20071022 Michael Yon: Resistance is Futile

Michael Yon: Resistance is Futile

Michael Yon is offering to make available his dispatches to local newspapers who are members of the National Newspaper Association. Read on for more information…

October 22, 2007

Resistance is futile: You will be (mis)informed.

[…]

All describe the bizarro-world contrast between what most Americans seem to think is happening in Iraq versus what is really happening in Iraq. Knowing this disconnect exists and experiencing it directly are two separate matters.

[…]

This got me to thinking: what if I made a similar offer on a more permanent basis to a large media syndication, say, the National Newspaper Association?

[…]

This is where my readers come in, at least those among them who share the concern that the distorted picture most Americans have of the situation in Iraq has strategic (and disastrous) implications for this war, our national security, and the stability of one of the most volatile regions on the planet.

Those readers can first check to see if their local paper is a member of the NNA . Because only NNA members will be able to

” . . . print excerpts of Michael Yon’s dispatches, including up to two of his photographs from each dispatch. Online excerpts may use up to 8 paragraphs, use 1-3 photos, and then link back to the full dispatch on his site saying ‘To continue reading, click here.’”

If their local paper is a member of NNA, readers can contact the editor, urging their participation.

In the blognetnews.com area, the Carroll County Times, Delmarva Daily Times, and Easton Star Democrat, to mention a few, are members of the National Newspaper Association.

Perhaps if we all made a concerted effort to contact these newspapers and call to their attention Mr. Yon’s offer, we may be able to begin getting some accurate information about Iraq printed in the local media…

[If Bob Owens’ experience is a reliable indicator, this might take several prompts.] By encouraging their local daily or weekly newspapers to reprint these dispatches in their print editions, more people without internet access can begin to see a more accurate reflection of the progress I have observed and chronicled

Read his entire post here: Resistance is Futile

Mr. Yon’s work in Iraq is solely supported by reader contributions. To contribute to Michael Yon’s incredible work, click here or:

Those who prefer to send a check or money order payable to Michael Yon, please use the following mailing address:

Michael Yon
P O Box 5553
Winter Haven, FL 33880-5553

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20071024 News Clips

News Clips

Oct. 24, 2007

STATE NEWS

O'Malley warns of high 'cost of delay'
Outlines budget cuts before special session
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bal-md.governor24oct24,0,3530907.story?coll=bal_tab01_layout
Gov. Martin O'Malley described yesterday a scary scenario if the General Assembly fails to take action during a special session starting Monday to eliminate a projected $1.7 billion shortfall in the state budget next year. "If for some reason a consensus on the revenue package should elude us, I would be left to put forward this budget of cuts when we come back in the regular session," O'Malley said.
House Minority Leader Anthony J. O'Donnell said, "Governance through fear is abhorre nt to the American psyche." "These are not the types of things that anybody is seriously contemplating," said O'Donnell, a Southern Maryland Republican. "The governor does not seem serious about making spending reductions. He wants to pick things that will cause fear in people."
An hour before the news conference, Comptroller Peter Franchot released a letter cautioning Maryland legislative leaders "against acting in haste" to approve O'Malley's sweeping plan, saying the lack of an "immediate fiscal crisis" and the governor's failure to release details of his proposals could lead to "unintended consequences."Franchot, a Democrat, repeated his call for the General Assembly to wait until the regular session starting in January to consider O'Malley's proposal.
As for voter opinions on legalizing slot machine gambling, 59 percent said they favor the idea - the highest margin i n five years. Asked about putting the slots question to voters on the November 2008 ballot, 84 percent backed the idea. O'Malley has not yet indicated whether he would ask state lawmakers to approve slot machines at selected locations or put the matter to voters through a ballot referendum."In my view, the volatility of the U.S. and Maryland economies, the absence of an immediate fiscal crisis and the lack of detail about the plan could all combine to create a perfect storm of unintended consequences. Rather than act in haste, the fiscally prudent and practically wise thing to do would be to move cautiously and deliberatively throughout this process," Franchot wrote in the letter to legislative leaders.

Insuring 100,000, plugging shortfall
$2 billion O'Malley initiative readied for Assembly
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-te.md.health24oct24,0,1628383.story?coll=bal_tab01_layout
The Maryland General Assembly will consider a $500 million health care proposal to extend medical coverage to more than 100,000 uninsured residents during the special session called by Gov. Martin O'Malley to tackle the state's fiscal problems.
But finances could jeopardize the plan. O'Malley hopes to raise $2 billion through a series of tax increases and, possibly, revenue from legalized slot machines. If any piece of that package failed in the General Assembly, more money for health care could evaporate.
O'Malley held a news conference with his Cabinet secretaries yesterday to urge passage of his budget solution and warned that deep budget cuts will be needed if legislators don't act.

