Wednesday, March 02, 2011

Explore Carroll: Supreme Court rules in favor of Westboro in protest at funeral of Westminster marine

The U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling Wednesday against the father of Westminster native Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder, whose 2006 funeral was picketed by members of the Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church with signs proclaiming “God Hates You” and other such slogans... http://www.explorecarroll.com/news/5210/supreme-court-favor-westboro-protest-funeral-westminster-marine/

Jon Aerts, of Capital News Service, contributed to this story. This story has been updated. Kevin E. Dayhoff and Steve Schuster contributed to this story.

Supreme Court March 2, 2011 decision Snyder v. Phelps et al

Argued October 6, 2010 – Decided March 2, 2011

http://www.scribd.com/doc/49903129/Supreme-Court-March-2-2011-decision-Snyder-v-Phelps-et-al

The Supreme Court decision introduced the matter as follows:

For the past 20 years, the congregation of the Westboro Baptist Church has picketed military funerals to communicate its belief that God hates the United States for its tolerance of homosexuality, particularly in America’s military. The church’s picketing has also condemned the Catholic Church for scandals involving its clergy. Fred Phelps, who founded the church, and six Westboro Baptist parishioners (all relatives of Phelps) traveled to Maryland to picket the funeral of Marine Lance Corporal Matthew Snyder, who was killed in Iraq in the line of duty. The picketing took place on public land approximately 1,000 feet from the church where the funeral was held, in accordance with guidance from local law enforcement officers. The picketers peacefully displayed their signs—stating, e.g., “Thank God for Dead Soldiers,” “Fags Doom Nations,” “America is Doomed,” “Priests Rape Boys,” and “You’re Going to Hell”—for about 30 minutes before the funeral began. Matthew Snyder’s father (Snyder), petitioner here, saw the tops of the picketers’ signs when driving to the funeral, but did not learn what was written on the signs until watching a news broadcast later that night… http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/10pdf/09-751.pdf

For more on this story go to: Supreme Court rules in favor of Westboro in protest at funeral of Westminster marine Court says protest at Snyder's funeral was protected free speech Posted 3/02/11 by Carroll Eagle, Eldersburg Eagle, Westminster Eagle http://www.explorecarroll.com/news/5210/supreme-court-favor-westboro-protest-funeral-westminster-marine/

Free speech, Westboro Baptist Church, Marine Lance Corporal Matthew Snyder, Explore Carroll, Westminster, Maryland, Carroll County, Dayhoff, Supreme Court

20110302 SCOTUS Snyder v Phelps 09-751

Supreme Court March 2, 2011 decision Snyder v. Phelps et al

The transcript of the October 6, 2010 oral arguments before the Supreme Court of the United States in the case of Albert Snyder v. Pred W. Phelps, Sr., et. al., here: http://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/09-751.pdf Or you may listen to the oral arguments here: http://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_audio_detail.aspx?argument=09-751

http://www.scribd.com/doc/49902725/The-Supreme-Court-transcript-of-the-Oct-6-2010-oral-arguments-Snyder-v-Phelps

The Supreme Court transcript of the Oct. 6, 2010 oral arguments Snyder v. Phelps

Snyder v. Phelps Supreme Court syllabusRelated: http://www.explorecarroll.com/search/more.php?f=news&y=0&p=1&s=Westboro&t=

Matthew Snyder, of Finksburg, Maryland, died from a non combat-related vehicle accident in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to Combat Service Support Group-1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, California. Died on March 3, 2006. Matthew was 20 years old.

Matthew graduated from Westminster High School in 2003.
After graduation, he enlisted in the Marines on October 14, 2003, and was stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C. In August of 2004, Matthew was assigned to Combat Logistics Batallion-7, Twentynine Palms, Calif. as a generator mechanic. [http://matthewsnyder.org/]

Supreme Court rules in favor of Westboro in protest at funeral of Westminster marine: Published March 2, 2011 by Carroll Eagle, Eldersburg Eagle, Westminster Eagle; ... by members of the Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church with signs proclaiming “ ... slogans.The court ruled that the Westboro protest, though hurtful, is protected by ... redress over the presence of seven WestboroBaptist Church demonstrators wielding signs outside ... ...

