Friday, June 11, 2010

No Aid Found on Turkish Vessel Mavi Marmara

Thursday, June 10, 2010

No Aid Found on Turkish Vessel Mavi Marmara

The only ship that was violent was not carrying any aid. Of the seven ships which announced their intentions to break Israel’s legal maritime blockade of Hamas-controlled Gaza, six were redirected without incident. The one vessel, Turkish-operated Mavi Marmara, was the only ship in the flotilla which ambushed Israeli soldiers. Over the past 10 days, it has been obvious that the dozens of “peace activists” came ready and eager for a violent skirmish and were thus anything but peace loving individuals...

Read the rest here: http://www.israelpolitik.org/2010/06/10/no-aid-found-on-turkish-vessel-mavi-marmara/

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Westminster Maryland Online http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/ http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/

My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

Posted by Kevin Dayhoff at Thursday, June 10, 201

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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

Thursday, June 10, 2010

This week in The Tentacle

http://www.thetentacle.com/

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

What the Helen Happened?

Kevin E. Dayhoff

Count me among the many who were profoundly offended at the remarks uttered by the curiously curmudgeon – White House correspondent Helen Thomas – to Rabbi David Nesenoff and his 17-year-old son, on May 27.

Surprising China – Part 2

Tom McLaughlin

Chengdu, China – I have always been an antique seeker, and to my delight, my wife also enjoys the challenge of finding treasures. We are always aware that fakes are often sold both here and in America and follow the age old adage of “buyer beware,” one of the many sayings of Confucius.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Exit Helen Thomas, Journalism Icon

Roy Meachum

Monday while going into Safeway, the radio said Helen Thomas resigned from her last post, as a Hearst Syndicate columnist.

A Cuban History Lesson

Nick Diaz

As the 50th anniversary of my arrival on these American shores approaches, I feel compelled to relate some of the stories of my half-century as an exile of Fidel Castro’s Cuba. Many of these personal, family, and political experiences have been surfacing in my mind recently, as I’m going deeper into a nostalgic mood.

Monday, June 7, 2010

EDITOR”S NOTE:

John W. Ashbury

At the request of Rick Weldon I am posting today a statement I received from him regarding an uproar over a column of his posted on Monday May 31, 2010. If you would like to comment on either Mr. Weldon’s statement below, or on the column of May 31, please send them to info@thetentacle.com.

Three Nooses

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

President Barack Obama may not have been my choice, but I also don’t think he’s unfit, unqualified, or unworthy of the office of President of the United States. The “Birthers,” conspiracy nuts, and ultra conservatives, who suggest otherwise, sound a little goofy.

Campaign Diary – County Increasing Fees

Michael Kurtianyk

In case anyone missed it, the current Board of County Commissioners has voted 4-1 to raise impact fees beginning July 1 as follows:

Friday, June 4, 2010

Israeli Arrogance

Roy Meachum

The international community’s bowels are in an absolute uproar because of Israel’s mortal raid Monday night on a flotilla that had the announced purpose of breaking a blockade that kept 1.5 million people ill-nourished, lacking suitable housing and with the barest of medical care.

While Nero Fiddled

Joe Charlebois

While Nero fiddled, Governor Bobby Jindal (R., LA) had been begging for approval and funding for the dredging and subsequent construction of 80 miles of sand-berm barrier islands.

2010 Election Candidates

John W. Ashbury

As a public service TheTentacle.com will publish every Friday the list of candidates who have filed for the various elective offices which will appear on the ballot in the September Primary Election. If errors appear, please notify me at info@thetentacle.com.

A REVIEW – Hippodrome’s “39 Steps”

Roy Meachum

Let me prepare you for the exciting happenings taking place on-stage at Baltimore’s Hippodrome Theatre. “The 39 Steps” is nothing like anything I’d ever seen.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

“Trust but verify!” It’s your duty!

Joan McIntyre

I've been watching with interest, slight amusement and a tad bit of annoyance the letters, editorials and blogs discussing the city’s annexations of the Crum and Thatcher farms. The same claims rehashed nothing new, just more emotional rhetoric at this point.

The politics of losing

Amanda Haddaway

A political campaign, even at a local level, is an intense combination of hard work, countless hours and sometimes sleepless nights replaying the last candidate forum or question from the media. So, why would anyone willingly enter their name into the craziness that is campaigning?

