Dayhoff Westminster Soundtrack

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

20070925 News Clips

News Clips

September 25, 2007

STATE NEWS

O'Malley is looking at gas tax
Governor would link rate to rising costs for roads
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-te.md.taxes25sep25,0,4363649.story?coll=bal_tab01_layout
Maryland's gasoline tax would go up in 18 months - and possibly sooner - if Gov. Martin O'Malley's plan to add $400 million a year in transportation funding is approved by the General Assembly. Although an immediate increase in the gas tax is not part of the $2 billion revenue plan the Democratic governor has been rolling out over the past week, he said yesterday that he will push to tie future increases to the rising cost of road and bridge construction materials. As the proposal is structured, new rates woul d not take effect for about 18 months. But O'Malley also suggested he would be open to supporting an immediate increase in the gas tax, which was last raised in 1993, if the legislature approved it.
Sen. David R. Brinkley, the minority leader from Frederick County, said Republicans are generally opposed to a gas tax increase. The GOP caucus has opposed all of O'Malley's proposals to increase taxes to balance the budget, but their objections to the gas tax are different, he said. "We favor the investment in roads, bridges and transportation infrastructure," Brinkley said. "I am very much opposed to the motoring public paying for most of the mass transit in the current system."
He is scheduled to appear today at a horse farm in northern Baltimore County, in what is likely to be his first public step in a push to legalize slot machine gambling.

Plan Falls Short, Some Officials Say
Governor Rejects Calls for Higher Gas Tax Than Proposed
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/24/AR2007092401551.html
Local political and business leaders from Maryland's Washington suburbs said yesterday that Gov. Martin O'Malley's proposal to spend nearly $400 million a year more on transportation priorities was a good first step but that it would not be enough to address growing gridlock in the region. Under the plan, the state would start pegging its gasoline tax to rising construction costs, a move expected to add 0.7 to 0.8 cents a gallon a year at the pump. But O'Malley balked at calls from several business groups, and from Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett (D), for a much larger immediate increase in the gas tax, the largest source of funding of transportation projects. A gas tax increase h as been endorsed by the Greater Washington Board of Trade and the Greater Baltimore Committee, prominent regional business groups. Yesterday, the Washington-based group urged O'Malley and lawmakers to raise the plan to $600 million.
"We encourage Maryland leaders to address the state's transportation needs in a comprehensive and complete manner," said James C. Dinegar, the Washington board's president and chief executive officer.

Balto. Co. to try online learning
Pilot project to start with home-schooled students in county
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/education/bal-te.md.co.homeschool25sep25,0,506191.story?coll=bal_tab01_layout
The Baltimore County school system plans to test a full-time online school, providing certified teachers and Web-based l esson plans for free, starting this week with home-schooled students.
The Baltimore County Virtual Instruction Program, believed to be the first of its kind in the state, would later be expanded to include students who are at home because of medical issues or otherwise need an alternative to a traditional school setting. While one expert says some home-schooling parents may balk at signing up because of philosophical qualms about using a public school curriculum, the pilot version of the program could significantly change the landscape of home schooling statewide if other districts follow Baltimore County's lead.

State road funds wither
Budget problems threaten plans for BRAC upgrades
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/harford/bal-ha.roads23sep23,0,6279041.story
A week after Gov. Martin O'Malley came to Har ford County and promised residents they would not have to endure increased traffic without new roads and improvements to existing highways, state transportation officials brought sobering news on transportation projects during an annual visit to Bel Air.
John D. Porcari, state transportation secretary, said the state budget crisis is impeding new projects and a 10-year-old backlog of unfunded road improvements statewide has reached $40 billion.
"The money is just not there for road construction," said Del. Barry Glassman, a Republican who leads Harford's delegation. "We have a potential for 60,000 more people on our roads and no money to improve them. We will be in a holding pattern for a long time, even with BRAC." County Executive David R. Craig said the news came as no surprise - Porcari had delivered the same message to officials at the Maryland Association of Counties meeting in August. "State money will go to keep t he system going, and there probably won't be any new projects," Craig said. He said most of the roads that lead to APG are state roads, and the responsibility for securing funding for those lies with the delegation.

