20070629 MediaBistro Daily TVNewser Feed for Fri Je 29 2007

20070629 MediaBistro Daily TVNewser Feed for Fri Je 29 2007

Friday, Jun 29

MOYERS SAYS FNC "HUFFS & PUFFS," BUT "DOES LITTLE SERIOUS ORIGINAL REPORTING"

Bill Moyers' essay about Rupert Murdoch, airing tonight on PBS, is already on YouTube and The Huffington Post. Here's what Moyers says about FNC: "His worst offense with FOX News is not even its baldly partisan agenda. Far worse is the travesty he's made of its journalism. FOX News huffs and puffs, pontificates and proclaims, but does little serious original reporting. His tabloids sell babes and breasts, gossip and celebrities. Now he's about to bring under...

http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/fnc/moyers_says_fnc_huffs_puffs_but_does_little_serious_original_reporting_62126.asp

MSNBC GOING TO TAPE ON SATURDAY P.M.

MSNBC is pulling the plug on its Saturday afternoon newscasts."The network had originally added the 12-4pm shift with Contessa Brewer back at the end of 2005. The network dropped its Sunday 12-4 newscast due to ratings last December," ICN says.MSNBC Live will now run from 8am to noon. "As we do on Sunday, we will break into the afternoon programming for breaking news," a network rep says......

http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/msnbc/msnbc_going_to_tape_on_saturday_pm_62127.asp

NEW ON FOXNEWS.COM: "DOTCOM DAILY"

FOXNews.com is testing a new web video: "Dotcom Daily," hosted by Courtney Friel, the web site's entertainment correspondent.She already hosts the gossip webcast Lips and Ears. Since Monday, she's been reading headlines on the two-minute videos, accessible through AOL Video.Is this a new web product from FNC, similar to the business videos Cheryl Casone hosts for Yahoo?......
http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/fnc/new_on_foxnewscom_dotcom_daily_62045.asp

DEBATES: MSNBC SPONSORING TWO IN FLORIDA

Several Florida groups are hoping to attract presidential candidates to two debates next January. Today MSNBC signed on as a national broadcast sponsor for the debates, scheduled to take place Jan. 23 and 25. Also, "most of the NBC affiliates in Florida have already committed to broadcast the debates live." NBC special events EP Phil Alongi says "NBC News is pleased to join the Decision 2008: Before You Vote partnership, and we are looking forward...

http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/msnbc/debates_msnbc_sponsoring_two_in_florida_62120.asp

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Friday, Jun 29

ZUCKER THINKS WE SHOULD "BACK OFF" COURIC & "GIVE HER A BREAK"

Jeff Zucker, Katie Couric's former boss, thinks some of the scrutiny directed toward her has been "unfair and sexist in tone." In a FT.com video interview, Zucker said: "Frankly, I think everybody should just back off, give her a break, and let her do her job, and see how it goes. But I think the amount of attention attended to this has been wholely unfair, and I do think there is a degree of sexism...

http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/couric_watch/zucker_thinks_we_should_back_off_couric_give_her_a_break_62101.asp

TERROR PLOT FOILED: COVERAGE NOTES

> Look at the message CBS News found on a jihadist Internet forum: "Today I say: Rejoice, by Allah, London shall be bombed." It was posted hours before the scare... > Today's scare "comes just three weeks after what was described as an al Qaeda graduation ceremony of suicide bomb teams to be dispatched to Europe and the United States," ABC's Brian Ross notes... > Good Morning America covered the plot with three correspondents:...

http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/top_stories/terror_plot_foiled_coverage_notes_62100.asp

WATCH: BYSTANDER GRABS INGLE'S MIC ON FNC

A bystander interfered with Laura Ingle's iPhone live shot on FNC this morning, grabbing her microphone and running away before being tackled. Here's the must-see video. Ingle was interviewing Newsweek's Steven Levy, who was holding a coveted iPhone. "I thought it was interesting that the guy tried to grab your microphone and not the iPhone!," Megyn Kelly said......

http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/fnc/watch_bystander_grabs_ingles_mic_on_fnc_62095.asp

TERROR PLOT FOILED: LAUER'S GOOD TIMING

Nice timing: Matt Lauer was in London to tease Sunday's Diana concert when this morning's bomb scare news broke."Just about three miles from where I'm standing here at Kensington Palace this morning, police diffused or made safe what they're describing as a potentially viable explosive device," Lauer said at the top.Then he spent a couple minutes teasing his Diana coverage before introducing a correspondent's package and interviewing an ITV News political editor... > Update: 10:51am:...
http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/nbc/terror_plot_foiled_lauers_good_timing_62093.asp