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Rethinking Online Anonymity

Kevin E. Dayhoff

In the brave new world of Internet publishing, most news and commentary websites that finally embraced the idea of allowing readers to post comments are now starting to rethink and debate whether or not the great Democracy-experiment in free speech has worked, or if it is worth the effort in light of the Pandora’s Box it opened.

Surprising China

Tom McLaughlin

Chengdu, China – Many of our overseas Chinese friends had warned us. The people in China were rude, crude and totally unlikable, they said. They will cheat and rob. Crime is high. Bargaining is a nightmare and they are a dirty people. They were wrong.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Father, R.I.P.

Roy Meachum

We cope with the first day of summer; but not astronomically speaking. Swimming pools are officially open and it’s okay to wear white. Not because I said so.

To Unseat Senator Mikulski

Farrell Keough

“Side-effects include delayed backache.” Honestly, what the heck is that? Personally, I would love to be able to delay my bouts with backaches. But, I digress…

Monday, May 31, 2010

Campaign Diary – This and That

Michael Kurtianyk

I had the good fortune of going to the Doug Gantzler fundraiser at a local supporter’s home in Frederick. It was a good turnout, in spite of the rain that fell over the weekend. It was great seeing everybody and there were great discussions and plans for this summer’s campaigns.

Is it just me?

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

Is it just me, or do you also wonder how a Mexican can argue logically that America’s borders should be open while you’d be jailed for up to 10 years if you entered Mexico illegally?

Noting Memorial Day

Norman M. Covert

Historically the only credit many fighting men received in the early chronicles of America’s military defense of liberty was being “noted in dispatches from the front.” With that in mind, I was reminded last week that the cast of characters changes ever so slightly from one ceremonial rite to the next in Frederick.

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Monday, June 07, 2010

Rejected to Perfected: Fine Art from Recyclables

“Rejected to Perfected: Fine Art from Recyclables” http://tinyurl.com/2dlo77q

Carroll County Arts Center MEDIA RELEASE March 31, 2010

Sponsor: The Maryland Sustainable Living Fair

Location: The Carroll Art Center, 91 West Main Street, Westminster, MD, 21157 View Google Map

Labels: Art Carroll Arts Center, Dayhoff Art, Dayhoff Art show

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/04/arts-center-to-host-rejected-to.html

Artists included in the show are: Kevin Dayhoff, Westminster; Sharon Gribbin-Lindemon, New Windsor; Heather Hodge, Westminster; Joy Miller, Port Deposit; Roger Miller, Taneytown; Beverly Reidinger, Myersville; Virginia Sperry, Eldersburg; and The Trashy Women Collective, Perryville

“Rejected to Perfected: Fine Art from Recyclables” Opening Reception Friday, June 18

5:30 - 6:30 pm Members Only, 6:30 - 7:30 General Public

This "green" show will feature artists who bring awareness to the beauty and functionality that can be found in landfills, recycle bins and dumpsters.

Artists include: Kevin Dayhoff, Heather Hodge, Joy Miller, Roger Miller, Beverly Reidinger, Virginia Sperry and The Trashy Women Collective.

