissioner Jan Gardner was designated Interim President with Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith designated as 1 st Vice President.

The Board has nominated them to continue in these roles for the year following the Winter Conference.

Also nominated for Officer positions were:

Effie M. Elzey, Dorchester County - 2nd Vice President Wilson H. Parran, Calvert County - Secretary David R. Craig, Harford County – Treasurer

Nominees for the remaining positions on the Board are: Robert M. Hutcheson, Allegany County Cathleen M. Vitale, Anne Arundel County Rochelle “Rikki” Spector, Baltimore City Wayne Cooper, Charles County Frederick A. Holliday, Garrett County Kenneth Ulman, Howard County Marilyn J. Praisner, Montgomery County David Harrington, Prince George's County Thomas A. Mattingly, St. Mary's County Thomas G. Duncan, Talbot County

Contact David S. Bliden
Maryland Association of Counties

####

[1] 20061210 Past Presidents of the Maryland Association of Counties:

http://www.mdcounties.org/about/past_presidents.cfm
1951 - U. Grant Hooper - Frederick County1952 - U. Grant Hooper - Frederick County1953 - Paul M. Widdownson, Sr. - Wicomico County1954 - Walter V. Bennett - Carroll County1955 - J. Thomas Kibler - Kent County1956 - Ralph L. Lowman - Anne Arundel County1957 - Thomas N. Kay - Cecil County1958 - Herbert W. Reichelt - Prince George’s County1959 - Joseph G. Harrison - Worcester County1960 - Delbert S. Null - Frederick County1961 - H. T. Slaughter - Talbot County1962 - Christian Kahl - Baltimore County1963 - Wade H. Insley, Jr. - Wicomico County1963 - Leslie H. Evans - Wicomico County1964 - Jesse S. Baggett - Prince George’s County1965 - John W. Eveland - Caroline County1966 - Francis J. Crawford - Carroll County1967 - David C. Racine - Cecil County1968 - Evan Crossley - Washington County1969 - Ray F. Redden - Worcester County1970 - Dale Anderson - Baltimore County1971 - Douglas M. Sullivan - Talbot County1972 - Charles E. Miller - Howard County1973 - Lewis R. Riley - Wicomico County1974 - John H. O’Neill - Harford County1975 - C. Bernard Fowler - Calvert County1976 - S. Glyn Edwards - Kent County1977 - Leonard W. Dayton - Dorchester County1978 - Francis B. Francois- Prince George’s County1979 - Burton R. Hoffman - Washington County1980 - William Donald Schaefer - Baltimore City1981 - James F. Dent - Charles County1982 - Leonard E. Smith - Queen Anne’s County1983 - John W. O’Rourke - Baltimore County1984 - Esther P. Gelman - Montgomery County1985 - Edwin D. McGee - Somerset County1986 - J. Hugh Nichols - Howard County1986 - George R. Aud - St. Mary’s County1986 - Frank J. Hutchins - Harford County1986 - Parris N. Glendening-Prince George’s County1987 - Parris N. Glendening-Prince George’s County1988 - Maureen Lamb - Anne Arundel County1989 - John G. Braskey - Garrett County1990 - K. Bennett Bozman - Worcester County1991 - Frank P. Casula - Prince George’s County1992 - C. Vernon Gray - Howard County 1993 - Henry S. Parker - Wicomico County1994 - Julia W. Gouge - Carroll County1995 - Rochelle “Rikki” Spector - Baltimore City1996 - C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger - Baltimore County1997 - Clinton S. Bradley - Talbot County1998 - Joanne S. Parrott - Harford County1999 - Murray D. Levy - Charles County2000 - Terre R. Rhoderick - Frederick County2001 - Marvin F. Wilson - Prince George’s County2002 - Clarence I. Laird - Somerset County2003 - Marilyn J. Praisner - Montgomery County 2004 - James M. Harkins - Harford County 2005 - Nelson Bolender, Cecil County

20061219 Brinkley named General Assembly Minority Leader

Brinkley named General Assembly Minority Leader.

Brinkley joins previously named Minority Whip in two top Republican leadership positions in the Maryland General Assembly

This is good news for Howard, Frederick and Carroll Counties.

December 19^th, 2006

Please see my previous post on new leadership for the Republican Party in the Maryland General Assembly: “20061206 Senator Allan Kittleman named Minority Whip”

And for additional, in depth background, read the September 22, 2006 article by Tom Dennison, writing for the Gazette, “Both Democratic and Republican Senate caucuses brace for change.”