Friday, Jun 29

TERROR PLOT FOILED: MSNBC IGNORES IT

While CNN and Fox News Channel were in breaking news mode early this morning, broadcasting continuous live coverage of the London bomb scare, MSNBC was acting like nothing had happened. MSNBC's First Look, live at 5am and repeated at 5:30am, barely made mention of the developing story. The top story was yesterday's immigration defeat in Congress. Anchor Joel Connable was finally forced to mention the terror plot once, when tossing to CNBC Europe for a market...

http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/msnbc/terror_plot_foiled_msnbc_ignores_it_62091.asp

TERROR PLOT FOILED: CNN SIMULCASTS INTERNATIONAL COVERAGE, FNC AIRS SKY NEWS

E-mailer coverage notes: > "FNC broke the news with Suzanne Sena giving live updates at 3 a.m., 3:30 a.m., and then interrupting a repeat of Special Report to simulcast a live feed from Sky News from 3:40 a.m. for about 7 minutes," an e-mailer says. > FNC started simulcasting Sky News at 4am, with brief breaks for commercials. The live coverage continued until Fox & Friends started at 6am. > CNN interrupted the 3am replay...

http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/top_stories/terror_plot_foiled_cnn_simulcasts_international_coverage_fnc_airs_sky_news_62089.asp

TERROR PLOT FOILED: CNN'S "GOOD FORTUNE" TO HAVE AMANPOUR ON SET

American Morning co-hosts John Roberts and Kiran Chetry were lucky to have Christiane Amanpour on hand this morning -- and they knew it.Amanpour was on set in New York all morning."We woke her up. She has raced into the studio," Roberts said.Before signing off, Chetry added later: "It was certainly good fortune for us."Amanpour's special, "The War Within," will re-air Saturday and Sunday at 8pm.....

http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/cnn/terror_plot_foiled_cnns_good_fortune_to_have_amanpour_on_set_62087.asp

Watch: Check out the iPhone stunt gone wrong on Today."Steve Jobs is counting on us!," Meredith Vieira joked as she tried to get her phone to work......

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20070629 Quote of the day - affirm your work

Quote of the day - affirm your work

Friday, June 20^th, 2007

“No one else can tell you what your life's work is, but it's important that you find it. There is a part of you that knows--affirm that part.”

Willis Harman (d. 1997) Scientist and engineer

Thanks TC

Then again – I like the one I noticed on “Studio 60” last night: “Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.”

(And yes I agree…)

Hey – it’s Friday.

Have a great weekend.

20070628 Linda Lamoned – again and again and once again

Linda Lamoned – again and again and once again

June 28^th, 2007 by Kevin Dayhoff

On Tuesday, June 26^th, 2007, Kim Zetter, a journalist working for “Wired,” broke the story on Maryland State Board of Elections Administrator Linda Lamone seemingly “endors(ing) Diebold machines in marketing materials.”

Re-read the previous sentence. It is important.

When you read her piece, “Maryland Election Official Endorses Diebold Machines in Marketing Literature;” one can easily see that she spent a great deal of time on it, used cultivated sources, investigated it thoroughly, knew the issues and she broke the story. A story all of the rest of the vaunted mainstream media missed in Maryland. She nailed it.

Did you know that she broke the story?

Chances are great that you did not. Everyone is using her work, yet, except for one buried credit, “The use of her statements in the Diebold brochure was first reported Tuesday by wired.com, the Web site for Wired magazine;” the mainstream media and the Maryland blogosphere – for shame – is not giving her credit.

And this is wrong.

And the one credit she did get is buried so far in an article that if you did not know the issues, or care, and did not purposefully look for it – you would have easily missed it as the article in question was not overly forthcoming that the writer used Ms. Zetter’s work; almost paragraph by paragraph… - in the beginning as a springboard…

In the article, Ms. Zetter’s name was not mentioned and the “credit” was so off-hand and casual, the almost all readers would not be aware of all her hard work – and that she broke the story.

On another front, the crazier thing of it all is that if the Maryland blogosphere treats a colleague in this manner how are we to expect the mainstream media to treat us better?

For other posts about the phenomena of on-line journalists working hard and breaking stories or adding insight to a fast moving story; only to have the main stream media pick it up and not properly attribute the material – click on: Media Commentary MSM Give credit where credit is due.

Now – click on: “Maryland Election Official Endorses Diebold Machines in Marketing Literature” by Kim Zetter and then click on: “Election official criticized over ad” by Melissa Harris – and do a side-by-side comparison. Print them out if you need to. I’ll remain relatively agnostic - - you draw your own conclusions.

To Ms. Harris’s credit, she took the story and ran with it. She did a great job diving-in and bringing forth more information to our attention. But why not give Kim Zetter credit for breaking the story in a prominent manner at the top of the story?

And maybe it is not Ms. Harris’ oversight. For all we know perhaps her original copy did appropriately feature the person who did the original work and an editor messed with it.