O'Malley polls dip as budget flap intensifies
http://www.washingtontimes.com/article/20071024/METRO/110240050/1004
Mr. O'Malley's approval rating dropped six points, to 46 percent, and his disapproval rating increased 10 points, to 31 percent, since the last statewide poll conducted in March by Gonzales Research and Marketing.
A spokesman for Mr. O'Malley, a Democrat, said the governor was not worried about his six-point drop in the polls.
"Most of those numbers break along party lines," said spokesman Rick Abbruzzese, noting an increase in Republicans who disapprove of Mr. O'Malley's leadership but steady support from Democrats. "Leaders lead even when they have to make difficult decisions." The budget shortfall has long been predicted by nonpartisan budget analysts, but Democrats and Republicans are split over how to fix the problem. Republicans flatly oppose tax increases and support broad spending cuts.
Republican senators criticized Mr. O'Malley's budget proposal as a scare tactic.
"He's trying to scare people into having a consensus and that's not going to work," said Sen. Allan H. Kittleman, Howard Republican. "It's the new movie 'A Nightmare on State Circle,' and Governor O'Malley plays the lead character. If you go to sleep you're going to get your taxes raised. So people in Maryland have to be vigilant. They have to stay awake and they have to fight hard."

Poll: Support for slots is up, down for O'Malley
http://www.examiner.com/a-1006485~Poll__Support_for_slots_is_up__down_for_O_Malley.html
Support for slots among Maryland voters is up, but it's down for Gov. Martin O'Malley, according to a new statewide poll. The poll also found overwhelming backing for a referendum on slot machine gambling.<>The poll taken last week by Gonzales Marketing also found widespread support for the income tax hikes O'Malley has proposed for corporations and the wealthy and for the special session he has called, and opposition to the increase in the sales tax he's seeking.
Almost the entire change in the governor's approval rating was caused by a sharp drop in support among Republican voters, two-thirds of whom now disapprove of him, almost double the number in March. Among Democrats, 61 percent approve of the job he's doing.
Gonzales, who's been polling in Maryland for decades, said he was particularly surprised "at the shear overwhelming number of people that want slots to go to referendum."

Zimmer asks for legislation against illegal immigrants
http://www.examiner.com/a-1006597~Zimmer_asks_for_legislation_against_ i llegal_immigrants.html
Adult illegal immigrants should be banned from Carroll County by law, says Commissioner Michael Zimmer. He says the county's state delegation should pass a law against adult illegal immigrants in Carroll, and he is asking his fellow commissioners to encourage them to take action. In a commission form of government, the state lawmakers must pass the law.
"It's important to sort of send the message that if you're a legal resident, you're welcome here in Carroll County," Zimmer said. "If your not, it's not a good situation." He stressed that it would apply only to adults because children don't have a choice whether they are illegal. Zimmer requested a public hearing and more discussion with various county departments.

Governor outlines long list of cuts if his budget plan fails
http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2007/10_24-03/OUD
Gov. Martin O'Malley painted a picture of fiscal agony on Tuesday if his budget plan fails to pass in a special session. It was an ugly Maryland landscape, the governor drew, with poor people unable to get health care, neglected foster children and closed police barracks. While O'Malley said he felt obligated to warn about what could happen if his plan fails, he expressed confidence that it was gaining ground. Republicans were dismissive of the Democratic governor's position, saying the state can handle the budget deficit with level funding and shifting some responsibilities to the counties. Sen. E.J. Pipkin, R-Queen Anne's, said O'Malley was manufacturing a fiscal crisis to scare up momentum for unneeded tax increases to support big government. "Halloween has come early to Annapolis," Pipkin said.
The slot machine piece of the pr o posal appears to be the most uncertain. A perennially contentious Annapolis issue, slots don't generate major revenue in the first years of O'Malley's plan. But slot machines eventually are expected to raise about $550 million a year. Busch said he didn't believe there was enough support in the House for a slots bill outright, and O'Malley has said he's inclined to move toward sending the matter to a referendum. Busch said a referendum would receive more support.

O'Malley backup proposal includes big cuts for Md.
http://www.herald-mail.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=177560&format=html
Washington County would face about $19 million in cuts under a $1.7 billion budget-deficit-erasing plan Gov. Martin O'Malley released Tuesday as a contrast to his previously proposed tax package. Some statewide cuts wo u ld have implications here, such as possibly merging the Potomac Center in Hagerstown with another state center for people with mental disabilities. O'Malley, a Democrat, presented the list to show what would happen if the Maryland General Assembly doesn't pass tax increases and changes during a special session that starts Monday. Del. Christopher B. Shank, R-Washington, dismissed O'Malley's proposal for cuts as a political ploy to justify raising taxes. "I think it's meant to inflame public opinion," said Shank, the second-highest ranking Republican in the House, where Democrats dominate.
Sen. Donald F. Munson, R-Washington, said "doomsday" budget proposals probably are meant to be a lesson about a legitimate deficit problem. He said O'Malley likely has the votes lined up for his tax proposals.