Judge halts O'Malley order
http://www.washingtontimes.com/article/20070925/METRO/109250084/1004/metro
A Maryland judge yesterday issued a temporary restraining order against Gov. Martin O'Malley's administration, saying the governor acted unconstitutionally in signing an executive order to unionize child care workers. The order by Judge Dexter M. Thompson Jr. of the Circuit Court for Cecil County bars Mr. O'Malley, a Democrat, from enforcing the executive order he signed last month. Delegate Michael D. Smigiel Sr., Eastern Shore Republican and an attorney , argued the case. Mr. Smigiel said he brought the case before the court because the executive branch has been "usurping" the powers of the General Assembly. "It is a victory for the legislative process and following the [Maryland] Constitution," he also said.
In the injunction, Mr. Smigiel, Senate Minority Whip Allan H. Kittleman and independent child care providers argue Mr. O'Malley issued the order "without compliance with the procedures prescribed by state law for the issuance of regulations."
"We're not confident that the governor did this properly through executive order," said Mr. Kittleman, Howard County Republican. "I think it was wrong."

Magna to take complete ownership of Md. tracks
Canadian company agrees to buy remaining 49% of Pimlico, Laurel
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/horseracing/bal-te.bz.magna25sep25,0,5115578.story
The Canadian company that controls Maryland's major thoroughbred tracks agreed yesterday to buy the remaining interest in Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park for $18.3 million, officially ending local stewardship of the state's storied jockey club. Magna said the De Francis family's leadership role in managing the tracks would end after more than 20 years. But the family still stands to benefit financially if slot machines are legalized at Laurel Park and Pimlico, where the Preakness is held. Magna executives have lobbied lawmakers for slot machines at Pimlico and Laurel, and that push is expected to grow now that Gov. Martin O'Malley has indicated that he might pursue slots as one step toward closing a budget shortfall.
Some lawmakers said the departure of Joseph De Francis could help win approval for slots because some legislators have criticized him, saying he was focusing on personal profit instead of the racetracks' health. Some lawmakers reacted to yesterday's deal by pointing to the possibility of a special session of the General Assembly to consider a slots proposal.
Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. said De Francis' exit should clear the way for a slots proposal. The House of Delegates has long been opposed to slots, with Speaker Michael E. Busch firmly against them. With De Francis gone, Miller said, Busch should be more flexible.

EDITORIALS/OP-EDS

O'Malley continues to expand his organization and his base
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/bal-op.fraser23sep23,0,2707809.column
Weak political leaders, whose allies don't get elected, will have difficulty passing major legislation.
It was somewhat coincidental, but just as he unveiled a new tax structure for the state, Gov. Martin O'Malley's political strength - his machine - was on display in the recent primary election in Baltimore. The O'Malley base is expanding - something that will probably continue as long as his organization is successful. Important players in his organization are operating not just in Baltimore but in Baltimore County and Howard County. One of the organization's many stalwarts calls this three-jurisdiction combine the "potato posse," a reference to the many Irish-Americans who control it. Now the governor and his posse will turn to flushing out votes for the tax package. They'll be hoping their recent successes will help. It's best to look strong on the eve of such a chore.

Sheriff's office
http:/ /www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/opinion/display_editorial.htm?StoryID=65506
Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins announced his intention to check the immigration status of anyone his department arrests. The process will also involve assisting the Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in detaining and deporting undocumented residents who have run afoul of the law in Frederick County. However one feels about the illegal immigration issue in general, this initiative is difficult to argue against. There is, to be sure, a lot of controversy about the wisdom of local law enforcement getting involved in identifying illegal immigrants within its jurisdiction. Jenkins' plan will result in that, but only when a violation of law leads to it.
Local jurisdictions are being forced into programs such as this by the inaction of the Congress in addressing the major concerns of illegal immigration. As we have said in numerous other editorials on this subject, Congress must find the political will to compromise and create an overarching national immigration policy that is as fair and workable as possible, and that includes tough new border security and enforcement measures.