Sponsored by the Maryland Heartland Sustainable Living Fair.

~~~~~~

Carroll County Arts Center MEDIA RELEASE March 31, 2010

Opening reception: Friday, June 18, 2010, 5:30 – 7:30 pm.

The Carroll Arts Center is pleased to jump on the “go-green” bandwagon for its next exhibit. “Rejected to Perfected: Fine Art from Recyclables,” will be on view in the Tevis Gallery from June 10 through August 6.

Western Civilizations’ throw-away society had its beginnings in the Italian Renaissance when Humanist writers espoused facts that Mother Nature would constantly replenish her resources. The early 20th century Italian Futurist painter, Marinetti, wrote a manifest to the movement that applauded industrial pollution as proof that mankind was moving forward in a positive direction.

Enter the 21st century and industrialized nations are looking back, not to the Italian Renaissance or industry but to those countries, while appearing primitive, have been practicing sustainable living.

“Rejected to Perfected” will feature artists whose canvas and media are not purchased at the art store, whose pigment will not pollute water sources but bring awareness to the beauty and functionality that can be found in the landfill, recycle bins and dumpsters. These creative artists think out of the box. “Renew-Reuse-Recycle” is their artistic credo.

In addition, there will be a few other twists such as displaying the incredible bottle cap sculpture of “Starry Night” on loan from Finksburg Public Library, and we will be selling copies of “Do Martians Recycle” by Sharon Gribbon-Lindemon. The show has been generously sponsored by The Maryland Sustainable Living Fair.

Artists included in the show are:

Kevin Dayhoff, Westminster, MD. Kevin creates mixed media collages and sculptural forms using found objects and recycling paper, magazines and newspaper.

Heather Hodge, Westminster, MD: Her repurposed creations have delighted Festival of Wreaths visitors. She has some surprises in store for this show.

Joy Miller, Port Deposit, MD: Joy transforms car and truck hoods and gas tanks into garden furniture. She adorns old windows with fused glass and considers the landfill as her answer to the commercial craft store.

Roger Miller, Taneytown, MD: Roger’s extraordinary “windmill wreath” was a crowd favorite during our recent Festival of Wreaths and we eagerly await his sculptural additions to this exhibits.

Beverly Reidinger, Myersville, MD: Beverly garnered awards with her recycled refrigerator doors at the National Building Museum in D.C.

Virginia Sperry, Eldersburg: Virginia has been using car parts such as water pumps and adorning them with polymer clay to create something very feminine and delicate. She will also exhibit her newest art form, posing the rejected object in a composition and creating photographs that give recyclables artistic dignity.

The Trashy Women Collective, Perryville, MD. This eclectic group creates everything from sculptural forms to wearables.

The public is invited to meet the artists at a celebration on Friday, June 18, 6:30-7:30 pm. Immediately following the reception will be a screening of the movie “Walden: The Ballad of Thoreau,” a lovely documentary chronicling Thoreau’s last few days at Walden Pond. Admission for the movie is $5.

The Carroll Arts Center is located at 91 West Main Street in downtown Westminster. Gallery admission is free. Hours are 10 am – 4 pm Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 8 pm on Thursdays. For more information, call 410/848-7272 or visit http://www.carrollcountyartscouncil.org/

20100610 PR Rejected to Perfected Fine Art from Recyclables
20100331 Rejected to Perfected press release

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News from Carroll County Arts Council

News from Carroll County Arts Council http://tinyurl.com/amlrs8

http://www.carrollcountyartscouncil.org/

The Carroll County Arts Council is located in the magnificently renovated Carroll Arts Center, formerly the Carroll Theatre in downtown Westminster. The art deco building now houses a 263-seat theatre, the Tevis Gallery, two art classrooms and offices.

The purpose of the Carroll County Arts Council is to serve citizens and visitors by acting as a link between the arts community and education, business, government, the media, and the private sector. The CCAC produces public programs, provides grants and scholarships and serves as a primary source for cultural information in Carroll County.

Carroll Arts Center, 91 West Main Street, Westminster, MD 21157
P: 410.848.7272 F: 410.848.8962 info@CarrollCountyArtsCouncil.org

Monday, June 7, 2010

Upcoming EventsPLEASE NOTE! The free tickets for the United States Air Force "Satellite" concert on June 16 have all been distributed. No seats are available for this concert. If you have tickets and do not intend to use them, please return them to the Arts Center so that we can accommodate those on our waiting list. Thank you.

