The Local Newspaper Would Never Do This For CP, but....

I must be a masochist. Of course I must, for doing what I do, but here goes more. I am going to turn you on to the new blogging page of our local newspaper. I don't have a whole lot of good to say about it, but it does show that our newspapers are clearly beginning to see the writing on the wall--their days are numbered and the blogosphere, for better or worse, is moving in on them---fast and furious, like todays' Hanna storm.

The Capital's bloggers are just folks, not reporters for the most part, and while most of the topics are fluff and puff like living on a boat or simplifying your life, they are at least an attempt, however vainly, to expand the forum of news. It does seem you have to be either a guy in a ballcap or sunglasses or maybe a youngish Mom to be a blogger for the local newspaper, but hey give it a try. You are also likely to find that most of these folks are not bad writers, but they tend to post only once a month or so. Well, here goes, more free publicity from me the blogger to them the 800 pound news gorilla:www.hometownannapolis.com/blog_index.html
We know from many good sources that CP is widely read in political circles as well as in the newsroom of the local paper--whether anyone admits it in public or not. I don't mind referring to the local newspaper when they have something important and valuable to say--which is fairly often. Now, if only they'd return the favor...but I'm not holding my breath.

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More Hypocrisy from A Politician...I Think I'm Gonna Be Sick....

WARNING: This post is not intended for young children. Please do not allow children to read this.

I hate to refer to the local newspaper here again, but in respect of journalistic integrity--here goes...The Capital today reports that former Delegate Robert McKee from Hagerstown has been found guilty of violating child pornography laws. According to The Capital, he had been executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Washington County, where he served 29 years, served as president of the Little League of Halfway, chairman of the Maryland State Association of Big Brothers and Big Sisters Agencies, vice president of the Hagerstown Junior Basketball League and chaplain of the Hagerstown Jaycees.

As if those were not bad enough, here's the kicker--The Capital says McKee also "sponsored the Child Protection from Predators Act this year, as well as a statewide DNA database system which called for DNA samples to be collected from sexual predators upon arrest."
I'm think I'm gonna be ......be.....uuggh...aaahhh....raaaooooooppphhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...yeck.....sick. How many times have we found these politicians who speak out vehemently about and try to legislate values and morals from one side of their mouth (and so often from one side of the aisle...have you noticed?) only to find they were merely projecting (which is what I just did...with vomit). Sick. Sick. Sick. Do you suppose this guy McKee might have done more than just possess photos? Please--somebody find me some examples of Democrats behaving like this!!! Please. I am not suggesting they don't do it, but every case of such hypocrisy that comes to mind involves Republicans. I am not talking about graft or corruption--that is from both parties. I am talking about the sex and morality stuff. Please! Wait until we find that McKee was soliciting sex from men in bathrooms. Yes, as Jon Stewart reported from Minneapolis about the "cream" of the Republican Party that was gathering!!!

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Councilman Cohen Weighs in On Bus to Baltimore

CP recently reported about efforts to reinstate the former 210 express commuter bus between Baltimore and Annapolis. The District 30 delegation has written in support to the governor, although we have not seen the letter but we do have a letter to share with you from County Councilman Josh Cohen. With the Bay Bridge inspection and lane closure issues, the state did send in additional commuter buses to alleviate traffic. That means that there are resources--it's just a matter of political will to make it happen....which means it is up to us to keep advocating. Again I will say that it is a disgrace that we don't have commuter bus service (and hardly any local service for that matter) to run the 25 miles between our state capital and our largest city. And I will say again that this is happening with a state-run, regional transit system. Inexcusable! Thanks to Councilman Cohen and District 30 for their efforts. Cohen's letter follows:
________________________________

COUNTY COUNCIL OF ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

September 2, 2008

Honorable Martin J. O’Malley
Governor of the State of Maryland
State House
Annapolis, Maryland 21401

Dear Governor O'Malley:

This letter is to request that the State of Maryland restore express
commuter bus service from Annapolis to Baltimore. The previous
administration eliminated the 210 bus route. This service is needed now
more than ever.

Record gas prices have put a severe strain on countless working
middle-class families whom we represent. These gas prices are prompting
many commuters to consider taking public transit. Although the State
offers three highly-utilized direct commuter routes from Annapolis to
Washington, D.C., none is available from Annapolis to Baltimore.

