20070122 I Hate Snow

I hate Snow

January 22, 2007

Find stories here about the four-letter word, “Snow,” here and here.

Whatever. I wish I were here.

Kevin

####

20070122 Carroll County Public Schools will open two hours late

Carroll County Public Schools will open two hours late.

Monday, January 22nd, 2007

http://carrollk12.org/

73 Closings/Delays Have Been Reported.

For a complete list of school, business and event closings - go here.

####

20070118 Dr. Robert Wack cited as Carroll Hospital Center Physician of the Month

Westminster Eagle News briefs 01/19/07 Wack cited as Carroll's Physician of the Month

Robert Wack, M.D., director of hospital-based pediatrics at Carroll Hospital Center, was selected as the hospital's Physician of the Month for December.

Affiliated with Carroll Hospital for nine years, Wack is also a member of the Westminster Common Council. He was nominated for the hospital honor by a fellow physician.

Each month, Carroll Hospital Center recognizes the patient care achievements of physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and certified nurse anesthetists.

For information on how to nominate a Carroll Hospital Center employee, call 410-871-6899.

http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?pnpid=978&show=archivedetails&ArchiveID=1242153&om=1

20070111 CBS most Negative on Iraq Plan according to Newsbusters

CBS Most Negative on Iraq Plan, Clinton Got Bigger Bounce in Midst of Lewinsky Scandal – Analysis for Newsbusters by by Brent Baker on January 11, 2007 - 21:08: http://newsbusters.org/node/10118

January 18^th, 2007

Although I can be sure that the analysis of Brent Baker as posted on Newsbusters is no surprise to most “Soundtrack” readers, it is nevertheless remarkable that such bias persists…

It has been said in sardonic jest, but nevertheless one suggestion for the president, in order to get some support for our efforts in Iraq, is to switch parties.

For my thoughts please read my Tentacle column from January 17, 2007, "NUTS!"

“Last Thursday President George W. Bush addressed the nation with his long awaited "New Way Forward in Iraq."

The war has not gone well in the last year. Back benchers and Monday-morning quarterbacks are all full of themselves saying "I told ya so;" however, the second definition of war is unintended and unpredicted consequences of the best laid plans.

History is replete with examples of wars and conflicts in which there were enormous set-backs, lapses of intelligence and dark days. In the end, as long as Congress and our nation's leadership maintained their resolve, America prevailed.

Thank goodness the prophets of doom did not pull us out of World War II after the mistakes of Kasserine Pass; or the Battle of the Bulge - one of the American military's greatest failures in intelligence, not overlooking Pearl Harbor. Fortunately we learned from our mistakes, adjusted our approach and in the end, prevailed.

At the drumbeat of hints, threats and suggestions that Congress simply deny the troops in the field - and our president - funding for the effort, many have conjured-up vague revisionist historical references to the Vietnam War with no memory of the consequences. It is estimated that two million more subsequently died in Indochina.

In that conflict the duty and sacrifice of our military was abandoned for political expedience. The North Vietnamese knew they could not win on the battlefield and went for the political solution successfully. A lesson which is not lost on those who wish us defeat in Iraq.

Meanwhile as far as media bias, Mr. Baker said, in part:

Coverage all day Thursday on the cable news networks, as well as on the ABC and NBC evening newscasts, emphasized negative reaction to President Bush's plan for a “surge” of troops into Iraq.

But the CBS Evening News delivered a markedly more negative presentation, even managing to raise Watergate and Monica Lewinsky.

Katie Couric led: “If the early reaction to President Bush's new Iraq strategy is any indication, selling the American public on it could be a mission impossible.” She soon added: “The reviews of the speech last night were largely negative from the American public and Congress.”

[…]

Coverage all day Thursday on the cable news networks, as well as on the ABC and NBC evening newscasts, emphasized negative reaction to President Bush's plan for a “surge” of troops into Iraq. But the CBS Evening News delivered a markedly more negative presentation, even managing to raise Watergate and Monica Lewinsky. Katie Couric led: “If the early reaction to President Bush's new Iraq strategy is any indication, selling the American public on it could be a mission impossible.” She soon added: “The reviews of the speech last night were largely negative from the American public and Congress.”

Gloria Borger checked in with how Bush “sparked a bipartisan rebellion on Capitol Hill" as “some of the harshest criticism came from his own party." Couric then went to Bob Schieffer who, citing a CBS News poll showing no move in the public attitude toward Bush on Iraq, suggested “you really have to go back to Vietnam and Watergate to find presidential speeches on television that didn't give the President at least a little bump in the polls.”

