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

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

20070528 A 27 year mystery solved

Jahangir Razmi, via Associated Press: The 1980 Pulitzer Prize winning photo of an execution in Kurdish Iran - taken in 1979, by Jahangir Razmi.

27 Years After It Was Awarded, a Pulitzer Prize Is Acknowledged

A 27 year mystery solved… 1980 Pulitzer Prize for photography: Jahangir Razmi

By PRADNYA JOSHI

Published: May 28, 2007

[…]

In 1979, a photographer stood nearby as executioners shot Kurdish prisoners in Sanandaj, Iran. A picture he took for an Iranian newspaper was picked up by United Press International and published worldwide. To protect the photographer, his name was not printed.

But the image proved so compelling that it was awarded the 1980 Pulitzer Prize for spot news photography. It was the first and still the only time that the Pulitzer, the highest honor in print journalism, has been given to an anonymous winner.

That was 27 years ago.

[…]

Read the entire article here: 27 Years After It Was Awarded, a Pulitzer Prize Is Acknowledged

20070529 Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day – Change

May 29th, 2007

“If we want everything to remain as it is, it will be necessary for everything to change.”

Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa The Leopard Pantheon Books

Thanks TC

Monday, May 28, 2007

20070528 History Is Looking Up In Westminster


HISTORY IS LOOKING UP IN Westminster

May 28th, 2007

http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?pnpid=978&show=archivedetails&ArchiveID=1273619&om=1

05/23/07

Found 'em yet?

The Westminster Historic District Commission's "History is Looking Up in Westminster" continues through May 31, when all entries are due at City Hall.

The entry form, which appeared in the May 2 edition of The Westminster Eagle, challenges residents to identify 12 historic buildings in the downtown area.

The first six of these are shown here. If you've had trouble finding them based on the initial clues given May 2, here are a few Bonus Clues that might help unlock this mystery of history:

BONUS CLUES

1: Two of these six buildings are located on streets other than Main Street. In other words, on side streets just off Main Street.

2: One of these has been both a church and a library in the past.

3: One of these used to house the National Guard; and another currently houses cash.

4: Two of these buildings were grand Main Street houses in the past and are now busy offices.

JOIN THE HUNT

If you haven't started looking yet, there's still time. Copies of the official entry form are available at the office of The Westminster Eagle, 121 E. Main St., Westminster, during regular office hours, and at City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane, Westminster.

Forms are also available at the Westminster Family Center on Longwell Avenue, the Westminster Branch Library, Historical Society of Carroll County/Tourism Office, the Carroll Arts Center and in the Great Hall at Carroll Community College.

The form is also available as a pdf on The Eagle's Web site, www.TheWestminsterEagle.com.

Completed forms must be mailed or delivered to City Hall by May 31. Forms may be delivered in person, or mailed to: Preservation Month Scavenger Hunt, c/o Westminster City Hall, P.O. Box 710, Westminster, MD 21158.

PRIZES ...

First prize in the contest, to be chosen at random from all the correct entries, is a framed, limited edition print depicting historic buildings in Westminster, created by artist Connie Ward Woolard.

Other prizes include gift certificates from local restaurants and merchants.

In addition, ALL those who deliver their entry form in person to City Hall will receive a participation prize -- a commemorative poster of the 12 building sites depicted in the contest. They'll also receive a copy of the CD, the "Buildings of Westminster," while supplies last.

For more information and complete rules, call Tim Rogers at 410-848-4628.

Sunday, May 27, 2007

The wedding of Mr and Mrs Smurf

The wedding of Mr and Mrs Smurf

May 27, 2007 by Kevin Dayhoff

20070527 The wedding of Mr and Mrs Smurf

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

Saturday, May 26, 2007

20070602 Art in the Park, Westminster Maryland June 2nd, 2007

What's Happening at the Carroll Arts Center

Saturday, June 2 10 am – 5 pm

On the Beautiful ground of Westminster City Hall

A festival of fine arts and crafts, strolling musicians, art demonstrations, unique food and a variety of family activities. Rain or Shine.

Free

For more information please call The Art Center at 410-848-7272 or check out our website, www.carr.org/arts.

Saturday, June 2 2007

Rain or Shine

“Art in the Park” is held the first Saturday of June in the park behind Westminster City Hall. This event is held rain or shine. “Art in the Park” is a juried venue that provides local and regional artists and artisans a chance to exhibit and sell their work in a relaxed, festive atmosphere.