Incentives increase conserving
http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2007/09/25/news/opinion/editorial/editorial874.txt.txt
Rewarding people who conserve water by lowering their rates and providing incentives for people to use water-saving appliances are good ways to reduce the overall water usage in the county. They are also good ways to get people thinking about conservation every day. Among the recommendations that the county's Environmental Advisory Council has forwarded to the county Water Resource Council are several initiatives to provide incentive for people to conserve. Water issues have been with us for years, and there is no reason to think that they are going to disappear any time soon. Because of that, and because of the growing need for water in our communities, it just makes sense to do what we can to conserve.
To help move people in that direction, the county and municipalities should take a serious look at providing incentives to those who use less water, or those who invest in water-saving technology.

Little loop distracts city from huge hole
http://www.examiner.com/a-953654~Editorial__Little_loop_distracts_city_from_huge_hole.html
Corporate tax "loopholes" cost Baltimore City $11.7 million last year, Mayor Sheila Dixon said Friday. That's why she supports a proposal by Gov. Martin O'Malley to tax a certain type of corporate real estate transaction t hat currently does not generate dollars for state and local governments. We agree with the governor that home sellers and buyers throughout the state should not subsidize corporations. But the main issue for Baltimore City is not that it can't capture the benefits of a few building sales, but that so many of its buildings do not generate any money for the city. That is the issue Dixon and the governor, who as mayor experienced this problem too, should focus on changing.
Unless the city wants to waste time patching more "loopholes," it should stop the cycle that got it into this position in the first place. The only way to do that is to cut property taxes in half or more to levels of surrounding counties.

NATIONAL NEWS

Fort Ritchie breaks ground on post anchor
http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display .htm?storyID=65516
More than a decade after the Army closed Fort Ritchie, developers are finally celebrating what they say is an economic renaissance. A groundbreaking ceremony Monday morning for a community center on the Washington County property, now known as Fort Ritchie at Cascade, marked the real beginning of the post's expansion as a revitalized business and residential center, officials said. "The vision for Fort Ritchie is being realized," U.S. Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, R-Md., said at Monday's groundbreaking ceremony. "This will become the home for our federal agencies," he said. "In today's world there isn't any reason you have to be outside the gate at Fort Meade."

Grant to fund generator
http://www.herald-mail.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=175478&format=html
Smithsburg Emergency Medical Services has been awarded a $35,530 Homeland Security grant to buy an emergency generator, Maryland's senators announced Monday. The federal money, awarded through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, will allow the EMS company to purchase and install a generator that can provide up to 10 days of power in the event of a weather-related power outage or natural disaster, Deputy Chief Jon Snyder said. In a press release, the office of Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., said she would continue to fight each year for additional funding for grants to fire and rescue companies.
"The federal government has a responsibility to protect our protectors, providing them with the tools they need to do their job safer and smarter," Mikulski said.

Superintendent Defends New Rules
http://www.washingtonpost .com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/24/AR2007092401518.html
The superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy defended strict new policies reducing off-campus liberty and extracurricular activities for students, telling members of the school's board of visitors yesterday that the Annapolis school's midshipmen represent "the face of the Navy." Vice Adm. Jeffrey L. Fowler, who took over as superintendent in June and announced the changes at the start of the school year last month, said the tighter policies were needed to "eliminate the distractions" facing students. Board members offered general support for the stricter policies but expressed concern that ending extracurricular activities might not produce "well-rounded" officers. "I'm trying to figure out where you draw the line," said Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.), a member of the board. "How do you get that balance?" Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.), a board member, observed that restricting liberty causes "a ripple effect" in a town such as Annapolis, where many businesses depend on the wallets of midshipmen. "What does this mean for everything from the ice cream shops to the Burger King?" Mikulski asked. The academy, she added, should do a better job of communicating with the community

20070924 CNN Money: AMT: Tick-tock, Congress

CNN Money: AMT: Tick-tock, Congress

Millions of taxpayers have been left in the dark about just how much they'll owe the IRS this year thanks to indecision in D.C.