Walden: The Ballad of Thoreau Friday, June 18 at 7:30 pm A touching documentary chronicling Thoreau's last days in Walden Woods. This film will be screened immediately following the opening reception for "From Rejected to Perfected: Fine Art from Recyclables." Join us for both events! $6 Adults/$5 CCAC Members, Students & Seniors

Country Comedy Tour Featuring MG Gaskin & Matt Mitchell Saturday, June 19 at 8 pm. These two southern-fried comedians have performed extensively with their hilarious show that pokes fun at all things country. Join is for this family-friendly evening of entertainment! They've been seen on Fox, MTV, CMT, the Rick & Bubba Show as well as 7 appearances on "The Tonight Show." $15 Adults/$12 CCAC Members, Students & Seniors

Gallery Exhibits

Rejected to Perfected: Fine Art from Recyclables Opening Reception Friday, June 18 5:30 - 6:30 pm Members Only, 6:30 - 7:30 General Public
This "green" show will feature artists who bring awareness to the beauty and functionality that can be found in landfills, recycle bins and dumpsters.
Artists include: Kevin Dayhoff, Heather Hodge, Joy Miller, Roger Miller, Beverly Reidinger, Virginia Sperry and The Trashy Women Collective. Sponsored by the Maryland Heartland Sustainable Living Fair.

More Arts Center News

Register Today forSummer Arts CampsWe offer a variety of camps for ages 5 - 13. From arts and crafts to performing opportunities, our camps allow children to learn, create and explore all that the arts have to offer. This summer's offerings include Art Adventures, Creative Kids Camp, Fun Company Performing Arts Camp and Circus Stars Camp with Michael Rosman. Visit our website for more information or to register on-line. Do not delay, some sessions are near capacity already!

Auditions for"Area 51: The Musical" June 23, 6 - 8 pm

We are very excited to be producing our first show with High School actors and singers. Under the direction of Julie Herber of the Maryland Ensemble Theatre, this is sure to be an unforgettable experience for the cast as well as the audience! Advance reservations are required to reserve an audition spot, so please visit our website for more information about the show and the audition process. Save the Date for the Performances: August 20 & 21!

1st Annual Members Talent Show Announced

For the past seven years we have given our members the opportunity to display their artwork in our annual Members Exhibit. Now we look forward to showcasing the performing talents of our members as well! The 1st annual Members Talent Show is set for August 12. Spaces are limited, so register today if you would like to perform on our stage in this inaugural event. Help us start a new tradition!

Register Now for Summer Yoga!
Wednesdays 6:30 - 8 pm
Join Instructor Tim Hurley for our popular yoga classes. These sessions regularly sell-out, so do not delay if you would like to make this part of your summer activities. The 9-week sessions will begin in early July and end Labor Day weekend. Please note, the Monday Session is SOLD OUT. Tuition is $90 for members, $99 for non-members To register on-line.

ARTS IN CARROLL COUNTY

September Song Auditions for "Gypsy"June 5 & 8 at Century High School, 355 Ronsdale Road, Sykesville For more information go to http://www.september-song.org/ or call Joan Eichhorn at 410/654-0494.

Community Concert Association Subscription Drive

Be part of the 25th Anniversary Season! Duquesne Univ Tamburitzans, Pianafiddle, John Davidson, Legacy of Floyd Cramer and the Baltimore Mandolin Orchestra. Call 410/848-7123 or visit http://www.cccca.info/ for details or pick up a brochure at the Carroll Arts Center.

Carroll Community College presentsLyric Brass QuintetJune 10 - 7:30 pm. For tickets prices and more info go to http://www.carrollcc.edu/.

Shepherd's Staff presents

Carroll Cabaret Dinner Show

June 11 and June 12 at St. Paul's United Church of Christ. Carroll Idols, dancing, silent auction and buffet dinner. $25 per person. For reservations call 410/857-5944.Westminster Ringers presentVictorian SketchesSaturday, June 12 - 7:30 pm. Scott Center at Carroll Community College. $10 Adults/$8 children & Seniors. ($12/$10 at the door) For more information about this concert, or their "Open Ring" on June 17, call 410/848-5482 or go to http://www.thewestminsterringers.org/

Carroll Players Auditions forAgatha Christie's "The Mousetrap"Monday June 14 & Tuesday June 15, 7 - 8:30 pm at the Carroll Arts Center.

Pre-payment is required to reserve tickets for all CCAC shows and films. Purchase tickets on line at http://www.carrollcountyartscouncil.org/.

A small convenience fee will be applied to all phone and internet credit card orders.No fees apply for tickets purchased in person at the box office. Our Website · Coming Attractions · Gallery Exhibits · Classes & Camps Visit us online at: http://www.carrollcountyartscouncil.org/.

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Sunday, June 06, 2010

Flotilla Choir presents: We Con the World

Hat Tip: Carroll Standard http://www.carrollstandard.com/politics/in-other-news/video-news-clips/8697-flotilla-choir-we-con-the-world-.html

and H/T: Mark Tapscott

Find the lyrics here: Carroll Standard

