Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Kevin Dayhoff - The Tentacle: Sarasota Snowbird

February 24, 2010

Sarasota Snowbird

Kevin E. Dayhoff http://www.thetentacle.com/ShowArticle.cfm?mydocid=3620

Sarasota FL – The Orioles’ pitchers and catchers took the field last Thursday for the first day of spring training in their new training facilities in Sarasota after spending the pre-season the last 14 years in Fort Lauderdale.

Life has been tough in Maryland for the last several weeks. The temperatures have hovered in the 30s with snow piled up to our waists.

When the going gets tough, the tough go to the first day of spring training workouts at Ed Smith Stadium in sunny Sarasota.

While friends and neighbors shoveled snow, I toughed-out the woes of winter by watching palm trees swaying to a light breeze and listening as the sea gulls volunteered play-by-play commentary with the temperature in the lower 70s.

Baseball has a rich history in Maryland and remains a summertime favorite for many – from all walks of life.

Baseball has always been a favorite topic for many local history writers. And why not – writing about baseball is fun.

It has everything to warm the keyboard of a writer including summertime, arcane statistics, intrigue, colorful events, talent, family, and friends. Articles about sports are fun to read and sports writers are some of my favorite writers.... http://www.thetentacle.com/ShowArticle.cfm?mydocid=3620

*****

Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/ or http://kevindayhoffart.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/ or http://www.westgov.net/ = www.kevindayhoff.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/ = www.newbedfordherald.net Explore Carroll: www.explorecarroll.com The Tentacle: www.thetentacle.com

The Carroll Record, February 24, 1972 Helicopter Beat Stork; Mother, Girl Fine

Helicopter Beat Stork; Mother, Girl Fine

The Carroll Record, February 24, 1972

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/02/carroll-record-february-24-1972.html

The helicopter beat the stork early Monday morning and Mrs. Samuel Grammer and baby are doing fine at Carroll County General Hospital.

The child, a daughter, was born about 11 a.m. but the call came to the State Police at 3:50 a.m. Monday morning.

Mr. Grammer was unable to get his car out through the drifting snow. Police were unable to get in with cars and called for the helicopter at 4:15 a.m.

The helicopter was on the scene by 4:55 a.m.

The Carroll Record, February 24, 1972

19720224 Helicopter Beat Stork Mother Girl Fine The Carroll Record Helicopters, History 1970s, History This Day in History, MD State Police, Weather Winter Snow

*****

Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://www.westgov.net/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/

FishBowlDC: Investigative Journalism Fund Gets $100,000 Grant

mediabistro.com's DAILY FISHBOWLDC FEED

http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowldc/ -- Visit FishbowlDC throughout the day for breaking news and inside info.
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Tuesday, Feb 23

INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM FUND GETS $100,000 GRANT
Good news - for some reporters. The Fund for Investigative Journalism has received a $100,000 grant from the Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation, based in Oklahoma City. The grant will support reporters working on investigative stories that focus on their states and local communities. The grant provides funds for investigations done by reporters in the ethnic media and local/regional investigative reporters. "This grant will address a pressing need for watchdog reporting in regions where...
http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlDC/news_notes/investigative_journalism_fund_gets_100000_grant__152956.asp

ROCK ON: NBC AND ABC TRASH TALK
Banter breaks out among Capitol Hill and White House TV correspondents. ABC's Jake Tapper: Dear NBC News executives: please tell @SavannahGuthrie and @ChuckTodd to stop blasting Blind Melon from their booth. thanks, Team ABC. MSNBC's Savannah Guthrie: Yes! That's my jam. NBC's Luke Russert: I'm just glad @chucktodd put his "Mamma Mia" soundtrack away. As for @savannahguthrie all she plays is http://bit.ly/5kFZ (Note: The Mary Tyler Moore theme song). Tapper: Blind Melon is way...
http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlDC/rumors_andor_gossip/rock_on_nbc_and_abc_trash_talk__152976.asp