Schieffer recalled how “in the middle of the Monica Lewinsky scandal, Bill Clinton went on television to give his State of the Union address. Even in the midst of that scandal, Mr. Clinton went up 16 points in the polls.

Going on prime time TV and nothing changes, that is fairly extraordinary, Katie." Next, Couric characterized as “out of the ordinary” the “response the President got today from a usually receptive audience,” soldiers at Fort Benning. Jim Axelrod offered a dour assessment of the mood of the troops: “Even rallying the troops is now a challenge. The mood here was polite but muted, more somber than usual for a President talking to soldiers.”

Neither the ABC or NBC evening newscast stories on Thursday offered any such downbeat evaluation of the attitude of the troops toward Bush.

Read the rest of the Mr. Baker’s analysis here: CBS Most Negative on Iraq Plan, Clinton Got Bigger Bounce in Midst of Lewinsky Scandal

####

20070117 Text of Maryland Governor Martin O'Malleys inaugural add

Text of Martin O'Malley's inaugural address

http://www.examiner.com/a-513376~Text_of_Martin_O_Malley_s_inaugural_address.html

The Associated Press, Jan 17, 2007 1:41 PM

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - The text of the inaugural address delivered Wednesday by Gov. Martin O'Malley:

Thank you, Sen. Mikulski, for your kind introduction. I would like to begin by thanking my wife Katie and our children Grace, Tara, William and Jack. You make everything possible. And I love you very much.

To our Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, it has been one of the great pleasures of this last year getting to know you, Patricia and your children - and I look forward to serving the people of our state together.

To my mom and brothers and sisters - thank you so much for everything. I know, in a sense, Dad is here too.

To Joe and Barbara Curran - your decency and your kindness have set a standard for public service in our state, and I could not ask for better in-laws.

To Washington Mayor Adrian Fenty - I look forward to improving our region together. To Gov. and Mrs. Ehrlich - thank you for your service to the state of Maryland.

To Senate President Mike Miller and Speaker Mike Busch and the other members of the General Assembly gathered here today - we have a lot of work to do together, and thank you for your leadership in getting us off to a good start. Thank you, as well, to the other public officials here today.

My fellow Marylanders, thank you for coming together today to mark a new day in Maryland. And thank you for the work we will do together to make our state stronger. Stronger, together, as One Maryland.

One Maryland united by our belief in the dignity of every individual. One Maryland united by our responsibility to advance the common good. One Maryland united in our understanding that there is a unity to spirit and matter, and that what we chose to do in our own lifetimes does matter.

Today, with great humility and resolve, we gather on the steps of our historic State House where, in 1783, Gen. George Washington resigned his command of the Continental Army.

He willingly turned over his sword of command and submitted to the collective will and wisdom of the representative democracy of his neighbors and countrymen. Willingly pledged his allegiance to a system of governance whose very survival depends on our respect for one another depends on the virtue of compromise. Depends - in every generation - on our ability to find common ground to advance the common good.

At a time marked by great peril and great possibility, General Washington - Citizen Washington - opened another chapter of the American Revolution, here in Maryland, by choosing a better, stronger future.

My friends, like Washington, we find ourselves living here in Maryland during another time marked by peril and possibility.

Some of the perils we face - budget deficits, polluted waters, drug addiction and crumbling infrastructure - are of our own recent making. Other perils, like global warming, the global economy, global terrorism and global migration, are powered by additional forces - many of which are seemingly beyond our reach. But all of these perils demand that we take responsibility to defend and to advance our common good.

We have choices to make, as One Maryland. Choices about our shared future. Choices between the perils and possibilities of our present. Already possessing the strength, we must now find again the will - the will to make a better, stronger future for our children and theirs.

For against the peril of terrorist threat and the incessant foreign chemical attacks of cocaine and heroin, we have the possibility of improving our homeland security efforts, making our port a leader, the possibility of using our technology and talents to deter and prevent attack and the possibility of reforming our public safety institutions to save lives. Maryland is one of Americas wealthiest states; it's time to make us one of America's safest and most secure.

With family paychecks imperiled by pressures of the global economy and too many manufacturing jobs heading overseas, we have the possibility of building a new creative economy in Maryland based on science, security, technology and healing - while also protecting our farmers, watermen, small towns and Maryland traditions.

