Dayhoff Soundtrack

Friday, February 19, 2010

February 19 2010 Alaska Legislative Roundup

2010 Alaska Legislative session
February 19 2010

Special Session links

State's 26th legislature

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AKRepublicans.org

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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

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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/

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]
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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.

####

20100218 sdosmked de SCE pubver Oriole sprng trnng

Dayhoff Daily Photoblog, Dayhoff photos, Dayhoff photos family, Dayhoff photos sports, Sports Baltimore Orioles, Sports Baseball, US st Fl Long Boat Sarasota 2010 Feb, US st Florida 2010 Feb

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“Grow It, Eat It” Campaign Comes To Westminster

“Grow It, Eat It” Campaign Comes To Westminster - Maryland Master Gardener Diane Brown to host educational

City of Westminster 56 West Main Street
Westminster, MD 21157
Phone 410-848-9000
Fax 410-857-7476

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 19, 2010 Contact: Melissa Hynes
Phone: 410-848-7967

“GROW IT, EAT IT” CAMPAIGN COMES TO WESTMINSTER
Maryland Master Gardener Diane Brown to host educational

Westminster, MD – On Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 6:30 pm Maryland Master Gardener Diane Brown will be making a “Grow It, Eat It” presentation at the Westminster City Hall. She will be teaching basic food gardening “how-to” tips and techniques to interested residents. The “Grow It, Eat It” campaign is the University of Maryland Extension’s response to the huge new demand for information and assistance with starting and maintaining successful food gardens. Master Gardeners across Maryland have spent the past year working to educate their communities on the joys of gardening.

The one-hour presentation is free. Ms. Brown will provide information and assistance on sustainable, successful food gardens in your backyards. If residents have limited space or live in an apartment, she will also show participants how to start a container garden or how to join a local community garden.

Please contact Melissa Hynes at 410-848-7967 or at mhynes@westgov.com for more information on attending the presentation and/or joining a local community garden.

# # #

The City of Westminster Administration Department is located at 56 West Main Street. The department is responsible for overseeing the Planning, Zoning and Development, Finance, and Housing Departments. For more information, call 410-848-9000 or visit http://www.westminstermd.gov/.

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/02/grow-it-eat-it-campaign-comes-to.html http://tinyurl.com/ylkygk6

“Grow It, Eat It” Campaign Comes To Westminster - Md Master Gardener Diane Brown to host educational http://tinyurl.com/ylkygk6

20100219 Grow It Eat It Press Release Carroll Co Community Events, Westminster File community events, Westminster govt, Westminster Press Release

http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2010/02/grow-it-eat-it-campaign-comes-to.html http://tinyurl.com/y8fpwy3

http://tinyurl.com/y8fpwy3 on www.kevindayhoff.org

http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/399740396/grow-it-eat-it-campaign-comes-to-westminster

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Sykesville Agenda Mayor Town Council Monday, February 22, 2010

MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL OF SYKESVILLE AGENDA FOR MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2010, 7:00 P.M.

QUORUM: Mayor

MINUTES: Town Clerk

TREASURER’S REPORT: Town Treasurer

PUBLIC CONCERNS

BUSINESS

Josh Russin – Governor’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs
Public Safety Report – Chief Williams
Speed Monitoring System Ordinance – Continuation of Public Hearing
Snow Removal – Update
FY 2011 – 2015 CIP - Budget Research Committee – Update
FY 2011 Annual Budget - Preparation
Draft Water Resources Element – Planning Commission Recommendation

OTHER:

1. MML Chapter Dinner, Thursday, March 4, 2010, Manchester.

CLOSED SESSION:

1. Legal Consultation

2. Property Acquisition

3. Personnel

f:\dinah\agenda.mtc

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Temporary Road Closing in Sykesville on Mon, Feb 22, 2010, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m

On Monday, February 22, 2010, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Kalorama Road will be closed between Jennifer Way and Carter Road [in Sykesville] for water main repair work. HTI Contractors will be doing the work for the County. The work will probably take 2-3 days weather permitting. Questions call: 410-386-2164.