NJ CIRCULATES SURVEY - MAJOR CHANGES BEING DISCUSSED
NJ has circulated an online customer survey suggesting that big changes are being bandied about at CongressDaily, including possibly merging the publication's content with other reporting NJ produces. The survey, said a subscriber who took it, also suggested that NJ could be considering a name change for CongressDaily. One question involved CQ's bill tracking service that is a longtime favorite to a variety of Capitol Hill publications and lobbyists around town. The gist: 'What if...
http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlDC/news_notes/nj_circulates_survey_major_changes_being_discussed_152964.asp

Tuesday, Feb 23

THE HILL TO FILL "BALLOT BOX"
The Hill has launched new campaign blog, The Ballot Box. The blog is being headlined by staff writers Aaron Blake and Sean Miller. An email announcing their new web property says, "It is our hope that this is the place to find all the latest campaign news and analysis. This will be a great place for us to post endorsements, polls, candidate news, and anything other tips you may have for us. And we...
http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlDC/newspapers/the_hill_to_fill_ballot_box__152972.asp

ABC NEWS BUYOUTS TO HIT TOMORROW
On the tail of CBS News' recent round of layoffs, hundreds of ABC News employees are expected to be offered buyouts tomorrow morning. A source familiar with the situation tells FishbowlDC that the buyouts will hit the Washington bureau as well. Mediaite reports that the buyouts are expected to be offered to employees both on and off-air. Check out Steve Krakauer's post for more details. UPDATE: Our sister blog TVNewser says the cuts will hit...
http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlDC/networks/abc_news_buyouts_to_hit_tomorrow_152969.asp

ABC TO PURCHASE FEW TABLES AT RTCA DINNER
ABC has purchased two tables for the upcoming Radio & Television Correspondents' Association dinner scheduled for March 11. The number is telling. Many of the other networks, NBC, CNN and Fox News, have all purchased many tables, some well into double digits. ABC is on the upswing from last year's RTCA dinner when the network purchased only one table. "Budgets are tight, and our priority is news coverage," said ABC spokeswoman Emily Lenzner. > Update:...
http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlDC/news_notes/abc_to_purchase_few_tables_at_rtca_dinner__152948.asp

Tuesday, Feb 23

ALLBRITTON NABS WEMPLE FOR NEW METRO SITE
Robert Allbritton has hired Erik Wemple, editor of City Paper, to edit the new metro site, which has yet to be named. FishbowlDC has heard that WaPo's Marc Fisher and other top editors around the country were under consideration for the job. But, said an industry insider, Wemple "won over the top brass with his take-charge attitude and innovative approach to the news."...
http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlDC/the_revolving_door/allbritton_nabs_wemple_for_new_metro_site__152944.asp

WASHINGTON LIFE'S YGL NOW ONLINE
Washington Life's Young and the Guest List is out. It's "in"...but it's out. It's out but you're "in" if you're on it. If you're on it, you're in and the list in "in" but it's out. What I'm trying to say is the whole list now online. So maybe if you're on it, you're "in" and online...I give up. Check out the full list of Washington Life's 2010 picks for the capital's most influential...
http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlDC/magazines/washington_lifes_ygl_now_online__152937.asp

EXAMINER'S MASON HAS AN ADMIRER
From Craigslist "Miscellaneous" Section: Julie Mason at the Examiner - m4w - 28 (NWDC) "I just saw you on CNN...And I thought wow... she's pretty and smart.. and buxom. And then I thought... Hey, I wonder if she would like to have BLANK BLANK with me... I am 100 percent serious about this... so what do you think?" Forget about what we think. What does the Washington Examiner's Julie Mason think (who, by the way,...
http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlDC/rumors_andor_gossip/examiners_mason_has_an_admirer__152846.asp