Some of the additional depth of Ms. Harris’ coverage piques one’s curiosity… For example, the matter of the YouTube video… But that information has been out there for a while and I, for one, am willing to toss it up to the fact that perhaps Ms. Harris decided to give the matter that extra effort – that has been lacking on the part of the institution for which she works, in the past. Ms. Harris obviously worked hard on her piece… where other reporters were more willing to give Ms. Lamone a pass…

In an e-mail exchange with Ms. Zetter, she was extraordinary gracious and professional.

She wrote, in part:

“I'd much rather they write about the subject and not credit me than that they not write about it at all. And the Baltimore Sun reporter did do a good job with her piece.

“What's more, it was only because a number of reporters started calling

the governor's office that he asked the ethics commission to look into

the matter. I'm not sure my blog post alone would have achieved that.”

Methinks that Ms. Zetter is being a bit humble. That said, her professionalism in this context is to be applauded. Many other journalists have not been so magnanimous…

And again, to emphasize - - with the teamwork of Ms. Harris working the story and Ms. Zetter’s initial hard work - things happened. That is the way it should be.

It also would be important for the mainstream media give “the on-line partner” all the credit they are due. In a side-by-side comparison of Ms. Zetter’s story and Ms. Harris’ story, wouldn’t you think that perhaps a few more attributions were in order?

I guess, we should reward Ms. Harris and the Sun for giving Ms. Zetter the fleeting credit they did give her. It’s progress…

Nice work Ms. Zetter – and Ms. Harris…

Moving on to the Linda Lamone matter itself; this is a train wreck.

During the previous Republican administration, the Baltimore Sun was loath to attribute any problems to the darling of the Maryland Democratic Party and the Democratic leadership in the Maryland General Assembly…, Ms. Lamone.

In previous coverage of any number of synthetic (and real) problems during the previous Republican administration, the Baltimore Sun “owned” their coverage. The Sun read like a talking points memo of the Maryland Democratic Party.

Now that challenges persist in spite of campaign promises, many of the articles; on say the hiring and firing of state employees, or the electric rates matter, now feature that “Republicans are saying,” or Republicans charge….” Not that the problems have their “own” legitimacy, as in under the previous coverage of the previous administration…

Delving more into the Linda Lamone train wreck, it will curious as to whether or not she will be held responsible for her alleged job performance issues or for that matter, her conduct on the job. After all, she has been taught for four years that she can do whatever she darn well pleases and the Baltimore Sun and the Maryland Democratic leadership will cover for her and protect her.

Click on “Linda Lamone.” Or read my September 20, 2006 Tentacle column, “Lamoned, again.”

The conduct of Maryland's primary election on September 12 is a national disgrace. We've been "Lamoned!" Linda Lamone, that is. You know - the Democrats' state elections administrator for life.

[…]

You can bet the farm that if the state elections administrator had been appointed by Gov, Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., there would be screaming from the front page to the last, criticizing the governor and calling for the administrator's head.

[…]

The Sun was quick to say in a September 14 article: "Lamone, for her part, said she was "horrified" by the problems that snarled the start of voting on Tuesday but she attributed most of the problems to the largely autonomous local election boards - especially in Montgomery County and Baltimore - not anything that her office or its staff did wrong."

But then, in the same article The Sun says: "The state Board of Public Works did not approve the final order for all of the necessary equipment until July 26, a vote that was delayed by questions raised by board members Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., and Comptroller William Donald Schaefer."

Darn it - well, of course. How could we all be so stupid? It was the governor's fault after all.

Remember, Ms Lamone, "appointed by the State Board of Elections with Senate advice and consent," essentially has a job for life as a result of the 2005 Maryland General Assembly's "Linda Lamone - appointment for life legislation." Remember: 2005 SB 444/HB 675: "State Elections Office and State Elections Advisory Committee" sponsored by Sen. Paula Hollinger and Del. Shelia Hixson?

Blair Lee, in a March 3 Gazette column, "Paybacks are hell," puts it into perspective best. He calls to our attention a Sun article of February 21, "Voting-System Debate Colored By Party Politics."

In the article the paper editorializes on a comment by Governor Ehrlich: ''I no longer have confidence in the state Board of Elections' ability to conduct fair and accurate elections in 2006."

The Sun suggests that this "was Ehrlich's shabby attempt at intimidating the board and suppressing voter turnout... and replacing the state elections administrator, Linda H. Lamone, with someone the administration favors."

Mr. Lee writes, "From time immemorial, state law allowed governors to appoint the state elections administrator - the person who oversees state elections. And for decades, Democratic governors appointed loyal Democrats who could be trusted to keep an eye on the party's interests."

"When Ehrlich became governor in 2003, the Democratic legislature changed the rules . now Linda Lamone can only be removed by an 80 percent supermajority of the full elections board and even when removed she keeps her job until her successor is approved (if ever) by the state Senate, controlled by Democrats!