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Breitbart to Times Reporter Alleging Racial Tones at CPAC: 'You're a Despicable Human Being'

Documenting and Exposing the Liberal Political Agenda of the New York Times
Friday February 19, 2010 @ 04:18 PM EDT

Of Course: Times Foreshadows Republican Troubles at CPAC (But No Racism?)
Kate Zernike's accusations of racial stereotyping by Jason Mattera, a speaker at the Conservative Political Action Conference don't make it into the print edition of the Times.

Breitbart to NY Times Reporter for Alleging Racial Tones at CPAC: 'You're a Despicable Human Being'
Conservative publisher Andrew Breitbart goes ballistic over phony racial allegations by Times reporter Kate Zernike against conservative author and CPAC speaker Jason Mattera.

Wishful Thinking on Obama-Care and Alan Simpson, Undeniable Conservative
Hopeful on health care? Reporter David Kirkpatrick on the Times' latest "Political Points" podcast: "And if they capture Osama bin Laden we might actually get a health-care bill this year."

Timothy Egan Goes to Olympics, Praises Canadian Care, Smears 'Heartless' Health Insurers
Former liberal reporter turned NYT blogger Timothy Egan blogs praise on Canada's health care system and smears U.S. health insurers: "They have universal health care, and while the system prompts much grumbling, it works for most people - without the death panel quality of America's heartless private insurers."

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Interviewing Orioles director of public relations Monica Barlow

February 19, 2010

I had the opportunity to interview Orioles director of public relations Monica Barlow as the Orioles pitchers and catchers took the field Thursday for the first day of spring training in their new training facilities at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota after spending the pre-season the last 14 years in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Photo by R2 on February 18, 2010

I filed a story with http://www.explorecarroll.com/ in the wee-early hours of the morning and I’m looking forward to it being posted – anytime… soon…

[20100218 R2oriolestrngcmp11 17 KED] Sports Baltimore Orioles, Sports Baseball, US st Fl Long Boat Sarasota 2010 Feb, US st Florida 2010 Feb

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Caroline Babylon of Westminster MD gets the autograph of Orioles manager Dave Trembley

Caroline Babylon of Westminster Maryland smiles as she gets the autograph of Orioles manager Dave Trembley at the first day of spring training workouts at Ed Smith Stadium in sunny Sarasota Florida, February 18, 2010. Trembley noticed that there were a number of fans from Westminster to cheer the team… Photo by her husband, Kevin Dayhoff

[20100218 OriolesSarasotaTrembleyCB] Dayhoff Daily Photoblog, Dayhoff photos, Dayhoff photos family, Dayhoff photos sports, Sports Baltimore Orioles, Sports Baseball, US st Fl Long Boat Sarasota 2010 Feb, US st Florida 2010 Feb

Related: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/02/orioles-manager-trembley-with-evelyn.html Orioles’ manager Trembley with Evelyn Babylon in Sarasota training camp http://tinyurl.com/yh46oxh

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Historic 1857 quilt inspired by the politics and faith of its era

EAGLE ARCHIVE By Kevin Dayhoff: Historic 1857 quilt inspired by the politics and faith of its era

Posted http://www.explorecarroll.com/community/3929/dayhoff/ 2/07/10

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/02/historic-1857-quilt-inspired-by.html

http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/398096601/historic-1857-quilt-inspired-by-the-politics-and-faith

In a recent column I noted that one of the quilts in Nancy Gibson's presentation, "Pieces of the Past: An Overview of Carroll County Quilts," at the Historical Society of Carroll County on Jan. 19 was the 1857 Buckey eagle quilt. I've had a people ask me for more information about this historic quilt, so here goes:

This quilt is part of the HSCC's extensive textile collection, and was given to the society by Vivian Englar Barnes.