We have the possibility of building an economy based on the talents, skills and brainpower of the people of Maryland. Yes, we have the possibility of joining with our neighbors in the District of Columbia and Virginia to form a powerhouse regional economy capable of competing and winning on the world stage.

In the face of rising energy costs, and electric bills and the peril of our addiction to foreign oil, we have the possibility not only of restoring the regulatory framework of our State, but we also have the possibility of becoming a world leader in the development of clean and renewable energy, alternative fuels, green building technologies and cleaner-burning cars.

With the Chesapeake Bay's very survival imperiled by poorly planned sprawl and a multitude of other manmade ills - from storm water runoff to broken sewer systems - we have the possibility to rescue this natural jewel. To fuse science, government and personal responsibility together to expand buffer zones, cover crops, open space and oyster beds and to harness the growth that is coming to rebuild our cities and towns. Together, we will preserve our quality of life and the Chesapeake Bay.

With our children's economic future imperiled by an inadequate national system of education that is producing too few science, technology, engineering and math graduates, we have the possibility, in Maryland, to build the best system of public education in the country from K through 12 to college and beyond. Where working parents will never have to tell their children: 'There is no way our family can ever afford college.' The opportunity of college should be affordable to all.

With the soaring costs of health care imperiling the health of working families and threatening the solvency of responsible small businesses throughout Maryland, we have the possibility of rolling up our sleeves and finding ways to expand the affordability of health care coverage for our people.

In so many ways - health care, education, transportation, public safety - we live in a time framed by peril and possibility, but defined, ultimately, by the responsibility we take through our own actions to choose a better, stronger Maryland.

As of this moment, honoring your trust, I take responsibility for doing all that I can to make your government work again. I take responsibility for restoring our regulatory framework so that your government can stand up to powerful, wealthy special interests when they try to profiteer on the backs of the working people of our state.

I take responsibility for doing all that I can to make your government open, transparent and accountable. I take responsibility for never trying to divide our people by race, class, religion or region. I take responsibility for setting a tone of mutual respect inside the halls of government - and for working with leaders of both parties to find common ground to advance the common good.

But there are things for which each of us must take responsibility, as individuals, otherwise the work of our government will be futile. Safe neighborhoods. A strong and growing middle class. Educational achievement. Financial fairness. Protecting God's creation. Caring for the sick. Responsibility for ourselves, our families and our neighbors. These are the things for which each of us must take responsibility.

As we rise as One Maryland to meet the perils and possibilities of our own times, we do so knowing that Maryland's strengths are more than equal to the challenges before us.

The decisions we make for the greater good sometimes will require sacrifice. For too long in our state's capital - and in our nation's capital - we have acted as if our people had, somehow, lost the capacity to sacrifice and to make difficult choices. But "to govern is to choose." And in order to harness opportunity and meet our security challenges, we must choose to take responsibility for our shared future.

In our One Maryland, progress is always possible. And together we can make real progress - as we have before - with respect for one another, with truth about ourselves and the problems we face, and faith in our ideals as a people.

And in so choosing, we can, once again, lead our country into yet another chapter of the American Revolution - a revolution based on the dignity of the individual and powered by our shared responsibility to advance the common good.

So let us begin anew in our State, where all things are possible and where progress is every citizen's responsibility. In One Maryland, where we move forward together.

20070117 Only in Iraq

Only in Iraq

January 17^th, 2007

On Michael Yon’s post, “Walking the Line 2007 Part 2 of 3,” I found this picture of “A Christmas tree decorated with bullets. A sergeant said that a soldier had used a grenade for a Christmas ball, but apparently that was a little over the top even for Anbar Province, and so the grenade was removed from the list of acceptable Christmas decorations.”

http://www.michaelyon-online.com/wp/walking-the-line-2007-2.htm

Read the entire post here. It is in-depth, thoughtful and very informative.

####

20070117 A Young soldier in Iraq shares wisdom beyond his age

A Young soldier in Iraq shares wisdom beyond his age

January 12th, 2007 – January 17th, 2007

Quick update:

The Teflon Don writes in a post dated January 16, 2007, “Snowball? Where?!,” that “Walking on History” a great deal of (well-deserved) positive attention.

Except from “a rather vitriolic post by James Wolcott, a contributing editor to Vanity Fair, who says:

[…]

War is war, his service to his country is commendable, we wish him safe return, but, really, there's no excuse for a pretentious prose style. Hemingway, Steven Crane- -they kept it bone-clean lean. They would have blanched at such gold-leafed Victor Davis Hansen vainglorious horseshit

Well, right out of the gate, consider the source.