Pollitt urges support for O'Malley budget plan
County asks Shore legislato r s not to let state budget deficit pinch local governments
http://www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071024/NEWS01/710240367
Wicomico County pleaded with Lower Shore legislators Tuesday night to agree to Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley's plan to eliminate the state's $1.7 billion budget deficit and not pass it on to local government.
County Executive Rick Pollitt and Finance Director Pat Petersen organized a short presentation reporting that the county may need to offset 10 percent of its general fund, eliminate raises, layoff workers or possibly reduce the work week if the state's so-called "Doomsday" budget were enacted. This plan essentially cuts $1.7 billion from state aid and adds nothing. Pollitt stressed that counties are often the victim when the state makes cuts.
"We're hoping the state won't follow the t raditional road of looking at local government as easy pickins', and try not to fix the state's structural deficit problems on the backs of local communities," Pollitt said after the meeting.
Sen. J. Lowell Stoltzfus, R-38-Somerset, asked county officials about their decision to fund the school system $1 million above the Maintenance of Effort Standard. He suggested that most Maryland counties are only funding at Maintenance of Effort, and in tough financial times, the county should consider less for schools. This is especially true when Wicomico ranks fifth in state support per pupil at more than $7,400, Stoltzfus said.
He and Delegate Page Elmore, R-38A-Somerset, also suggested the county is paying too much for salaries since it's had an average cost of living increase for the past five years at twice the rate of the state's 2 percent. Elmore suggested the county might see leaner times ahead. "You might have a slowdown, but you ' re not going to have a doomsday," Elmore said. "Some of the governor's proposals will pass."

New law may push illegal immigrants to Maryland
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.immigration24oct24,0,4232479.story
A resolution passed in Virginia's Prince William County last week to crack down on illegal immigrants might bring a mass relocation to welcoming states like Maryland, experts said. The law bars illegal immigrants from obtaining business licenses or using services for the homeless, elderly and drug-addicted. In addition, police must check suspects' status if there is reason to believe they are here illegally. Maryland is not the most permissive state when it comes to immigration, said immigration expert William Hanna, a professor at the University of Maryland, College Park. B u t it "is probably in the top half of states in the United States that have been more receptive."
Maryland has generally been more relaxed about illegal immigration than Virginia. For example, it is one of only nine states that doesn't check immigration status before issuing a driver's license.
"We have a growing immigrant community in Maryland that's made its economy No. 1," said Del. Victor R. Ramirez, a Prince George's Democrat. The economy could draw people to Maryland, he said.

Race is on for Christman's council seat
Special primary, general election in the works for this year
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/annearundel/bal-ar.christman24oct24,0,5444437.story
With Republican Alderman Michael I. Christman's formal resignation letter barely a day old, the race is already on to find his replacement on the Annapolis city council. A prominent city Republican, Alderman David Cordle, said his party is trying to recruit a candidate. Cordle said Republicans intend to field a candidate, although no one has stepped forward. He said the party is looking at two possible candidates. One, whose name Cordle said he could not recall, is serving on the city's Republican Central Committee. The alderman said he is also waiting to hear back from someone he has recruited. Cliff Myers, chairman of the city's Republican Central Committee, could not be reached for comment yesterday.


EDITORIALS/OP-EDS

Delegation can right a wrong
http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2007/10/24/news/opin i on/editorial/editorial845.txt
Carroll's legislative delegation has an opportunity today to right a wrong when they meet to consider alternatives for the change to five commissioners which voters said they wanted in 2004. After the 2004 vote, a committee was established to set the districts. It included three Democrats and three Republicans, as well as a neutral seventh member, Janet Jump from the Board of Elections. Both political parties brought their ideas to the table. Ultimately, a map submitted by the Democrats received a 4-2 approval from the committee.
But when the time came for the delegation to vote on a map to take to Annapolis, five of them voted for the map submitted by their hand-picked Republican members. Having been rebuffed in the original process, and turned away in Annapolis after trying to assert their will, the time has come for our delegation members to do the right thing.
Take the map proposed by the commi t tee and make it law. Let the process work as intended.At the time, and to this day, no real reason has been given by any of the members for abandoning the public process.


NATIONAL NEWS

Bill would halt menhaden harvest
Gilchrest says moratorium would restore food supply for striped bass
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.gilcrest24oct24,0,6358262.story
Rep. Wayne T. Gilchrest has introduced legislation that seeks to put a moratorium on harvesting menhaden in both state and federal waters, a move he hopes will revive the oily baitfish that are a main food source for striped bass."Most states have already banned menhaden fisheries," said Gilchrest, a Republican who represents Maryland's 1st Congressional District. "It seems to me that the evidence is clear. If you look at the Chesapeake Bay as a whole system, then you can recognize that you have a large striped bass population. But it's not even close to what it was."Gilchrest said he was also able to make the menhaden case to the head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the commerce secretary and a key presidential environmental adviser.