I commend your Administration's focus on moving Maryland forward with a
top-notch, multi-modal integrated transportation system that relies on
public transit as one of its key legs. Clearly, as our population
continues to grow, simply building more roads to accommodate more
single-occupancy vehicles is an unsustainable strategy. Instead of
perpetuating this vicious cycle of gridlock, we need to shift the
paradigm to providing more convenient, affordable and
environmentally-friendly forms of alternative transportation.

If there is a silver lining to this soft economy, it is that a gradual
shift is taking place in the public's receptiveness to transit. The
unfortunate irony is that just as this new demand is reaching new
heights, the State is poorly positioned to meet it.

Thank you for your attention to this request and for your support of
public transit. I look forward to the day when we can once again ride
the 210 bus from Annapolis to Baltimore.

Sincerely,

Josh Cohen

cc: Secretary John Porcari


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The Local Newspaper Says Yes to More Professional Gov't

The editorial in today's newspaper endorses changing our style of city government to bring in more professional management, as proposed by Aldermen Arnett and Israel in two separate bills. Readers may recall that CP has openly supported a city manager form of government for a long time. When Alderman Israel originally proposed legislation to amend the roles and responsibilities of the mayor, council and city administrator, Mayor Moyer used city resources to pen a vitriolic attack on Alderman Israel, accusing him essentially of trying to undermine representational government. Good grief!

Read today's editorial for yourself at:

www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2008/09_05-60/OPN

You may read Mayor Moyer's inexcusable misuse of power and her office to abuse another lawmaker at the city's web site:

annapolis.gov/headlines.asp?ID=12151


Ironically, the mayor's missive kind of explains why we need a more professionally managed government--maybe?

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Only The Gummint Could Think This Up

Federal law now requires many people working in the transportation sector to get a national Transportation Worker Identity Card (TWIC). As CP is a merchant marine officer, I am required to obtain one as well. But it aint easy. They give you the option to go online and pre-enroll before you actually go to the center, which asks for lots of ID and then issues you the card...if you are kosher. To pre-enroll, you need to log in, which requires a password, but it aint easy. They must think those terrorists are too dumb to figure it out..well it took me about half an hour. So, to spare you the long post, here is the executive summary--You go online to pre-enroll after figuring out an incredibly complex password. Then you attempt to figure out how to make an appointment and get to Dundalk. You can either bring two various forms of government I.D., but a valid passport is sufficient. Remember that--the passport is sufficient!

So you pay $132 (checks to Lockheed-Martin!) and if they approve you, you come back in a few weeks to get the card. Whew. But here is the insanity and the irony. They make it incredibly difficult to get the darn card, but they will accept your passport as the sole form of I.D....but it is so much easier and less complicated to get a passport--you can mail in the form, get a photo taken just about anywhere and they even mail them to you, but the TWIC card you have to go to Baltimore TWICE to get!!! But which is more important to our safety--a passport or an additional card for people already screened to fly planes, operate ships etc.etc?

AGGGHHHHH...and this has been promulgated under a Republican administration committed to reducing government? Where is Al Gore--we need you! It is a big deal, because
there are a lot of these TWICS coming:

Total # Pre-Enrolled:
513,484
Total # Enrolled:
475,622
Total # Cards Issued:
296,339

And now, to demonstrate the ease and simplicity of creating a password:

1. Minimum password length is eight characters.
2. Passwords must contain at least one of each of the following: one alphabetic uppercase, one alphabetic lowercase, one numeric, and one special character.
3. Passwords shall not contain any two identical consecutive characters (example: 22apples, 14588904).
4. Passwords may contain no more than two identical consecutive characters in any position from the previous password.
5. Passwords shall not contain any dictionary word.
6. Passwords shall not contain any proper noun or the name of any person, pet, child, or fictional character.
7. Passwords shall not contain any employee serial number, Social Security number, birth date, phone number, or any information that could be readily guessed about the creator of the password.
8. Passwords shall not contain any simple pattern of letters or numbers, such as “qwerty” or “xyz123”.
9. Passwords shall not be any word, noun, or name spelled backwards or appended with a single digit or with a two-digit “year” string, such as 98xyz123.
10. Pass phrases, if used in addition to or instead of passwords, should follow these same guidelines.
11. Passwords shall not be the same as the User ID.
12. Password length will be selected to provide a level of protection commensurate to the value or sensitivity of the resources or data it protects, but not less than eight characters.