This year’s Art in the Park will feature more than 80 talented artists. This is a great place to find that unique painting or gift. The festival has been expanded this year with more exhibitors and demonstrations. Live musical performances by some of the best local musicians will take place throughout the park. A craft tent provides free craft activities for youngsters. Specialty and traditional food and beverages are available for sale in the park.

This event is free and open to the public. The grounds have been carefully planned to offer ADA accessibility in order that everyone can enjoy the event. Food and beverages are available for sale in the park.

Art in the Park takes place on the grounds of Westminster City Hall. This area is located between Longwell Ave. Locust St. and Key St. In historic downtown Westminster.

Accessibility Notice: The Americans with Disabilities Act applies to the Carroll County Government and its programs, services, activities and facilities. If you have questions, suggestions, or complaints, please contact Jolene Sullivan, the Carroll County government Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator, at 410/386-3600, 888/302-8978 or TT# 410/848-9747. The mailing address is: 10 Distillery Drive, First Floor, Suite 101, Westminster, MD 21157


20070523 County Leaders Remind Motorists to Stay Sober Drive Safe

County Leaders Remind Motorists to Stay Sober, Drive Safe”

Westminster, Carroll County, Maryland, May 23, 2007 ----

Posted May 26th, 2007

Carroll County Sheriff’s Deputies will be out in extra force during the Memorial Day Weekend to protect motorists from impaired, aggressive, and unsafe drivers.

With celebrations a historical part of the Memorial Day Holiday, Sheriff’s Deputies are alerting motorists that in addition to the “Click-it and Ticket” seat belt enforcement initiative, a saturation patrol will be in place throughout the weekend to identify and remove impaired drivers from the road.

During 2005, aggressive driving was a factor in 122 motor vehicle crashes, with alcohol impaired drivers causing more than half of all fatal collisions in Carroll County according to Health Department reports.

Last year, Carroll County experienced a 41% increase in fatal traffic collisions according to “2006 Traffic Fatality statistics,” finishing the year with 24 traffic fatalities and the ninth highest rate of fatal traffic collisions among Maryland’s 23 counties.

According to the Maryland Highway Safety Office seat belt use reduces the risk of death by 60%, and risk of injury by 65%.

Memorial Day Weekend also signals the start of vacation season, and the Board of Carroll County Commissioners appeals to drivers to obey all traffic laws. “We remind motorists to drive safely during the summer vacation season, be extra cautious, and always buckle-up. A few extra seconds of attention can make a lifetime of difference.”

Sheriff Kenneth L. Tregoning also urges citizens to avoid consuming alcoholic beverages or, "designate a sober driver before consuming any alcohol, buckle-up, obey the speed limit, and celebrate safely."

# # #

20070525 Congressman Bartlett Honors Deploying National Guard Troops in Send-off Ceremony

Congressman Bartlett Honors Deploying National Guard Troops in Send-off Ceremony

May 26th, 2007

Please join me in thanking these Maryland Men and Women in uniform for their service. May Godspeed and come home safely…

Maryland National Guards begin deployment to Iraq

by Katherine Mullen | Staff Writer Frederick Gazette

Friday, May 25, 2007

http://www.gazette.net/stories/052507/frednew142758_32386.shtml

More than 100 Maryland National Guard soldiers from the 1-175 Infantry Battalion and its Alpha Company gathered with family and friends during a deployment ceremony today at Baker Park in Frederick.

[…]

The 1-175 Infantry Battalion's mobilization is part of the largest combat deployment of Maryland National Guard soldiers since World War II. The unit includes 640 soldiers across the state.

According to Major Kristine Henry, spokeswoman for the Maryland National Guard, the 1-175 Infantry Battalion will join 540 additional Maryland National Guard soldiers deployed overseas.

During the ceremony at the park's bandshell, families waved small American flags and listened as National Guard commanders, Frederick County commissioners, and U.S. Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett (R-Dist. 6) praised the soldiers for their sacrifice.

On a holiday weekend filled with busy travel plans and rising gas prices, Bartlett noted that the war is a distant thought for many. ''I just feel so fortunate to represent a district that is so patriotic," Bartlett said.

[…]

Read the entire article here: Maryland National Guards begin deployment to Iraq

####

20070525 Examiner editor arrested on assault charges

Examiner editor arrested on assault charges

May 25, 2007

This is certainly a fine kettle of fish.

Although I was not there and do not know what happened… And I understand that the story was written by Examiner reporters - - but the Frank Keegan being depicted in this story is not consistent with the gentleman with whom I had lunch with several months ago.

Then again, as many understand, an unpleasant neighbor dispute can cause a bishop to kick out a stained glass window…

More often than not, unfortunately, it is just the nature of the beast that when the police get involved at this juncture in a neighbor dispute, everyone loses.