_____

Senator Allan H. Kittleman, (R) Dist. 9, Carroll and Howard Cos. e-mailed me very early this morning to say that “the Senate Republicans elected (Senator) David Brinkley (Carroll and Frederick Cos.) to be the Minority Leader… I wanted to make sure that you were aware of this development. As you know, I will be serving as the Minority Whip for the 2007 Session.”

Meanwhile we will continue to look forward to leadership from the former Majority Leader and Minority Whip, Senator J. Lowell Stoltzfus (R-Dist. 38) of Westover and Senator Andrew P. Harris, (R) Dist. 7, Baltimore and Harford Cos.

Not only is this a great decision for all of Maryland, it also means that the Carroll County Delegation to Annapolis has among its contingent, two leadership positions in the Maryland General Assembly.

This is great news for Howard, Frederick and Carroll Counties.

Congratulations go out to Senators Brinkley and Kittleman.

####

20061216 All I want for Christmas are Potato or Cheese Latkes

All I want for Christmas are Potato or Cheese Latkes

December 16th, 2006 - - posted December 17th, 2006

Alright, I’ll take a couple of

cheese blintzes.

Then again, what I really want is steak and eggs and grits – but don’t tell my primary care physician, he would disapprove… Whatever.

Okay. Okay - - What I really really really want - - is a hippopotamus for Christmas.[1]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7xjjlUbpJ4


"Dayhoff’s" Potato Latkes[2]

4 large potatoes
1 medium onion
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons Matzo meal, corn meal, or flour
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
sour cream, and/or sugar

Peel potatoes and onion and grate in long strips.
Mix potato and onion with egg, meal, and salt.
Add some diced jalepeño peppers to the batter

Heat oil in a 10" pan over medium heat until it is quite hot. Drop 1-2 tablespoons of the potato mixture onto the pan per pancake. Turn once to allow both sides to fry.

Serve with sour cream, and/or sugar as a topping.

"Dayhoff’s" Cheese Latkes[3]

3 eggs 1 cup milk 1 cup cottage cheese, drained 1 1/2 cups flour 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 5 Tbsps. sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1/2 cup oil for frying

Heat 1/2 cup oil in a skillet. Using a large spoon, drop the batter into hot oil. Fry 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until lightly browned. Continue until batter is used up, adding oil when necessary.

The latkes may be served topped with sour cream, applesauce, or maple syrup.

Adding some of Stephanie Dray’s spiced walnuts is optional.

I’ll be more than happy to share them with Bruce and David.

####

[1] I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas

Words and music by John Rox

performed by Gayla Peevey (1953)

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
Don't want a doll, no dinky Tinker Toy
I want a hippopotamus to play with and enjoy

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
I don't think Santa Claus will mind, do you?
He won't have to use our dirty chimney flue
Just bring him through the front door,
that's the easy thing to do

I can see me now on Christmas morning
creeping down the stairs
Oh what joy and what surprise
when I open up my eyes
to see a hippo hero standing there

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
No crocodiles, no rhinoceroses
I only like hippopotamuses
And hippopotamuses like me too

Mom says the hippo would eat me up, but then
Teacher says a hippo is a vegeterian

There's lots of room for him in our two-car garage
I'd feed him there and wash him there and give him his massage

I can see me now on Christmas morning,
creeping down the stairs
Oh what joy and what surprise
when I open up my eyes
to see a hippo hero standing there

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
No crocodiles or rhinoceroseses
I only like hippopotamuseses
And hippopotamuses like me too!

[2] Oh for pity sake, of course it isn’t my original recipe. I haven’t a clue as to where I got them. Go away while I’m eating or I’ll send Judah Maccabee after you. If either recipe is yours, e-mail me and I’ll give ya credit. All I wanna do is eat latkes.

[3] See footnote number 2, although this recipe was excerpted from Spice and Spirit, The Complete Kosher Jewish Cookbook, published by Lubavitch Women's Cookbook Publications

20061217 Who is Virginia Senator-elect James Webb

20061217 Who is Virginia Senator-elect James Webb

Who is Virginia Senator-elect James Webb

December 17, 2007

Virginia Senator-elect James Webb (D) gives a thumbs up sign to supporters as he arrives at Bailey's Elementary School to vote. (Alex Wong -- Getty Images)

View More Photos»

New Faces

James H. Webb Jr. (D)

James Webb (D) defeated incumbent Sen. George Allen (R) by 9,329 votes.