Tuesday, Feb 23

POLITICS DAILY'S PROF. SHIZINTZSKI : THE SHIZNIT OR JUST PLAIN SHIZZY?
I'm not sure whether to tune into Politics Daily's Noble Shizintzski as often as possible or to block her from my computer forever. She's a cartoon schoolmarm with dark hair pulled back, glasses perched on the tip of her nose. She wears a stern look and red lips and by video describes her "Word of Wisdom". I'm not convinced I'd let her be a Facebook Friend, maybe with strict stipulations on the hiding settings. That...
http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlDC/riddle_me_this_/politics_dailys_prof_shizintzski_the_shiznit_or_just_plain_shizzy_152884.asp

SEPARATED AT BIRTH: THE NATION'S CHRIS HAYES
The Nation's Washington editor Chris Hayes often appears on MSNBC's "Rachel Maddow" show. Last week he had an unfortunate slip of the tongue on air when, after Maddow greeted him, he replied, "Hi Matt." Hayes quickly reversed himself and called her "Rachel." Of course, by now he had referred to the popular female host with a male name. A highly amused Maddow replied, "Did you call me Matt? I answer to Matt, Maddow or Maddow."...
http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlDC/separated_at_birth/separated_at_birth_the_nations_chris_hayes__152887.asp

GOOD MORNING FISHBOWLDC READERS
Quote of the Day "I know people at CNN do because we sure do cover her a lot." -- Democratic Strategist and CNN contributor James Carville on whether he finds FNC contributor and possible presidential hopeful Sarah Palin fascinating. Carville appeared on CNN's "Larry King" Monday night....
http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlDC/quote_of_the_day/good_morning_fishbowldc_readers_152878.asp
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20100223 FishBowlDC: Investigative Journalism Fund Gets $100,000 Grant

*****

Monday, February 22, 2010

EAGLE ALERT: Sykesville becomes first Carroll municipality to approve speed cameras

Sykesville becomes first Carroll municipality to approve speed cameras

Police Chief: It will be several months before cameras would be in place

http://www.explorecarroll.com/news/3991/cameras/

By Charles Schelle, Posted 2/22/10

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/14uhxk or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/406357981/sykesville-becomes-first-carroll-municipality-to

SYKESVILLE — Carroll County should have its first speed cameras installed this year following the Sykesville Town Council's vote tonight (Monday) to approve a speed camera ordinance.

At its meeting at the Town House and after a second public hearing, the council voted 5-1 in favor of speed cameras. Mayor Mike Miller and council members Leslie Reed, Frank Robert Jr., Ian Shaw and Chris True voted in favor while Councilman Leo Keenan voted against. Councilman Scott Sanzone was absent.

"I'm ecstatic," Police Chief John Williams Jr., told The Eagle. "Time and time again, the number one issue in our town is speeding, speeding, speeding."

The town expects to operate three mobile speed camera units in three school areas/zones for speed cameras:

• Ava Wanas Montessori School, 7590 College Road;

• Springfield Presbyterian School/Stepping Stones Pre-School, 7300 Spout Hill Road; and

• Sykesville Middle School, 7301 Springfield Ave.

READ MORE AT ... http://www.explorecarroll.com/news/3991/cameras/

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/02/eagle-alert-sykesville-becomes-first.html http://tinyurl.com/ye3pakc

Sykesville MD becomes first Carroll municipality to approve speed cameras http://tinyurl.com/ye3pakc http://twitpic.com/14uhxk http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/406357981/sykesville-becomes-first-carroll-municipality-to

Carroll Co Dist Sykesville Police, Law Order, Law Order Traffic Red Light Cameras, Law Order Traffic Speed Cameras, Newspapers explorecarroll.com, This is nuts, Traffic Carroll County

*****

Sunday, February 21, 2010

The Flower Lady

The Flower Lady February 19, 2010 Kevin Dayhoff

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/14o87s or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/404241047/the-flower-lady-february-19-2010-kevin-dayhoff

[20100219 The Flower Lady] Babylon Family Mrs. Owl, Dayhoff Art

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/02/flower-lady.html http://tinyurl.com/yf49yup

The Flower Lady Feb 19, 2010 Kevin Dayhoff #art http://tinyurl.com/yf49yup http://twitpic.com/14o87s http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/404241047/the-flower-lady-february-19-2010-kevin-dayhoff