On Oct. 8, 1995, historian Jay Graybeal wrote about another lecture on quilts at the historical society, which took place that year.

Graybeal noted, "Because women traditionally provided the family's clothing and bedding, they tended to preserve textiles and pass them down to the next generation.

"For this reason most of the historical society's textile collection was donated by women."

According to Gibson, Margaret Buckey made the Buckey eagle quilt in 1857 when she was 20 years old. She made it a year before her marriage to Elhanan Englar, who was a farmer from New Windsor.

In 1995, this quilt and Buckey's sewing table were displayed at the Daughters of the American Revolution Museum, in Washington, Graybeal wrote.

Buckey "grew up in Frederick County a few miles across the county border from New Windsor and Union Bridge," and was a member of the family for which Buckeystown in Frederick County was named," noted Gibson during her talk -- which also celebrated the county's 173rd birthday.

"What makes this quilt unique is that it's possible that it was a political statement," said Gibson.

"Eagles are popular designs on Maryland quilts in the early 19th century," she said. "You see eagles on furniture, silver, ceramics, as well.

(And newspapers, too.)

"Remember that quilt makers got their designs from everyday objects around them. It was not until the third quarter of the 19th century that patterns were published nationally.

Gibson noted that the eagle may have been inspired by the anti-slavery or Know-Nothing Party, which was popular during the 1856 election.

"Events sponsored by this party were heavily advertised in the Carroll County newspapers and sometimes included an eagle similar to the one Margaret used on her quilt," she said.

Gibson said that according to Margaret Buckey's obituary, she was a member of the Brethren Church for 68 years. Elders of the church -- including her uncle, Daniel Saylor, leader of a congregation at Beaver Dam where Margaret had worshipped prior to her marriage -- were politically active, especially against slavery.

Margaret and her husband joined the Pipe Creek Brethren Church where they are both buried.

But they left us all the quilt -- another piece of the fabric of our community history.

When he not trying to figure-out how to operate an old family sewing machine, him at http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/.

[20100207 SCE Historic 1857 quilt inspired by politics sceked]

For other recent stories in Explore Carroll by Kevin Dayhoff:

Recent stories in Explore Carroll http://www.explorecarroll.com/ by Kevin Dayhoff Colleges McDaniel, Dayhoff Media Explore Carroll, Medicine Health Care Reform, People Havens Charlie, People Mathias Charles, Quilts, Sports Roller Derby

http://www.explorecarroll.com/search/?s=Dayhoff&action=GO

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/02/recent-stories-in-explore-carroll-by.html

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/02/recent-stories-in-explore-carroll-by_10.html

http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/381346613/recent-stories-in-explore-carroll-by-kevin-dayhoff

Historic 1857 quilt inspired by the politics and faith of its era Published February 7, 2010 by Carroll Eagle ... all the quilt -- another piece of the fabric of our community history. When he not trying to figure-out how to operate an old family sewing machine, Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at ... or visit him at http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/....

Reception held for McDaniel president-elect Published February 3, 2010 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle Westminster community leaders had an opportunity to meet and welcome McDaniel president-elect Dr. Roger N. Casey and his wife, Robyn Allers at a reception held Wednesday, Jan. 27, at the Carroll Arts Council.Casey, 48, was selected in December by the ... ...

Funeral for Sen. Charles Mathias at the National Cathedral Published February 2, 2010 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle The funeral for former Maryland U.S. Senator Charles McCurdy (Mac) Mathias was held Tuesday at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington D.C.Mathias died at the age of 87 on Jan. 25.Although he is most remembered for his decades of support for civil ... ...

Remembering how we used to celebrate the best care anywhere Published January 31, 2010 by Carroll Eagle ... professionals. As we look around today, there's still a lot to be thankful for. When he's not worrying over the aches and pains of getting old, Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at ... , or visit him at www.westminstermarylandonline.net. ...