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOGG_osOoVg

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Friday, June 04, 2010

Daily Caller: Sotheby’s plans auction of Lehman Bros art works

Daily Caller: Sotheby’s plans auction of Lehman Bros art works 06/04/10

http://dailycaller.com/2010/06/04/sothebys-plans-auction-of-lehman-bros-art-works/#ixzz0puIFcqLO

NEW YORK (AP) — Sotheby’s says some 400 works from the corporate contemporary art collection of the failed investment bank Lehman Brothers will go on sale at auction this fall.

Sotheby’s New York announced Friday it will auction the works on Sept. 25, pending bankruptcy court approval.

It says the collection is valued at more than $10 million. It includes works by some of the leading contemporary artists, including Damien Hirst, Takashi Murakami and Richard Prince.

Sale proceeds will go to pay off creditors of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. Lehman filed for bankruptcy in September 2008, helping spark one of the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. It was the largest bankruptcy filing in U.S. history.

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Digest of posts on Dave Trembley with pictures on Soundtrack

Kevin Dayhoff - Soundtrack: BASEBALL: Last-place Orioles fire ...

Jun 04, 2010

7 minutes ago

BASEBALL: Last-place Orioles fire manager Dave Trembley Friday, June 4, 2010 By Josh Land, Times Staff Writer. BALTIMORE - Even while Dave Trembley squirmed through every off day of speculation that he had spent his final day on the job ...

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

clipped from Google - 6/2010

Orioles' manager Trembley with Evelyn Babylon in Sarasota training ...

Feb 19, 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. ...

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

clipped from Google - 6/2010

Oriole pitchers and catchers take to the field for the first day ...

Feb 19, 2010

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 ...

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

clipped from Google - 6/2010

Caroline Babylon of Westminster MD gets the autograph of Orioles ...

Feb 19, 2010

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. ...

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

clipped from Google - 6/2010

Westminster MD fans join Oriole pitchers and catchers for the ...

Feb 25, 2010

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/02/caroline-babylon-of-westminster-md-gets.html http://tinyurl.com/yfduskq Caroline Babylon of Westminster MD gets the autograph of Orioles manager Dave Trembley http://tinyurl.com/yfduskq ...

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

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BASEBALL: Last-place Orioles fire manager Dave Trembley

BASEBALL: Last-place Orioles fire manager Dave Trembley Friday, June 4, 2010 By Josh Land, Times Staff Writer

BALTIMORE - Even while Dave Trembley squirmed through every off day of speculation that he had spent his final day on the job, the Orioles manager never broke ranks.

He said the right things and supported his players even as the losses mounted.

But after eight consecutive defeats, 10 in 11 games and 15 out of 18, Baltimore president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail had seen enough.

The Orioles fired Trembley Friday morning less than three months into his fourth season as manager, and named third base coach Juan Samuel interim manager.

Norfolk Tides manager Gary Allenson has been named the club's third base coach.

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Thursday, June 03, 2010

Church Bishop Arrested for Sexual Assault

Baltimore County Police NEWS RELEASE: Church Bishop Arrested for Sexual Assault

Bishop Roan Samuel Faulkner Sr. has been arrested for the sexual assault of an adult female congregant of the New Life Pentecostal Ministries in Precinct 1/Wilkens.

More:
http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/News/policereleases/0603roanfaulkner.html

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STATEMENT FROM FIRST LADY KATIE O’MALLEY REGARDING THE PASSING OF THEIR FAMILY GOLDEN RETRIEVER LADY

ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 3, 2010) – First Lady Katie O’Malley today issued the following statement following the passing of the O’Malley family Golden Retriever, Lady. Lady was 13 years old and she was euthanized on Friday, May 14, 2010. The decision to euthanize Lady was made in consultation with the family veterinarian who had treated Lady for over 3 years.

”A few weeks ago, we had to make a very difficult decision, and euthanized our family Golden Retriever, Lady. My children and Lady grew up together – she was a part of our family for over 10 years – and we are very sad to lose her.”

“When we first got Lady, we adopted her from a woman who had health issues. Her kids were older and she wanted Lady to be around kids that would enjoy playing with her. My kids loved her instantly – she was very gentle with them – they would lay on her and watch TV. They loved her and she loved them.”

