20060604 KDDC Carmina Burana

"20060604 KDDC Carmina Burana"
(c) Kevin Dayhoff
June 4th, 2006

This evening Caroline and I attended a splendid performance of Carl Orff's Carmina Burana - performed by The Masterworks Chorale.

20060604 KDDC Bob Evans for dinner

"20060604 Bob Evans down on the farm"

June 4th, 2006

(c) Kevin Dayhoff

20060603 KDDC Latest Market Share Ratings

Latest Market Share Ratings

Friday, Jun 02

Source: TVNewser

The Scoreboard: Thursday, June 1

25-54 demographic:

Total day: FNC: 253 | CNN: 164 | MSNBC: 70 | HLN: 81 | CNBC: 82

Prime: FNC: 361 | CNN: 215 | MSNBC: 146 | HLN: 105 | CNBC: 132

	5p:	6p:	7p:	8p:	9p:	10p:	11p:
FNC	Gibson:	Hume:	Shep:	O'Reilly:	H&C:	Greta:	O'Reilly:
	152	246	252	460	328	293	311
CNN	Blitzer:	Dobbs:	Blitzer:	Zahn:	King:	Cooper:	Cooper:
	164	336	246	176	247	223	199
MSNBC	Hardball:	Abrams:	Hardball:	Countdown:	Scarborough:	Cosby:	Situation:
	103	69	128	186	136	117	82
HLN	HLN:	Prime:	Beck:	Grace:	Beck:	Grace:	Showbiz:
	70	50	77	139	91	84	70
CNBC	Kudlow:	Cramer:	Money:	Deal:	Cramer:	Deutsch:	Deal:
		143	77	258	86	51	242

Total viewers:

Total day: FNC: 796 | CNN: 466 | MSNBC: 196 | HLN: 171 | CNBC: 191

Prime: FNC: 1,594 | CNN: 867 | MSNBC: 347 | HLN: 241 | CNBC: 239

	5p:	6p:	7p:	8p:	9p:	10p:	11p:
FNC	Gibson:	Hume:	Shep:	O'Reilly:	H&C:	Greta:	O'Reilly:
	856	1,126	1,054	2,149	1,414	1,217	919
CNN	Blitzer:	Dobbs:	Blitzer:	Zahn:	King:	Cooper:	Cooper:
	524	921	605	560	1,302	739	412
MSNBC	Hardball:	Abrams:	Hardball:	Countdown:	Scarborough:	Cosby:	Situation:
	209	184	320	416	360	266	234
HLN	HLN:	Prime:	Beck:	Grace:	Beck:	Grace:	Showbiz:
	150	86	116	426	140	157	143

20060603 KDDC Where on Main Street was this photograph taken?

Can you guess where (and when) this photograph was taken on Westminster's Main Street?

Who is/was

200600603 KDDC Can you guess who this community leader is?

May 2006 (c) Kevin Dayhoff

Can you guess who this community leader is?

Captured here in a recent photograph at work in his laboratory - can you guess who this popular "mad" scientist is?

####

20060603 KDDC Maryland Equestrian Special Olympics

Maryland Equestrian Special Olympics
June 3, 2006

Caroline and spent the day at the Prince George's Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland volunteering with the 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program of Carroll County at the Maryland Equestrian Special Olympics.

Unfortunately, I did not take my camera, so I drew a few pictures of the event. Please enjoy them above.

According to the Special Olympics Maryland Web-site:

"Equestrian sports events have been a part of Special Olympics since 1983, when the first competition was held in Louisiana, USA. At the 1987 World Games, 38 athletes competed in the equestrian competition, and one year later the sport was added to the official program of Special Olympics Sports . At the 1991 World Games, 140 athletes competed in this event, and in 1995 the number of athletes rose to over 200, representing 33 countries. Events Special Olympics athletes who compete in the equestrian events learn to ride, develop sports skills and gain the self confidence to direct and control a horse. Athletes are able to compete in a variety of English and Western style events, including relays, drill teams and prix caprilli (jumping events). "

If you are asking, "What is Special Olympics?"; according to the Special Olympics Web-site:

"Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities. Through year-round sports training and athletic competition and other related programming for more than 2.25 million children and adults with intellectual disabilities in more than 150 countries, Special Olympics has created a model community that celebrates people’s diverse gifts. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. There is no cost to participate in Special Olympics."