The police lose. And the two antagonists lose. Everybody is right and everybody is wrong…

And there will be no end to the pissing contest. Folks who do not like the police will blame the police. Some folks will adamantly blame the Examiner editor and others will come to his defense.

And no one will ever really know what really happened. Folks who have ever watched or read “Rashomon” will readily see how this will play out.

The 1950 Japanese classic movie “Rashomon” directed by Akira Kurosawa, tells the story of a crime event in 12th-century Japan. Old notes in my files, without a source cite, reveal that the movie is based upon a story by Ryunosuke Akutagawa in which a famous bandit ambushes a wealthy merchant and his wife.

The crime is retold from four separate points-of-view: that of the bandit, the wife, the dead man, and a lowly peasant, with each character offering a very different version of the same story.

All four characters recount the same story, but each tells a different “truth.”

Bias, perception, and the ability to recall are “primary source” material for an historian, but are obviously problematic. The ‘true history” of the event has become relative and there are as many truths as there are eyewitnesses.

And if the liberal Maryland media, who has been consistently threatened by the very existence of the Examiner in the Maryland market gets involved… No one will ever know the truth, but everyone will believe they know what happened and who to blame…

Examiner editor arrested on assault charges

Luke Broadwater and Stephen Janis, The Examiner

May 25, 2007 3:21 AM

BALTIMORE

City police arrested Baltimore Examiner editor Frank Keegan early Thursday morning after a neighbor, complaining of cigarette smoke, accused Keegan of pointing a shotgun at him.

Keegan, 58, of Baltimore, is charged with misdemeanor second-degree assault and gun violations against neighbors David and Christine Ayers and their 3-year-old daughter, who, according to the police report, was being carried by her father as he confronted Keegan.

At 11:29 p.m. Wednesday, police were called to Keegan’s Federal Hill residence. Ayers told police he is involved in an “ongoing dispute” with Keegan regarding cigarette smoke “seeping” through to his home from the Keegan residence and causing respiratory problems for his daughter, Sophie.

Ayers attempted to confront his neighbor about the smoke by “pounding” on Keegan’s door, according to police. From inside the house, Ayers said he heard Keegan yell, “You [expletive] lunatics, get away from my door.”

Ayers, holding his daughter, shouted back at Keegan, “Look what you’re doing to my daughter,” according to police charging documents.

Ayers claims Keegan “racked” a shotgun while inside his house — a charge Keegan disputes — whereupon Ayers told police he said, “Whoa, whoa” and backed away from the house.

You may read the rest of the story here if you must…Examiner editor arrested on assault charges

####

Friday, May 25, 2007

20070525 Rosie is Gone From The View

May 25th, 2007

Hopefully – “our great national nightmare is over” – Rosie O’Donnell has left the building.

Well, certainly calling Ms. O’Donnell “our great national nightmare” is hyperbole - - but then again - - maybe not…

I have never watched “The View” and as much as possible I avoided spending any intellectual capital on trying to understand the phenomena.

I guess I came to view Ms. O’Donnell in the same category of Anne Coulter, Rev. Al Sharpton, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rush Limbaugh and Cindy Sheehan – as having very little to add to any public conversation over the important issues facing our nation.

And if Barbara Walters had any credibility to lose, she has none now – and I guess that is also a shame as it was once obvious that she had talent and something to offer…

Perhaps the greatest tragedy is that Ms. O’Donnell came to be accepted as the spokesperson and iconography for everything that was extreme and irresponsible of the liberal point of view – and we all know that simply is not the case…

Good riddance. Her polarizing negative impact upon the issues we face will not be missed – and ultimately she has done liberals, ABC and the mainstream media a huge amount of damage for which it will take a great deal of effort to escape.

Rosie's Gone From "The View"

She Exits Early After On-Air Battle With Co-Host Elisabeth Hasselbeck

NEW YORK, May 25, 2007

(CBS/AP) Rosie O'Donnell has fought her last fight at "The View."

ABC said Friday that O'Donnell has asked for, and received, an early exit from her contract at the daytime chat fest following her angry confrontation with co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck on Wednesday. She was due to leave in mid-June.

It ended a colorful eight-month tenure for O'Donnell that lifted the show's ratings but no doubt caused heartburn for show creator Barbara Walters. O'Donnell feuded with Donald Trump and frequently had snippy exchanges with the more conservative Hasselbeck.

[…]

No one was feeling the love on Wednesday, when the argument with Hasselbeck began over O'Donnell's statement last week about the war: "655,000 Iraqi civilians have died. Who are the terrorists?"