By Jeanne Sahadi, CNNMoney.com senior writer

September 24 2007

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Lawmakers have effectively denied roughly 23 million taxpayers the ability to plan adequately for their taxes this year.

That's because they have yet to decide just what they're going to do about the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). If they end up doing nothing, those 23 million folks will get hit with the "wealth" tax - about 19 million of them for the first time.

The AMT was originally intended for the wealthy few when it was created nearly 40 years ago. But because Congress never indexed for inflation the amount of income exempt from AMT and because it disallows a lot of popular tax breaks, tens of millions of middle-class taxpayers could get hit.

While leading politicians and tax experts have been saying that at the very least Congress will pass a "patch" this year to shield the majority of the 23 million from the AMT, it is not clear what that patch would look like.

Since 2001, Congress has temporarily increased income exemption levels and allowed for some personal credits to be used. The last patch - for 2006 - put the exemption levels at $62,550 for joint filers and $42,250 for single filers. Without a patch, the 2007 exemption amounts will fall to $45,000 for joint filers and $33,750 for single filers.

Even if Congress does pass a patch, the Joint Committee on Taxation estimates that 5.4 million tax filers are likely to be subject to the AMT in 2007, up from 4.2 million last year.

[…]

With at most six legislative weeks left on the Congressional schedule this year, it seems highly unlikely that a deal would be sealed on a broad AMT reform package for two reasons:

There is still no consensus on how or whether to pay for it - repeal could reduce expected revenue by close to $1 trillion over 10 years.

A number of issues, like the mortgage crisis, have stolen some momentum from dealing with the AMT.

[…]

Broadly speaking, you might be at risk of having to pay AMT if more than one of these situations apply:

You live in a high-tax state. State and local income taxes are not deductible under AMT as they are under the regular federal income tax code.

You have kids. Personal exemptions are disallowed under the AMT.

You take a lot of miscellaneous deductions, including unreimbursed business expenses. They, too, are disallowed under the AMT.

Your household gross income exceeds $100,000.

[…]

Read the entire article: AMT: Tick-tock, Congress

Link to how families making $75,000 can hit by the AMT

http://money.cnn.com/2007/03/26/pf/taxes/amt_hearing2/index.htm

Managers' taxes: Big concerns could table hike

AMT: Middle class more at risk than millionaires

Links referenced within this article

private equity taxation

http://money.cnn.com/2007/09/06/pf/taxes/house_senate_carriedinterest/index.htm?postversion=2007090610

Managers' taxes: Big concerns could table hike

http://money.cnn.com/2007/09/06/pf/taxes/house_senate_carriedinterest/index.htm?postversion=2007090610

AMT: Popular tax breaks in the cross hairs

http://money.cnn.com/2007/06/01/pf/taxes/amt_summer/index.htm?postversion=2007060111

AMT: Middle class more at risk than millionaires

http://money.cnn.com/2007/03/07/pf/taxes/amt_hearing_house/index.htm?postversion=2007031213

Find this article at: http://money.cnn.com/2007/09/24/pf/taxes/amt_ticktock/index.htm

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

20070925 The Evil has landed

The Evil has landed

September 25^th, 2007

I had heard about this headline and must admit - I was amused…

Then I ran across an image of the front page of The New York Daily News - - thanks to Mark Tapscott: “Tabloid truth in print.”

####

20070924 Union Doozy cartoon commentary on UAW walkout by Nate Beeler

“Union Doozy” cartoon commentary on UAW walkout by Nate Beeler

Editorial Cartoons by Nate Beeler

September 24th, 2007

Hat Tip: Don Surber

Is the UAW nuts?