Bartlett opposes heritage area legislation
http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/735101/
Congress is expected to vote this week on legislation that would create a national heritage area encompassing all of Frederick County and stretching from Monticello, Va., to Gettysburg, Pa. Frederick's U.S. Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, a Republican, said this week he intends to vote against the legislation a n d opposes the Journey Through Hallowed Ground area in his district, one of six new national heritage areas proposed in the bill. Bartlett believes the bill should include stronger protection of property rights, broader local representation in the area's management and no federal funding, he said.
"All of our nation's founders knew of the intimate connection between personal liberty and property rights," Bartlett said in a statement. "The National Heritage Areas bill, H.R. 1483, and in particular, the bill's exclusive version of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground, tramples over rather than honors these hallowed principles."

20071024 Editorial on Shield law by Frederick News Post

Editorial on "Shield law" by Frederick News Post

Originally published October 24, 2007

http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/opinion/display_editorial.htm?StoryID=66736

Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives strongly endorsed a new journalism "shield law." The House voted 398 to 21 in favor of the Free Flow of Information Act of 2007, which would extend new protections to journalists in safeguarding their confidential sources. As the vote count indicates, the bill had strong bipartisan support --easily enough to override a presidential veto. The fate of the bill in the U.S. Senate is said to be less certain, in spite of the fact that the Senate Judiciary Committee has already voted 15-2 in support of it.

This federal shield legislation is breaking new ground, as it would, for the first time, establish legal standards on the federal government's power to order journalists to testify, disclose documents or name unidentified sources critical to their work. At present, most states have their own shield law legislation, but an overarching federal law is genuinely needed.

Read the entire editorial here: Editorial on Shield law by Frederick News Post

20071024 Dan Gainor: Brewing up a contest to mock tax tricks

Commentary by Dan Gainer, The Examiner, October 23, 2007

Dan Gainor: Brewing up a contest to mock tax tricks

BALTIMORE -

Trick or treat?

OK, in Gov. Martin O’Malley’s Maryland, we only get one choice — more than $1 billion in new taxes. That’s not exactly a treat. Two days before Halloween, the governor will knock on every door in the state demanding goodies.

This isn’t an innocent Charlie Brown, with a small bag, begging for treats. O’Malley has the power to scare the legislature into a special session — the second session in one year. (Each rebroadcast of the “Great Pumpkin” is called a rerun. I guess that makes this a re-session. How appropriate.)

I’d be lying if I said we’re likely to stop this tax terror…

[…]

A contest, that is.

Since the governor is holding his session at such an ironic time, let’s take advantage of it. I want you, the readers of this column, to come up with suggestions for the right costume O’Malley should wear presiding over such an epic abuse of power during Halloween.

I’ve used a lot of metaphors for our good governor during the past year. Jesse James was my favorite. Forrest Gump got me an e-mail complaint from the state Democratic Party. And I personally saw the governor in what I think was a War of 1812 officer’s costume at a Ravens charity event a couple of years ago.

So you have to do better than those. The idea should be fun and humorous, and tweak the nose of a man leading his state down the path to tax suicide. No overly mean comments will be allowed. (I get to make all of those.) Send your entries to gainorcolumn AT gmail.com. Deadline is Saturday at the witching hour — midnight.

[…]

Read the entire column here: Dan Gainor: Brewing up a contest to mock tax tricks

Dan Gainor can be seen each week on Thursday afternoons on the new Fox Business Network. He is The Boone Pickens Free Market Fellow at the Media Research Center’s Business & Media Institute, a career journalist and media commentator. He can be reached at gainorcolumn@gmail.com.

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20071024 Politics, Hon: Jane Skinner Gets “You-Tubed”

Jane Skinner Gets “You-Tubed”

October 24^th, 2007

A big Hat Tip to W. Crodhil presents "Politics, Hon" for calling to our attention: Jane Skinner Gets “You-Tubed”.

I’m not sure which I like better, Jane Skinner and “Skinnerville” or the repartee between her and Sheperd Smith. One thing for certain, it is video for everyone to watch, especially for folks who do a lot of public speaking, if not, for anything, to see her poise and professionalism – after the gaffe. Who among us has not been there?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KKXektRX3Y

20071023 “The Canadian Press:” Fox Business Network goes to market with news for Main Street

Fox Business Network goes to market with news for Main Street

October 23^rd, 2007

NEW YORK - Mission accomplished! So far, anyhow.

Fox Business Network, which signed on last week, has swiftly got down to business with a wide-angle vision of business as more than just playing the market. It's also the chequebook in your purse, the price tags in the stores, your dreams of a better job or paying off your plastic.

Just as vital to the mission, Fox Business has made a good start in promoting optimism. On its first morning, a glowing anchorwoman noted that on the same date - Oct. 15 - back in 1951, a TV institution was born: "I Love Lucy." Good call. Fox's new institution-in-the-making could aptly be nicknamed "I Love Business."