Carroll County's 173rd birthday celebrates a patchwork quilt of history Published January 24, 2010 by Carroll Eagle ... who received it as wedding present in the 1930s. When he is not interpreting the language of quilts, Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at ... or visit him at http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/....

more

Squeals on Wheels Published January 31, 2010 by Carroll Eagle, Eldersburg Eagle, Westminster Eagle The Chesapeake Roller Derby team Mutiny defended the ship well, but it was the South Jersey Derby Girls who rolled to a 56-29 victory Jan. 23 in the first-ever roller derby event at the Danele Shipley Memorial Arena at the Carroll County Ag Center, in ... ...

'Coach' Charlie Havens was a good sport, and a patriot, too Published January 17, 2010 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle ... Coach Havens. If you have one, e-mail it to me or drop it in the mail at P. O. Box 1245, Westminster, MD 21158. When he is not shivering from the cold, Kevin Dayhoff may reached at ... or visit him at www.westminstermarylandonline.net. ...

New year means a new city attorney in Westminster Published January 12, 2010 by Westminster Eagle The new year for Westminster city government will begin with new municipal attorneys for the first time in 30 years. At the first meeting of the Westminster mayor and Common Council for 2010, the city announced the appointment of Elissa Levan and Karen ... ...

Winter miseries include cold, wind and a threat to our ice cream supply Published January 10, 2010 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle ... ice cream in the middle of a snowstorm. It, too, would probably result in a lot of paperwork. When he is not looking for ice cream in a snowstorm, Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at ... , or visit him at http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/....

DAYHOFF: New years of the past carried doom, gloom ... and a few local bright spots Published January 3, 2010 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle ... Year, we should all hold brighter hopes of the future, and make some good resolutions." Amen to that. When he is not partying in Taylorsville, Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at ... or visit him at http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/....

Crime and vagrants greeted the new year in days gone by Published December 27, 2009 by Carroll Eagle ... it, but he is not sure. Like everybody else, Mr. Tuck is frustrated but isn't sure who to blame." When he's not wearing a New Year's party hat, Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at ... , or visit him at www.westminstermarylandonline.net....

20100206 Recent stories in Explore Carroll by Kevin Dayhoff Dayhoff Media Explore Carroll

Recent stories in Explore Carroll http://www.explorecarroll.com/ by Kevin Dayhoff http://tinyurl.com/yktulf5

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/02/recent-stories-in-explore-carroll-by_10.html http://tinyurl.com/yktulf5

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Orioles’ manager Trembley with Evelyn Babylon in Sarasota training camp

Orioles’ manager Trembley with Evelyn Babylon in Sarasota training camp February 18, 2010

Evelyn Babylon of Westminster Maryland shares 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, February 18, 2010. Photo by Kevin Dayhoff

The Baltimore Orioles pitchers and catchers took the field for the first time today in spring training in Sarasota, Florida.

Trembley spent several minutes signing autographs, answering questions and talking about spring training with several hundred Orioles baseball fans.

[20100218 OriolesSarasotaTrembleyEFB]

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Thursday, February 18, 2010

In Out

“In Out” February 18, 2010 by Kevin Dayhoff

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/1428ba or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/397980319/in-out-february-18-2010-by-kevin-dayhoff

[20100214 in out] Dayhoff Daily Photoblog, Dayhoff photos, US st Fl Long Boat Sarasota 2010 Feb, US st Florida 2010 Feb

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/02/in-out.html http://tinyurl.com/y878en8

“In Out” Feb 18, 2010 by Kevin Dayhoff http://tinyurl.com/y878en8 #photo http://twitpic.com/1428ba http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/397980319/in-out-february-18-2010-by-kevin-dayhoff

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Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Soundtrack Op-ed: “Waste Not! – Carroll” speaks out on MGA incinerator legislation

Soundtrack Op-ed: Don West, co-founder of “Waste Not! – Carroll” speaks out on Maryland General Assembly incinerator legislation

February 14, 2010

Editor,

On Saturday, February 13, 2010, the Carroll County Times Opinion Page gave Senate Bill 228 a “thumbs down”. The bill, sponsored by Senator Alex Mooney, R – District 3 (Frederick and Washington Counties), prohibits the Maryland Department of the Environment from issuing a permit for the construction of an incinerator unless certain conditions are met.