To make a donation to the 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program of Carroll County, please contact:

Program Coordinator: Karen Scott: trp4h AT adelphia.net

Information/ Registration: Peggie Roland: peggier AT att.net

####

20060602 KDDC Chip Boyles Status Report

Chip Boyles Status Report
June 2nd, 2006
Posted by Kevin Dayhoff

I just had the opportunity to check on the welfare of the City of Clemson Assistant City Administrator, Chip Boyles. Many of you remember Chip, he was the very well liked community leader, who served as the Taneytown City Manager for several years - a number of years ago.

Chip has been with Clemson City Government for six years. Wow, how time flies.

Chip and his children are doing well. In addition to the two darling children we got to know when he was with the City of Taneytown, he and his wife, a professor of architecture, have had two more children.

Chips sends his best to his old friends in Carroll County.

As many have heard in the media in the last several days, the Clemson area of South Carolina has received some unwanted national publicity recently as the normally quiet Clemson University area is where a 20-year-old college co-ed was murdered on May 26th, 2006. She was murdered in an apartment complex in the adjoining town to Clemson. The adjacent town is quite small and the Clemson Police Department is lending a helping hand.

Events this traumatic are very trying for a municipal leader as your heart goes out to the friends and family of the victim and one feels a need to pay extra attention to the safety and welfare of your citizens.

Although Chip, Caroline and I mostly talked about Chip's family and career; Chip seemed his cool, professional and confident self - the same personality that we grew to admire when he was in Carroll County. He did share that he was quite busy with having his community in the glare of a national spotlight.

Chip said that he and his family are looking forward to visiting Carroll County this summer.

Chip and I agreed to do a more comprehensive update on his work and his family in the near future - when things aren't quite as hectic.

Keep Chip, the City of Clemson and the friends and loved ones of this crime victim in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this trying period and lets hope that the police catch the perpetrator of this senseless crime as soon as possible.

And we all look forward to seeing Chip and his family soon.

Kevin

####

20060602 KDDC Sun reports Court rejects Carroll Co. district settlement

Court rejects Carroll Co. district settlement
Decision maintains status quo on election of 3 commissioners

By A Sun Reporter
Originally published June 2, 2006, 12:30 PM EDT

~Please Note: Both maps above belong to the Baltimore Sun.

"The state's high court rejected this morning a negotiated settlement in the dispute over how to draw boundaries for the Carroll County commissioners and ordered that the county government remain structured the way it is now, with three commissioners elected at large.

"The decision, which the court said it would explain more fully in a later opinion, says only the state legislature can establish the boundaries of the five districts called for in a referendum voters passed in 2004. That referendum called for replacing the three at-large representatives with five commissioners representing five districts. Efforts to draw up a map of districts have bogged down in legal and political squabbling, and the legislature failed to approve a map before adjourning in April.

"The Court of Appeals mandated that the current form of government for the county will continue until the legislature approves a map. The General Assembly is not scheduled to meet again until January, barring a special session being called.

"County commissioners -- who perform the duties of both the legislative and executive branch in the county's government -- are to be elected this fall and candidates must file by July 3 to appear on the ballot."

Hat Tip: Mrs. Owl - Thanks

20060602 KDDC Sun's Article on Je1 MD Court of Appeals hearing

Carroll districts remain in limbo

Md. Court of Appeals indicates reluctance to set boundaries

By Laura McCandlish

Sun Reporter

Originally published June 2, 2006

Judges from the state's highest court adjourned yesterday without resolving Carroll County's political feud over how to elect commissioners this fall, signaling a reluctance to assume responsibilities assigned to the General Assembly.

Read the rest of the article here.

20060601 KDDC Rush is back

June 1, 2006

For all you "Rush" fans, Expose The Left reports:


"Baltimore, Maryland—WCBM TalkRadio AM680 proudly announces that “The Rush Limbaugh Show” will return home to its airwaves beginning June 1, 2006. The program will air weekdays from 12 Noon-3PM ET. Rush will be welcomed back to WCBM during a live, local broadcast of “The Tom Marr Show.” The interview will be heard at an invitation-only brunch for sponsors and local dignitaries on June 1 at the Hilton Pikesville."

Count me in as one of the folks who are just as happy to have Chip Franklin and Ron Smith on longer, however, I am aware that there are many others who were unhappy to not have there daily "Rush" of the day.

####

20060601 KDDC Michael Steele on Neal Cavuto

If You’re Ready For Change, Then Get Ready For Michael Steele (VIDEO)

Hat Tip: Expose The Left

June 1, 2006

Maryland Lt. Governor and Senate hopeful Michael Steele® appeared on Your World with Neal Cavuto this afternoon to discuss why Democrats are afraid of him and what he needs to do to with the Senate race this fall.