This is in shrewd contrast to CNBC, the long-dominant financial network and now Fox's arch-rival. At CNBC it's not about love, but money.

[…]

Many from this friendly family already are known to viewers, including Fox News vets Neil Cavuto, David Asman and Dagen McDowell.

[…]

Thank goodness Fox Business is here now to keep spreading the good word. Most media outlets are all too focused on "biz-blasting," as Asman termed it during his interview with a guest who duly echoed the Fox Business gospel.

Dan Gainor, director of the Business & Media Institute, came packing research he said proved most media coverage slams the business world. Item: During the market explosion the past few years, the media, instead of "crowing about it," dwelled on "downbeat news."

Already a viewer can sense this won't be a problem on Fox Business. Here the glass of capitalism is apt to be reassuringly half-full, if not overflowing. Free enterprise won't be blasted by Fox Business, which is busy running interference for it. And encouraging the audience not to get rich, necessarily, but to believe.

Read the entire article here: Fox Business Network goes to market with news for Main Street

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20071023 Dan Gainor Watch

Dan Gainor Watch

October 23^rd, 2007 – Dan Gainor in The Examiner

Dan Gainor: Brewing up a contest to mock tax tricks

23 hrs ago - Trick or treat?

OK, in Gov. Martin O’Malley’s Maryland, we only get one choice — more than $1 billion in new taxes. That’s not exactly a treat. Two days before Halloween, the governor will knock on every door in the state demanding goodies.

[…]

Since the governor is holding his session at such an ironic time, let’s take advantage of it. I want you, the readers of this column, to come up with suggestions for the right costume O’Malley should wear presiding over such an epic abuse of power during Halloween.

I’ve used a lot of metaphors for our good governor during the past year. Jesse James was my favorite. Forrest Gump got me an e-mail complaint from the state Democratic Party. And I personally saw the governor in what I think was a War of 1812 officer’s costume at a Ravens charity event a couple of years ago.

So you have to do better than those. The idea should be fun and humorous, and tweak the nose of a man leading his state down the path to tax suicide. No overly mean comments will be allowed. (I get to make all of those.) Send your entries to gainorcolumn@gmail.com. Deadline is Saturday at the witching hour — midnight.

[…]

Read the entire column here: Dan Gainor: Brewing up a contest to mock tax tricks

Dan Gainor: Commuters need to question MARC

7 days ago - On your MARC. Get set. Go. See you in 28 years.

Dan Gainor: Gov. O’Malley can’t get a handle on state’s slots issue

14 days ago - Pull the handle and watch the pictures fly by in a blur of excitement — bars, cherries, oranges and more. As the lights flash, you scream for a winner. Then the rows of images begin to slow.

Dan Gainor: Finding a Realtor who really moves you

21 days ago - When we get married, the people who stand by us are called the best man or maid of honor — respectful titles and well deserved. When we go house hunting, we call those people Realtor or agent.

Dan Gainor: The James gang approach to taxes

28 days ago - There’s a new Brad Pitt film out called “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.” It should star Gov. Martin O’Malley, because he’s robbing us blind.

Dan Gainor: Finally, money none of us really wants

35 days ago - Coin of the realm is a phrase that conjures up pirates and “pieces of eight.”

Dan Gainor: Today shouldn’t be like any other day

42 days ago - Six years, and the horrifying images are still seared in our brains.

Dan Gainor: Region’s politicians hooked on speed

49 days ago - I have a quick confession.

Dan Gainor: Workers still laboring to do their best

55 days ago - It’s my own personal Labor Day tradition to remind people and businesses that talented, skilled employees are the best asset of any company. This is my last column before the holiday, so I wanted to pay tribute to the men and women who keep this and every business going.

Dan Gainor: Poorly called strike at Camden Yards

63 days ago - The great labor battles are written in large type across American history — the Haymarket riots, the railroad strike of 1877 — even the battles between miners and mine owners in Harlan County, Ky.

Dan Gainor: Downside of the serve-less industry

70 days ago - You’ve heard it before.

Gainor: Survey says we want less government

77 days ago - I have stunning survey results: Most people would rather someone else pay their taxes.

Dan Gainor: House-hunter to homeowner

83 days ago - Deciding to buy a house is one thing. Actually finding one is another.

Dan Gainor: Eight is enough for Baltimore

91 days ago - When the singer Prince decided to change his name to a funky little drawing, he became a symbol.

Dan Gainor: It’s not time to chew the fat — let’s cut it

98 days ago - It’s time to tighten the old belt.

Dan Gainor: O’Malley explores the nuclear option

105 days ago - No nukes? Maybe no more.

Dan Gainor: A song of freedom with many verses

112 days ago - I’ve got a song in my heart.

Dan Gainor: The economy is on fast-forward

119 days ago - Call it the tale of the tape. In it, we find a lesson about the U.S. economy you seldom see taught. Not too long ago, I was at the York Road Best Buy looking for a tape recorder so I could write and drive simultaneously. Those who know me well know this is good because I seldom actually shut up.