Included in those conditions are that the incinerator is located in an area zoned for heavy industrial activity and that the site is at least 3 miles from a church, school, park, hospital or residential dwelling.

The CC Times asserts that Mooney was disingenuous in offering the legislation. Yet, Senator Mooney states he has received thousands of e-mails from his constituents in opposition to the Waste to Energy (WTE) incinerator that is proposed in his district. Rather than disingenuous, I view his legislation as an example of a senator responding to the needs and desires of those he serves.

The same column accuses Mooney of political posturing in an election year. That charge is easy enough to refute – Senator Mooney introduced a similar bill in last year’s legislative session. Last year was not an election year for County Commissioners in either Frederick or Carroll Counties.

Speaking of politicizing the issue, our own Commissioner Michael Zimmer ventured to Annapolis to testify against the same bill last week. He said he wants to make sure that Carroll County has an opportunity to reap the same benefits of WTE incineration as Baltimore City and Montgomery and Harford County. After examining this issue in some detail, I’m wondering what benefits Commissioner Zimmer has in mind?

Perhaps it’s all the money to be spent? With current projected construction costs upwards of $600,000,000, plus the financing and the anticipated operating expenses for the life span of the incinerator, we are facing a total cost to taxpayers in Carroll and Frederick in excess of 2 billion dollars!

Given current budgetary problems, I don’t see how anyone would view an expenditure of this magnitude a ‘benefit’. If you are interested in how bad it can get, look to Harrisburg, PA, where the city is nearly bankrupt following a botched upgrade to their incinerator.

Another ‘benefit’ of WTE incineration that proponents like to cite is the electrical energy the facility will generate. What they don’t say is that the incinerator is in reality a poor source of power, generating only about 1/10 of the electricity of a typical electrical plant. Also, any power generated goes first to the operation of the facility. Then Frederick County, as majority partner, gets second priority for the power.

Finally, Carroll County can get what’s left, providing we pay for it. That’s right, we will pay for the electricity generated by burning the trash that we pay to have burned in the incinerator that we are paying for! At the Dickerson facility in Montgomery County, financial records show that money from the sale of electricity doesn’t even offset service on the bonds issued for the initial construction of that incinerator; operating costs are borne by the residents and taxpayers.

In fact, if you compare the energy saved by recycling or composting waste destined for the incinerator versus the energy provided from its combustion, incineration is an enormous Waste of Energy!

Proponents of the incinerator would like you to think that with an incinerator burning our trash, we will no longer need landfills. This is false. First of all, as much as 20 – 25% of our solid waste can’t be burned. Most yard waste and construction & demolition refuse are two examples - other disposal methods will need to be used.

Plus the residual ash from the incinerator will need to be dealt with. Some propose that using the ash as a daily cover at the landfill is appealing. Montgomery County, however, pays to haul its ash to Virginia, where it is handled as a hazardous waste, at an additional cost of several million dollars per year. I’m not seeing any great benefit there, either.

Finally, proponents like to say that emissions from the Waste to Energy incinerator will be closely monitored. Carroll and Frederick’s agreement allows for the monitoring of 12 regulated emissions. Unfortunately, a recent report from the MDE for the Harford County incinerator identified nearly 200 toxins released! If that’s the level of monitoring we can expect at our proposed incinerator, I don’t think I would want my family to live 30 miles from such a facility.