Letters: Remembering Matthew Snyder as a person, not a lawsuit: Published November 7, 2010 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle, Eldersburg Eagle; ... a son of Carroll," Oct. 10.) For many reasons, I have refrained from speaking publicly about the lawsuit involving the Westboro Baptist Church -- of which I am not a part. However, I do want to express my appreciation for the editorial pointing out ... ...

Supreme Court grapples with privacy debate over protest at Matthew Snyder's funeral: Published October 6, 2010 by Carroll Eagle, Eldersburg Eagle, Westminster Eagle; ... redress over the presence of seven Westboro Baptist Church demonstrators wielding "God ... private funeral deserved protection from Westboro's message. Margie Phelps, the ... spoke before the cameras, callingWestboro's picketing "utterly intolerable in ... ...

Case of Westminster marine's funeral protest goes to Supreme Court on Oct. 6: Published October 3, 2010 by Carroll Eagle, Eldersburg Eagle, Westminster Eagle; ... Seven members of the Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church also came to ... in legal fees incurred by theWestboro Church. The order drew national ... .”Founded in 1955, the Westboro Baptist Church is led by ... the eve of the Snyder-Westboro case at the Supreme Court, ... ...

EDITORIAL: Amidst the legal controversy, let's not forget Matthew Snyder as a son of Carroll: Published October 2, 2010 by Carroll Eagle, Eldersburg Eagle, Westminster Eagle; The case involving the protest by Westboro Baptist Church members at the March 2006 ... even before the protracted court case regarding Westboro began, The Eagle wrote in an ... group was from the Kansas-basedWestboro Baptist Church, which routinely pickets the ... ...

Strangers, celebrities offer to pay Marine family's court-ordered expenses: Published April 4, 2010 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle; ... funeral was picketed by members of the Westboro Baptist Church. Lance Corp. Snyder was killed ... in Al Qaim, Iraq. Members of the Westboro church, based in Topeka, Kan., protested ... ... "It is obvious that (Westboro followers) were disturbing the peace by ... ...

Strangers, celebrities help pay expenses for family of fallen Marine: Published March 31, 2010 by Carroll Eagle, Eldersburg Eagle, Westminster Eagle; ... funeral was picketed by members of the Westboro Baptist Church.Lance Corp. Snyder was killed ... in Al Qaim, Iraq. Members of the Westboro church, based in Topeka, Kansas, protested at ... free, she said.Phelps and the Westboro Church have picketed a number of ... ...

Snyder funeral protest case will go to Supreme Court: Published March 14, 2010 by Westminster Eagle, Carroll Eagle; ... Snyder sued Fred Phelps, founder of the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kan., who ... Snyder funeral is not the only time Westboro has interacted with Carroll County. In ... accident in Finksburg. At the time,Westboro Baptist Church claimed that tragedy had ... ...

O'Reilly steps forward to pay fallen Marine family's court-ordered ...

Apr 01, 2010

Protesters led by Fred Phelps, of the Topeka, Kansas Westboro Baptist Church protested at Lance Cpl. Snyder's funeral at his funeral service which was held in his home parish of St. John Catholic Church in Westminster on March 10, 2006. ...

http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2011/03/explore-carroll-supreme-court-rules-in.html

Explore Carroll: Supreme Court rules in favor of Westboro in protest at funeral of Westminster marine

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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/

Tuesday, March 01, 2011

'The Adjustment Bureau' Trailer HD

"The Adjustment Bureau is a romance science fiction thriller film loosely based on the Philip K. Dick short story..." I automatically like anything by Philip K. Dick... I'm just saying...