Read the rest – if you must, here: Rosie's Gone From "The View"

####

20070524 Upcoming Carroll County Volunteer Fire Fighter carnivals

From the Carroll County Times’ “Encore” section of the paper.

Upcoming Carroll County Volunteer Fire Fighter Carnivals

Posted May 25, 2007

The following list is of area carnivals and the dates they're being held:

Gamber - Saturday-June 2

Union Bridge - Monday-June 2

New Windsor - June 4-9

Taneytown - June 11-16

Sykesville - June 18-23

Harney - July 9-14

Winfield - July 9-14

Reese - July 16-21

Mount Airy - July 23-28

Hampstead - Aug. 13-18

_____

Westminster Fire Department

Carroll County emergency response

Carroll County Volunteer Fire Fighter Departments

List of Carroll County Volunteer Fire Departments and the Chief of each Department

As of May 1st, 2007

Gamber - Co. 13
Chief: Dennis Brothers
410-795-3445

Hampstead - Co. 2
Chief: Bryan Ruby
410-239-4280

Harney - Co. 11
Chief: Donald Yingling, Sr.
410-756-6464

Lineboro - Co. 7
Chief: Shawn Utz
410-374-2197

Manchester - Co. 4
Chief: Chuck Gouker
410-239-2286

Mount Airy - Co. 1
Chief: Dale Lowman
410-795-8055

New Windsor - Co. 10
Chief: Donald Nott
410-635-6373

Pleasant Valley - Co. 6
Chief: Mike Gist
410-848-1977

Reese - Co. 9
Chief: Don Love
410-848-7172

Sykesville/Freedom - Co. 12
Chief: Glenn E. Ruch Sr.
410-795-8021

Taneytown - Co. 5
Chief: Brett Six
410-756-6253

Union Bridge - Co. 8
Chief: Chad Green
410-775-7422

Westminster - Co. 3
Chief: Jeff Alexander
410-848-1800

Winfield - Co. 14
Chief: Tim Warner
410-795-1333

20070525 The Fuel Fund of Maryland Fundraiser

The Fuel Fund of Maryland Fundraiser - Salsabration!!!

Posted May 25, 2007

Hat Tip: TC

The Fuel Fund of Maryland is having their annual Salsabration!!!

Thursday 6/21 from 5:30-9:00pm at Gardel's Supper Club

(29 South Front St, Inner Harbor).

The Fuel Fund of Maryland is having their annual Salsabration!!! on Thursday 6/21 from 5:30-9:00pm at Gardel's Supper Club (29 South Front St, Inner Harbor). Tickets are $45 in advance or $50 at the door.

This is a Hot! HOt! HOT!!! night featuring Ethnic Food & Drinks, Latin Dancing, Great Prizes, Entertainment, Silent Auction, and LOADS of fun!

Please come celebrate the first day of summer by supporting the Fuel Fund of Maryland! Proceeds from this event provide energy assistance for low income families. With the BGE increase in the news, here's a fun way to help lots of families!

If you are interested, please contact Corina Hines at chines AT hspinc.org or call her 410-386-6657.

####

20070525 Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day – Step on it.

Friday, May 25, 2007

In actual life every great enterprise begins with and takes its first forward step in faith. Friedrich von Schlegel (1772-1829) Philosopher and writer

Thanks TC

20070523 Congressman Roscoe Bartlett Votes No on “Feel Good, But Counterproductive” Price Gouging Bill

Congressman Roscoe Bartlett Votes No on “Feel Good, But Counterproductive” Price Gouging Bill

May 23, 2007

Washington, DC – Congressman Roscoe Bartlett voted against “the feel good, but counterproductive” Federal Price Gouging Prevention Act (H.R. 1252).

“Congress can’t suspend the economic laws of supply and demand,” said Congressman Bartlett. “This well-intentioned, but destructive bill, would take us back to the future of the 1970’s policies of Jimmy Carter that led to gasoline shortages, gas lines and rationing.”

The Federal Trade Commission found no evidence of price gouging from investigations after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Nowhere in H.R. 1252 are key terms such as “unconscionably excessive,” “unfair advantage,” “unreasonably,” “reasonably foreseeable,” “grossly exceeds,” “reasonably reflected,” “substantially attributable,” or “usual seasonal demand variations” defined explicitly. They are marked for emphasis in red italics.

H.R. 1252 would make it a federal crime for any person to sell, at wholesale or at retail in an area and during a period of an energy emergency, gasoline or any other petroleum distillate covered by a presidential proclamation at a price that is unconscionably excessive and indicates the seller is taking unfair advantage of the circumstances related to an energy emergency to increase prices unreasonably.”