VIDEO – .WMV

20060601 KDDC Bill O'Reilly and Jed Babbin on Haditha

In case you missed it on the O'Reilly Factor this evening; I found this on the AmSpec Blog (The American Spectator.)

	O'Reilly Factor tonite: The Haditha Story - Thursday, June 01, 2006 @ 12:52:07 PM
	The military is handling the Haditha incident in precisely the right way. Though the Pentagon can't speak about the investigation, the media wants to corner it in a "damned if it does, and damned if it doesn't" position. (see my column in RealClearPolitics today). I'll be on the O'Reilly Factor tonight about 8:30 or 8:40 to talk about Haditha. Hope you can catch it. Posted By: Jed Babbin

And yes, it was Jed Babbin, "a former deputy undersecretary of defense in the first Bush administration" who once said: "going to war without France is like going deer hunting without an accordion." He said it "during a 30 January 2003 appearance on the political talk show Hardball."

####

20060601 KDDC New group seeks to oust City Council

New group seeks to oust City Council

Kelsey Volkmann, The Examiner

Jun 1, 2006 7:00 AM (21 hrs ago)

Westminster - A community group devoted to ousting Westminster’s City Council and mayor met for the first time Tuesday to form committees and discuss their disgust with an array of the city’s conditions, from unsafe streets to leaders’ alleged lack of responsiveness to residents’ concerns.

The formation of the Greater Westminster Citizens Coalition follows last month’s property tax increase and water and sewer rate increases.

Read the rest of the story on the Baltimore Examiner web site here.

PS: Although I have no problems pulling the page up – I have received feedback that some folks do. Pasted below is the entire article written by Kelsey Volkmann:

New group seeks to oust City Council

Kelsey Volkmann, The Examiner

Jun 1, 2006 5:00 AM (70 days ago)

Westminster - A community group devoted to ousting Westminster’s City Council and mayor met for the first time Tuesday to form committees and discuss their disgust with an array of the city’s conditions, from unsafe streets to leaders’ alleged lack of responsiveness to residents’ concerns.

The formation of the Greater Westminster Citizens Coalition follows last month’s property tax increase and water and sewer rate increases.

About 10 people attended the meeting and elected Carter Clews of Main Street as their president.

Claiming the council has failed to respond directly to a variety of inquiries, including why the Longwell parking garage was needed, Clews said an official letter soon will be sent to the council, asking it to address a long list of concerns.

“They’ve made our lives unpleasant, so we’re going to make their lives unpleasant,” Clews said.

Coalition members discussed legislation in Berkeley, Calif., that allows for a recall if enough residents demand it. A recall is a procedure by which a public official may be removed from office by popular vote.

Mayor Thomas Ferguson said Wednesday that elections, not recalls, are the pathway for change in leadership.

The city’s charter does not include a recall provision; the council would have to adopt it.

“[Recall] is crazy and a bad idea,” Council Member Greg Pecoraro said last week. “Out in California, things are always in chaos.”

Ferguson said that while the tax and rate increases were unpopular, they were necessary.

“There isn’t a single one of us who expected to get a pat on the back for doing what we did,” he said.

Ferguson also said residents should voice their opinions, but it is the elected leaders who have to make decisions “at the end of the day.”

“It’s not as if we aren’t listening [to residents’ complaints], it’s that we are in disagreement,” he said.

Del. Tanya Shewell, R-Carroll County, said she attended the coalition’s meeting to listen.

Resident and coalition member Ken Warren said he plans to run for one of the three council seats open in 2007.

The coalition plans to meet again in two weeks at a to-be-determined location.

kvolkmann@baltimoreexaminer.com

Examiner

20060531 KDDC IRS Announces that the Spanish American War is Over

From Tax Prof blog:

Can You Hear Me Now? IRS to Refund $15 Billion of Telephone Taxes to Consumers

May 25, 2006: The Treasury Department and IRS announced this morning that after losing in five circuit courts of appeals, the Government is throwing in the towel and will no longer seek to enforce the 3% excise tax on long-distance telephone calls enacted during the Spanish-American War of 1898 as a "luxury" tax on wealthy Americans who owned telephones. The IRS will will issue $15 billion in refunds to consumers for long-distance telephone service taxes paid over the past three years:

• No immediate action is required by taxpayers.
• Refunds will be a part of 2006 tax returns filed in 2007.
• Refund claims will cover all excise tax paid on long-distance service over the last three years (time allowed given statute of limitations).
• Interest will be paid on refunds.
• The IRS is working on a simplified method for individuals to use to claim a refund on their 2006 tax returns.
• Refunds will not include tax paid on local telephone service, which was not involved in the litigation.