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AriZona Tea

“AriZona Tea” February 10, 2010 by Kevin Dayhoff

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/14nuwe or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/404116450/arizona-tea-february-10-2010-by-kevin-dayhoff

@17

[20100210 Arizona Tea] Dayhoff Art, Dayhoff Daily Photoblog, Dayhoff photos, Dayhoff photos food, Food, Food AriZona Tea

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/02/arizona-tea.html http://tinyurl.com/yhvf6c3

“AriZona Tea” Feb 10, 2010 by Kevin Dayhoff http://tinyurl.com/yhvf6c3 #photo #art http://twitpic.com/14nuwe http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/404116450/arizona-tea-february-10-2010-by-kevin-dayhoff

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Tomcat Bight Marina Key West

“Still life with Tomcat at the Bight Marina Key West” February 8, 2010 by Kevin Dayhoff

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/14m71y or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/403823158/still-life-with-tomcat-at-the-bight-marina-key

[20100208 Tomcat Bight Marina] Dayhoff Daily Photoblog, Dayhoff photos, US st Florida 2010 Feb, US st Florida Key West 2010 Feb

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/02/tomcat-bight-marina-key-west.html http://tinyurl.com/yj38g42

“Still life with Tomcat at the Bight Marina Key West” Feb 8, 2010 by Kevin Dayhoff http://tinyurl.com/yj38g42 http://twitpic.com/14m71y

*****

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa Bay Florida

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa Bay Florida

February 20, 2010 by Kevin Dayhoff

Click here for a larger image of the top photo (b): http://twitpic.com/14m8i3 or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/403853631/sunshine-skyway-bridge-in-tampa-bay-fla-b1of2top

Click here for a larger image of the bottom photo (d): http://twitpic.com/14n8uw or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/404044333/sunshine-skyway-bridge-tampa-bay-fla-d2of2bottom

Two photos of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa Bay Florida, as viewed from the Manatee County shore rest area. Photographed February 20, 2010 by Kevin Dayhoff

The five-and-a-half mile, $244 million structure which spans from Terra Ceia - Bradenton in Manatee County to St. Petersburg, Florida is the world's longest cable-stayed concrete bridge. The roadway is built to provide clearance of 190 feet above the water where the bridge spans the shipping channel.

It was opened to traffic on April 20, 1987 and is a part of the I-275 - US 19 road network.

A previous bridge, which stood in approximately the same position in the bay, was built in 1954, was partially destroyed in the morning of May 9, 1980, when a freighter, the “Summit Venture,” collided with the bridge resulting in 35 people losing their lives.

Unfortunately, the magnificent structure has also attracted personal tragedies. As many as 127 persons have jumped to their death from the bridge according to a St. Petersburg Times newspaper article by Jamie Jones, published October 6, 2003: “Skyway safeguards don't deter jumpers - At least 10 people have jumped already this year, despite crisis phones and 24-hour patrols.” What a paradox that such a beautiful structure would be used for something so unpleasant.

According to a report by Jose Garcia, "The Skyway Bridge - Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow,” for the Florida Department of Transportation, the bridge rates Travel Channel’s No. 3 of “Top 10 Bridges.”

It is not to be missed…

####

[20100220 sdosmked Sunshine Skyway] 20100220 SunshineSkywayBridge (2)b - http://twitpic.com/14m8i3 or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/403853631/sunshine-skyway-bridge-in-tampa-bay-fla-b1of2top; 20100220 SunshineSkywayBridge (2)d - http://twitpic.com/14n8uw ore here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/404044333/sunshine-skyway-bridge-tampa-bay-fla-d2of2bottom

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/02/sunshine-skyway-bridge-in-tampa-bay.html

Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa Bay Fla b1of2top Feb 20, 2010 - Kevin Dayhoff http://tinyurl.com/ybmf7sy http://twitpic.com/14m8i3 http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/403853631/sunshine-skyway-bridge-in-tampa-bay-fla-b1of2top