The bill would authorize the President to issue an unlimited number of 30-day energy emergency proclamations (one at a time) for any area within the jurisdiction of the United States, during which the price-crime provision above would apply. A proclamation, which could be issued up to one week in advance of a reasonably foreseeable emergency, would have to state the geographic area covered, the gasoline or other petroleum distillate covered, and the time period that such proclamation would be in effect.

In determining whether such a violation has occurred, the following factors would have to be considered:

whether the amount charged by a person for the applicable product at a given location in a proclamation-covered area:

grossly exceeds the average price at which the applicable gasoline or other

petroleum distillate was offered for sale by that person during the 30 days prior

to such proclamation;

grossly exceeds the price at which the same or similar gasoline or other

petroleum distillate was readily obtainable in the same area from other

competing sellers during the same period;

reasonably reflected additional costs, not within the control of that person,

that were paid, incurred, or reasonably anticipated by that person, or reflected

additional risks taken by that person to produce, distribute, obtain, or sell

such product under the circumstances; and

“was substantially attributable to local, regional, national, or international

market conditions; and

whether the quantity of the applicable product the person produced, distributed, or sold in a proclamation-covered area during a 30-day period following the issuance of such proclamation increased over the quantity that that person produced, distributed, or sold during the 30 days prior to such proclamation, taking into account usual seasonal demand variations.”

H.R. 1252 would also make it a federal crime for any person to report to a federal agency information related to the wholesale price of gasoline or other petroleum distillates “with actual knowledge or knowledge fairly implied on the basis of objective circumstances” that such information is false or misleading.

###

Thursday, May 24, 2007

20070523 Baltimore Reporter: A Picture Worth a Thousand Words


A Picture Worth a Thousand Words

Hat Tip: BlogNet News Maryland - A Picture Worth a Thousand Words

submitted by James L This amazing picture has drawn a lot of comments from readers of the Nashville paper, The Tennessean. See Jay’s letter below. Dear Tennessean: The Tennessean’s April 5 photograph of young Christian Golczynski accepting the American flag from Marine Lt. Col. Ric Thompson is one of the most moving and [...]

Read more: A Picture Worth a Thousand Words

http://www.baltimorereporter.com/?p=3991

_____

Military Memorial Day

Iraq War

####

20070524 News Clips

News Clips

May 24th, 2007

State News

BGE rate hike approval draws criticism from Republicans

http://www.abc2news.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=902642cc-d5c1-49bf-8a6d-c5ef496b5e63

During last year's gubernatorial campaign, Democrat Martin O'Malley sharply criticized the approval of a rate hike for Baltimore Gas and Electric customers approved by a Public Service Commission appointed by his Republican rival, then Governor Robert Ehrlich.

So when the commission appointed by O'Malley, who is now governor, approved a 50 percent electricity rate hike today, state Republican Party Chairman James Pelura took the opportunity to criticize him. He said -- quote -- "O'Malley's pledge to hold the line on rate increases and help working families was a false campaign promise."

50% rise in BGE rates OK'd by PSC

Panel criticizes utility, past regulatory rulings

http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bal-te.bz.psc24may24,0,7172127.story?coll=bal-home-headlines

The state utility commission approved yesterday a 50 percent electricity rate increase for customers of Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. in a sweeping order that also takes the company and past regulators to task for decisions made in the run-up to electricity deregulation.

The five-member Public Service Commission said it had arrived at its conclusion "reluctantly," arguing that its hands were tied by past regulatory decisions, legislative action and the terms of state-approved contracts that the utility has signed with electricity suppliers.

Schisler and Ehrlich could not be reached yesterday. James Pelura, chairman of the state Republican Party, issued a statement accusing O'Malley of breaking his campaign pledge to provide consumers relief if elected.

"O'Malley is all show and no substance," Pelura said.

BGE customers will pay 50 percent more

http://www.examiner.com/a-745318~BGE_customers_will_pay_50_percent_more.html

The Maryland Public Service Commission formally approved the 50 percent rate increase for Baltimore Gas and Electric residential customers effective June 1.

We looked at it legally and unfortunately found no legal basis to disallow the rate hike, PSC chairman Steven Larsen said. BGE, in its procurement process, met the legal standards set out by the PSC. To defer it would have been to impose illegal, artificial rate caps.

