20060811 KDDC Clip Board Man

Clip Board Man
(c) Kevin Dayhoff
August 11, 2006

20060811 KDDC Who are these Westminster community leaders

Who are these Westminster community leaders?
August 11th, 2006

This is an undated photograph, but I will hypothecate that it is from around 1959... Hint: the store in which they appear in front is now a Joni Mitchell song - "...they tore down paradise and put up a parking lot."

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20060811 KDDC Tuscan Whole Milk 1 Gallon 128 fl oz

Tuscan Whole Milk 1 Gallon 128 fl oz

Perhaps I am sleep deprived from staying up too late working on my next Westminster Eagle column, but this is sheer hysteria and mayhem.

Be sure to enjoy reading the comments.

Hat Tip: Sharp as a Marble – “The reviews were so hilarious” “I blew milk out my nose. Tuscan, Whole Milk. I’d swear it was almost like a joke or something.”

Mr. Allen gives a Hat Tip to: SondraK

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20060810 KDDC yalla ya Nasrallah

yalla ya Nasrallah

August 10^th, 2006

As I was roaming around the “e-Clair – Oh byte me” web site, I stumbled across the following gem: “Time for another Chorus!”

Well, I guess this is not for the faint of heart, but here goes. “Time for another chorus!” refers to a video on the You Tube site… “yalla ya Nasrallah - song from Israel.”

The introduction from You Tube reads: “with English subtitles. the Israelite answer to the leader of Hezbollah, Nasrallah - a song in Hebrew that let him know what we think about him… with the background clip of the combat engineering IDF corps (with an extraordinary girls unit) and a taste of the IAF.”

Getting to this video is a bit of a chore, but hang in there. It’s been flagged. When ya get to the site, you will be greeted with: “This video may contain content that is inappropriate for some users, as flagged by You Tube's user community…To view this video, please verify you are 18 or older by logging in or signing up.”

Hey, I read Ann Coulter, so I registered with You Tube some time ago. I figure after Ann Coulter, there is little that can shock me…

You could go to the Israeli site and play it, but I could not get the video version to play, only the audio – so You Tube is your best bet.

Some of the comments are the unpleasant back and forth that unfortunately seems to go with worldwide internet, however, one post was helpful: “The words in English may seem somewhat childish, but in the original Hebrew idiom, they're much more intelligent. The translation is quite literal, and doesn't capture the flavor of the original. It's the kind of things a soldier might say/think -- not the most high-brow intellectual material…”

PS: Speaking of You Tube material, while you are at the site, check out: “Girl takes pic of herself every day for three years.”

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20060810 KDDC The Daily Kos Solution Ay caramba

The Daily Kos Solution

August 10^th, 2006

Ay caramba.

(I found the picture pasted to the left, on a web site called e-Clair. Check it out. I got a lot of value grazing thought the site.)

I read with interest this afternoon - – Little Green Footballs calls to our attention the Daily Kos solution to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah; throw Israel under a bus: “Daily Kos: Why the US can impose a one-state solution on Israel-Palestine.”

Hat Tip: Wonkette…: “LGF readers make fun of DailyKos, ‘what total maroons!’”

The only thing that I would add to the Daily Kos solution is to teach the Israelis and Hezbollah “Kum Ba Ya.” That’ll work.

This is one of the many situations in which the comments are nearly as – well maybe even better than the original post. Be sure to click on: Little Green Footballs.

The new leadership of the Democratic Party are the likes of Al Franken, Michael Moore, Cindy Sheehan, Move On.org and the Daily Kos.com. Think about it, did you ever think there would be a day when Senator Hilary Clinton of New York would be considered a “moderate?”

Of course you know that the terrorists are just a misunderstood gaggle of mates and if we only would extend an olive branch out to them and give them some love; perhaps they would stop killing innocent civilians on a global scale.

Yeah right. Can you say Simona Toretta and Simona Pari? Those were the two Italian peace and love activists who ventured to Iraq and almost lost their heads – literally. Those friendly misunderstood terrorist kidnapped them and threatened them to within an inch of their lives. I’m sure it was all about a failure to communicate.

Well, actually it was all about hatred. News flash – the terrorists wanna kill you, you infidel.

Several years ago the folks with Bush-Derangement-Syndrome were often the source of a petty political annoyance. They were criticized for not having a vision or a plan and were fairly easily marginalized.

We were better off when the Democrats did not have a plan as now - as a vision is starting to coalesce, it’s not too pretty. It used to be that intellectually speaking, liberal ideology was about as stimulating as motel furniture. You could get through a night with it provided you don't have to hang around in the morning. Now, we can’t even sleep soundly with it.