Remark By Webb Arouses Passions: Exchange With Bush Further Polarizes Supporters, Critics (Post, December 2, 2006, Page B01)

In Following His Own Script, Webb May Test Senate's Limits (Post, November 29, 2006, Page A01)

Va. Makes It Official: Victory Is Webb's: Tally Shows Allen Lost by 9,329 Votes (Post, November 28, 2006, Page B01)

Lieberman a Wild Card in Iraq Policy: Senator Says Bipartisan Effort Is Needed for a Successful End (Post, November 13, 2006, Page A04)

Webb May Be Senate Maverick: Newest Member Expected to Take Antiwar Lead (Post, November 12, 2006, Page C01)

Democrats Take Control of Senate As Allen Concedes to Webb in Va.: Victor Vows New Approach To Iraq War (Post, November 10, 2006, Page A01)

VIRGINIA: Webb's Small Lead Holding Up As 'Senator-Elect' Starts Staffing (Post, November 9, 2006, Page A01)

For 3rd Candidate, a Moral Victory: No Way to Know How Gail Parker Affected High-Stakes Election (Post, November 9, 2006, Page A50)

Virginia Senate Race Too Close to Call: Webb Has Slim Lead but Allen Will Wait for Official Tally (Post, November 8, 2006; 12:42 PM)

VIRGINIA: Webb Has a Slim Edge Over Allen, But Recount Likely (Post, November 8, 2006, Page A01)

WHAT'S NEXT: 2 Camps Prepare for Numbers Battle (Post, November 8, 2006, Page A45)

U.S. SENATE RACE: High-Wattage Politicians Help Allen, Webb Wrap Up (Post, November 7, 2006, Page B02)

Webb: Democrats Will Take Back House, Senate (Post, November 6, 2006; 3:52 PM)

Allen and Webb Head For a Frenzied Finish: Candidates Make Last Dash to Woo Voters (Post, November 5, 2006, Page C08)

Allen and Webb Scramble To Break Voter Traditions: Military, Black Voters May Swap Loyalties (Post, November 4, 2006, Page B01)

Vitriol Fills the Air and Airwaves as Allen and Webb Battle On: Amid the Fray, Both Sides Eye Possibility of Recount (Post, November 3, 2006, Page B02)

Webb's Wife Steps Into Onstage Role, Denouncing Criticism of Va. Candidate: Hong Le Webb Denounces Criticism of Va. Candidate (Post, November 3, 2006, Page B05)

Webb and Allen Hit the Issues: With Help From Their Elders, Candidates Stay on Topic (Post, November 2, 2006, Page B05)

Vote on Senate Nears After Tumultuous Campaign: Controversies Bury the Issues In Final Months (Post, November 2, 2006, Page VA20)

Gazing Deep Into the Campaign Crystal Ball (Post, November 2, 2006, Page VA23)

Allen, Webb Camps Shift Focus to Turnout: Strategies Aim to Ensure Their Backers Vote (Post, October 31, 2006, Page B05)

On Transportation, Allen and Webb Share Views: Va. Senate Candidates Seek Metro Extension, Easing of Toll Road Construction (Post, October 30, 2006, Page B01)

Webb Defends Novels Against Attacks: Allen Has Crossed a 'Line That Should Never Be Crossed,' Candidate Says (Post, October 29, 2006, Page C06)

Allen Blasts Webb Novels For Sex Scenes: Veteran Says Works Reflect Trauma of War (Post, October 28, 2006, Page A01)

Va. Senate Candidates: James Webb: Defiant Iraq War Foe Defined by Vietnam (Post, October 27, 2006, Page A01)

Read More About James Webb »

20061217 Who is Virginia Senator-elect James Webb

20061217 Who is Virginia Senator-elect James Webb

Who is Virginia Senator-elect James Webb

December 17, 2007

Virginia Senator-elect James Webb (D) gives a thumbs up sign to supporters as he arrives at Bailey's Elementary School to vote. (Alex Wong -- Getty Images)

View More Photos»

New Faces

James H. Webb Jr. (D)

James Webb (D) defeated incumbent Sen. George Allen (R) by 9,329 votes.