Dan Gainor: Losing birds drag down attendance

125 days ago - Remember when the word “Orioles” was followed by the word “magic”?

Dan Gainor: A good idea can be your ‘secret’ weapon

126 days ago - I’ve got The Secret.

Dan Gainor: This isn’t your land anymore

133 days ago - “This land is your land, this land is my land.”

Dan Gainor: The conspiracy of lower gas prices

140 days ago - Gas man.

Dan Gainor: Business must play ball with base plan

147 days ago - When you first hear the term BRAC, you aren’t sure if it’s the sound you make after too many crabs and too much beer or one of the Cartoon Network’s oddball characters. (That one’s Brak.)

Dan Gainor: Legislators ready to gas up taxes

154 days ago - Gas prices have continued to climb.

Dan Gainor: Where’s there’s smoke, there’s stupidity

161 days ago - It appears likely that as of Feb. 1, 2008, Marylanders will no longer be allowed to smoke in bars and restaurants. Democratic Gov. Martin O’Malley appears poised to sign the bill as early as this week and join legislators by making an ash out of himself.

Dan Gainor: There’s no place like home

168 days ago - The online world gives you the ability to find exactly what you want in a relationship. You can pick age, size and appearance without ever leaving your home.

Dan Gainor: Tanks for the memories of cheap gas

Dan Gainor: Imagine a Baltimore without cars

Dan Gainor: We are not at the end, my friend

Dan Gainor: Politicians out of control

Readers should believe it’s been a great year for the paper

Dan Gainor: ‘People’s lawyer’ a threat to business

Dan Gainor: Subprime problems could be prime reason to buy

Dan Gainor: Solution to tax woes rises like dough

Dan Gainor: There ought to be a law

Dan Gainor: Seat hikes prove Ravens have what counts

Dan Gainor: Wide screen is not box-office silver

Gov. O’Malley can’t see forest for treats

Love of profit is at the holiday’s heart

Homeowners should reconsider adjustable rate mortgages

20071024 Columns in The Tentacle that touch upon business and economics

Columns in The Tentacle that touch upon business and economics

October 24, 2007 – Kevin Dayhoff

Recently I’ve been up to my ears in “file maintenance” and as a result I thought I’d at least get some value out of the exercise. (Read: I wanted to justify the massive headache I accumulated…) I get quite a few requests as to where to find this and that column on various aspects of economics and business and I sure hope this may save me some time in the future… Whatever…

August 15, 2007

The Subprime Mortgage Mania Mess

Kevin E. Dayhoff

After several weeks of Wall Street volatility, it appears that the market has hopefully finally exhaled and calmed down.

June 20, 2007

Earmarks: A Bridge to Bankruptcy

Kevin E. Dayhoff

After months of bitter fighting, the surge on "earmarks," our own homegrown version of economic terrorism, continues to meet stiff resistance.

May 30, 2007

A Pain in the Gas

Kevin E. Dayhoff

With the Memorial Day weekend behind us, so begins the summer driving season. Increasingly a critical part of the summer getaway calculus is congested roadways and the cost of gasoline.

February 12, 2007

The Great Maryland Electric War

Kevin E. Dayhoff

With a Democratic governor in the statehouse, Ken Schisler out of the way, and the proposed merger of Constellation Energy and Florida Light and Power stopped, it would appear that the Democrat controlled Maryland General Assembly has succeeded with most of its election goals from last year's gubernatorial contest.

February 7, 2007

The Electrocution of Ken Schisler

Kevin E. Dayhoff

On January 29 Public Service Commission Chairman Ken Schisler resigned. Appointed just after the Ehrlich administration moved into the second floor of the statehouse, Mr. Schisler decided not to serve the remaining year of his five-year term.

November 29, 2006

Blackwater and municipal red ink run deep

Kevin E. Dayhoff

The state announced in November it was going to purchase hundreds of critically sensitive acres in the vicinity of the Blackwater Wildlife Refuge in Dorchester County on the Eastern Shore.

October 11, 2006

A Sale from Hell

Kevin E. Dayhoff

In the wee early morning hours of Monday, PNC, a $94.9 billion bank based in Pittsburgh announced that an agreement had been reached to purchase Maryland's largest independent bank, Mercantile Bankshares Corporation, in a $6 billion deal.

September 6, 2006

An Apple for The Governor

Kevin E. Dayhoff

It certainly appears that improving education in Maryland is developing into one of the main election issues for Marylanders this fall.

June 7, 2006

Electrocuting The Elephant

Kevin E. Dayhoff

In response to a judge's decision on May 30 to overturn Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s "April Plan," to phase-in increases in electric rates, the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) decided last Friday to go back to the original "March Plan" to phase in Baltimore Gas & Electric's deregulated electric rates due to go into effect July 1.

May 3, 2006

Congressional Pork: The Other Red Meat

Kevin E. Dayhoff

A recent Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll provided insight into the mind of the electorate. We are tired of pork, otherwise known as “earmarks.” And, rightfully so.