Other recent posts – cartoons by Nate Beeler:

Union Doozy

Dr. Hillary

Pleasantly Unsurprised by Metro

If the Hsu Fits ...

Petraeus' Words of Wisdom

9/11 Quiz

The Best Little Firehouse in Washington

Ejookashun in Americuh

Fred 'Mr. Excitement' Thompson

Sen. Craig's Explanation

A Visit to Walter Reed

School by the Book

Gone-zo

Someone Call a Plumber ...

Sick Vick

GM-UAW strike

'Off a cliff:' UAW felt pushed over edge; GM 'disappointed' by walkout

Prolonged stoppage could prove to be devastating for both

Bill Vlasic and Sharon Terlep / The Detroit News

The United Auto Workers stunned General Motors Corp. on Monday by launching a daring, nationwide strike to pressure the No. 1 U.S. automaker to protect jobs and wages. Hours later, the two sides resumed bargaining on a new labor contract.

After a tense weekend of negotiations, the auto talks of 2007 boiled over at 11 a.m. Monday when UAW President Ron Gettelfinger ordered 73,000 workers off the job and onto the picket line in the first national strike against GM in 37 years.

The dramatic impasse came after marathon talks since the current GM-UAW contract expired Sept. 14, and sets the stage for a high-stakes battle at the bargaining table.

Key issues under discussion as talks resumed Monday afternoon included benefits for active workers, commitments by GM to invest in its U.S. plants and pensions, according to people familiar with the talks. Gettelfinger attended the sessions, as well as GM's Chief Financial Officer Fritz Henderson and North American President Troy Clarke. Negotiations broke off for the night about 8 p.m. and are expected to resume today.

The bargaining focus on core economic issues came after Gettelfinger blasted GM on Monday for demanding a litany of concessions to solve its financial problems.

"Nobody wants a strike," Gettelfinger said at a packed press conference at UAW headquarters in Detroit. "But there comes a time when somebody pushes you off a cliff and that's exactly what happened."

The unexpected strike came despite an apparent deal between GM and the UAW to create a company-financed, union-run trust to cover $50 billion in health care obligations to 340,000 retirees and family members.

[…]

Read the entire article: 'Off a cliff:' UAW felt pushed over edge; GM 'disappointed' by walkout

More information and articles by what may very well be the best source of information on the unfolding events, The Detroit News Auto Insider:

Pickets back at their posts outside GM gates

UAW-GM talks resume; Gettelfinger says strike may speed agreement

Strikers accused of blocking GM entrances in Pontiac, Orion Twp.

What's good for GM is good for the UAW

Workers: Action is fight for way of life

GM can handle short strike

Strikers put in long first day

Reputation of Detroit 3, UAW seen as casualty

Lengthy walkout could hit suppliers

Striker wallets drained

UAW workers strike GM; talks to resume Tuesday

Gettelfinger 'shocked and disappointed' in GM

UAW sets 11 a.m. strike deadline

GM, UAW back to the bargaining table; talks productive but still no deal

Health fund financing on table as GM, UAW bargain over weekend Autos-UAW-talks

Key issues

Job security : The union wants GM to lock in future work for U.S. factory workers by promising jobs, product commitments and investments in U.S. plants. As of Monday evening, those demands had not been met.

Wages, bonuses : The union wants cost-of-living adjustments from GM. A sizable signing bonus also has been on the table as a way to encourage members to ratify a deal.

Pension : The two sides were discussing pensions throughout the day Monday. GM's pension fund has an estimated $17 billion surplus.

Two-tier wages : The two sides were close Sunday night on cutting a deal that would pay new hires less than active workers, according to sources familiar with the talks. That issue was still on the table Monday.

Retiree health care : GM wants to establish a company-funded, union-run trust that will allow it to remove $50 billion in retiree health care obligations from its books. While a deal on a Voluntary Employees' Beneficiary Association, or VEBA, has not been finalized, both sides appear to agree on the concept.