Former Connecticut Democratic state party chair George Jepsen wrote in the Harford Courant right before the election, “Our Connecticut Democratic ticket in November will be stronger with Ned Lamont on it because he will drive Democratic turnout. Thousands of Democrats who would otherwise feel voiceless will go to the polls for Ned, helping in turn every Democrat on the ticket…”

Do not overlook that when the Italian peace activists were being threatened with having their heads handed to them, leading world leftists and anti-war activists were embracing the terrorists at a “Hezbollah sponsored conference in Beirut… and proclaimed their support for the very Iraqi resistance that was threatening to kill their comrades,” according to a recent column written by University of California, Irvine professor Mark A. LeVine.

If the new Democratic plan and vision is run off a cliff, as much as we may want to cheer them on, this is not good for the nation in the bigger picture or the long view.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org

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20060809 KDDC Senator Joe Lieberman versus the Lemmings

Senator Joe Lieberman versus the Lemmings

August 9^th, 2006

I stayed up to see the Connecticut primary results of the Senator Joe Lieberman versus the Lemmings, err, the Ned Lamont campaign the other night.

Unfortunately the contest went as I predicted.

For my take on the contest, please read my Tentacle column for this week – Wednesday, August 9^th, 2006: “Joe Lieberman v. The Lemmings.”

And bear in mind that I filed that column quite a number of days before the Tuesday primary.

To read the spin earlier today, the main stream media would have you think that the Connecticut primary was a bellwether test of President Bush’s approach towards the global war on terrorism, and the war in Iraq, in particular.

To be sure, there are certainly some strong arguments for that point of view.

It was also another reminder of the strength of the blogosphere to affect change and make a difference in politics. That dynamic is only sure to grow.

Be sure to graze the Daily Kos web site. At least here, here and here… You get the picture. Whether you agree or disagree with the politics of the Daily Kos, this is one powerful juggernaut. Take note of the number of comments on any given post.

Yes, the site can be a bit course from time to time. That will change with time. Right now, it wants to be heard and relevant. As both goals are achieved, hopefully some of the unpleasantness will be mitigated.

Getting back to Tuesday’s Connecticut primary, not to be overlooked is how this was a test to see exactly what direction the national Democratic Party is going as we draw closer to the fall elections.

The Connecticut primary certainly peels back the layers of the onion on the vituperative dispute among Democrats about the future direction of the party, with the old-line centrist party stalwarts facing enormous challenges from the young-left on issues of national security and the Iraq War.

Be sure to read the August 9th, 2006 Press Briefing by Tony Snow, which began at 1:18 P.M. CDT at CrawfordMiddle School in Crawford Texas.

Press secretary Snow said, in part:

“As for the primary election in Connecticut last night, I know there's a lot of concern and interest about that. Democratic voters in Connecticut have made their choice, and they have chosen Ned Lamont over Senator Lieberman. Just a couple of observations. Key leaders in the national Democratic Party have made it clear -- let me back up. This is a defining moment in some ways for the Democratic Party. I know a lot of people have tried to make this a referendum on the President; I would flip it. I think instead it's a defining moment for the Democratic Party, whose national leaders now have made it clear that if you disagree with the extreme left in their party they're going to come after you. And it is probably worth trying to trace through some of the implications of that position, because it is clearly going to be one of the central issues as we get ready for the election campaign this year, that is, the mid-term elections.”

Read the rest of his remarks here. It is worth the time.

Certainly the Democratic Party’s lurch to the left is precipitously gaining numbers and momentum. Sorta like, well – lemmings to the sea.

In the parlance of political-wonk-speak, I believe that the soft on terrorism left leanings of the Democratic Party will not serve them well this fall as it fails the “Daddy – Mommy test.”

In times where the American public is concerned for their safety, national security and when the electorate feels threatened, the tendency is to vote for a “national daddy.” (Doesn’t have to be a male or female, just someone strong on national defense and public safety.)

In good economic times and eras of peace, the electorate votes for a “national mommy,” to address social, family and economic issues.

And memo to the Democratic Party, the “it’s patriotic to be against the war,” ain’t cutting it.

The news coming out of Connecticut today is that Senator Lieberman is going to run in the general election as an Independent.

And odds are that he will win.

Things are getting curiouser and curiouser. It’s going to be an interesting several months.

Buckle up; it is going to be bumpy ride.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org

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20060809 KDDC An Intelligent Conversation

How’s this for an opener to have an intelligent conversation with a liberal?
August 9, 2006

Posted to the left, a gentleman at the Ned Lamont after-election rally and festivities intellectually expresses his feelings about Sean Hannity of Fox News.

Cute.

I sure hope the rest of the Ned Lamont folks are a bit more articulate.

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20060808 KDDC The Howard County Gang of Four bloggers

The Howard County Gang of Four bloggers

August 8, 2006

HoCo Hayduke reports, “In case you haven't heard, the Gang of Four (Local Bloggers) will be sponsoring an on-line candidate forum for most local elections beginning in October. More details here.”