Secondly, many of us would love to have our work contrasted with that of Victor Davis Hansen. (One of my many favorites was “The War and Its Critics” from October 3^rd, 2006. Go ahead; it is a long piece that is worth every minute of reading it…

But when you write history, and especially history of a contentious nature about Iraq, in which so much is at stake, it is incumbent to identify primary sources. The last three books about the supposed mess in Iraq—Cobra II, Fiasco, and now State of Denial—violate every canon of intellectual courtesy. Check who said what in Cobra II and you find the following: “Interview, former senior military officer”, “Interview, former senior officer”, “Interview, former Centcom planner,” Interview, Pentagon Officials,” “Interview, U.S. State Department Official,” or “notes of a participant.”

When the readers encounter the most controversial and damning of verbatim quotes in Fiasco, they are presented with “said a Bush administration official” or “recalled one officer.” Woodward is ever more derelict, in imagining not just the conversations, but even the thoughts of characters…

But not too worry, the “Teflon Don’s” response is priceless:

“… Actually, I'm flattered that someone so self-important as James Wolcott tore into me in the same column as he tore into Pajamas Media. That's ok, James- keep on keeping us honest over here. Sip your latte as you wade knee-deep through your self-proclaimed Iraqi mire in the comfort of your New York office.”

_____

H/t: Walking On History from the Teflon Don

Writing on his milblog, “Acute Politics,” a young soldier shows wisdom beyond his apparent age in a poignant post, “Walking on History.”

It was on this land that the Babylonian empire first arose out of those first Sumerian agrarians, only to be conquered by the Assyrians, and still later throw off the foreign chains. It was here that Alexander's phalanxes swept by, trailing Hellenism in their wake. Rome, and later the Byzantines, drew their border with Persia at the Euphrates River. At that river was where the Sassanids made their stand against the spread of Arabian Islam. The Khans of the Mongols laid this land waste, sometimes killing only to build their towers of bones higher.

This region is steeped in history. We walk on it; we breath it in. Eons of history surround us, infiltrate us, and turn to dust beneath our feet.

Read the rest of his post here.

####

20070115 Documents Show France Proposed Union With Britain in 1956

Documents Show France Proposed Union With Britain in 1956

January 17^th, 2007

Fox News is carrying an interesting AP story that says that Britain and France considered merging in 1956.

The revelation that the French government proposed a union of Britain and France in 1956 — even offering to accept the sovereignty of the British Queen — has left scholars on both sides of the Channel scratching their heads.

Newly discovered documents in Britain's National Archives show how former French Prime Minister Guy Mollet discussed the possibility of a merger between the two countries with British Prime Minister Sir Anthony Eden.

"I completely fell off my seat," said Richard Vinen, an expert in French history at King's College in London. "It's such a bizarre thing to propose."

Fact is stranger than fiction. If this were to have been written in a novel, it would’ve been denounced as too implausible.

Whatever.

Read the rest here.

####

20070117 What is an IED and what does it look like?

What is an IED and what does it look like?

January 17th, 2007

Above photo from Badgers Forward: “So what does an IED look like?”

I’ve been asked that question before – “What is an IED?"

From the safety and security of living in Maryland – far way from the combat of Iraq - of course my only knowledge comes from the milbloggers.

Notice I said the milbloggers and NOT the main stream media. Like many I have come to distrust much of what I see on TV such as CBS or CNN, or the major U.S. newspapers, especially the New York Times.

Too much information from the main stream media is quite inconsistent from the stuff I read in my e-mails, first hand verbal accounts and in the Milblogs.

Anyway, the simple answer is that IED stands for “Improvised Explosive Device.”

And oh, if any of the milbloggers could “proof” this post, your input will be greatly appreciated. Please e-mail me at “kevindayhoff (at) gmail.com.”

Since, as one can imagine, there is lots of ordnance in Iraq, the bad guys have plenty of access to shells and explosive materiel. I’m told that many of the devices can be made, by folks who know what they are doing, in perhaps 20 minutes.

They wire the explosive materiel to a something as simple as a cell phone or a garage door opener.

While roaming the web on several occasions recently I have come across, at random, two posts about the insidious devices.

One from “Badgers Forward:” “So what does an IED look like?”

It is a short read, yet very informative. Click here for the post.