April 5, 2006

Shock and Amps – the Second Candle

Kevin E. Dayhoff

Members of the Maryland General Assembly’s leadership deserve a lifetime achievement award for ducking their responsibilities, scapegoating and obfuscating the truth in their response to the rate caps coming off Baltimore Gas and Electric as a result of the 1999 electric deregulation legislation.

April 4, 2006

Shock and Amps

Kevin E. Dayhoff

The recent power surge of Maryland General Assembly legislative initiatives in response to the end of the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company’s electric rate price freeze ought to be referred to as the “Omnibus Rolling Blackout Acts of 2006.”

March 22, 2006

The Art of Community

Kevin E. Dayhoff

Quality of life issues, including, but certainly not limited to, growth and sprawl, traffic congestion, overcrowded schools, art and cultural opportunities, and local community employment are on the minds of citizens throughout Maryland.

February 8, 2006

Why Tax Military Pensions?

Kevin E. Dayhoff

In his State of the State address, Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich mentioned an important legislative proposal to “exempt from state taxes military retirement income earned by those with two decades of service.”

October 19, 2005

“The Sun and the Bay”

Kevin E. Dayhoff

A big advantage of advancing age is that you get to recognize news media silliness when it happens. Many in the agriculture community did not find the July 26th article in Baltimore’s Sun by Tom Pelton to be silly and are quite annoyed.

October 12, 2005

Working on the Farm

Kevin E. Dayhoff

On September 20 the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) released its long awaited olive branch to the agriculture community in Maryland. CBF was founded in 1967 and their website reports that it "is the largest conservation organization dedicated solely to saving the Chesapeake Bay watershed."

August 12, 2005

Maryland Agriculture’s Seat at the Table - Part 3

Kevin E. Dayhoff

Last February, Gov. Robert Ehrlich announced that he would be conducting a forum on the issues of Agriculture in Maryland on February 13, 2006, at the Prince George's County Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro.

August 11, 2005

Maryland Agriculture's Seat at the Table - Part 2

Kevin E. Dayhoff

When it comes to Maryland Agriculture, we are in a deep hole and need to climb out. Moreover, it seems that the hole has been getting deeper while we have tried to turn things around.

August 10, 2005

Agriculture's Seat at the Table - Part 1

Kevin E. Dayhoff

When Gov. Robert Ehrlich first took office, one of the many welcome things he said was that agriculture in Maryland "had a seat at the table."

July 15, 2005

Local Government’s Nuclear Option – Part 3

Kevin E. Dayhoff

Immediately after the U. S. Constitution was adopted, few questioned the public taking of land for a new national capital. Two hundred years later, I am not quite sure our Founding Fathers meant to allow a Donald Trump to convince the Atlantic City government to condemn the home of an elderly widow so he could build a limousine parking lot.

July 14, 2005

Local Government’s Nuclear Option – Part 2

Kevin E. Dayhoff

Before 1954, eminent domain issues were primarily focused on the government’s ability to lawfully obtain private land for public projects and just compensation. Since 1954, in the current era of the eminent domain mess, the issue has been extended to deal with the expansionist liberal Supreme Court’s interpretation of the definition of public use to include: “highest and best use” private sector economic development.

July 13, 2005

Local Government’s Nuclear Option – Part 1

Kevin E. Dayhoff

I have heard it said that no property, money or individuals’ rights are safe when the Democrat-controlled Maryland General Assembly is in session. After June 23, 2005, perhaps we can expand that to say: or when the U.S. Supreme Court is in session.

20071023 CNS News: 'Hillary Uncensored' Film Draws Huge Web Audience by Fred Lucus

'Hillary Uncensored' Film Draws Huge Web Audience

By Fred Lucas, CNSNews.com Staff Writer, October 23, 2007

(CNSNews.com) - The trailer to a new film about Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton, "Hillary Uncensored -- Banned by the Media," has garnered big audience numbers -- about 1 million viewers -- on the Internet. The movie documenting alleged campaign finance violations soon will have several screenings in the Northeast, including three in New Hampshire, the state that will hold the first presidential primary.

The trailer to the documentary was the most-viewed video on Google Video for eight straight days (Oct. 13-20), and dropped to the number two slot on Sunday, Oct. 21. (Google Video is an online video-posting service offered by the highly popular Internet search engine Google.) The trailer also was the only political video to make it onto Google's Top 100 video list.

While the video was No. 1 and No. 2 for those specified days last week, it had 862,536 "all time" views, which placed it at 819 out of all the videos ranked on Google. In other words, it was the No. 1 video seen for each day last week but was not the most popular video overall on Google over time. Some videos, for instance, have had "views" near 10 million.

The preview to the film -- produced by Hollywood businessman Peter F. Paul -- was also the number one most-viewed YouTube video in the United Kingdom under the "news & politics" category, according to the YouTube site where it has, so far, earned 173,901 overall viewers. It was also the number six "most viewed overall" for the month in the United States.