Actually, the author of the HoCoMD Blog kindly emailed me the press release earlier today. Thanks.

This is a great opportunity for Howard County voters and a perfect role for the four blogs: HoCoMD Blog; The Hedgehog Report; HoCo Hayduke; and Howard County Blog.

Historically much of my family is from southern Carroll County and I have always followed Howard County politics. For quite sometime, I have followed by way of these four Howard County blogs.

I have only written one column that specifically deals with Howard County politics. In the Tentacle, I wrote on December 14, 2005 a column entitled,

“Politics in the Enchanted Forest:” “The political silly season has already begun in Howard County, known as the former home of the "Enchanted Forest." In our neighboring county, politics have recently started to resemble the storybook theme park that prospered in Ellicott City from 1955 to 1988.”

Since 2000 the blogosphere has had a profound affect on government and politics. This great leveling of the playing field or great democratizing of information dissemination, news and analysis is a good thing.

For more of my take on this dynamic, please read my Tentacle column from January 25, 2006,

“How is Internet media held accountable?” The slug reads: “On January 19 The Washington Post put an abrupt end to one of the components of the latest experiments in this grass roots democracy dynamic we call blogs – the real-time, live “comment” section.”

For more commentary on the contemporary state of the main stream media, see my Tentacle column from January 11, 2006,

“Journalism in 2005” The beginning of that column reads: “When one thinks of the mainstream media in 2005, the consistent theme is that of a reluctant, haughty and often pretentious dinosaur with its out-of-touch editorial boards. One can only hope 2006 is better.”

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org

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Pasted below is the information from the Association of Howard County Bloggers press release:

For Immediate Release

August 8, 2006 – Howard County, Maryland

An association of Howard County bloggers announced today that they will be conducting an on-line forum consisting of candidates for local and State office.

The association consists of the four major blogs covering political news and events in Howard County. They will be issuing to each of the general election candidates identical lists of questions in which they will be asked to supply answers to by October 1st.

“Each of our blogs are different.” said Ian Kennedy, author of Hocohayduke. “I think we all agree that they reflect a broad spectrum of county opinions. Even those with similar political leanings don’t always agree, but sometimes we all agree.”

Once questions are formulated, distributed, and the candidates have responded the authors will then offer the answers to the public on their web log sites with four unique commentaries accompanying each and open to the public for additional comments.

“We will all develop and agree upon the questions and length of response, and then we will all share the answers. We will probably not share the same opinion or analysis of the candidate’s responses.” said David Keelan, author of HoCoMD Blog.

Evan Coren author of Howard County Blog added, “We will provide a forum where anyone can engage the candidates, read candidate’s answers to important questions, and ask follow up questions on our blogs. Readers will also be able to discuss the candidate’s answers and have a civic discourse with the candidates and each other.”

David Keelan agreed, “I like the idea of having three sets of eyes looking over my shoulder and ready to tell me if they disagree. It helps keep the partisan tone down and keeps the analysis and opinions more level”.

David Wissing, author of the longest running local blog, the Hedgehog Report added, “I think people will respond to this because we think they are interested in this type of perspective.”

About the Association of Howard County Blogs

The association consists of four Howard County based blogs.

• howardcountyblog.blogspot.com
• hocomd.wordpress.com
• hocohayduke.blogspot.com
• www.hedgehogreport.com

What is a blog?

Blog is short for weblog. It is a type of website where entries are made similar to a journal or diary and displayed in a reverse chronological order.

Blogs often provide commentary or news on a particular subject, such as food, politics, or local news; some function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic. Many blogs, including all of the blogs in the Association of Howard County Blogs allow their readers to post comments and discuss the issues posted on the blog.

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20060808 KDDC Chair throwing politics in Florida

Chair throwing politics in Florida
August 8, 2006

They take their politics seriously in Florida – if not feloniously. As the words got heated on a talk show, one candidate obviously felt at a loss for words and demonstrated his disdain for his opponent – by throwing a chair at him.

I have found two versions of the video. One is on the You Tube web site. Unfortunately, not only was the action captured on the You Tube version, but also the words. Words which we were raised not to use in polite company.

Another version is found on, what I have surmised to be, Tampa Florida’s Channel 10. It does not have the naughty words and has much of the context as to what lead up to the chair throwing. (The Tampa channel 10 version also includes a lead-in commercial…)

You Tube’s narrative explains, “Political Candidate Joe Redner (Tampa) was debating on a local show when his opponent got so pissed he hit Redner with a chair. Politics in Florida! Redner also happens to own the most famous adult club in the Southeast, the Mons Venus.”

It gives even more absurd – go here: “Joe Redner wants to settle the score.”

Hat Tip: Hot Air.

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