The other post comes from “Boots in Baghdad:” “IED,” who writes,

“In this video, D Troop (D Troop was NY National Guard attached to our Battalion) is hit with in IED (Improvised Explosive Device). Fortunately, no one was seriously injured. VIDEO”

Click here for the video. Or click on the video below…

Again, any of the milbloggers wanna weigh-in, have at it…

Kevin

20070117 Thieves steal Cash from Taneytown Church

Thieves steal Cash from Taneytown Church

Wednesday, January 17, 2007 9:34 AM

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT Lieutenant Phil Kasten, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office

100 North Court Street

Westminster, MD 21157

410-386-2759

“Thieves steal Cash from Taneytown Church”

Taneytown, Carroll County, Maryland, January 17, 2007 ----

Carroll County Sheriff’s Deputies are investigating the reported theft of approximately $1200 cash and checks belonging to the Taneytown Baptist Church in the 4100 BLK of Sells Mill Road.

Early Tuesday January 9th, a member of the congregation discovered that thieves had removed the money from an unlocked office cabinet inside the church. The monies were fees collected for a trip taken by the parish youth group. The Sheriff’s Office investigation continues…

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office at 410-386-2900, or the toll free anonymous TIPS Hotline at 1-888-399-TIPP (8477).

# # #

20070107 For Lester White old coins are priceless

For Lester White old coins are priceless

January 16^th, 2007

I had missed this story and just found it.

Cassandra A. Fortin has a story in the January 7, 2007 edition of the Baltimore Sun, about local Westminster merchant Lester White and his coin shop:

For dealer, old coins are priceless

Westminster's Lester White cherishes the stories behind the money

Mr. White is a real asset to historic downtown Westminster. Entering his shop and talking with Mr. White is a sheer delight – but then again I am also a numismatist and share his passion for coins.

“…White, now 72, has become well known among collectors and their children. The Westminster numismatist - a person who studies coins, tokens, medals or paper money - opened White's Emporium in 1987, now a coin shop on Main Street.”

[…]

Then he opened White's Emporium, which started as an antique and coin shop. Later he closed the antique portion of the business to focus on coins. He bought unique coins, rather than rare ones, to sell, he said.

"I don't seek out the expensive coins," said White, who has been active in as many as eight coin clubs around the country. Instead, he looks for coins that tell a story.

[…]

Most of White's teaching takes place when patrons visit the shop looking for a coin. He works with the adult and younger customers, said Robert Ruby, the president of the Carroll County Coin Club.

[…]

His generosity is second only to his desire to introduce people to the stories behind the coins. He said he starts by helping the budding numismatists understand the stages of collecting.

Read the rest of the article here.

Westminster has quite a few merchants like Mr. White – different passions and different merchandise – same town, same sense of community.

We need more stories like this – and we can use more merchants and shops like this in downtown Westminster. It is what we do best.

Meanwhile, next chance you get - visit Westminster, visit our shops and enjoy one of our many great restaurants.

Kevin

####

20070112 Gaggle, Alec Baldwin and Global Warming

Today's Gaggle: January 12, 2007

Posted by Gaggle on January 12, 2007 - 04:48.

I thought it was worth an encore...

http://newsbusters.org/taxonomy/term/257

Click here for instructions on running Gaggle daily on your own site. There's also an archive of previous toons available here.

And for more fun than you can stand, read about "Actor Alec Baldwin -- since he woke up one morning believing that he understood politics and had an opinion that American’s would be interested in hearing -- has said and written a lot of absurd things. His recent rant at HuffnPuff has to rank high on his growing list of most inane. Please take a seat, and secure all fluids. You’ve been warned..."

Read it here.

Hat Tip: Brutally Honest -

Alec Baldwin unhinged

20070114 Baltimore remembers Harlow Fullwood

Baltimore remembers Harlow Fullwood

January 15th, 2007

Baltimore’s WJZ Ch. 13 web site is carrying an AP story on Mr. Harlow Fullwood passing away.

http://wjz.com/topstories/local_story_014101033.html

(AP) Baltimore, MD Baltimore businessman and philanthropist Harlow Fullwood Junior has died. He was 66.

Fullwood died from advanced stages of diabetes at the Manor Care nursing home in Baltimore County.

Fullwood was a former police officer, Baltimore Colt football player and Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise owner.

He founded an organization called the Fullwood Foundation. In its 19 years, the organization helped hundreds of young people attend college.

Fullwood died shortly after the 19th annual Fullwood Foundation breakfast this afternoon.

####

200701113 A commentary on the new director of national intelligence

New Intel Chief: Wrong for the Job

A commentary on the new director of national intelligence Mike McConnell

For other related posts click here – or here.