Sunshine Skyway Bridge Tampa Bay Fla d2of2bottom Feb 20, 2010 - Kevin Dayhoff http://tinyurl.com/ybmf7sy http://twitpic.com/14n8uw http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/404044333/sunshine-skyway-bridge-tampa-bay-fla-d2of2bottom

Art photography bridges, Bridges, Dayhoff Daily Photoblog, Dayhoff photos, Dayhoff photos bridges, US st Florida, US st Florida 2010 Feb

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The Courtyard

“It happened in the courtyard” February 19, 2010 by Kevin Dayhoff

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/14o6tt or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/404224181/it-happened-in-the-courtyard-february-19-2010

[20100219 The Courtyard] Dayhoff Art, Dayhoff Daily Drawing

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/02/courtyard.html http://tinyurl.com/ybm9bm9

“It happened in the courtyard” February 19, 2010 by Kevin Dayhoff #art http://tinyurl.com/ybm9bm9 http://twitpic.com/14o6tt http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/404224181/it-happened-in-the-courtyard-february-19-2010

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How

“How” February 5, 2010 by Kevin Dayhoff

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/14n3ty or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/403816000/how-february-5-2010-by-kevin-dayhoff-click

[20100205 HOW] Dayhoff Art, Dayhoff Art words

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/02/how.html http://tinyurl.com/yk7j6ww

“How” February 5, 2010 by Kevin Dayhoff http://tinyurl.com/yk7j6ww http://twitpic.com/14n3ty

*****

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Tomatoes

“Tomatoes” February 5, 2010 by Kevin Dayhoff

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/14lfe2 or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/403444170/tomatoes-february-5-2010-by-kevin-dayhoff

[20100205 Tomatoes] Ag vegetables tomatoes, Dayhoff Art, Dayhoff Daily Drawing

#art http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/02/tomatoes.html http://tinyurl.com/ycor9eu http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/403444170/tomatoes-february-5-2010-by-kevin-dayhoff

*****

Friday, February 19, 2010

February 19 2010 Alaska Legislative Roundup

2010 Alaska Legislative session
February 19 2010

Special Session links

State's 26th legislature

Track the latest bills

Gavel to Gavel

AKRepublicans.org

AKDemocrats.org

Legislature links

Alaska constitution

State government departments

State House members

State Senate members

legislature

Lawmakers aim to limit corporate election campaigning
Alaska lawmakers are introducing four related bills aimed at limiting the role of corporations in elections. One pair of bills directly challenges the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that corporations have political free speech rights.

Lawmaker wants to streamline Legislature with a single chamber
Eliminating Alaska's House of Representatives and expanding the state Senate would make the Legislature more efficient, a lawmaker said in making the proposal.

ACLU objects to subpoenas in child exploitation cases
The ACLU of Alaska is calling a bill that seeks to crack down on sex offenders unconstitutional.

Problems plague child protection office in Bethel
The state is finding it difficult to protect children from abuse and neglect in Bethel and surrounding villages because of high worker turnover, records problems and distant managers, Alaska lawmakers were told Thursday.

Alaska lawmaker proposes single legislative chamber
Eliminating the House of Representatives and expanding the Senate would make the Alaska Legislature more efficient, a Fairbanks lawmaker says.

Harris pushes for mandatory winter tires
Winter tires should be a mandatory vehicle safety feature in Alaska. So says state Rep. John Harris.

Winter tires should be mandatory, says Valdez legislator
A Valdez Republican is sponsoring a bill to require that winter drivers use studded tires or tires with the rubber industry's mountain and snowflake logo that indicates they meet severe-weather standards.

Effects of oil tax increase dominate debate in Juneau
As lawmakers debate whether to give big tax breaks to Big Oil this year, a key question concerns whether tax increases passed in 2007 are hurting the industry that fuels Alaska government and, if so, what to do about it.

Lawmakers consider banning cell phones while driving
Lawmakers have begun looking at whether to ban virtually all cell phone use while driving in Alaska.