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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

Menu setup for March 2011 for Baugher’s Family Restaurant, 289 W. Main Street, Westminster

Baugher’s Menu setup for March 2011

Baugher’s Family Restaurant, 289 W. Main Street, Westminster, MD 21157, 410-848-7413 [20110300 Baughers Brochure Mar 2011]

http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2011/03/menu-setup-for-march-2011-for-baughers.html

http://www.scribd.com/doc/49756445/Menu-setup-for-March-2011-for-Baugher%E2%80%99s-Family-Restaurant-289-W-Main-Street-Westminster

Baugher’s Restaurant, Westminster, Carroll County, Maryland, menus, food,

http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/search/label/Restaurants%20Baugher%E2%80%99s

Menu setup for March 2011 for Baugher’s Family Restaurant, 289 W. Main Street, Westminster

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Carroll County Sheriff's Office: Westminster man collapses, dies while shoveling snow

“Westminster man collapses, dies while shoveling snow”

Westminster, Carroll County, January 27, 2011 ---- Just after 10:00 am this morning Deputy First Class John Iannone was notified by a citizen that a person had collapsed in the 1200 block of Cherrytown Road and was not breathing. Deputy Iannone responded directly and noted two passing motorists had stopped and were performing CPR on an individual who was lying in a driveway. The victim, later identified as Michael Harmony, 32 years old, of the 1200 block Cherrytown Road, was in cardiac and respiratory arrest. He was observed an hour earlier by his father in the driveway of their residence shoveling snow.

DFC Iannone assisted with CPR until the arrival of EMS unit #69 from the Pleasant Valley Fire Department. The victim was transported to Carroll Hospital Center where further attempts to revive him proved negative. He was pronounced deceased at 1050 am by Doctor Jillson of the Emergency Room. Due to the victim’s age, he will be transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner where an autopsy will be conducted to determine a cause of death.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Corporal Carlos Bustos of the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Services Bureau at 410-386-2900.

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Also see: http://www.explorecarroll.com/news/5112/westminster-man-suffers-cardiac-arrest-dies-after-shoveling/

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Monday, February 28, 2011

Greenstone Farm Credit Services: Greenstone’s Ag Economic Outlook

Greenstone Farm Credit Services: Greenstone’s Ag Economic Outlook

2/15/2011

The 2011 outlook is mixed, ranging from very good for grain operations to building concerns for the protein sector, especially as we look into the second half of 2011 and first half of 2012.

Source: GreenStone FCS Dollars and Sense Column in Michigan Farm Newshttp://www.greenstonefcs.com/onlineresources/linksandknowhow/Pages/AgEconomicOutlook.aspx

The saying goes "volatility equals opportunity". The events of the past four years, and more recently the past six months, has only driven home the point agriculture will likely be operating in an environment of increased earnings volatility going forward. This year presents a significant number of opportunities for those who have positioned themselves to seize the moment. Potential outcomes, good and bad, will continue to vary significantly by individuals within the various industries. Our challenge at GreenStone, along with our members, is how we adjust to ensure we continue to meet our vision and mission of being the first choice for Michigan agriculture to continue providing our members with a sound and reliable source of credit. A fellow Farm Credit shared with us their philosophy statement on lending that I believe summarizes our mission statement slightly different but with the same focus…We will be cautious in good times and courageous in challenging times.Entering 2011, we find ourselves financing both sides of this equation.

In general, 2010 was a very good year for agriculture. Industry resources are projecting that net farm income will increase from $62B/2009 to $85B for FY2010. From a longer range perspective, this would be $15B above the last 10-year average. Because of the diversity of Michigan agriculture (strength) it will be a rare occurrence when all industries are having positive or challenging years at the same time, and 2010 was no different. The grain, sugar beet and potato industries had a very good year. The protein sector, including hogs, turkey, dairy and poultry did well until the fourth quarter when increasing grain prices started to erode margins. Early season frost on the west side of Michigan hurt earnings in the fruit industry. The general economy in the Midwest continues to impact the greenhouse and nursery industries.