"In other words, at the prospect of a GOP governor the Democrats installed a Democratic elections-administrator for life. Yet, none of this made it into the Sun's story about ''playing politics" with the elections board. Which raises this question: at what point do reporting omissions create an untruth?"

The answer to our problems is to have the United Nations, former President Jimmy Carter - and perhaps representatives from Zambia, Serbia or Thailand - be official observers for the upcoming Maryland general election.

[…]

The Linda Lamone story will no doubt be continued.

Meanwhile, increasingly, Marylanders get their cutting edge and breaking news from the blogosphere. When a journalist picks up a story, most responsible journalists are quick to link and credit the mainstream media covering the story.

We only ask that the courtesy be reciprocated. Is that too much to ask?

####

20070628 News Clips

News Clips

June 28, 2007

(Thanks for the feedback "Axistive.")

STATE NEWS

Maryland Election Official Endorses Diebold Machines in Marketing Literature

http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2007/06/linda_lamone_th.html

By Kim Zetter, June 26, 2007

Maryland's Board of Elections Administrator, Linda Lamone, is featured in a sales brochure for Diebold Election Systems praising the company's new ExpressPoll-5000 electronic pollbook.

"Our election judges just love this product, and so do I. We in Maryland are extremely pleased with the performance of the system during the general election," reads Lamone's quote next to a photo of her smiling and sitting, presumably, in a state election office.

Aside from the fact that some voters (and the Maryland State Ethics Commission) might take issue with the idea of a state election official appearing in sales literature to promote a specific voting machine company's product, there's one other detail that stands out about Lamone's endorsement (at right) -- the e-pollbooks she's promoting in the brochure experienced large-scale failure during Maryland's inaugural use of them in the September primary last year. More specifically, the Diebold e-pollbooks used in precincts across the state crashed repeatedly during the election causing long delays in voting at some precincts.

Election official criticized over ad Diebold quotes praise by Lamone

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-te.md.lamone28jun28,0,3131131.story?coll=bal-home-headlines

In a glossy brochure for the voter check-in system that Diebold Election Systems debuted in Maryland last year, the state's elections chief offers glowing praise. What Lamone didn't mention, however, was that the check-in machines crashed during the September primary, leading to long delays at some precincts and prompting then-Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. to urge voters to cast absentee ballots in the general election.

Several state legislators criticized Lamone's decision to participate in the brochure. "We're not to use public office to endorse a product," said Del. Elizabeth Bobo, a Howard County Democrat and critic of Diebold. "At best, this is an example of extremely poor judgment. And that doesn't even address my concerns with the content of her statements." Sen. Andrew P. Harris, a Baltimore County Republican, agreed. "Our top election official shouldn't be appearing to endorse a vendor's product," he said. "We've always approached procurement decisions in an objective fashion, and a vendor's literature would not be a place necessarily associated with objectivity."

State to pay top dollar for land

Price exceeds appraisals for farm owned by member of O'Malley transition team

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-te.md.land28jun28,0,2918368.story?coll=bal-home-headlines
State and local officials have agreed to pay $5 million to buy an Eastern Shore farm from a member of Gov. Martin O'Malley's transition te am - a price nearly $1 million higher than appraisals suggest the land is worth.The three-member state Board of Public Works decided unanimously last week to buy the property, despite reservations expressed by Comptroller Peter Franchot. Franchot, who ultimately voted for the deal, questioned why the purchase price was more than the value listed on two state-approved appraisals - one for $3.6 million and one for $4.6 million. The state often settles on the average of two appraisals, which would be $4.1 million.

KIPP school to stay open

Decision by board of Edgewater facility a stunning reversal

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/annearundel/bal-md.ar.kipp28jun28,0,2595267.story?coll=bal-local-arundel

A week after announcing that an Edgewater cha rter school would be shuttered, its divided leadership last night formally voted for the school to remain open in a stunning turnaround. The decision to stay open, which came over the objections of Principal Jallon Brown, appears to keep the Harbor Academy from becoming the first among 52 KIPP schools to close because of lack of space.

Scaring up 'new revenue

Doomsday budget' shows need for taxes or slots, Md. leaders say

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.taxes28jun28,0,6591847.story?coll=bal-mdpolitics-headlines

In an exercise of political theater intended to set the stage for tax increases and possibly slot machines, legislators got a grim look yesterday at how the state could balance the budget with s pending cuts alone. Maryland's top political leaders agree that the doomsday budget will not come to pass, as each intends to push a variety of revenue-increasing options, ranging from a penny increase in the sales tax to an increase in the gas tax to allowing slot machines at race tracks. Some Republican legislators suggested that recent state spending increases have produced the current budget crisis, and they have previously proposed deep spending cuts instead of tax increases.