Source: Detroit News research

At the table

The lead negotiators for GM and the UAW are auto industry veterans.

GM: Diana Tremblay

Tremblay, GM's chief labor negotiator, took over as the carmaker's vice president of labor relations for North America on Jan. 1, 2006. She had previously served as executive director, labor relations-UAW. During the current negotiations, Tremblay has remained focused and reserved. When GM assumed the lead bargaining role, she talked about the company's priorities: "Health care is the largest single competitive issue we face as a company. For every dollar GM spends on health care, the transplants -- Toyota -- spends one cent." She has worked at GM for 30 years and began her career in engineering and manufacturing for its Powertrain Division.

UAW: Cal Rapson

One of the most seasoned of the UAW's top negotiators, Rapson is said to be popular and respected by many UAW officials at the plant level. He played key roles in the 1990 and 1993 contract talks at GM. Two years ago, he negotiated a groundbreaking contract with heavy equipment maker Caterpillar Inc. The deal, which included a controversial two-tier wage system, ushered in a new era of cooperation between that company and its union workers.

Source: Detroit News research

Related Articles and Links

UAW-GM talks resume; Gettelfinger says strike may speed agreement

GM can handle short strike

Workers: Action is fight for way of life

Strikers put in long first day

Striker wallets drained

Letter from the UAW, GM negotiating committee to local union presidents, chairpersons

GM statement regarding UAW work stoppage

Official statement: Teamsters to honor UAW picket lines

Video: UAW strike, Day 1

PDF: Timeline of UAW on strike

What are your thoughts on the UAW going out on strike against GM?

Complete coverage of the 2007 UAW contract talks

20070924 AP: FCC Proposes Fine Against Comcast for ‘Fake News’ Report

AP: FCC Proposes Fine Against Comcast for 'Fake News' Report

Monday, September 24, 2007

Now this is certainly an interesting development. One could argue that if the FCC were to aggressively pursue “fake news” in the mainstream media it could provide an incredible source of income for the U. S. coffers… And yes, the irony that AP reported the story was noticed. Remember AP does not cite blog sites or bloggers...

WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission is proposing a $4,000 fine against Comcast Corp. for airing a pitch for a sleep aid without telling viewers that the spot was financed by the maker of the product.

The fine was in response to a complaint by the Center for Media and Democracy, a media watchdog group, which said it marks the first time a company has been sanctioned for airing a "video news release," a type of programming it dubs "fake news."

A video news release is a sponsored public relations video that mimics actual news reports. Such programs are common in broadcasting and are usually offered to news shows for free.

The fine, while small, is significant for another reason: It is being assessed against a cable company. Comcast Corp. says cable programming is not covered under the statute cited by the FCC.

The company released a statement saying it was "perplexed" by the action and that even if it were subject to FCC jurisdiction, the segment still shouldn't have been subject to sanction.

[…]

20070918 The Virginian-Pilot: Timeline of significant events for Blackwater

The Virginian-Pilot: Timeline of significant events for Blackwater

The Virginian-Pilot September 18, 2007

Timeline of significant events for Blackwater

A BLACKWATER TIMELINE

Significant events in the history of Moyock, N.C.-based Blackwater USA:

Dec. 26, 1996 - Blackwater Lodge and Training Center Inc. is incorporated in Delaware.

Jan. 30, 1997 - The company buys its first properties in Currituck and Camden counties, N.C.

Mar. 31, 2004 - Four Blackwater contractors are killed and publicly mutilated in Fallujah, Iraq, bringing international attention to the company and prompting calls for revenge.

20070924 Quote of the day – The size of your funeral

Quote of the day

September 24, 2007

“Regardless of what you do in life, the size of your funeral is still determined by the weather.”

E-mailed to me by Mrs. Owl, thank you.

Monday, September 24, 2007

20070923 French Foreign Minister Kouchner responds to be being interrupted

French Foreign Minister Kouchner responds to be being interrupted

On Sunday, September 23^rd, 2007, “Amy Proctor” posted the video below on the “French Foreign Minister Calls Code Pink 'Stupid' During Interruption.”

