This week in The Tentacle
http://www.thetentacle.com/Thursday, August 13, 2009
Standing in the Battle LineChris Cavey
Occasionally in political life you have one of those “ah-ha” moments. Late Monday afternoon at Towson University was such a moment for me – and Sen. Ben Cardin, too.
Too Many Adventures and Then SomeJoan McIntyre
Let’s hope my daughters don't read this article. They hate when I talk about them. But, isn't that a mother’s prerogative in some twisted way. Don’t labor pains equate to the right to use your children for article material. Okay, so maybe that isn't an exact interpretation, but work with me here, please.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Free Speech was great while it lastedKevin E. Dayhoff
Maryland’s Democrat U. S. Senator Ben Cardin got quite an earful at a town hall meeting Monday night in Towson on healthcare reform. Although I choose not to attend, according to many published accounts, those who did go soundly jeered and booed him throughout the evening.
Of “Birthers” and “Blue Dogs”Michael Kurtianyk
I love language. I especially like the etymology of words and phrases. Did you know, for example, that the “dog days” of summer actually relates to Sirius, the “dog star,” which rises and sets with the sun?
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Poisonous PartisanshipRoy Meachum
The United States Supreme Court has a new associate justice. Despite GOP hard-core opposition, Sonia Sottomeyer was sworn in the day after the Senate approved her appointment, 68-31. On Thursday, the Senate passed the “refill” of “Cash for Clunkers,” 60-37. Republicans lost both times.
Cause, Effect, and SolutionFarrell Keough
We have seen this scenario played out before – in fact, the Holy Bible speaks to third generations not embracing the religion of their parents. In short, it is the values, traditions, and work ethic of our parents and grandparents being pushed aside for a more progressive vision.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Defining ActivismRichard B. Weldon Jr.
MoveOn.org, that bastion of liberal thinking, is now in the business of defining speech. They’ve always considered themselves better than everyone else, now they’re defining by just how much they are better.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Boring PoliticsRoy Meachum
If the gods smile, as many as 20 percent may vote in next month’s Frederick City primary elections. Four registered voters will walk by every one that marches into the voting booth. Fellow columnist George Wenschhof puts the blame on the system that created Frederick’s stand-alone elections.
CARS Program’s Unintended ConsequencesJoe Charlebois
On the surface the CARS program, better known as “Cash for Clunkers,” looks like a huge success. Traffic into American showrooms, according to reports, is at least double what it was previously. Sales of new vehicles are up substantially and on par with sales number prior to the downturn. So what could be wrong?
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Wrong About What’s RightPatricia A. Kelly
The latest brain child from our president, Barack Obama, is the last straw for me. And it isn’t likely to be the last “idea” whose time has come for this candidate who promised “Change we can believe in.”
Healthcare and The Pittsburgh PiratesTony Soltero
When I was younger, the Pittsburgh Pirates were a model baseball franchise, a team that contended almost every year and won its share of championships in the process. Thanks in large part to the Roberto Clemente connection, the Bucs were very popular in Puerto Rico, where I grew up.
Summer Music ListMichael Kurtianyk
Ah! The joys of summer! As the days get longer and I am busy with work, I love listening to music as I drive in the car and head out on the road. Of course, this is in between the Bob Miller and Blaine Young shows! So, herewith is my current summer music listening list, as found on my IPod.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
R.I.P. – Dr. Ira ZeppKevin E. Dayhoff
Last Saturday word spread quickly throughout the greater Carroll County community that Rev. Dr. Ira Gilbert Zepp, Jr., professor emeritus of the Religious Studies department at McDaniel College, had died peacefully at his home. He was 79 years old.
Rainforest World Music FestivalTom McLaughlin
Santubong, Sarawak, Malaysia – Shhhhhh! It’s a secret! Don’t tell anybody! I want to hoard this event for just my friends! I don’t want anymore people to come. As far as I am concerned, there were just enough people here a weekend or two ago.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
“Uppity Negro” vs. “Racist Pig”Roy Meachum
Any American who can see or hear knows exactly who are the “uppity negro” and the “racist pig.” That’s how each is described by radical elements in both camps. Their names may not be remembered. Their professions are: Harvard professor and Cambridge Police sergeant. The reality will probably offend more Henry Louis Gates, Jr., than James Crowley.
Motorcycle Touring – Part 3Nick Diaz
Everyone needs to eat. On the road you, the touring motorcyclist, have two choices. You could buy food in a grocery store and prepare it yourself, or you can pay someone else to prepare the food. You cannot just go to the refrigerator and grab something, or drive to your favorite restaurant. While touring by motorcycle, you'll have to get food wherever you can.
20090813 sdosm This week in The Tentacle
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