And then they want you to schedule an appointment for Dundalk--but that aint easy. They only display the upcoming five day workweek on screen. But what if you want to schedule it in a few weeks?

If you think that's bad, you should see the pages and pages of instructions simply to schedule the appointment. It takes longer to read the instructions than the appointment takes.

The worst parts of all is that one has to go all the way up to Dundalk yet again to actually get the TWIC and you have to spend $132 and the check is made out to.....Lockheed Martin! Let's hear it for the military industrial complex--and boy is it complex....once again proving that the defense establishment is the biggest porked-up welfare program in our budget. There now. Does this make us any safer? Perhaps if we tried diplomacy, peace, development, you know--like real security?

It gets worse...just check out their "Frequently Asked Questions" page:
www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers/twic/twic_faqs.shtm#pre-enroll

Can somebody help??? Please God make it stop!!!!!

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Where is Carl Snowden When We Need Him??? "Shoot the Officers"

Just look at these below incidents from our police crime watch report. If only Assistant Attorney General Carl "Ban the Banning" Snowden were looking out for the rights of these criminals, these incidents might not have occurred. Bolding is provided by CP.

1. DISTURBANCE: On September 4th at 5:11 PM, an officer on foot patrol on Newtowne Drive noticed a male juvenile sitting in front building number 713. Based on his experience from working the area, the officer knew that the juvenile lived across the street and had been involved in an on-going altercation with some residents of building 713. The officer advised him to leave the immediate area, since he did not live in the building and it was known that he had a history of fighting with the residents. The suspect was very belligerent and hollered obscenities, drawing a crowd. He then lit a cigarette. Knowing that the suspect was under 18, the officer advised him to get rid of the cigarette. The suspect became further enraged and escalated his verbal displeasure. The officer approached him and told him that he was under arrest for causing a disturbance. The suspect squared off in a fighting stance. When the officer grabbed a hold of him, he resisted efforts to handcuff him. Another officer arrived, and the two officers struggled to gain control of the suspect The suspect’s mother approached and told him to comply with the officer, but he continued to resist. The suspect’s brother also approached, but, unlike the mother, he interfered with the arrest by getting in close proximity and inciting the crowd that had formed. The suspect, while struggling with the officers, incited the crowd further and called for someone to shoot officers. He was finally restrained. His brother was also arrested. The first suspect kicked one of the officers repeatedly during the arrest procedure. He was charged with Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest. The brother was charged with Hindering and Interfering with Police. (08-005621)

2. ASSAULT: On September 4th at 7:24 PM, a resident of the 1800 block of Bowman Drive reported that an adult female had assaulted a 14 year old child, over whom she has guardianship. The resident said that first the child came into her home and complained of the suspect yelling at him. The suspect then came in behind him, hollering something about his disrespecting her. She then shoved the young man in his chest with both hands. 33 year old Nicole Brandy Jones, a nearby resident, was arrested and charged with Assault. (08-005624)

4. BURGLARY/ASSAULT ARREST/PRIOR CASE:

Yesterday, we reported that a 21 year old Bens Drive resident told officers that she had been involved in an on-going argument with a man known to her. The two argued off and on several times throughout the day and into the evening. At 1:51 AM, he came to her apartment, entered through the unlocked rear sliding glass door, and punched her in the face several times. The suspect has been identified as 31 year old Darron Anthony Bryan of Louis Drive. On September 4th at 5:41 PM, he turned himself in to police headquarters. He was charged with Burglary and Assault in connection with the incident. (08-005601)


5. VIOLATION OF PROTECTIVE ORDER: 9/3 12:05 PM 709 Newtowne Dr. - a 22 year old resident reported that an estranged boyfriend was knocking on her door asking her to let him in to talk matters over. She refused to let him in as she had taken out a Protective Order from the Court, which bars him from contacting her. He fled before officers arrived. He was identified and charges are pending. (08-005585)

7. FOUND GUN: 9/4 11:41 AM unit block of Brewer St. - a shotgun was found underneath a resident’s porch. He has no idea where it came from. (08-005612)