'Doomsday' budget scenario forecasts cuts

http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display.htm?StoryID=61873

Under Maryland's "doomsday" budget scenario, the state would cut funding to Frederick County by almost $21 million. "The purpose (of the doomsday budge) is to generate support for tax increases among core constituenci es and to strike fear among those dependent on state funding," said Sen. David Brinkley (R-Carroll and Frederick).

Ehrlich: 'Monopolies' do what they want

http://www.examiner.com/a-803153~Ehrlich___Monopolies__do_what_they_want.html

The "doomsday budget" unveiled to legislators Wednesday and talk of a "comprehensive solution" to a "structural deficit" are simply code words for a tax increase or "a fait accompli," former Gov. Robert Ehrlich told The Examiner in an exclusive interview. "They don't need to make the case" for tax hikes to their constituents; "they have the votes," Ehrlich said at his Linthicum law office Tuesday.

State to help in crime tracking

Local governments to get help implementing Comstat, O'Malley says

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.league28jun28,0,3275960.story?coll=bal-mdpolitics-headlines

Gov. Martin O'Malley said yesterday that he will help municipal and county governments to implement the computerized crime tracking system he used in Baltimore and will provide grant money to help law enforcement officials to fight gangs and share intelligence. The computerized crime tracking system, known as Comstat, was pioneered in New York and implemented in Baltimore shortly after O'Malley became mayor in 1999. The approach is credited with making New York the safest big city in the United States, but despite drops in violent crime under the O'Malley administration, Baltimore remains one of the country's deadliest cities.

White House Tee Ball
Frostburg youngsters launch South Law n tee ball, where everyone wins

http://www.times-news.com/local/local_story_179090547.html
It was the night before Audrey Jones' big debut at the White House. But instead of practicing her tee ball skills, she was more interested in playing with the water guns and hopping on the trampoline. Audrey was to play in her last tee ball game of the season and it would be at no other place than the South Lawn of the White House with President Bush as one of the fans. She and 10 of her Allegany County Little League Bobcats took to the South Lawn that had been converted into a Little League field for the afternoon Wednesday. Knowing that the leader of the free world was cheering from the stands didn't bother her any.

NATIONAL NEWS

Illegals bill loses support in Senate

http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070628/NATION/106280087/1001

The Senate immigration bill lost supporters yesterday and hangs on by a thread heading into this morning's showdown vote, after lawmakers voted down amendments making illegal aliens show roots to get legal status and cutting off their path to citizenship. This morning's vote is on a parliamentary question about limiting debate, but it boils down to a vote to block the bill. Just two days ago, 64 senators voted to revive the bill, with many saying they wanted to give the Senate a chance to improve the bill through amendments. But after a messy day in the chamber yesterday, with dozens of objections, arguments on the floor and five amendments defeated, at least a half-dozen senators said publicly or privately that their patience has run out.

House Grudgingly Accepts a Pay Raise, as Usual

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/27/AR2007062702790.html

Democrats have for weeks been privately wringing their hands over whether to accept an automatic 2.5 percent pay increase, fretting that the raise may appear inconsistent with their campaign promises.But last night, the House made its peace with it, rejecting a bid to block the automatic cost-of-living raise of about $4,400 on a 244 to 181 vote.Sources say Majority Leader Steny Hoyer supported accepting a bump in the $165,200-per-year salary since the Democrats kept their word by quickly pushing through the first federal minimum-wage increase in nearly a decade after taking power in January.

Hopewell Manor II employees honored

http://www.herald-mail.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=168987&format=html

Site Manager Virginia "Ginny" Weir and Maintenance Manager Richard Loudin were recognized by U.S. Rep Roscoe Bartlett, R-Md., and Marlene Elliott, USDA Rural Development State Director, for their work at Hopewell Manor II Apartments on Pepperbush Circle in Hagerstown. The two are employed by Annapolis-based Case Edwards Management Co. to manage a federally financed property that is home to 53 residents. "It is important that we recognize the hard work and dedication of Ms. Weir and Mr. Loudin," Bartlett said. "These noteworthy individuals have worked tirelessly for the residents to make their apartments better places to live. I'm sure everyone who lives in an apartment wishes their managers were more like Ms. Weir and Mr. Loudin."

Taking on the NRA

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/bal-ed.guns28jun28,0,1246399.story?coll=bal-opinion-headlines

Through its influence and lobbying in Washington, the National Rifle Association in the past has been able to limit the use of federal data that trace the ownership of guns used in crimes. But this year, the NRA has run into a small problem: Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski is using her power and influence to block reauthorization of the gun-trace restrictions - and it's worth the fight.As the new chairwoman of the Senate Appropriation Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, Ms. Mikulski stripped the gun-trace restrictions from the U.S. Department of Justice spending bill this week. But gun-rights supporters are girding for a fight when the full committee meets today: An even tougher measure th at would penalize police who use gun-trace information to identify suspect gun sales beyond one case may be in the works.