The 2011 outlook is mixed, ranging from very good for grain operations to building concerns for the protein sector, especially as we look into the second half of 2011 and first half of 2012. Agriculture continues to increase its reliance on exports. For 2011, export demand for agricultural commodities is forecast to continue at or above 2010 levels in which exports ran at an estimated $107.5B, the second highest level on record. Domestic demand is likely to improve in 2011 as the economy continues to slowly improve (2-3% GDP growth) but at a rate that is lagging many economies in the rest of the world. Export levels remain vulnerable to economic conditions and geopolitical events that impact our trading partners such as Mexico, Russia and China. With the rise in grain prices and improving economic conditions around the world, oil prices and other inputs have started to see pricing pressure. While weather is always a variable for agriculture, it has the potential to have a magnified effect on 2011 - 2012 operational outcomes.

So how will the current environment have an effect on the availability of credit for 2011 and beyond? It depends…it depends on how you have positioned your business financially, how volatile you earnings stream is, and what steps you have taken to minimize earning volatility to ensure projected cash flows will be realized. We remind our lending staff we are in the business of evaluating and managing risk. We are not in the risk avoidance business, nor are we in the venture capital risk business. Our goal is a long term, healthy financial partnership.

Our core underwriting standards (maximums) have not changed. However, the level of earnings volatility of the past three years has resulted in us approving fewer loans with exceptions to our core underwriting standards. We continue to differentiate between operations in the same industry based on our assessment of risk. What has changed is we are taking more time to look inside the numbers of an earnings statement, balance sheet and business model to assess the appropriate debt capital structure, with added focus on work capital and residual borrowing capacity. Most of this is not new, but basic fundamentals remain in evaluating how you are managing your business risks. Some of the key elements we evaluate in assessing the business risk profile are: (1) Industry conditions; (2) Are you open market on your commodity sales or do you take positions via contracts/hedging to minimize price volatility; (3) Locking in input costs and/or hedging at the same time you are taking positions on your commodity sales to ensure gross margins are protected; (4) Revenue protection of margins with insurance products available for crops/dairy/swine; (5) Depth of the management team; (6) Quality of financial records and how they are utilized by management to operate the business; (7) Execution of the business plan; (8) Forecasting quality and is there discipline staying on plan (predictability).

So as we enter 2011, GreenStone remains cautious for those experiencing good times as this too shall change and continue to be courageous, fundamentally sound partners working with those individuals experiencing challenges. Our commitment remains constant.

Greenstone Farm Credit Services: Greenstone’s Ag Economic Outlook

http://www.greenstonefcs.com/onlineresources/linksandknowhow/Pages/AgEconomicOutlook.aspx

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Legislation Introduced in the Tennessee General Assembly to enhance Tennessee's anti-terrorism law.

PRESS RELEASE
February/28/2011

For Immediate Release
Contact:
Bill Warner

Center for The Study of Political Islam

Legislation Introduced in the Tennessee General Assembly to enhance Tennessee's anti-terrorism law.

NASHVILLE, TN - February 28, 2011 - As many of you may have already read, two great legislators from Tennessee have sponsored a state terrorism material support bill. Between Carlos Bledsoe (Arkansas Army recruiting station killer) and the latest Saudi student jihadist who has ties to Nashville, this bill couldn't have come quickly enough. As expected, the mainstream media has done everything they know to do to skew, misconstrue, and otherwise fail to understand what the proposed legislation actually does.

Legislation has been introduced in the Tennessee General Assembly to enhance Tennessee's anti-terrorism law and allow state and local law enforcement to act decisively at the earliest point to stop terrorist acts. The bill, sponsored by Senate Republican Caucus Chairman Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro) and House Speaker Pro Tempore Judd Matheny (R-Tullahoma), aims to curb the incidence of homegrown terrorism like that of Memphian Carlos Bledsoe who stated he was following the call to "jihad" when he shot and killed a serviceman at the Arkansas Army recruiting station.

"The top priority of government should be to protect our citizens," said Senator Ketron. "The nine-eleven attack and subsequent terrorist attacks have turned a new page in our nation's history. All levels of government -- national, state and local -- must be a part of this effort. This bill seeks to enhance legislation we already have on the books to provide our state and local law enforcement agencies the tools they need to enable them to intervene against those who plan, finance and assist others who commit acts of terrorism before they occur."

The bill is modeled after the federal Material Support law which has been upheld by the Supreme Court as constitutional.