Treasury and IRS:

• Treasury Press Release (JS-4287)
• IRS Press Release (IR-2006-82)
• Notice 2006-50

Circuit Court Opinions:

• Am. Bankers Ins. Group v. United States, 408 F.3d 1328 (11th Cir. 2005)
• OfficeMax, Inc. v. United States, 428 F.3d 583 (6th Cir. 2005)
• Nat’l R.R. Passenger Corp. v. United States, 431 F.3d 374 (D.C. Cir. 2005)
• Fortis v. United States, 2006 U.S. App. LEXIS 10749 (2d Cir. Apr. 27, 2006)
• Reese Bros. v. United States, 2006 U.S. App. LEXIS 11468 (3d Cir. May 9, 2006)

Press reports:

• Associated Press
• Bloomberg
• Reuters

Listed below are links to weblogs that reference Can You Hear Me Now? IRS to Refund $15 Billion of Telephone Taxes to Consumers:

» Spanish-American War Now Over from It Shines For All
Or rather, the tax imposed to cover the war's costs has finally been lifted. The Treasury Department today announced (via TaxProf Blog)"it is conceding the legal dispute over the federal excise tax on long-distance telephone service. The Department of ... [Read More]

Tracked on May 25, 2006 1:49:03 PM

» Announcement: The Spanish-American War Is Over from Say Anything
It must be, anyway, because the government has decided to end the tax that was funding it. The Treasury Department and IRS announced this morning that after losing in five circuit courts of appeals, the Government is throwing in the... [Read More]

Tracked on May 25, 2006 2:30:35 PM

» The Spanish-American War Officially Ends! from Taxable Talk
And you thought that the Treaty of Paris (signed on December 10, 1898) ended the Spanish-American War. No! It ended today, ... [Read More]

Tracked on May 25, 2006 2:40:20 PM

» The Spanish-American War Officially Ends! from Taxable Talk
And you thought that the Treaty of Paris (signed on December 10, 1898) ended the Spanish-American War. No! It ended today, ... [Read More]

Tracked on May 25, 2006 3:41:38 PM

» IRS to Stop Collecting Telephone Tax from Tax Planning: U.S.
The Internal Revenue Service has agreed to stop collecting the federal excise tax assessed on long-distance telephone calls. The 3% federal excise tax has been the subject of numerous lawsuits, and the Treasury Department announced it has ordered the I... [Read More]

Tracked on May 25, 2006 5:47:49 PM

» FORGET THE MAINE! IRS THROWS IN TOWEL ON SPANISH AMERICAN WAR TELEPHONE EXCISE TAX from Roth & Company, P.C.
After a long series of court defeats, the Treasury today conceded defeat and will accept that the excise tax on... [Read More]

Tracked on May 25, 2006 8:25:46 PM

» A 108 year old "temporary tax" from respublica
The IRS lost in 5 circuit court of appeals and will now be refunding $15 billion to customers for the past 3 years of long distance telephone service. Back in 1898, yes, 1898, the government enacted a 3% excise tax [Read More]

20060531 KDDC GE files 24,000 page Tax Return

From the Tax Prof Blog comes the following information:

GE Electronically Files the Mother of All Tax Returns -- 24,000 Pages!

May 31, 2006

The IRS announced today (IR-2006-84) that General Electric (GE), which has the dubious honor of having "the nation’s largest tax return," filed it electronically this year on May 18:

On paper, GE’s e-filed return would have been approximately 24,000 pages long. After filing, GE received IRS’ acknowledgement of its filing in about an hour. The file was 237 MB....

This is the first year that certain large corporations with assets in excess of $50 million were required to file electronically. The IRS expects more than 10,000 of these large corporations to e-file by the extended filing date of Sept. 15, 2006. More than 4,750 large corporations have already e-filed this year, including 3,042 with assets of $50 million or more....

E-file has been available to corporations on a voluntary basis since 2004. In 2005, more than 200,000 corporations filed their corporate income tax returns electronically. Corporations that have assets of $50 million or more and file at least 250 returns annually are mandated to electronically file their 1120/1120S income tax returns for tax years ending on or after Dec. 31, 2005. After the first effective year, the requirement will affect corporations that have assets of $10 million or more.

GE must have a heckuva broadband connection! For more on e-filing by large corporations, see here.