I am not surprised at PSCs decision, said Del. Jill Carter, a Baltimore City mayoral candidate. Gov. [Martin] OMalleys changing of PSC members was like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. This only reaffirms the need for the special legislative session I asked the governor to call in order to deal with this problem. The legislature created this problem in 1999, and it is incumbent upon us now, more than ever, to fix it.

Officials approve BGE's increase

http://washingtontimes.com/metro/20070523-113236-1935r.htm

State officials reluctantly approved a 50 percent rate increase yesterday for the 1.1 million residential customers of Baltimore Gas and Electric Co., saying they had "little legal option" to defer or reduce the utility company's proposal.

The increase goes into effect June 1. The Maryland Public Service Commission was critical of the way the transition to market rates had been handled, and commission Chairman Steven Larsen said he was disappointed an alternative couldn't be found.

BGE Customers to Face Heftier Energy Bills in June

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/23/AR2007052301340.html

Residential customers of Maryland's largest electricity provider, Baltimore Gas and Electric, could see their bills increase by as much as 50 percent starting next month under a plan that state regulators said yesterday they approved "with reluctance, but with little legal option."

The Public Service Commission also agreed to an optional phase-in plan that would allow consumers to defer a portion of the increase interest-free. Under that plan, rates would rise only about 38 percent in the coming year, but the difference would have to be paid on future bills.

During last year's campaign, O'Malley accused the commission, which then had a majority of Ehrlich appointees, of "rubber-stamping" BGE's rate request. Yesterday, the tables were turned.

"O'Malley's pledge to hold the line on rate increases and help working families was a false campaign promise," state GOP Chairman James Pelura said in a statement. "His lack of visibility on this issue shows he will do and say whatever it takes to get elected."

BGE rate increase: Pay now or pay later

Residential electricity bills will inevitably go up, but part of the sum can be deferred interest-free

http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bal-te.bz.deferral24may24,0,5055621.story?coll=bal-home-headlines

Now that Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. has the go-ahead to raise electricity rates by 50 percent next month, Marylanders also have a choice: Pay the full increase right away or spread it out under a deferral plan.

Anti-slots group revived

Coalition of civic and religious organizations to meet tomorrow

http://www.capitalonline.com/cgi-bin/read/2007/05_23-35/TOP

Following Maryland's premier horse racing day of the year and State House rumblings that expanded gambling is a necessary solution to the state's fiscal problems, an anti-slots group is reorganizing after a one-year hiatus.

StopSlotsMaryland, a coalition of citizens, civic groups and religious organizations, will hold a meeting tomorrow at Calvary United Methodist Church in Annapolis to gear up for next year's General Assembly session.

Howard council OK's budget; 517 new jobs expected

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/howard/bal-md.ho.council24may24,0,5842218.story?coll=bal-local-headlines

Howard County will be able to hire 517 new government and school employees, and the fire property tax rate will increase by 1 cent, thanks to a $1.3 billion operating budget approved by the County Council yesterday.

The general property tax rate won't change, but the owner of a house priced at the county median of $450,000 will pay $273 more in property taxes July 1, due mostly to rising assessments, budget officials said.

Greg Fox, the council's only Republican, was the only member to vote against the spending plan. The five-member council left County Executive Ken Ulman's first budget virtually intact, despite a 10.7 percent increase in spending.

Funds restored to schools, nonprofits

$8.2 million shuffled in Leopold's spending plan

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2007/05_23-40/TOP

After weeks of pleas from residents and closed-door negotiations by politicians, the County Council and County Executive John R. Leopold restored $815,000 for nonprofit groups and added $5.4 million for schools yesterday.

Altogether, they shuffled $8.2 million in the $1.66 billion budget for next year, leaving intact most of the spending plan Mr. Leopold presented earlier this month.

"Last year we fine-tuned Janet Owens' budget. This year we micromanaged John Leopold's budget because there's only a (microscopic amount) of money to move around," said Councilman Ed Reilly, R-Crofton.

National News

Obama has fans in focus group

But 12 Md. voters look to GOP for safest choice in '08 White House race

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nationworld/bal-te.focus23may23,1,122149.story

Americans will be choosing change in 2008, if a group of Maryland voters is any indication. Whether the next president will be a Democrat is another question, though.

Sen. Barack Obama drew the most positive responses, while Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton came in for rough treatment, during the first in a national series of focus-group discussions sponsored by the University of Pennsylvania's nonpartisan Annenberg Public Policy Center.

But when the area voters were asked who would be the safest choice to lead the country in these uncertain times, nearly all, including Democrats and independents, picked Republicans: former Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, Sen. John McCain or former Gov. Mitt Romney.