It is a relatively priceless moment captured on video.

Ms. Proctor wrote, in part:

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, who last week said "We must prepare for the worst” against Iran (referring to war), addressed Center for Strategic and International Studies where he was interrupted by (sigh, who else..) Code Pink.

Read the rest of her post here: French Foreign Minister Calls Code Pink 'Stupid' During Interruption

Meanwhile, enjoy this:

http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1199226888

###

20070924 Carroll County Builders for the Bay Roundtable on September 26

Carroll County Builders for the Bay Roundtable on September 26

Media Advisory – Posted September 24^th, 2007

For more information, contact: Julie Tasillo,

Center for Watershed Protection, 410-461-8323

What: Carroll County Builders for the Bay Roundtable

Where: Multi-Purpose Room, Westminster Senior and Community Center, 125 Stoner Avenue, Westminster

When: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 26

Details: Builders for the Bay is a unique initiative that brings together the Home Builders Association of Maryland, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, the Center for Watershed Protection, and Carroll County Government to evaluate existing development practices. This kick-off will launch a yearlong process to find ways to more effectively protect natural resources through innovative and cost-effective site design and land planning techniques.

Directions: From Baltimore, take Route 140 west to Westminster. Turn left onto Center Street. Follow Center Street past the sharp turn. Turn left onto Stoner Avenue. The senior center is located on the right.

From Westminster: Follow Center Street south past the sharp turn. Turn left onto Stoner Avenue. The senior center is located on the right.

# # #

20070924 CCBOC Agenda for the week of September 24, 2007

Carroll County Board of Commissioners Agenda for the Week of September 24, 2007 ~ Revision 2

Please Note: This weekly agenda is subject to change. Please call 410-386-2043 to confirm a meeting you plan to attend. All meetings will be held at the Carroll County Office Building

Room 311. (Unless otherwise noted)

Indicates Outside Activities

Monday – September 24, 2007

11:00 a.m. Board of County Commissioners Open Session

Adoption of a Resolution in Support of the Carroll Child Care Centers, Inc.

Chief of Staff ~ Mr. Steven D. Powell

12:00 p.m. Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Tour of Colonial Pipeline Facility

Woodbine, MD

Commissioners Gouge & Zimmer

4:00 p.m. Water Resource Council

County Office Building ~ Room 105

Commissioner Gouge, Guest Speaker

Tuesday – September 25, 2007

10:00 a.m. Board of County Commissioners Open Session

PowerPoint Presentation of E-Tix

(Electronic Traffic Information Exchange) Pilot Program

followed by demonstration

Maryland State Police ~ Lt. Dean Richardson

Hampstead Annexation No. 30 ~ Summit/Taylor Properties

Department of Planning ~ Mr. Steve Horn

Tuesday – September 25, 2007 ~ Continued

Bid Approval

Shiloh Wastewater Pumping Station Upgrade

Bureau of Purchasing ~ Mr. Rich Shelton

Department of Public Works ~ Mr. J. Michael Evans

Bid Approval

Cape Horn Athletic Field #1

Bureau of Purchasing ~ Mr. Rich Shelton

Department of Recreation & Parks ~ Mr. Jeff Degitz

Execution of State Aid for Police Protection Report

Department of the Comptroller ~ Mr. Rob Burk

Request Approval of the FY08 Town/County Agreements with

Town of Manchester & Town of Mt. Airy

Department of Management & Budget ~ Mr. Ted Zaleski

Presentation of the Emergency Operations Plan & the Hazard Mitigation Plan

Office of Public Safety ~ Mr. Scott Campbell

Chief of Staff Time ~ Mr. Steve Powell

CLOSED ~ Land Acquisition

Department of General Services ~ Mr. Ralph Green

4:00 p.m. Carroll County Chamber PM Connections ~ The Dinner Company

Westminster, MD

Commissioner Zimmer

Wednesday – September 26, 2007

8:00 a.m. Carroll County Builders of the Bay Roundtable Meeting

Westminster Senior Center

Commissioners Gouge, Minnich & Zimmer

1:00 p.m. Board of Education Meeting

Board of Education Offices

Commissioner Zimmer

Wednesday – September 26, 2007 ~ Continued

7:00 p.m. Board of County Commissioners Community Meeting with Town of Sykesville Sykesville Town Hall