[…]

Nonetheless, the popularity of the trailer has prompted Paul and the Equal Justice Foundation of America, which helped him produce the film, to move up the film's release date to Nov. 1. Also, five screenings have been scheduled for the film before that date.

[…]

Read the entire article – it only gets curiouser and curiouser: 'Hillary Uncensored' Film Draws Huge Web Audience

20071024 This week in The Tentacle

This week in The Tentacle

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Blackwater USA

Kevin E. Dayhoff

The founder of Blackwater USA, Erik Prince, is famous for being media averse. However in the last year, especially since the Democratic Party achieved majority status in the United States Congress, Mr. Prince's name is slowly becoming a household word.

WE GET LETTERS!

A Thurmont resident takes issue with the upcoming General Assembly special session and the seeming inability of politicians to "cut." CLICK HERE!

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Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Walkersville's Muslims

Roy Meachum

Please let us be clear: The Muslims trying to buy the farm in Walkersville have nothing to do with the other Muslims who have lived quietly in the community for years.

The Power of The Courts

Farrell Keough

During our last time together, we discussed how "Enlightened Maryland" has become. We give away our taxes, our services, and even our children's education to illegal intruders in deference to a more enlightened way of life.

WE GET LETTERS!

A Frederick resident takes issue with Roy Meachum's column of last week, which was about the furor over the Muslim facility in Walkersville. CLICK HERE!

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Monday, October 22, 2007

EDITOR'S NOTE!

(EDITOR'S NOTE! Rick Weldon's column, which normally would have appeared on The Tentacle today, has been lost in the nether world we call cyberspace. It may appear unexpectedly later in the week, or it may be lost forever. Please remain hopeful. At least something written by Mr. Weldon, and prepared on another instrument invented to record man's intelligence and insight, shall appear here next week, even if a re-run is necessary.)

Humanizing a Made-for-TV Governor

Katie Nash

The latest news stories surrounding Gov. Martin O'Malley have included endeavors to improve his public image. As he travels with his entourage to Maryland communities to unveil his ambitious tax-and-spend proposals, the media reports on the slight image adjustments O'Malley's consultants want them to see.

Wishful Thinking v. Reality

Tom McLaughlin

Now that Dad has passed away and I am free from my caregiver duties, I must elect where I am going to live. I have already decided to purchase a house in Middletown. (Down, Realtors, it's a private sale.)

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Friday, October 19, 2007

Magnificent Mayor

Roy Meachum

Thousands of words poured all out of the media for In the Street. The only time I heard Ron Young's name mentioned was by me. I explained to newcomers about how Frederick's long-time mayor created the festival they enjoyed.

Nobel, My Foot!

Edward Lulie III

Ronald Reagan never won the Nobel Peace Prize; he merely ended the Communist domination of Eastern Europe and ended the Cold War. Jimmy (Do you believe in Peanut Butter?) Carter did win the Nobel Peace Prize. Carter set the stage for the downfall of the Shah of Iran and ushered in a glorious new era of 5th century fanaticism plus helping spark the Iran-Iraq War.

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Thursday, October 18, 2007

Bartlett Should Switch His Vote

Tony Soltero

As the word indicates, a representative's job is to represent. It is to reflect the views of the constituents of his or her district, and ensure that those views are advanced in Congress.

It Was, Indeed, Worthwhile!

Tom McLaughlin

"You are taking your daughter with you"? I heard this everywhere. Even across cultures.

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Wednesday, October 17, 2007

The Shipwreck Known as SCHIP

Kevin E. Dayhoff

In 1997 the Republican controlled Congress enacted the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) - a joint federal and state government initiative that provides low-cost health insurance for children of lower income families.

Perhaps, er, Definitely Maybe!

Norman M. Covert

Are we impressed? Commissioner David Gray (R) last week forged ahead of his Frederick Board of County Commissioners cohorts on the issue of illegal immigrant services. He proposed - and got his wish - that instead of recommending legislation that might address the problem, they would pass a resolution calling for a resolution.

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Tuesday, October 16, 2007

KKK's Spirit Marches On

Roy Meachum

The bigotry and racial hatred oozing out of Walkersville remind me of the hate and blind stupidity prevalent when I first moved up the turnpike.

A Blight on Enlightenment

Farrell Keough

As many of you are aware, we are in the midst of a rigorous paper tiger fight over how to deal with a huge influx of illegal intruders. Some have the audacity to believe we should view this circumstance as a problem. Nothing could be further from the truth.

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Monday, October 15, 2007

Real ID: A Study in Contrast

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

Think back to September 11, 2001. In that horrific environment and - more importantly - in the aftermath, a frantic flurry of activity framed the government's response.

WE GET LETTERS!

A reader from Emmitsburg provides an economics lesson on the cause of increased taxation. CLICK HERE!