8, TRESPASSING: 9/4 12:22 PM 27 Bens Dr. - a citizen reported seeing a man exit an apartment from a window. He was located and identified as Charles Herbert Tongue, 39. It turned out that he had the resident’s permission to be in the apartment, but had been banned from the community as a whole. He was arrested and charged with Trespassing. (08-005614)

9. DISTURBANCE: 9/4 1:51 PM 1800 block of Bay Ridge Ave. - a traffic stop was made due to a car being driven with a faulty brake light. The driver was identified as Kelee Marva Danielle Gray, 30, of Kensington Way. It was then determined that the tags to the car were suspended for failure to comply with insurance requirements. An order was out for the seizure of the tags a result. She was advsied of that and told that the tags would be confiscated. She was further told that the car would have to be towed. She refused to get out of the car after the tow truck arrived and became argumentative. She was arrested and charged with Disorderly Conduct. (08-005615)

..and this one, just for good measure, to show, that once again, the operation of motor vehicles is truly the number one threat to public safety to the average Annapolitans on a daily basis.

10. HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT: 9/4 7:31 PM 4th & Chester - a 2007 Kia was struck by a 2002 Ford Truck while the Kia was stopped. The Ford was trying to maneuver around the Kia in an area congested by parked cars. The operator of the Ford reportedly shouted at the other driver, then left without checking for damage or leaving information. The driver of the Kia got the tag number of the Truck and officer found the owner/operator. He was identified as Mark Todd Harpe, 56, of Woodlawn Avenue. He said that he "might" have contacted the Kia, but hadn’t thought any damage resulted. He was arrested and charged with Hit and Run. (08-005625)

If you have information on these or any other crimes, you can call the Annapolis Police Dept at 410-268-9000. Remember, you do not have to leave your name.


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Aldermwoman Finlayson...Golfing with Celebrities in PG County

Does PG stand for political golf course?? In previous posts,CP has brought to your attention the lavish and high dollar fundraising parties for local politicians such as Ellen Moyer, Dave Cordle, Sam Shropshire and now....Sheila Finlayson (see--CP is an equal opportunity and bipartisan exploiter!).It seems that the first-term alderwoman, who may be a mayoral candidate, is really putting on the ritz.

It's a golf tournament--The Annual Finlayson Celebrity Golf Classic....oooh! Celebrities. And it's annual, which means....we can expect this for as long as she seeks office and needs money. The celebs are NFL and NBA players. The good alderwoman has no less than five sponsorship levels ranging from a high (platinum) of $1750 down to a low of an almost affordable $200, which oddly enough is labeled as a hole sponsor. A hole sponsor? Can you dig it???? Can you sponsor half a hole? Each level has its own set of little perks including your logo on her web-site..,or we assume it's her re-election or mayoral campaign web-site. Has anyone seen it?

Why do politicians always keep raising money and more money, even if they are not officially running for an office? In her own words, we'll let the alderwoman explain all her accomplishments and why she needs our money:

This past year, I have kept very busy with my work on the Council and our committees. I currently serve on the Public Safety, Economic Matters, Housing and Human Welfare Committees and the Education Commission. I continue my “Walk the Ward” to keep in touch with the needs of the residents of Ward 4. Through my experience with the Teachers Association, I was able to bring a police housing program, which will encourage officers to live in the City. By attending conferences, I have increased my awareness of environmental issues and have some great ideas to share about “greening” our city and focusing more on moving people as opposed to cars.


Oh boy! All we need is to attend yet more conferences to get yet more awareness of environmental issues. Now we learn she wants to move people as opposed to cars? Okay, please tell us more...CP is all for that as the alderwoman knows ....We can't even get the air conditioners to cool our own buses....and how is your black Mercedes doing these days? Is it cool inside on those hot, hot days?

While much work has been done, there is still much more to do. Your sponsorship will assist me in continuing my work on the City Council and in the Annapolis community.

....in continuing your work, our work or your sponsor's work?