"Tennessee, like the federal government, has a compelling state interest to protect our citizens from jihad terrorism," added Representative Matheny. "The incidence of homegrown terrorism is rising and our local and state law enforcement officers are on the frontlines in preventing such attacks. Tennessee's current law addresses terrorism after the fact. This legislation aims to prevent acts of terrorism before they occur."

Open source reporting shows that between 2001 - 2008, there were one or two terror attempts per year. That number jumped in 2009 - January 2011 to one or two cases uncovered nationally per month. The lawmakers said the bill protects the right of political speech and the right of citizens to practice freedom of religion.

"This bill does not interfere with the constitutionally protected rights of those who practice Sharia religious law," added Senator Ketron. "This is not about religious rights or about those who practice Islamic beliefs. It's about protecting our citizens from acts of terrorism that come from Sharia jihad which is a growing threat in all our states."

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A baseball wife emerges from the dugout By Ann O'Neill, CNN

Dorothy Seymour Mills, shown outside her home in Naples, Florida, wrote three baseball histories with her late husband.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Harold and Dorothy Seymour wrote three seminal baseball history books together
She wrote much of the third book herself as he succumbed to Alzheimer's
For decades, he refused to share the credit with her or even acknowledge her role
Last summer, Oxford University Press agreed to give her credit as co-author

A baseball wife emerges from the dugout

By Ann O'Neill, CNN

February 25, 2011

Naples, Florida (CNN) -- Harold Seymour wrote baseball's first Bible, debunking some of the game's biggest myths.

He informed fans that Abner Doubleday didn't invent baseball in 1839 in Cooperstown, New York, (Footnote: There's evidence of games involving sticks, balls and bases being played in England in the 1700s.) and that Jackie Robinson wasn't the first black major league player. (That distinction more likely went to Moses Fleetwood Walker in the 1880s.)

Three books produced over a span of 30 years made Seymour the dean of baseball historians, and his journey from batboy to Ph.D. was celebrated as a success story. The study of America's national pastime at last seemed "grownup and worthwhile," observes John Thorn, a colleague who followed in his footsteps.

But after Seymour died in 1992, his wife, Dorothy, set about debunking one more myth: that he had researched and written all three books on his own... http://www.cnn.com/2011/LIVING/02/25/harold.dorothy.seymour.baseball/index.html?eref=rss_latest&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+rss/cnn_latest+(RSS:+Most+Recent)&utm_content=Twitter

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Monday's top stories on MarylandReporter.com

Monday, February 28, 20118, 2011

Video: Interview about same-sex marriage with Del. Heather Mizeur

Maryland Reporter sits down with Delegate Heather Mizeur to discuss the progression of the gay marriage bill and what is next for the bill.

O’Malley criticizes Wisconsin Gov. Walker and spars with Texas Gov. Perry

Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) called Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s efforts to eradicate union employees’ bargaining rights a “drama” and a “circus” during a panel discussion hosted by Politico Friday. O’Malley said he learned as mayor of Baltimore: “When you’re facing tough challenges, when you have to overcome things like the imbalances in the pension system, I think it best when you bring people together to do that, and I think when you try to vilify or make one side of the equation the enemy I think you’re asking for trouble.

Blog: Benson tries to make up for missed vote

All 47 senators were present during the debate on same-sex marriage in the Senate Thursday night, but when the vote was called, one senator — Sen. Joanne Benson — was not in the chamber to cast her vote against it. At Friday morning’s legislative session, Benson attempted to rectify that.

Today's roundup of news on state government and politics since Friday

Opponents to same-sex marriage are finally organizing: some predict a successful referendum to repeal it if it should pass the House; advocates are hopeful it will pass; Gov. O’Malley vs. Gov. Christie in a dustup over political philosophy that gets national attention; O’Malley talks cybersecurity at governors’ conference; septic ban bill likely to move forward; hearing on legalizing marijuana this afternoon; Kamenetz seeks to raise licensing fees in Baltimore County; and the first and only African American mayor of Annapolis dies.

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