For a bit more information, click here…

This photo: Rear Admiral John McConnell, 1990

Nation

New Intel Chief: Wrong for the Job , Jan. 10, 2007 | By Robert Baer

...Baer says the CIA needs to stop its overreliance on technology and outsourcing of intelligence. But that's not likely to happen under Mike McConnell...

[Related Where Does Negroponte Leave Intelligence? The director's surprising move to the State Department raises new questions about much-needed reforms in the spy community]

_____

Robert Baer, (“a former CIA field officer assigned to the Middle East, is the author of See No Evil and, most recently, the novel Blow the House Down.”) has gone to what many consider to be the “unusual task” of writing a dissent about appointing retired Rear Admiral John Michael "Mike" McConnell - - and then having it published in “Time” magazine.

Among the important points that need to be called to your attention:

[…]

“…The CIA is hemorrhaging people, with the vast majority leaving to work for contractors, like Booz Allen. They're lured by higher salaries and double dipping (on top of their government retirement packages). They often end back up at the CIA with a green contractor's badge, doing pretty much the same job. The important difference is they answer to the company they work for, not the CIA.

“I'm told that today contractors outnumber staff employees. As one CIA officer told me, ‘You walk in the building and all you see is green badges, all doing the retiree shuffle, keeping their heads down, focusing on holding on to their jobs.’ ”

[…]

"You know as well as I do," he said. "Contractors won't take risks. You can't send them out into the field to recruit new sources. They know they make a mistake and they're gone." He's right. It's a lot easier to replace a contractor than it is to fire a government employee.”

[…]

“Rank and file at the CIA will look at McConnell's appointment as part of a trend shifting intelligence away from human sources, the CIA's bread and butter, to the Pentagon, the NSA, technology and outsourcing.”

[…]

“But bin Laden, like most terrorists, has dropped off the digital grid. To find him you need a warm body, not just cool gear.” (my emphasis)

Read the entire piece here: New Intel Chief: Wrong for the Job

####

20070114 Mr. Wissing has found some Humor in the House

Mr. Wissing has found some Humor in the House

January 14, 2007

David Wissing over at “The Hedgehog Report” has a great post, “Humor in the House.”

It is a video of the fun that breaks out when “A question posed by a Member from the floor asking for procedural clarification.”

Mr. Wissing found it on “Gateway Pundit.”

He also wrote, “By the way, Nancy Pelosi has felt enough heat that she has now agreed to change the just passed minimum wage bill to include American Samoa before it reaches President Bush’s desk.”

Be sure to read his post and view the video. Find it here.

http://www.hedgehogreport.com/index.php/6681

Kevin

20070112 Commissioner Minnich’s State of the County Address

20070112 Commissioner Minnich’s State of the County Address

Commissioner Dean L. Minnich’s remarks

at the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Commissioner’s

For more information, please see the Carroll County Times, Baltimore Sun and Baltimore Examiner’s coverage.

Kelsey Volkmann of The Examiner wrote “Water, economic growth, highways subjects of state of county address” on Jan 12, 2007. Read it here.

Baltimore Sun reporter Laura McCandlish wrote “Commissioners raise water, traffic concerns” on January 14^th, 2007. Read it here.

Marjorie Censer of the Carroll County Times wrote an article which was published on Friday, January 12, 2007, “Commissioner talks water during address.”

Water shortages in Carroll pose a challenge to the county’s growth, but planned reservoirs could alleviate the problem, Commissioner Julia Walsh Gouge said at the annual state of county luncheon Thursday.

The county’s additional residents mean it needs more water than it did in the past, and Maryland Department of the Environment regulations have limited the county’s allocations from wells, she said.

[…]

At the luncheon, organized by the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce and held at Martin’s Westminster, Gouge warned that completion of the reservoirs could still be at least a decade away. Water shortages might make it more difficult to develop the county as planned, both she and Commissioner Dean Minnich said.

Gouge said the limitations on municipal water supplies could push development into farmland, while Minnich focused on their potential to affect the county’s economic development.

Read the rest of her article here.

_____

Commissioner Dean L. Minnich’s remarks

at the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Commissioner’s

State of the County presentation luncheon

Thursday, Jan. 11, 2007

Martin’s Westminster

611 words

State of the county – 2007

Carroll County’s partners in economic development efforts are the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, and the Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore. We have also added emphasis over the past few years to our commitment to working with the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce and other business associations in the county.

First among our priorities is to help local, existing businesses to prosper and grow. Then we work on recruiting new industry to add to the industrial tax base.