Steny Hoyer: Senator Hoyer Announces $36.9 Million Federal Investment in Maryland Conservation & Environmental Priorities

http://www.allamericanpatriots.com/48725993_steny_h_hoyer_steny_hoyer_senator_hoyer_announces_36_9_million_federal_investment_maryland_

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) today announced the inclusion of $36.9 million for Maryland conservation and environmental priorities in the FY2008 Interior and the Environment Appropriations bill, which passed the House of Representatives." Maryland and the 5th Congressional District are blessed with a number of precious natural resources and historic treasures that I am committed to preserving for future generations of Marylanders," stated Rep. Hoyer. "I am proud to have helped secure this federal funding, which makes sound investments in critical Maryland conservation and environmental priorities."

Baltimore Chop

http://www.opinionjournal.com/best/?id=110010264

An anti-Republican tide turned out Republican Gov. Bob Ehrlich last year after one term even though Maryland voters gave him high approval ratings. But Mr. Ehrlich is keeping his hand in public life with a foundation and a radio talk show that he hosts. This week he also took the unusual step of lending a hand to a conservative primary challenger to moderate GOP Congressman Wayne Gilchrest. Robert Hug, Mr. Ehrlich's chief fundraiser, is now openly working for State Senator Andy Harris, a former Navy doctor and anesthesiologist, and Mr. Ehrlich even put in an appearance at a reception for the state senator in Baltimore last week. Mr. Ehrlich has also recently interviewed Mr. Harris on his radio show at least twice.

20070627 Alabama Mayor Caught Driving Stolen Vehicle

Alabama Mayor Caught Driving Stolen Vehicle

June 27^th, 2007 – Posted June 28^th, 2007

Hmmm, seems to me that this sort of activity is not on the mayoral behavior recommended list. Where are Andy Taylor and Barney when we need them?

Andy Griffith Show promo

Alabama Mayor Caught Driving Stolen Vehicle

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

By Audrey Bright

Fox News

Lipscomb, Ala., Mayor Simon Speights Sr. was found driving a stolen vehicle last Friday Jefferson County Sheriff's Department Spokesman Sgt. Randy Christian told FOXNews.com.

When confronted, Speights reportedly told investigators he had indeed driven the vehicle. The car was originally from Virginia and had been reported stolen in Walker County, Ala., in September 2005.

Click here to read the report by MyFOX Birmingham

Read the rest of the Fox News item here: Alabama Mayor Caught Driving Stolen Vehicle

####

20070628 Our bunnies are in training

Our bunnies are in training

And I’ll bet they can jump higher than your bunnies…

(The picture to the left is of a bunny in our back yard from earlier today...)

Bunny show Jumping

June 28, 2007

Photo credit for jumping rabbit picture at top: Kaninhoppning-king_of_joyride.jpg

English: A rabbit jumping at a Rabbit Show Jumping

Deutsch: Ein Hauskaninchen nimmt ein Hindernis beim Kaninhop.

Svenska: Kanin som hoppar över ett hinder under kaninhoppning.

photo taken by sv:User:Wikkie

first upload: 17:27, March 10, 2005 - sv:Wikipedia by the photographer

Compilation of 5 video clips from http://www.kaninhop.dk of rabbit show jumping events. I saw a couple of clips on YouTube and thought people may appreciate seeing the whole set...

Also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbit_s...

(Posted for Mrs. Owl… Who has been in a board meeting for much of the day – maybe she’ll sneak a peak at the blog and smile….)

####

20070628 Quote of the Day – Always be ready

20070628 Quote of the Day – Always be ready

Quote of the day

June 28th, 2007

“Always be ready for the surprises in life.”

Author and photo - unknown

20070627 What is wrong with this picture?

What is wrong with this picture?

June 27^th, 2007

Unbelievable…

Rosie O'Donnell is at the center of a controversy yet again – this time over a photo on her Web site of her 4-year-old daughter Vivi wearing a toy bullet belt.

More

Hat Tip

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20070627 Four Bartlett Amendments Strengthen Biofuels and Solar Bills

Four Bartlett Amendments Strengthen Biofuels and Solar Bills

June 27, 2007

Washington, DC – Four amendments by Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-6-MD) were among nine offered by Republicans that were approved today as part of legislation by the House Science and Technology Committee. The Committee approved four bills.

Two promoted research and development (R&D) into alternative and renewable energies.

A third bill updated an Administration database for climate change data management.

The fourth bill studies the potential for carbon capture and storage technologies.

The Bartlett amendments made substantive improvements to biofuels and solar energy research and development bills.