Commissioners Gouge, Minnich & Zimmer

Thursday – September 27, 2007

10:00 a.m. Administrative Session ~ Closed

2:30 p.m. Parents as Teachers Kickoff Celebration

Carroll Community College ~ The Scott Center

Commissioners Gouge, Minnich & Zimmer

Friday – September 28, 2007

2:00 p.m. Maryland’s Most Beautiful People ~ Volunteer Awards Program

North Carroll Senior Center

Commissioners Gouge & Zimmer

Saturday – September 29, 2007

Sunday – September 30, 2007

8:05 a.m. “The Commissioners’ Report” – WTTR

Commissioner Minnich

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 Ms. Jolene Sullivan, the Carroll County Government Americans With Disabilities Act Coordinator, at 410-386-3600/1-888-302-8978 or TTY No. 410-848-9747. The mailing address is 225 North Center Street, Westminster, Maryland 21157.

Posted: 07/07/06

CARROLL COUNTY

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20070924 Today is National Punctuation Day

Today is National Punctuation Day

September 24^th, 2007

Please join me in a celebration of the semicolon.

Hat Tip: About.com – Grammar & Composition: http://grammar.about.com/b/a/000153.htm

There is even an official “Meat Loaf of National Punctuation Day.” I kid you NOT!

So please tell me; did you celebrate National Punctuation Day? If so how?

How do you feel about punctuation?”

As I keyboard - festivities are in the works over at WTTR.

Cook the Official Meat Loaf of National Punctuation Day! (see PDF recipe)

Celebrate National Punctuation Day®

September 24

National Punctuation Day founder becomes caped crusader to promote literacy in schools

PINOLE, CA — National Punctuation Day, the holiday that reminds America that a “semicolon is not a surgical procedure,” celebrates its fourth anniversary September 24. But what started as a clever idea to remind corporations and professional people of the importance of proper punctuation has turned into an everyday mission to help school children learn the punctuation skills they need to be successful in life.

Founded in 2004 by former newspaperman Jeff Rubin, NPD is listed in Chase’s Calendar of Events and The Teacher’s Calendar, two directories published by McGraw-Hill.

The annual event is widely recognized. Bank of America in Tampa, FL, for example, commemorates NPD with a week-long array of celebrations and trivia contests. Last year, Rubin was a guest on dozens of radio shows, NPD received significant newspaper coverage, and the Dayton Business Journal in Ohio baked cookies and pastries in the shape of punctuation marks.

More: Celebrate National Punctuation Day

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from Jen Hubley

Formal instruction in grammar and punctuation was out of style when I went to school. If you were a big reader, which I was, it was sort of assumed you'd pick up the mechanics on your own.

National Punctuation Day

Fortunately, my Mom was a former English teacher with a horror of sloppy usage. I was the only kid I knew who diagrammed sentences at the dinner table - and not because it was homework.

- Grammar & Composition Guide Richard Nordquist

Basic Rules of Punctuation

As Richard points out, the problem with rules of punctuation is "like many of the so-called 'laws' of grammar, [they] ... would never hold up in court." One of my favorites to abuse: the "law" of "quote." (See how annoying that was?)

- Grammar & Composition Guide Richard Nordquist

The Campaign to Abolish the Apostrophe

It totally fries me to see possessives spelled without apostrophes. As it's happening more and more - "Pike's Peak" into "Pikes Peak," etc. - I guess I'll either have to lighten up or get myself a pair of fireproof pants.

Grammar & Composition Guide Richard Nordquist

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