Part of that commitment shows in the development of a new “priority permitting” system to designate significant economic development projects and streamline site review processes.

Also, we developed “Enterprise Carroll,” offering grants for existing businesses in key industries. It invests in new concepts to help companies grow from concept to reality, upgrade technology, pay for research.

We make available Inc. Link, a customized software tool to help firms keep up with issues on training and workforce development, among other things.

We consolidated Four Partners with One Purpose as a small business training and resource center. EDC underwrites the cost of training at CCC in cooperation with Md. Small Business Development Center and Start-up Carroll.

Business and Employment Resource Center provides workforce development services to local business.

The expanding local economy in 2006 grew by $2 million, 2 hundred 10 thousand, 792 dollars, or 15 percent, the largest commercial/industrial base growth in the region. Nearly a million square feet of space was built or renovated, and Carroll County gained 2,533 jobs in 2005.

Spec building shows a healthy trend. More than 60,000 feet of new flex space has been constructed at the Air Business Center, and land is being graded along the Md. 97 Technology Corridor for additional buildings. The Westminster Technology Park is ready to market and several developers have expressed interest.

We’ve worked with General Dynamics and Flowserve as they have expanded, and welcomed new companies like HR Nicholson and Kellogg Snacks Jacketing. Warfield stands to provide space for the expansions and relocations of firms that will be looking for technology-based workforces.

In our publication, Carroll County Profile, stats from the Md. Dept of labor, licensing and regulation for 2005 show a total labor force of 90,928 – smallest labor force in the region, but also with an unemployment rate of only 2.6 percent, among the lowest in the state.

We are, of course, a county of commuters; in the 2000 census, 55.1 % of our workers commuted outside the county.

We’re working to reduce that percentage. There is some irony in the fact that many of our residents who must bear most of the tax burden for services have created the need for those services by moving here in search of less density, less industrial congestion, and less vehicular traffic. That same industrial congestion that contributed to the density and vehicular congestion helped pay the bills where they were.

The largest employer in the county is the public school system, with 3,342 people. Carroll Hospital Center is the largest private sector employer, with 1,438. Springfield Hospital Center, often overlooked as an economic entity, has 833 workers, and Random House, 830. County government, excluding the Sheriff’s department and the courts system, has 650 employees.

Others with more than 300 employees include McDaniel College, Fairhaven, Joseph A. Bank Clothiers, Northrup Grumman, English American Tailoring, EVAPCO, General Dynamics Robotic Systems, Inc., and Carroll Lutheran Village.

The department of economic development is actively engaged in the comprehensive plan update with the department of planning. We have selected Parsons Brickerhoff as a consultant to analyze our industrially and commercially zoned lands and recommend changes in infrastructure and funding strategies that will help us lay the footprint that today’s prospects require.

In short, we have broadened the scope of participation and cooperation, inside the county government, between governments and private sectors, and sharpened our focus on specifics in developing a strategy to make the most of the best resources we have – a high-quality pool of potential employees.

We have made incremental progress, we continue to strive for consistency, balance and preservation of the quality of life that our residents seek.

####

20070112 Mark Tapscott has the story behind this picture

Mark Tapscott has the story behind this picture

January 12th, 2007

Read that story here: “Do You Know Why Bush Cried?”

Cross Posted

More info here.

UPDATE: (I just found a reference to this on Don Surber’s Charleston Daily Mail blog: He is a human being… January 11th, 2007 by donsurber: Rick at Brutally Honest takes a close-up look at the president ... Brutal. Honest. )

And I believe that the photo belongs to: REUTERS/Jim Bourg (UNITED STATES).

####

20070112 The White House Weekly Review

The White House Weekly Review

January 8-12, 2007

Monday, January 8, 2007

President Bush met with European Commission President Jose Barroso. The two leaders continued discussions on a number of key global challenges, including strengthening our cooperation to advance peace and security in the Middle East and Afghanistan, promoting energy security, stopping the genocide in Darfur, combating terrorism, increasing prosperity and economic development around the world, and advancing free and fair trade.

In the afternoon, President Bush met with bicameral and bipartisan members of Congress on the fifth anniversary of No Child Left Behind. When he came to Washington, President Bush worked with Republicans and Democrats to pass the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), which he signed into law in 2002. Since NCLB was passed, we have seen major improvements in student achievement all across America, and by reauthorizing this important legislation, we can help make our schools a gateway to opportunity for every child.