Funding for Pick-Click-Give at issue in Legislature
The price tag for the Pick-Click-Give program, which allows Alaskans to donate a portion of their Permanent Fund dividend to charities, is raising eyebrows in the state Legislature.

Legislator wants tax holiday on new oil to spur development
The state would give companies a 10-year tax break on new oil under the latest proposal aimed at encouraging development in Alaska.

House gets bill to let dead qualify for PFD
Should the state allow families to collect the Permanent Fund dividends of recently deceased relatives?

Group advocates incentives to lure health care workers
Armed with reports of continued shortages of doctors and other health care workers in Alaska, a group of health care organizations is pushing for the state to begin offering doctors, dentists, nurses and others money to come practice in Alaska.

Legislative roundup
An Alaska lawmaker plans to file legislation that would change the selection process for members of the board that looks into ethics complaints against executive branch employees.

Education chief touts scholarship bill
Beyond simply helping kids get to college, Gov. Sean Parnell's scholarship proposal is about culture change, according to state Education Commissioner Larry LeDoux.

national headlines

Justice Department clears former Bush lawyers for torture memos

Navy agrees to study impact of Camp Lejeune's toxic water

Giddy conservatives celebrate despite their internal divisions

US military deaths in Afghan region at 911

Reid will back public option if GOP barrier fails

*****

Oriole pitchers and catchers take to the field for the first day of spring training

Oriole pitchers and catchers take to the field for the first day of spring training

February 18, 2010 by Kevin Dayhoff
http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/02/oriole-pitchers-and-catchers-take-to.html http://tinyurl.com/yb9tudo

Ed Smith Stadium: The Birds took to the field at their new training facilities Thursday, February 18, 2010, in Sarasota at the 20-year-old, 9,000-seat Ed Smith Stadium after spending the pre-season the last 14 years in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Photo by Kevin Dayhoff February 18, 2010 [20100218 OriolesSarasota (2) stadium front] [20100218 OriolesSarasota (2)csm stadium front] http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/02/oriole-pitchers-and-catchers-take-to.html http://tinyurl.com/yb9tudo http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/416875438/ed-smith-stadium-the-birds-took-to-the-field-at http://twitpic.com/15sbxb

Westminster fans join Oriole pitchers and catchers for the first day of spring training. Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/14999i or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/410746018/westminster-md-fans-join-oriole-pitchers-and Photo caption: The Williams family, of Westminster Maryland, was also at the first day of spring training workouts at Ed Smith Stadium in sunny Sarasota Florida and delighted to have had the opportunity to share a light-hearted moment with Orioles manager Dave Trembley (left.) Photo by Kevin Dayhoff February 18, 2010

Photo caption: The batted ball – Oriole spring training Sarasota Fl: “The batted ball” The Baltimore Orioles pitchers took the field for the first time Thursday in spring training in Sarasota, Florida. Photo by Kevin Dayhoff February 18, 2010 Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/15b6vm or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/411782807/the-batted-ball-oriole-spring-training-sarasota The batted ball – Oriole spring training Sarasota Fl #sports #baseball #photo http://tinyurl.com/yb9tudo [20100218 OriolesSarasota (37)d pitching] http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/02/oriole-pitchers-and-catchers-take-to.html http://tinyurl.com/yb9tudo

The Baltimore Orioles catchers took the field for the first time Thursday, February 18, 2010, in spring training in Sarasota, Florida. Photo by Kevin Dayhoff February 18, 2010 [20100218 OriolesSarasota (50)dsm catching] http://tinyurl.com/yb9tudo http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/02/oriole-pitchers-and-catchers-take-to.html http://tinyurl.com/yb9tudo http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/416370084/the-baltimore-orioles-catchers-took-the-field-for http://twitpic.com/15qk3m