“When she was younger, every Sunday, Lady would run 10 miles with me at Loch Raven. She loved to chase squirrels and jump in the dam.”

“And as she got older, she got really attached to Martin and would get very sad when he left the house. When he returned, even when her hips got bad, she would go crazy jumping and barking. She liked sleeping at the side of our bed right next to Martin. He used to sing songs to her and she loved it.”

“Lady O’Malley will be missed dearly.”

###

Christine Hansen
Office of the Governor
State House
Annapolis, MD 21401

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Special Olympics Flame of Hope Arrives in Carroll County!

Special Olympics Flame of Hope Arrives in Carroll County!

Carroll County Law Enforcement Officers Join Forces to Escort the Special Olympics Maryland Torch, Ensuring its Safe Passage to the 2010 SOMD Summer Games

Law Enforcement officers representing the police agencies throughout Carroll County will be out in force on Wednesday, June 9^th beginning at 8:00 AM, escorting the Special Olympics Maryland “Flame of Hope” from five (5) separate communities around the county to Westminster. There they will join together and officially present the Flame of Hope in a brief ceremony at noon at City Hall. This year there will also be a 2.5 mile walking leg, known as the “Torch Run Trek”, where Torch Runners can hike – rather than run - to demonstrate their support for Special Olympics. It is the duty of these Law Enforcement Torch Runners to ensure that the Flame is protected until it is delivered to the waiting hands of Special Olympics athletes on Friday, June 11^th at the Opening Ceremony for the Special Olympic Maryland Summer Games held at Towson University, Towson Maryland.

This portion of the Torch Run Relay is part of the Central Leg, and Torch Run volunteers from the Maryland State Police, Sykesville PD, Hampstead PD, Manchester PD, Taneytown PD, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, the McDaniel College Office of Campus Safety, Springfield Hospital Police, State Fire Marshal’s Office, Office of the State’s Attorney, Maryland Police Training Commission and Westminster PD will escort the flame through various municipalities around the County, eventually converging at McDaniel College and traveling in a unified “Final Leg” along Main Street to City Hall in Westminster. The law enforcement volunteers are raising funds in conjunction with the run by selling Torch Run T-shirts, holding events, and soliciting donations. (See end of press release for details on each of the 6 legs).

“We are proud to join our brother and sister law enforcement and correctional officers from around the world in demonstrating our support for these very special members of our community,” stated Chief Jeff Spaulding of the Westminster Police Department. “We are particularly pleased that we will be joined on each of our runs by Special Olympics athletes from right here in Carroll County. It is a great opportunity to further strengthen the long-standing relationship between law enforcement and Special Olympics that we enjoy in Maryland.” Chief Spaulding invites the community to attend a short ceremony at Westminster City Hall following the Final Leg during which the Special Olympics Athletes who participate as Torch Runners will be honored for their participation.

Statewide, the Maryland Torch Run Relay consists of four different legs – Eastern, Western, Central and Southern – and during the week of June 7^th to 11^th, thousands of law enforcement Torch Run volunteers will cover hundreds of miles, eventually converging on Towson where the individual flames will be united in the Final Leg Ceremony, and then officers from around the state will travel the final three (3) miles to the Summer Games Opening Ceremonies at Towson University. It is there that the “Flame of Hope” is handed off to Special Olympics athletes who have the honor of lighting the cauldron and officially declaring the 2010 SOMD Summer Games open. Carroll County will be represented by Chief Jeff Spaulding and other members of the Westminster PD in the Final Leg on Friday, June 11^th.

The Maryland Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is a year-round movement whose goal is to raise both funds and public awareness for the athletes who train and compete in Special Olympics Maryland. When it began in 1986, only a handful of officers participated, raising about $50,000. Since that time, the Maryland Torch Run has grown tremendously, including volunteer officers from nearly every law enforcement agency and correctional facility in Maryland, raising more than $3.6 million for Special Olympics Maryland in 2009 – the largest single fund raising effort for Special Olympics in the world.

For more information about the Carroll County Torch Run Relay, or to support the Torch Run Relay by purchasing a commemorative Torch Run T-shirt for $10, contact the Westminster Police Department at (410) 848-4646. For more information about Special Olympics Maryland and the 2010 Summer Games, contact Kelley Schniedwind at (410) 789-6677 x117 or visit www.somd.org.