President Bush Welcomes European Commission President José Barroso to the White House

In Focus: Global Diplomacy

President Bush Marks Fifth Anniversary of No Child Left Behind

Fact Sheet: The No Child Left Behind Act: Five Years of Results for America's Children

Tuesday, January 9, 2007

No official public events.

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

President Bush delivered an address to the Nation to discuss the new strategy in the way forward in Iraq.

"The challenge playing out across the broader Middle East is more than a military conflict. It is the decisive ideological struggle of our time. On one side are those who believe in freedom and moderation. On the other side are extremists who kill the innocent, and have declared their intention to destroy our way of life. In the long run, the most realistic way to protect the American people is to provide a hopeful alternative to the hateful ideology of the enemy, by advancing liberty across a troubled region."

President Bush's Address to the Nation

Fact Sheet: The New Way Forward in Iraq

Highlights of the Iraq Strategy Review (PDF)

In Focus: Renewal in Iraq

Thursday, January 11, 2007
President Bush participated in the posthumous presentation of the Medal of Honor to Marine Corporal Jason Dunham, who gave his life to save his fellow troops when he fell on a hand grenade in Iraq. He then traveled to Fort Benning, Georgia, where he participated in lunch with military personnel and families. He later delivered remarks before participating in a demonstration of infantry training at Fort Benning.

"The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor a President can bestow. The Medal is given for gallantry in the face of an enemy attack that is above and beyond the call of duty. The Medal is part of a cherished American tradition that began in this house with the signature of President Abraham Lincoln... With this Medal we pay tribute to the courage and leadership of a man who represents the best of young Americans. With this Medal we ask the God who commands us to love our neighbor as ourselves to wrap his arms around the family of Corporal Jason Dunham, a Marine who is not here today because he lived that commandment to the fullest."

President Bush Presents Medal of Honor to Corporal Jason Dunham

President Bush Visits with Military Personnel and Families at Fort Benning, Georgia

In Focus: Defense

Friday, January 12, 2007
President Bush signed the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006. This Act embraces the President's priorities of ending overfishing and rebuilding our Nation's fish stocks through more effective, market-based management and tougher enforcement. It also provides stronger tools to achieve progress internationally to ensure healthy fish stocks, promote better management, and halt destructive fishing practices based on sound science.

President Bush Signs the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006

Fact Sheet: Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act
Sunday, January 7, 2006

Statement on Federal Disaster Assistance for Kansas

Statement on Federal Disaster Assistance for Nebraska

Monday, January 8, 2007

Ask the White House
Margaret Spellings, Secretary of Education discussed the fifth anniversary of the No Child Left Behind Act on Monday.

Statement on Federal Disaster Assistance for Otero County, Colorado

Statement on Federal Disaster Assistance for Colorado

Presidential Delegation to Attend Inauguration of His Excellency Rafael Vicente Correa Delgado

Presidential Delegation to Attend Inauguration of His Excellency José Daniel Ortega Saavedra

Personnel Announcement

Tuesday, January 9, 2007

President Bush Selects Fred Fielding to Serve as Counsel to the President

Press Briefing by Tony Snow

Memorandum for the Secretary of the Interior

Nominations Sent to the Senate for the Judiciary

Nominations Sent to the Senate

Nominations Sent to the Senate

Personnel Announcement

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Background Briefing by Senior Administration Officials

Nominations Sent to the Senate

Personnel Announcement

Vice President's Remarks to a Joint Session of the Virginia General Assembly

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Text of a Letter from the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives

President Bush Signs H.R. 486, H.R. 4588, H.R. 6060, and H.R. 6345

Briefing by the Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Press Gaggle by Gordon Johndroe

Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday, 2007

Religious Freedom Day, 2007

Nominations Sent to the Senate

Friday, January 12, 2007

Ask the White House
Brett McGurk, Director for Iraq, National Security Council, discussed the President's Address to the Nation on the way forward in Iraq on Friday.
President Bush to Welcome United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to the White House

Press Briefing by Tony Snow

Presidential Delegation to Attend Inauguration of His Excellency Marc Ravalomanana of Madagascar

President Bush Signs H.R. 6338, the "Geneva Distinctive Emblem Protection Act of 2006"

President Bush Signs H.R. 482, H.R. 1245, H.R. 4709, H.R. 4997, H.R. 5483, H.R. 5948, and H.R. 6338

Saturday, January 13, 2007

President's Radio AddressEmbargoed until 10:06 AM ET

For More Information From This Week Please Visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/