Giuliani attends game, fundraiser

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.sbriefs24may24,0,5330337.story?coll=bal-local-headlines

Republican presidential candidate Rudolph W. Giuliani visited Maryland last night for two competitive American pastimes: political fundraising and youth baseball.

Giuliani, the former mayor of New York, was expected to raise $250,000 at the home of Edward St. John, an area developer.

Giuliani was joined last night by former Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., who told reporters that in addition to helping the ex-mayor raise money, Ehrlich would head to New Hampshire next month to help out after a GOP debate at St. Anselm College.

Gilchrest gaining two well-known opponents in re-election bid

http://www.examiner.com/a-745344~Gilchrest_gaining_two_well_known_opponents_in_re_election_bid.html

A high-profile state senator from Baltimore County and the states attorney in Queen Annes County are lining up to challenge U.S. Rep. Wayne Gilchrest in what could be another tough re-election fight in District 1.

This is a sort of a normal state of affairs for us, said Gilchrests chief of staff, Tony Caligiuri. The Republican congressman has faced similar challenges in at least six campaigns in a 16-year career that was launched by defeating two Democratic incumbents in 1990 and 1992.

Nethken announces intentions to run

http://www.wcbcradio.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7438&Itemid=35

At a press conference Wednesday morning at Cumberland City Hall, former Cumberland mayor Frank Nethken announced his intentions to run for Marylands Sixth Congressional Seat. Nethken has run for the seat twice in the past, which is currently held Congressman Roscoe Bartlett. Nethken stated that he intended to represent the little guy, and to not only focus on national issues such as education and tax cuts, but also local issues like the revitalization of the Downtown Cumberland Mall. Nethken also had a message for Congressman Bartlett

House Democrats bracing for unpalatable Iraq vote

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/house-democrats-bracing-for-unpalatable-iraq-vote-2007-05-24.html

House Democrats head into their last vote on the Iraq supplemental budget today with a sense of resignation, with fewer than half expected to vote in favor of a bill that gives President Bush nearly everything he wants.

The number of Democrats likely to vote for the Iraq measure ranges from about 60 to a slight minority of the caucus, around 110.

Even House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is expected to vote against it. But House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) will probably vote yes.

They seem to be holding on by their fingertips for September, Rep. Wayne Gilchrest, an anti-war Republican from Maryland, said of his GOP colleagues.

Anti-war activists attack Democrats over Iraq bill

Leadership criticized for agreeing to drop withdrawal deadline

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nationworld/iraq/bal-te.warvote24may24,0,2158417.story?coll=bal-iraq-headlines

For anti-war activists, turning against House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer was only the beginning.

The liberal group MoveOn.org ran radio ads this week chastising the Southern Maryland Democrat for voting against a measure that would have forced a withdrawal from Iraq within 180 days.

But that attack ad was nothing compared with the vitriol unleashed yesterday, as war opponents lit into the rest of the Democratic leadership for agreeing to drop a withdrawal timeline from the Iraq spending bill.

"We were so proud when he was made majority leader of the House of Representatives," an announcer intones. "But that pride has turned to disappointment. Because last week, Steny Hoyer was one of just a few Democrats to vote against the McGovern bill - a real plan for withdrawing from Iraq."

Hoyer's office says he understands "the passion" that many feel about the war.

In a statement, Hoyer said he was "deeply disappointed that the president continues to defy the will of the American people on Iraq, but ... I do believe that Democrats this week imposed a level of accountability where formerly there was none, and we will continue our efforts."

Century students work to hang in U.S. Capitol

http://www.gazette.net/stories/052407/sykenew213012_32338.shtml

Congratulations to Century High School senior Nicholas Kasnia who received the Best of Show award for a computer generated piece he entered into the Congressional Artistic Discovery Competition.

On May 14, Congressman Roscoe Bartlett, who represents the Sixth Congressional District, announced the names of district winners, including Kasnia, according to a press release.

Lisa Wright, spokeswoman, said the national high school art competition coordinated by members of the U.S. House of Representatives recognizes and promotes young artists.

20070523 MDGOP: Many Marylanders Hit With 50% Increase on Electric Bills

MDGOP: Many Marylanders Hit With 50% Increase on Electric Bills

Maryland Republican Party

James Pelura, DVM, MS

Chairman

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 23, 2007

Many Marylanders Hit With 50% Increase on Electric Bills

ANNAPOLIS - Today, the Public Service Commission announced its approval of a 50-percent rate hike for BGE electric customers.

The rate increase is set to take effect on Friday, June 1st. Martin O’Malley campaigned vigorously on the pledge that he would stop such rate increases.