Oh--and did I mention that it is in Upper Marlboro???? That's not even in the same county for $@^&# sake! Remember how Mayor Moyer's big thing was in Davidsonville? At least that's in our county. Find out about the big event at:
finlaysonandfriends.eventbrite.com/

I forgot to mention....the big celeb event is not only way out of the price range of most folks anywhere...not to mention Ward Four...and not only is it a half-hour away (if you have a car) in Marlboro...it's ON A MONDAY!!!! Now it's really accessible to the working folks of Ward Four.

Alderwoman Finlayson--try having a real event for real Annapolitans in Annapolis one day...we're all waiting.

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First Saturday With Alderman Ross Arnett

Just a reminder that it’s the FIRST SATURDAY of the month again and Ross will be at Leeward, the coffee shop at Chester and Second Street in the Eastport [the old Café Gurus] this Saturday at 11 AM to answer your questions and to listen to your ideas.

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Police Captain Barbara Hopkins Retires

As another sign of major changes at our police department, Captain Barbara Hopkins has retired. A life-long resident of Annapolis and the daughter of former Alderman, journalist and Mayor Alfred "Al" Hopkins, she was the first female officer hired by the department in 1973 and was promoted to Captain in 1994. According to APD, she was instrumental in the Annapolis Police Department receiving National Accreditation in 2004 and worked to promote diversity in the staffing of the department. She was also recognized for her sound fiscal oversight of the agency's financial matters.

CP has known Captain Hopkins for many years and has often had the pleasure to sit with her at City Council meetings, where she is a regular, and perhaps the most frequent audience member. Thank you for your service Barbara. (What's next--politics???)


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What Do Michael Jackson and Sarah Palin Have in Common?

The above juxtaposed photos were originally posted without any text, except for the question posed in the headline. Almost immediately, CP received this comment from "Anonymous."

"So, what are you TRYING to say. Because what you are in FACT saying is that you are a jerk. Seriously, that is so out of bounds that you should apologize with all haste. "

Dear Indignant and Outraged "Anonymous"
I assume you meant your first statement as a question and you emphasized TRYING as if to say I was not successful in saying anything....but then you say that in FACT I do say something. ???.... You then say FACT and call me a jerk. Okay, Mr. or Ms. or Mrs. or Miss Anonymous, while you put words in my mouth (I said NOTHING in that post except to pose a question)and you call me a JERK (from your position of anonymity) you then say I should apologize. For what should I apologize and to whom should I apologize? What is "so out of bounds"? Do you wish to have a reasonable discussion or are you just satisfied to anonymously make demands on me and call me a jerk? I'll refrain from insulting you and simply let your words speak for you....if we knew who you are...but we don't. Feeling safe now?

Okay--here is one for our readers: What do Michael Jackson and Sarah Palin have in common? Or what do Michael Jackson and the Washington Nationals have in common? Anyone want to try? How about you "Anonymous"?

Next comment received:

Nothing.
Mary

CP replies: C'mon "Mary". That's not a fun answer. Besides, how could two people have nothing in common? For starters, they are both beauty queens. Second, they really like children. Michael has a ranch. I think Sarah has a moose reserve or a tundra field or something like that. That's like a ranch--isn't it?



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School's Back In Session

This seems similar to the school/neighborhood turf wars of last year. Let's hope not!

Two male victims were found in or around the stairwell of 25 Bens Drive, both suffering from gunshot wounds. One victim was flown to Shock - Trauma in Baltimore , while the other was taken by ambulance to The Anne Arundel Medical Center. The listed conditions of the victims are unavailable at this time, but preliminary indications are that neither suffered life - threatening injuries. The victims were tentatively identified as local Annapolis residents, but not of the Bay Ridge Gardens Apartments, where the shooting took place. One is reportedly 17 years old, while the other is believed to be a few years older. Identities are being withheld pending confirmation, notification of family, and a period of adjustment.

There were numerous persons around the area at the time of the shooting. Investigators are talking to possible witnesses, and it is hopeful that more will come forward. No motive or suspect information is known at this time.

Further information will be disseminated in the same manner when available and appropriate.

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School's Back In Session

This seems similar to the school/neighborhood turf wars of last year. Let's hope not!