An editorial in the CCT’s the following day accuses Senator Mooney of a “Not In My Backyard” motivation for proposing his legislation. Superficially, I can see where that could be argued, except that the adoption of his bill would mean that nobody in Maryland would have an incinerator within 3 miles of their home, school or church.

Perhaps it’s more accurately portrayed as NIABY, “ Not In Anybody’s Backyard”. For that, Mooney’s attempt at regulating future incinerator locations should be applauded, not ridiculed.

Some may view Senator Mooney’s legislation as an intrusion of state government into a local issue. However, when our local elected officials ignore the views of their constituents, and more importantly, the facts and ramifications of their decisions, seeking the assistance of another level of our government is our right and obligation.

Don H. West
Westminster

The writer is a co-founder of Waste Not! - Carroll

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/02/soundtrack-op-ed-waste-not-carroll.html

http://tinyurl.com/yfbl399

http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/396634818/soundtrack-op-ed-waste-not-carroll-speaks-out-on

Admin Letters to KevinDayhoffNet, Enviro Solid Waste Man, Enviro Solid Waste Man Recycling, Enviro Solid Waste to Energy

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Charlie Wilson’s Legacy

Charlie Wilson’s Legacy Wednesday, February 17, 2010 http://www.thetentacle.com/

http://www.thetentacle.com/ShowArticle.cfm?mydocid=3610

Kevin E. Dayhoff

On Sunday, Charlie Wilson, the former 12-term Democrat who represented the 2nd District in East Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1973 through 1996, was remembered in a memorial service in Texas.

Read the entire column here: Charlie Wilson’s Legacy

http://www.thetentacle.com/ShowArticle.cfm?mydocid=3610

20100217 sdsom TT Charlie Wilsons Legacy ttked

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Telephone

Telephone

It’s for you

February 26, 2009 Kevin Dayhoff

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/1412oh or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/397528071/telephone-its-for-you-february-26-2009-kevin

Telephone - It’s for you February 26, 2009 Kevin Dayhoff

[20090226 GaylordPalms 36 telephone] Dayhoff Daily Photoblog, Dayhoff photos

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/02/telephone.html http://tinyurl.com/y9ypnkm

Telephone - It’s for you Feb 26, 2009 Kevin Dayhoff #photo #art http://tinyurl.com/y9ypnkm http://twitpic.com/1412oh http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/397528071/telephone-its-for-you-february-26-2009-kevin

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This week in The Tentacle

http://www.thetentacle.com/ http://tinyurl.com/y8bw43a

http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/397458668/this-week-in-the-tentacle

Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Charlie Wilson’s Legacy
Kevin E. Dayhoff
On Sunday, Charlie Wilson, the former 12-term Democrat who represented the 2nd District in East Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1973 through 1996, was remembered in a memorial service in Texas.

Elephant Tales
Tom McLaughlin
Tangkahan, Sumatra, Indonesia – The road from Bukit Lawang, where we were staying, to this village was moon cratered, flood gullied and suitable only for motorcycles or four wheel drive.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Commissioner “Jerk” Thompson
Roy Meachum
Certainly next December will end the political career of John Leonard Thompson. God willing! Acting the jerk consistently, the commissioner tarnishes consistently Frederick County’s good name; fortunately other officials act to clean up his messes.

A Tough Row to Hoe…
Nick Diaz
Adam Avery, host of “Senior Talk Radio,” a weekly show that airs on WFMD at noon on Saturdays, is one of those people who is constantly questioning, prodding, inquiring, as to the “why” of things. A few days ago, he observed that Fox News commentator Juan Williams, a moderate black person, must be under intense pressure by his peers to tow the left-wing Democratic Party line.

Monday, February 15, 2010
Brain-dead Government
Steven R. Berryman
In one of nature’s oddest ironies, the human brain is devoid of pain sensors. The organ charged by the body to manage and regulate all of its internal activity – including the thought processes believed to create self-awareness and intelligence itself – cannot “feel.”