Remark By Webb Arouses Passions: Exchange With Bush Further Polarizes Supporters, Critics (Post, December 2, 2006, Page B01)

In Following His Own Script, Webb May Test Senate's Limits (Post, November 29, 2006, Page A01)

Va. Makes It Official: Victory Is Webb's: Tally Shows Allen Lost by 9,329 Votes (Post, November 28, 2006, Page B01)

Lieberman a Wild Card in Iraq Policy: Senator Says Bipartisan Effort Is Needed for a Successful End (Post, November 13, 2006, Page A04)

Webb May Be Senate Maverick: Newest Member Expected to Take Antiwar Lead (Post, November 12, 2006, Page C01)

Democrats Take Control of Senate As Allen Concedes to Webb in Va.: Victor Vows New Approach To Iraq War (Post, November 10, 2006, Page A01)

VIRGINIA: Webb's Small Lead Holding Up As 'Senator-Elect' Starts Staffing (Post, November 9, 2006, Page A01)

For 3rd Candidate, a Moral Victory: No Way to Know How Gail Parker Affected High-Stakes Election (Post, November 9, 2006, Page A50)

Virginia Senate Race Too Close to Call: Webb Has Slim Lead but Allen Will Wait for Official Tally (Post, November 8, 2006; 12:42 PM)

VIRGINIA: Webb Has a Slim Edge Over Allen, But Recount Likely (Post, November 8, 2006, Page A01)

WHAT'S NEXT: 2 Camps Prepare for Numbers Battle (Post, November 8, 2006, Page A45)

U.S. SENATE RACE: High-Wattage Politicians Help Allen, Webb Wrap Up (Post, November 7, 2006, Page B02)

Webb: Democrats Will Take Back House, Senate (Post, November 6, 2006; 3:52 PM)

Allen and Webb Head For a Frenzied Finish: Candidates Make Last Dash to Woo Voters (Post, November 5, 2006, Page C08)

Allen and Webb Scramble To Break Voter Traditions: Military, Black Voters May Swap Loyalties (Post, November 4, 2006, Page B01)

Vitriol Fills the Air and Airwaves as Allen and Webb Battle On: Amid the Fray, Both Sides Eye Possibility of Recount (Post, November 3, 2006, Page B02)

Webb's Wife Steps Into Onstage Role, Denouncing Criticism of Va. Candidate: Hong Le Webb Denounces Criticism of Va. Candidate (Post, November 3, 2006, Page B05)

Webb and Allen Hit the Issues: With Help From Their Elders, Candidates Stay on Topic (Post, November 2, 2006, Page B05)

Vote on Senate Nears After Tumultuous Campaign: Controversies Bury the Issues In Final Months (Post, November 2, 2006, Page VA20)

Gazing Deep Into the Campaign Crystal Ball (Post, November 2, 2006, Page VA23)

Allen, Webb Camps Shift Focus to Turnout: Strategies Aim to Ensure Their Backers Vote (Post, October 31, 2006, Page B05)

On Transportation, Allen and Webb Share Views: Va. Senate Candidates Seek Metro Extension, Easing of Toll Road Construction (Post, October 30, 2006, Page B01)

Webb Defends Novels Against Attacks: Allen Has Crossed a 'Line That Should Never Be Crossed,' Candidate Says (Post, October 29, 2006, Page C06)

Allen Blasts Webb Novels For Sex Scenes: Veteran Says Works Reflect Trauma of War (Post, October 28, 2006, Page A01)

Va. Senate Candidates: James Webb: Defiant Iraq War Foe Defined by Vietnam (Post, October 27, 2006, Page A01)

Read More About James Webb »

20061215 Westminster Workers reopen West Green St

Workers reopen West Green St

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PDN1Yv9R-Q

December 15th, 2006

In the top picture, the first cars travel freely on West Green Street in Westminster, minutes after it was reopened early Friday evening, December 15th, 2006.

Westminster Street Department workers (LtoR) Wayne Reifsnider, Danny Schaffer, Larry Simpson and Alan Miller wrap-up the finishing touches on the crosswalk at Cover Lane and West Green Street just before the first phase of the $2.2 million project reopened December 15th, 2006 just as Westminster Mayor Tom Ferguson promised.

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20061214 CC Board of Commissioners Open Session

CC Board of Commissioners Open Session

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NITuFssHO5k

Posted December 17, 2006

I stopped by the open session portion of the Carroll County Board of Commissioners meetings last Thursday, December 14th, 2006. In the movie please see Commissioners Mike Zimmer, Julia Walsh Gouge and Dean Minnich listen as Constellation representative Mike Fowler updates the commissioners on electricity upgrades in the county.

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