Congressman Bartlett said, “The Science and Technology Committee has been extremely active approving energy-related bills. I was very pleased by the cooperation and collaboration by Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN), Chairman Nick Lampson (D-TX) and Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) and their staff who worked with me to make these very good bills better and more comprehensive.”

The following bills were approved by the Committee today by voice vote:

H.R. 2774, the Solar Energy Research and Advancement Act of 2007, introduced by Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ);

H.R. 2773, the Biofuels Research and Development Enhancement Act, introduced by Energy and Environment Chairman Nick Lampson (D-TX);

H.R. 1933, the Department of Energy Carbon Capture and Storage Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 2007, introduced by Space and Aeronautics Chairman Mark Udall (D-CO); and

H.R. 906, Global Change Research and Data Management Act of 2007, introduced by Chairman Udall and Energy and Environment Ranking Member Bob Inglis (R-SC).

Congressman Bartlett had two amendments approved as part of H.R. 2773, the Biofuels Research and Development Enhancement Act.

One Bartlett amendment changed Section 4, which directs the Secretary of Energy to submit to the Congress within 180 days a report on any research and development challenges inherent in increasing the proportion of diesel sold in the U.S. to 5 percent biodiesel.

The Bartlett amendment cuts that proportion in half to 2.5 percent. “It is important for the biofuels program enacted under this bill to be realistic and to take account of the food vs. fuel trade-off inherent with biodiesel,” said Congressman Bartlett.

A National Academies of Science (NAS) study released on July 25, 2006, “Environmental, economic, and energetic costs and benefits of biodiesel and ethanol biofuels,” found that if the entire 2005 soybean crop was used to make biodiesel, it would have provided a net energy gain discounted for the fossil fuel input equivalent to just 2.9% of U.S. diesel consumption.

The NAS study is posted at: http://www.pnas.org/cgi/reprint/0604600103v1

Congressman Bartlett joined his colleague, Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (D-CA), in offering a second amendment considering the environment impact and adding the goal of making biofuels production sustainable. It also added a study on the effects of expanded biodiesel production on the food supply for humans and animals.

“This amendment complements the announcement made yesterday by U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Samuel W. Bodman that DOE will invest up to $375 million in three new Bioenergy Research Centers intended to accelerate basic as well as applied research in the development of cellulosic ethanol and other biofuels,” said Congressman Bartlett.

“The changes in this amendment clarify the intent of Congress that federal government studies of biofuels address the potential food versus fuel trade-offs. It also explicitly addresses the tendency for stove piping that can isolate expertise by and within Departments. Research under this bill should complement rather than duplicate ongoing federal government efforts at the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Protection Agency.” A separate amendment added consultation with the Department of Transportation.

Congressman Bartlett also had two amendments approved as part of H.R. 2774, the Solar Energy Research and Advancement Act of 2007.

One amendment added a section to establish a research, development and demonstration program to promote less costly and more reliable decentralized and distributed solar-powered air conditioning for individuals and businesses.

Congressman Bartlett said, “This amendment is designed to produce renewable energy powered decentralized and distributed electricity, reduce peak load electricity demands and contribute to greater resilience of the grid.”

Congressman Bartlett’s solar air conditioning amendment was supported by:

The DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building America Program; National Renewable Energy Laboratory; Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA); Western Renewables Group; Austin Energy; Sacramento Municipal Utility District, and San Diego Gas & Electric.

Congressman Bartlett’s second amendment added a new section on Daylighting Systems and Direct Solar Pipe Technology. “I am grateful to Congressman Tom Petri (R-WI) for alerting me to the opportunity to expand advances in these technologies,” said Congressman Bartlett.

This amendment to help move electricity generation off the grid by establishing a research and demonstration program and commercial application of direct solar renewable energy sources to provide alternatives to traditional power generation for lighting and illumination and to promote greater energy conservation and improved efficiency.

For more information CONTACT: Lisa Wright or Monica DeLong at 202-225-2721

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20070627 Going green is patriotic and profitable

SPECIAL SECTION: Going Green, The Hill Newspaper, June 27, 2007

Going green is patriotic and profitable

By Reps. Roscoe Bartlett (R-Md.) and Tom Udall (D-N.M.), and Allison Macfarlane

June 27, 2007

While "going green" is certainly good for the planet and good for the people who live on the planet, there's a case to be made that even the climate change skeptics can believe in: Going green is also good for profits and patriotism.

Bartlett is a member of the House Science and Technology Committee, Udall is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and Macfarlane is associate professor of Environmental Science and Policy at George Mason University.