Campaign Diary – Plowing The Road
Michael Kurtianyk
January 27 – The Day After – With yesterday’s “Announcement Day” events having been completed, it was time for me to focus on gaining traction. Today was spent reviewing and evaluating all that happened yesterday. Our goals were successful; we had great turnouts at all of our events; we signed up volunteers to help us with our campaign; we received some very generous contributions; and we let the media know that we’re off and running.

Friday, February 12, 2010
George Preston Marshall
Roy Meachum
My hometown’s Saints made out last Sunday; they beat Archie Manning’s son, who was brought up in the Garden District. Peyton’s father quarterbacked for the New Orleans team during the voodoo bad beginnings. Sunday, the TV rating set a 106.5 million record in this country; that beat out the 1983 last show of M*A*S*H.

Hot Flashes & More
Norman M. Covert
Pitchers and catchers report in a few days to baseball complexes from Florida to Arizona – it cannot come soon enough. The annual February migration of professional baseball teams, including our Orioles and Nationals, predicts the coming of spring more reliably than Punxsutawney Phil. Frederick County isn’t Florida, as attested by the snow cone threatening visitors on the front stoop.

Mr. Gore’s Victory
Joe Charlebois
Washington, D.C. – Former Vice-President and Nobel Laureate Al Gore announced victory yesterday as dozens of supporters braved the wind, cold and nearly four feet of snow to see the leader of America’s “green” movement speak on the Washington Mall yesterday.

Thursday, February 11, 2010
Are Taxpayers Really That Stupid?
Joan McIntyre
Many moons ago I suggested that the Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) lease out the top floor of the new central office building to pay for the rest of it rather than stealing money from the children and the operating portion of the budget. However, it was told that couldn't happen 'because' FCPS can't 'make' money.

Kudos for a Job Well Done
Chris Cavey
It’s early Wednesday morning. The snowfall is just a constant fine white sparkle, the bare limbs of the maple tree are piled so high with the accumulation of previous storms that the new snow skiffs off like dust.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010
A Complex and Complicated Life
Kevin E. Dayhoff
John P. Murtha, the Democrat congressman from Pennsylvania, died at Virginia Hospital Center Monday at the age of 77 after complications from gall-bladder surgery.

A Sumatran Adventure – Part 2
Tom McLaughlin
Bukit Lawang, Sumatra Island, Indonesia – Disaster struck Bukit Lawang in 2003. The logging of the rain forest further up stream coupled with days of torrential downpours sent log laden flood waters into the area. Massive cut trees rammed into the lodges causing death and wiping the slate clean except for the Eco Lodge, which was sensibly built on higher ground. The area has never fully recovered.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010
My First (Ever) Snow
Roy Meachum
Winter flirts with New Orleans; it plays peek-a-boo, hide-and-seek. When the sun glares with blinding intensity and clouds stay out of the way, some January days demand no more than shirt sleeves.

What a hometown….
Farrell Keough
Why is it that when it is cold out, people want a nice cool drink after working outside – but when it is hot out, they don’t want a warm drink after working outside?

Monday, February 8, 2010
It’s-sNOw-problem
Steven R. Berryman
If you can read this, then you are some of the lucky ones; still with electricity, and having free time from shoveling and plowing chores. Since we are now low on Pringles and instant coffee, this may be close to the end at our place, out in Dearbought.

Campaign Diary – Preparing for the Big Day
Michael Kurtianyk
January 24 – Well tomorrow is the big day. Our campaign team has worked hard to prepare for it. I’ll announce to the world what has been one of the worst-kept secrets in town: that I’ll be running for county commissioner in Frederick County. What the citizens don’t see, but the politicians do, is that it takes a village to raise a candidate.

20100217 sdosm This week in The Tentacle Dayhoff Media The Tentacle, Media The Tentacle, World Middle East Afghanistan

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/02/this-week-in-tentacle_17.html

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