THE CARROLL COUNTY TORCH RUN EVENT INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING LEGS:

Sykesville Leg – Members of the Maryland State Police, Maryland Police Training Commission, Sykesville PD, and the Springfield Hospital Police. Runners/bicyclists will depart Maryland Police Training Commission Training Facility @ 8:15 AM and travel north on Route 32, Johnsville Road, west on Liberty Road to Route 97, to McDaniel College.

Hampstead/Manchester Leg – Members of the Hampstead PD, and Manchester PD. Runners and bicyclists will depart Manchester PD @ 9:00 AM and travel south on Route 27 to McDaniel College.

Taneytown Leg – Members of the Taneytown Police Department, Office of the State Fire Marshall and the Carroll County Crisis Response Team. Runners/bicyclists will depart the Taneytown Bowling Center @ 9:00 AM and travel east on Route 140 to WMC Drive to McDaniel College.

Mt. Airy Leg – Members of the Maryland State Police. Runners/bicyclists will depart Mt. Airy @ 8:00 AM and travel north on Route 27 to McDaniel College.

Union Bridge/New Windsor Leg – Members of the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office. Runners/bicyclists will depart the Union Bridge Fire Hall @ 9:00 AM and travel east through New Windsor on Route 31 to McDaniel College.

“Torch Run Trek” Leg – Members of numerous agencies in the Westminster area will depart the Carroll County Farm Museum (South Center Street in Westminster) at 9:30 AM and hike to McDaniel College via Green Street and Old New Windsor Road. After a rest stop at McDaniel College, the Trekkers will continue on to Westminster City Hall via Main Street and Longwell Avenue.

Final Leg – Includes all participating law enforcement agencies in Carroll County (see above) to include members of the McDaniel College Department of Campus Safety, Office of the State’s Attorney and Westminster Police Department. Runners/bicyclists will depart McDaniel College @ noon and travel east along Main Street to City Hall where a Torch Run welcoming ceremony and celebration will take place.

# # #

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Wednesday, June 02, 2010

Daily Caller: Another Democrat admits Obama White House offered jobs to get him out of Senate race

By Jon Ward - The Daily Caller 06/02/10

Democratic Senate candidate Andrew Romanoff, who is challenging incumbent Sen. Michael Bennet in Colorado, said late Wednesday that deputy White House chief of staff Jim Messina said he could be given one of three high-ranking federal jobs if he gave up his candidacy.

Romanoff said he was told by Messina that two high-ranking positions at USAID and the director’s position at the U.S. Trade and Development Agency “might be available to me were I not pursuing the Senate race.”

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency director’s position would have been a post in charge of a $55 million budget and a staff of 78 people, which requires Senate confirmation.

It is now the second confirmed Senate race in which the Obama administration has tried to lure challengers to Democratic incumbents out of their races with offers or potential government jobs, flirting with ethical and possibly even legal violations that have besmirched a president who based much of his candidacy on changing the way Washington operates.

Romanoff’s bombshell comes days after White House counsel Bob Bauer confirmed last Friday that White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel went through former President Bill Clinton in an attempt to move Rep. Joe Sestak out of the Pennsylvania Democratic Senate primary.

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Soldier in Iraq Loses Home Over $800 Debt

Capt. Michael Clauer's homeowners' association foreclosed on his family's $300,000 house and sold it for $3,500.

— By Nick Baumann

http://motherjones.com/politics/2010/05/soldier-iraq-loses-home-homeowners-association-foreclose

Hat Tip:Michael Yon

Fri May. 28, 2010

Michael Clauer is a captain in the Army Reserve who commanded over 100 soldiers in Iraq. But while he was fighting for his country, a different kind of battle was brewing on the home front. Last September, Michael returned to Frisco, Texas, to find that his homeowners' association had foreclosed on his $300,000 house—and sold it for $3,500. This story illustrates the type of legal quagmire that can get out of hand while soldiers are serving abroad and their families are dealing with the stress of their deployment. And fixing the mess isn't easy.

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That was why she missed multiple notices from the Heritage Lakes Homeowners Association informing her that the family owed $800 in dues—and then subsequent notices stating that the HOA was preparing to foreclose on the debt and seize the home.

