This week in
The TentacleWednesday, October 14, 2009
A case of premature adulation by
Kevin E. DayhoffLast Friday was the birthday of the Obama family dog and something else. Oh, now I remember. It was the day that President Barack Obama was awarded the Noble Peace Prize.
To Liposuction – or Not!Tom McLaughlin
Kuching, Malaysia – “I like my tummy soft and round, not flat and hard like the cold hard ground” I sang to myself. These were remnants of a song I had heard on one of those PBS radio shows featuring local artists from around the country. I don’t remember the tune except it was country, but the words have stuck with me ever since.
Michael Kahn Does “The Alchemist!”Roy Meachum
I’ve warned you about Michael Kahn before. The artistic director of Washington’s Shakespeare Theatre Company continues to make stage classics work by inserting shtickla the writer could not have imagined. He’s done it again in “The Alchemist,” by Ben Jonson.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
No to County CommissionersRoy Meachum
Kai Hagen and John L. “Lennie” Thompson cannot count on me; I will not sign the petition putting on the ballot the question of annexing three properties. And the same answer goes to the other commissioners.
Procrastination is the Thief of TimeNick Diaz
In my last installment, I mentioned the “19-millimeter socket wrench” a mathematics student needs to bring success into his mathematical learning habits. Keep in mind that these observations and recommendations apply to mathematics students at all levels – middle and high school as well as college. Math is math, regardless of what course or level; good academic habits are universal.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Reviewing ContentiousnessBlaine R. Young
For the most part the dust has settled and the situation involving my brother Brad and the Walkersville High School girls softball team has been brought to closure. But this case was so bizarre, and so emblematic of the degree to which the Frederick County Board of Education is out of touch with reality, that it merits one last commentary.
Manipulation NationSteven R. Berryman
The control of your future behavior on an epic scale is the goal by some that will make us “The Manipulation Nation.”
From Hither, Thither and YonMichael Kurtianyk
Quite the furor over President Barack Obama receiving the Nobel Peace Prize this year, isn’t it? Such silliness! The deadline for the nominating committee to submit candidates was February 2nd, and his name was submitted on time.
Friday, October 9, 2009
False Media ProphetsRoy Meachum
The Washington Post and The New York Times have changed their tune. Both powerful newspapers bellowed intense “jingoism” at Iraq’s invasion. They thoughtlessly went along with what in columns I called an expression of national egotism. You wouldn’t know it if you read either paper today.
Cheap Political TricksJoe Charlebois
Newsflash: According to Maryland Sen. Barbara Mikulski, men and women are the same! This past weekend Senator Mikulski excoriated the insurance industry for treating men and women differently. She noted that women can pay much more for healthcare insurance than a man of the same age.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Changing Strategies, Positive ResultsChris Cavey
Few people inside or outside the Party of Lincoln would argue the fact that now is the time to invest in Republicans, because everyone knows buying low always yields the best profit. Currently my beloved party is at a low ebb; however, there are signs that the stock will soon rise.
The Good and The HelpfulJoan McIntyre
The poor, picked on Frederick County Board of Education does something that appears to be a good idea and might actually help – and save money to boot – and here I go just raining on its parade. Before I tell you why, let me say I'm actually glad to hear of their plans. I also hope it catches on and becomes a norm for all administrative staff.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Always Remembered, Never ForgottenKevin E. Dayhoff
Last Sunday, friends and family from all over the country gathered at the New Windsor fire company social hall to pay their last respects to Guy Babylon, Elton John’s keyboardist for 21 years. Guy Babylon, 52, died at his Los Angles home on September 2.
“…And Yesterday’s Done….”Tom McLaughlin
Middletown, MD – “It’s a grand old flag, it’s a free flying flag, forever may it wave!” This tune ran through my head as I walked up the hill to the parking lot in Middletown for the annual celebration of Middletown Days. I stopped and watched a fife and bugle ensemble, dressed in 1776 uniforms, playing a patriotic song whose melody I recognized but could not pinpoint. A tear came to my eye.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
In the Street OriginRoy Meachum
I don’t remember that there were several thousand marching; I could be wrong. Among the numerous people who poured out that October Saturday in 1983 were my then-wife, her 88-year-old father and me. The weather was decent; I can’t recall details. But it didn’t rain that day, nor was it beastly hot.
Remembering The ForgottenFarrell Keough
I recently got back from Iowa. I would have invited you, but they were full.
Monday, October 5, 2009
It’s “The Message,” StupidSteven R. Berryman
Freedom of speech may be relegated to the past, if the voices of our Founding Fathers are not re-remembered, and quickly. Some attempts to exercise our First, and most valuable amendment to the Constitution, upon examination, are really attacks on the message itself.
A Comfortable Chair and a Good BookMichael Kurtianyk
The most responses I’ve received to my contributions to TheTentacle.com have come from two recent posts: my summer reading list and my take on the city aldermanic race (I love that word: “aldermanic”; so many connotations). I may post something on the mayoral race prior to the General Election, but until then, here’s my Fall Reading List:
20091014 sdosm This week in
The Tentacle Dayhoff Media The Tentacle,
Pres 2009 44 Obama-Barack