Maryland Republican Party Chairman James Pelura released the following statement:

Martin O’Malley is all show and no substance. Last year, O’Malley filed a lawsuit to stop then-Governor Ehrlich’s plan to slow the rate increase, forcing this drastic 50-percent increase.

As electric rates are about to go up next week, O’Malley, and the Democrat leadership in the General Assembly have been missing in action.

O’Malley’s pledge to hold the line on rate increases and help working families was a false campaign promise. O’Malley’s lack of visibility on this issue shows he will do and say whatever it takes to get elected.

Unfortunately, this may be lights out for many Marylanders.

Quotes from the O’Malley/Brown Campaign Web Site (http://www.martinomalley.com/content/591)

Martin O’Malley and Anthony Brown will work to provide immediate relief from the impending rate hikes for our families, small businesses and the most vulnerable in our communities.

O’Malley and Brown believe that any system should ensure an adequate supply of energy, a fair rate of return for producers and affordable rates for customers. Absent adequate competition that can meet these goals, we must work to implement a system that ensures an adequate supply of energy at affordable rates.

###

20070524 Quote of the day

Quote of the day - Oh, The Places You'll Go!

Thursday, May 24, 2007

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”

Dr. Seuss Oh, The Places You'll Go! Random House

Thanks TC

20070516 Airport options face public by Jim Joyner


Airport options face public



For more on the airport and other Carroll County community news, issues and events coverage go to: Westminster Eagle



For more posts on “Soundtrack” about Carroll County Regional Airport go to: Carroll County Regional Airport



05/16/07 by Jim Joyner



To build or not to build ... or maybe to build a little or a lot.



Those are the questions being posed for the future of the Carroll County Regional Airport, and they are also the subject of a public hearing to be held next Wednesday, May 23, at 7 p.m. at Carroll Community College, 1601 Washington Road, Westminster.



The hearing will focus on a quartet of options for the airport -- from a no-build alternative to a plan that would expand and relocate the main runway some 375 feet to the west.



Early this month the Board of County Commissioners received a presentation as part of the airport's master plan review, compiled by the engineering firm URS.



The company has taken part in a study of the airport dating back to 2004, when the county formed a technical advisory committee and hosted a series of meetings.



At the May 1 presentation, the commissioners opted not to embrace any particular option, but set the stage for the public hearing.



Options being considered include (estimated costs in parenthesis):



*No Build -- which would keep the current runway, but would still require repairs and resurfacing that would close the runway for an estimated six months. ($8.7 million)



*Alternative 1 -- extending the existing runway to 300 feet, which would accommodate some, but not all, moderate-size aircraft. Doing this would also close the runway, for about seven months for construction. ($42.8 million)



*Alternative 2 -- relocating the runway 375 feet to the west, which would leave the existing runway available as a taxiway. This expansion would mean the county would have to acquire a nearby asphalt plant off Vision Way Drive, as well as the Arc of Carroll County facility on Krider's Church Road. ($59.3 million)



*Alternative 3 -- relocating the runway 250 feet to the west and 600 feet north. This shift would also require acquisition of the asphalt plant, but not the Arc of Carroll. ($56 million)



Officials say FAA user fee funds would pay for up to 95 percent of the "build" alternatives.



The master plan also includes provisions for new corporate hangars and other improvements.



Last month officials of the Sage Policy Group offered its own review of the airport expansion plan from an economic standpoint.



The Sage study said an expansion would bring an economic boost to the county, but acknowledged that noise, traffic and impact on neighbors would also be part of any expansion plan.



The Carroll Joint Neighborhood Association, a Westminster-based group that has opposed an expansion, reiterated that position after the Sage study, saying, "Allowing the airport to retain its current size would maintain the delicate balance which now exists between airport users and the quality of life of thousands of residents living north, south, east and west of the airport."



Both the URS presentation to the commissioners and the Sage Study are online at www.ccgovernment.carr.org/ccg/default.asp.



The draft Regional Airport Master Plan is available for review at the Carroll County Regional Airport Terminal, 200 Airport Drive, Westminster; and at the county's Office of Performance Auditing and Special Projects, 225 N. Center St., Westminster.



It's also at all five Carroll County Public Library branches.



At the public hearing, speakers will be limited to three minutes, but written comments will be accepted prior to the hearing.



They may be addressed to Kathryn L. Rauschenberg, County Clerk, at 225 N. Center St., Westminster, MD 21157, or via e-mail to krauschenberg AT ccg.carr.org.


For more information, call Cindy Parr, chief of Administrative Services, at 410-386-2043.