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At no point did anyone from the HOA—which is, after all, composed of the Clauers' neighbors—appear to have tried to visit May Clauer's house to talk to her about the problem. "The HOA board members...don't live very far from me at all," Michael Clauer says. There were "neighbors owing much more than us [who] were notified in person of pending foreclosures, but my wife only received a few letters." David Schechter of the Dallas/Fort Worth television station WFAA, which first reported this story...

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There are a bevy of laws that are supposed to protect servicemembers from losing their homes or jobs while they're on active duty, including the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). The homeowners' association's lawyer filed an affidavit wrongly claiming that neither of the Clauers was on active duty, says Barbara Hale, the couple's lawyer...

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Mother Jones UPDATE: UPDATE: Several people have emailed asking how they can help. The Clauers have set up a legal defense fund to help pay for their court battle. You can send checks (made out to Clauer Legal Defense Fund) here:

Clauer Legal Defense Fund

c/o Plains Capital Bank

1629 Hebron Parkway West

Carrollton, TX 75010

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Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Explore Carroll: www.explorecarroll.com The Tentacle: www.thetentacle.com

The Tentacle Rethinking Online Anonymity by Kevin E. Dayhoff http://tinyurl.com/28bkjws

The Tentacle Rethinking Online Anonymity by Kevin E. Dayhoff Wednesday, June 2, 2010 http://tinyurl.com/28bkjws

http://www.thetentacle.com/ShowArticle.cfm?mydocid=3782

Read the rest of the column here: http://www.thetentacle.com/ShowArticle.cfm?mydocid=3782

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Tuesday, June 01, 2010

DELEGATE TANYA THORNTON SHEWELL CHOOSES NOT TO SEEK RE-ELECTION

Delegate Shewell announced that she will not seek re-election, but will join her husband in retirement in January. With children, grandchildren, and two widowed, 86 yr. old mothers living in five different states, retirement will bring the time to be more supportive and engaged in their families’ lives. Volunteer work, supporting conservative political candidates, reading and travel will occupy the balance of their time. Delegate Shewell will finish serving her current term as delegate on January 11, 2011.

Delegate Shewell is grateful to Governor Ehrlich and the Carroll County Republican Central Committee for her appointment to serve in the Maryland General Assembly in August 2004. She also counts it a privilege and an honor to have been elected by Carroll citizens in 2006 to continue her public service. Her campaign was run on the slogan, “Results not Promises”. Having personally sponsored and passed five bills, having helped to pass 23 Carroll County Delegation bills, and having helped to pass 130 bills that she co-sponsored, Delegate Shewell has achieved positive results. Her passed bills concerned: jury improvement, wiretap and surveillance use in court in sexual abuse of a child, military family child custody and visitation law, extending the reporting of juvenile violent or drug-related arrests to non-public school administrators, and increased penalties for providing alcohol to under aged individuals.

Keeping a signed Taxpayer Pledge to vote no on any proposed tax increases and also to vote to reduce taxes, Delegate Shewell has kept her second campaign pledge. The “Carroll Compact,” negotiated by Del. Shewell, was a signed agreement with the four newspapers serving Carroll that they would deal constructively with the nuisance and environmental hazards of free newspaper delivery, negating the need to pass her proposed bill. This issue and bill received national attention and was written about in the April 2008 issue of State Legislators, a magazine of the National Council of State Legislatures.

Delegate Shewell has served on the Judiciary Committee for two years and on the Environmental Matters Committee for four years. The Speaker of the House appointed Del. Shewell to the Special House Committee on Drug and Alcohol Abuse. Minority Caucus Leadership appointed her Deputy Minority Whip in 2006-2010. She has served on the following subcommittees: Juvenile Law; Agriculture, Ag Preservation and Open Space; Housing and Real Property; and Local and Bi-County bills.

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Japan's prime minister to step down, report says

Washington Post News Alert: Japan's prime minister to step down, report says

09:07 PM EDT Tuesday, June 1, 2010

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Japanese prime minister Yukio Hatoyama has said he intends to resign, public broadcaster NHK said. Hatoyama told his party executives he intended to step down over his broken campaign promise to move a U.S. Marine base off the southern island of Okinawa, the report said.

For more information, visit washingtonpost.com:
http://link.email.washingtonpost.com/r/E5QODK/CZO62/ZO464M/E3KOAH/8IIJQ/PJ/t

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