Collage Orioles Spring Training Ed Smith Stadium Sarasota http://tinyurl.com/ykabspm - http://tinyurl.com/yb9tudo Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/157uiv or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/410805246/collage-orioles-spring-training-ed-smith-stadium [20100218 BirdsKEDSarasotacollage caption]
~~~~~~

Sarasota Florida - Palm trees swayed to a light breeze and sea gulls volunteered play-by-play commentary with the temperature in the lower 70s as the Orioles pitchers and catchers took the field Thursday for the first day of spring training in their new training facilities in Sarasota after spending the pre-season the last 14 years in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The Williams family of Westminster Maryland was also there and delighted to have had the opportunity to share a light-hearted moment with Orioles manager Dave Trembley at the first day of spring training workouts at Ed Smith Stadium in sunny Sarasota Florida.

Kenny Williams and his wife, Barbara Schildwachter Williams, and their sons, Jeremy and Jonathan, from the Greens off Royer Road in Westminster were happy to be away from the cold - and visiting the Orioles’ spring training camp.

“Yeah, I’m got tired of shoveling snow,” said Mr. Williams, a landscape contractor by trade. The temperature was hovering in the 30s at home in Westminster. “We came down here (to Sarasota) to get away from the snow and the cold,” he said with a broad smile.

Jeremy Williams, an 8th grader at West Middle School in Westminster, was excited to be at spring training. “My favorite player is Brian Roberts… He plays second base.”

Roberts, the all-star player from the Durham – Chapel Hill area of North Carolina and the other “position players will have their first day of training next Tuesday… the 23rd,” said Orioles director of public relations Monica Barlow.

After being drafted by the Orioles in 1999, Roberts was brought up to the major leagues in 2001, after playing for several of the organization’s farm teams, including a number of games in Frederick, MD in 2000.

Meanwhile Jonathan Williams, a 6th grader at West Middle, didn’t have a favorite player – he was just happy to be warm.

Barbara Williams explained, “This is our third winter trip to Sarasota. We’re big Orioles fans. We’re glad they’re here… This is our first time visiting spring training. We really enjoy Sarasota. It’s warm…”

Trembley displayed a good sense of humor as he spent several minutes signing autographs, answering questions and talking about spring training with several hundred Orioles baseball fans.

“We’re excited to be here,” said Trembley referring to the team returning to Sarasota. “We’re looking forward to good year and for right now starting a long-tern relationship with Sarasota.”

The Orioles have not trained in Sarasota since 1995.

After two rebuilding years and a 64-98 record in 2009, the Orioles are looking forward to a fresh new start to this season in their upgraded facilities that will combine the team’s minor and major league operations in one place.

In the past the two operations were several hours apart, making the coordination of pre-season difficult.

The Birds took over the training facility, at the 20-year-old, 9,000-seat Ed Smith Stadium, from the Cincinnati Reds who had moved-on to a facility in the U.S. southwest.

Workers were busy throughout the day putting the finishing touches on preparing the stadium for the first home game on March 3rd against the Tampa Bay Rays. Ticket sales have been brisk for the sixteen Orioles spring training games against 10 different opponents, said Barlow.

“We’re thrilled… Sarasota has been so welcoming. We’re glad to be here,” said Barlow as she multi-tasked corralling a large contingent of Japanese reporters and photographers who were there covering Koji Uehara, the right-handed pitcher from Osaka, Japan.

Many fans are hoping that the good crop of young players will add to the team this year as Uehara returns for his second year with the Birds to shore-up the bullpen.

There are also great hopes for the off-season moves that witnessed the Birds signing free agent third baseman Miguel Tejada, starting pitcher Kevin Millwood, first baseman Garrett Atkins and closing pitcher Mike Gonzalez, observed Barlow.

Barlow also noted that the organization is looking for good results from youngsters in the outfield, Adam Jones, Nick Markakis, and Nolan Reimold; young pitchers Brad Bergesen, Jason Berken, Dave Hernandez, Brian Matusz, Chris Tillman; and Matt Wieters behind the plate at the catcher position.

Meanwhile as the fans in the Maryland area are looking forward to warmer weather and the upcoming baseball season, the fans at spring practice, the coaches and the players all share Barlow’s enthusiasm that maybe, just maybe, this is the year for the Birds.

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20100218 sdosmked de SCE pubver Oriole sprng trnng

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