SPECIAL SECTION: Going Green

Senate's work on energy a good start

Renewable portfolio standards

Buildings for the 21st Century Act would expand tax break for green construction

ANWR not answer

America's energy future needs to be stable, diverse and affordable

Congress should deliver on its diesel pledge

Going green is patriotic and profitable

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AMEN!

http://thehill.com/op-eds/going-green-is-patriotic-and-profitable-2007-06-27.html

20070627 Westminster Eagle Week in Review

Westminster Eagle Week in Review

June 27^th, 2007

Local News

Kevin E. Dayhoff

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Library has been at the center of the bookshelf in Westminster history

As noted in Katie Jones' story in The Eagle on June 13, plans were recently announced for the renovation of the 27-year-old Westminster branch of the Carroll County Public Library.

This news prompted some discussions of the history and origins of the library in Westminster.

Of course, the histor...

[Read full story]

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War between the states returns to Westminster

If you thought you saw Civil War ghosts roaming the streets of Westminster this past weekend, it wasn't your imagination.

On Saturday, re-enactors participated in a parade through the city to honor those who fought in the Civil War battle of Corbit's Charge. And throughout the weekend, re-enactors and visitors kept a camp along Center Street bustling with activities and lessons from more than a century ago.

Every year, the locally-based Pipe Creek Civil War Roundtable hosts an event commemorating the battle of Corbit's Charge, which took place in Westminster.

On June 29, 18...

[Read full story]

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School plans net approval

Education took center stage at Monday night's meeting of the Carroll County Planning and Zoning Commission, as the group approved three school projects and reviewed the Carroll County Public School's Educational Facilities Master Plan.

Two of those projects involved the Gerstell Academy, a ...

[Read full story]

Celebrating July 4 at Farm Museum

The Carroll County Farm Museum will host its Old-Fashioned July 4th Celebration and Fireworks next Wednesday, July 4, beginning at noon.

The festivities last all day, and culminate with the annual fireworks show organized by the Rotary Clubs of Carroll County at approximately 9:30 p.m.

The celeb...

[Read full story]

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Teen Patrol

The Charles County K-9 unit was on the scene and the Carroll County Crisis Response Team pulled out the riot gear.

But the units weren't responding to an incident. The exercises were part of the culminating demonstrations for the Junior Police Academy, held last week at the Public Safety Education and Training Center in Sykesville.

The week-long program for high school students began a decade ago, and has been held at the Sykesville facility for the past three years.

But this was special for local residents -- it was the first year the program has been open to Carroll Count...

[Read full story]

Business Briefs

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Starry Night adds line to serve special dietary needs

With its thick layer of icing and moist texture, the chocolate "vegan" cupcake could easily be confused for one of the many other delicious cupcakes at Starry Night Bakery in Westminster.

But this cupcake, as well as the vegan muffins and cookies, are completely dairy-free -- with no milk, butter or eggs to be found in its ingredients.

Many of the bakery's selections at Starry Night are also sugar-free, including flavorings for coffee.

"I try to have a little bit of a variety available every day," said Shannon Clarke, owner and pastry chef, of her vegan and sugar-free selec...

[Read full story]

Opinion

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Rotary clubs collecting a little green for the red, white and blue

EDITORIAL

Joe Legge of the Rotary Clubs of Carroll County is in his usual pre-Fourth of July frame of mind these days.

That is, he's scrambling to line up the final aspects of the fireworks show that will go off at the Carroll County Farm Museum next week ... and worrying about how to pay for it...

[Read full story]

Culleton on Carroll

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This Independence Day, let's fight for fiscal freedom

What is the biggest issue facing Carroll County?

In times past I would have said the imbalance between residential and industrial tax base, which in turn is caused by the still-continuing residential building boom.

That problem hasn't gone away, and we must be ever vigilant in electing local and...

[Read full story]

Wolf at the Door

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People with determination needed to combat airport plan

I had a column all written the other day, but when I received a letter from a local reader stating that they disagree with my opinions, I had to stop the presses.

Actually, this person wrote that while they usually disagree with me, they now see that I'm on the right track in opposition to the exp...

[Read full story]

Community Calendar

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Community Calendar

ARTS

The family film, "Stuart Little" based on the classic E.B. White book will be screened at the Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Main St., Westminster, on Thursday, June 28, 1 p.m. The film is Rated PG and runs 85 minutes. Tickets are $4 for adults and $3 for CCAC members, seniors 60 and over and ...

[Read full story]

People Forms

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Wedding Announcement

The Westminster Eagle wants to share your good news with the community! Wedding announcements run free of charge in The Eagle.

Just print out this form, or cut and paste it into either a word document or an e-mail. Remember - you are NOT bound to follow this form, it's just designed to give you ideas. Feel free to include more, or less, information.

When you're done, mail it to The Westminster Eagle, 121 E. Main St., Westminster, MD 21157, or fax to 410-386-0340 or e-mail to thewestminstereagle@patuxent.com.

Black and white or color photographs are welcome, and may...

[Read full story]

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Month of Sundays series returns to City Park

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