Two male victims were found in or around the stairwell of 25 Bens Drive, both suffering from gunshot wounds. One victim was flown to Shock - Trauma in Baltimore , while the other was taken by ambulance to The Anne Arundel Medical Center. The listed conditions of the victims are unavailable at this time, but preliminary indications are that neither suffered life - threatening injuries. The victims were tentatively identified as local Annapolis residents, but not of the Bay Ridge Gardens Apartments, where the shooting took place. One is reportedly 17 years old, while the other is believed to be a few years older. Identities are being withheld pending confirmation, notification of family, and a period of adjustment.

There were numerous persons around the area at the time of the shooting. Investigators are talking to possible witnesses, and it is hopeful that more will come forward. No motive or suspect information is known at this time.

Further information will be disseminated in the same manner when available and appropriate.

Like what you read and see? Be sure to share us with the world:

Remember to COMMENT or send us an email at arundelcrime@gmail.com

Slot Machine = Smiling Schoolchildren?

If we have slots, Maryland classrooms will look like this:





They came to CP's house today looking to get our support for slots. It was something called For Maryland-For Our Future. Imagine all our governmental expenses covered without raising taxes! What a nice idea! And the smiling students raising their hands in the classroom will all become real if we could only have slot machines.


If you oppose slots, you will make Maryland
classrooms
look like this:









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Go Native at the Chesapeake Ecology Center

You may wish to check out the Chesapeake Ecology Center on College Creek in Annapolis which is holding its annual open house and native plant sale on Saturday, September 6th from 10 am to 2 pm. Since its beginning in 2002, the area has grown and bloomed into 20 Native Plant Demonstration Gardens and Sites.

The gardens and sites are just minutes from downtown and the State Capital, on the grounds of Adams Academy at Adams Park, 245 Clay Street, Annapolis, Maryland. Regular visiting hours during the school year are after 4 PM and anytime on the weekends and during the summer. Please join us for our Annual Garden Open House and Native Plant Sale on Saturday, September 6th, 10 AM to 2 PM.

The Chesapeake Ecology Center is dedicated to promoting and educating the public about community greening and conservation landscaping practices for the Chesapeake Bay watershed that result in a healthier and more beautiful environment benefiting residents and the region's biological diversity. They are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit environmental organization.

CP is disappointed that the organizers of the CEC seem to think that humans only drive and don't walk or bike anywhere. Not only do they do nothing on the web-site to encourage visitors to bike or walk, under the part labeled "directions" they only provide information about driving there. BUT..it is a great destination for walking, biking or perhaps even coming by boat...and we pledge to work with them to promote all transportation options and to educate visitors about the environmental impacts. Visit www.chesapeakeecologycenter.org/

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Maybe Joad Cressbeckler Will Run for Mayor?

From the Onion's campaign "bunker." You gotta laugh....

Old, Grizzled Third-Party Candidate May Steal Support From McCain

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Annapolis: Truly A Preppy Hot Spot

OMG...like totally. We have been discovered. We are a preppy destination. The blog Nautical by Nature whose author describes herself as one who "love[s] shopping and of course all things preppy!" has discovered us! She shopped and dined and dined and shopped...and maybe got a parking ticket? If so, was it pink---or yellow?

Miss Nautical by Nature failed to mention anything about boats during her visit but she did photograph the anchor door bell and nautical door knocker ( no other knockers--crab or otherwise...) and she fell in love with the nautical boy shorts, which I borrowed from ATN to present here for your viewing pleasure (sorry it is just the shorts, no legs or butts to go with the photo...like totally).OMG...enjoy at: aka-kate.blogspot.com/2008/09/annapolis.html

You'll just simply adore the lovely comments she gets at her blog such as:

preppy little dress said...
do you know if they had a 9 in those navy little anchor sandals? i should call them and find out, sounds like you got an awesome deal - lucky you!!!

Mrs. Newlywed said...I love Annapolis. I actually almost went to the Naval Academy. Last minute decision not to go. (CP Notes...no doubt it was the black winter uniforms that convinced you not to go...)

Laura said...LOVE downtown Annapolis! Wish I could navigate it better ;o)
September 2, 2008 10:02 AM
Europafox said...I looove the door knocker -that would look great at our house. As for navy boys well - who can complain at that??
September 2, 2008 10:37 AM
Gracie Beth said...Those shoes are too cute! What a great buy. However, I think that if i visited Annapolis I would shop for a Sailor ;)
September 2, 2008 10:48 AM
Blue-Eyed Bride said...i want those anchors aweigh shorts! i'm dying to visit annapolis! i've never been and it's on my short list of places to visit!
September 2, 2008 11:29 AM
Preppy Lizard said... Everything is so cute. I just saw that the Anchor Lilly sandals were on sale and I thought I of you. Glad you got them!!
Preppy Pugs said...The door knocker & door bell is soooo cute. Love it all. You find the greatest items.
September 3, 2008 9:40 AM
Kappa Prep said...What a fun day full of fabulous nautical shopping!
September 3, 2008 11:10 AM
thepreppyprincess said...

Miss Kate, the Princess is simply staggered at the number of things you find with anchors on them. It is amazing!We are in love with the picture frame *and* the Lilly sandals, to mention only a few items. You are such a star, you can give us lessons on how your antennae find all the treasures!! (CP Note: I can think of a few more things that could use anchors on them..around their necks....and I can imagine how long those antennae are!)



From this one site, CP was just astonished to learn about the plethora of preppy blogs about genteel conformity, an obsession with pink and green, blond girls with perfect teeth, shopping (for preppy clothes and the perfect hubby), staying at fancy resort hotels...and oh yes, Republican politics.Why yes of course my dahlings, this is a big country with lots of room at the table for everyone! Kind of like the Stepford Wives......
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A Few Column Inches About Plastic Columns

A tempest in a teapot or a serious Annapolis issue? From various sources and players, CP hears bits and pieces about the ongoing fight brewing in the Historic District about plastic porch columns. It may very well be a more important conflict than meets the eye--or the touch of the finger(paper or plastic? wood or vinyl).

Not meaning to be coy, but if you don't know the background on this, don't expect me to explain. It's too...too complicated? Suffice it to say that another Historic District tiff threatens to blow up..or already has (in a lawsuit according to one source), this time over whether porch columns approved in wood but built out of synthetic materials can remain in the HD.

CP does not really care to get all involved in this issue but it seems that the local newspaper is not giving it the attention it deserves, but it's not my main area of concern and certainly not an area of expertise. I think the players in this debate should start their own blog, but while emails fly back and forth, native Annapolitan and architect Craig Purcell weighs in. Without any other suitable public forum, CP reluctantly takes this on and welcomes and invites other parties to write in with their own ideas or in response to Mr. Purcell:

Dear Annapoliscapitalpunishment.blogspot.com/

Please help your downtown from way over there in Eastport. Will you or your readers please weigh in on the plastic vs. authentic material debate going on in the National Landmark District. Please inform yourselves on this issue as this is important to the fundamental identity of your State Capital after which your blog is named. Many historic grandees have taken to advocating the use of plastic in place of wood downtown and have become dangerous to the long term goals of historic preservation in Annapolis.

St. Clair Wright most definitely would not have been amused.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has clearly weighed in on this issue and still these persons of historic eminence pursue their reckless course which will set a terrible precedent for Annapolis as the gold standard of historic preservation nationally. Their actions will undermine the authentic character of the town. The HPC has yet to fine anyone as far as I know & violators seem to be given the kid glove treatment. The Commission has the power and mandate (Article 66B) to have their rulings obeyed by issuing fines for every day the violations continue to exist and are out of compliance.

Regards,

Craig Purcell, AIA, LEED

Purcell provides the below link for readers:
http://mlis.state.md.us/PDF-Documents/2000rs/bills/sb/sb0624t.pdf

CP NOTE: What do you know? I write this "column" and the next thing you know, all these ads for columns--including fiberglass, start popping up here on the blog....so get your fiberglass columns while they are still hot...
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Rearranging Sarah Palin....and Joe Biden

Rearrange the letters in her name and you get......

Sharia Plan (And they said Obama was a Muslim?)
A Sharp Nail (That she is)
His Anal Rap (Is she that too?)

No good ones for John McCain or Barack Obama but check out Joe Biden:

Jibed one (?)
Be joined (True..with hope and change)
I need job (Well, not necessarily but I guess it's a step up..)

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If Gustav Were George

Now wouldn't that be something? It would be the second time George helped to destroy New Orleans. But what if Hanna were Hillary? (I guess she'd have to head for New York...)

Wait and see as our media cover this big blow and they compare and recast scenes from Katrina, the hyperconservatives will claim "liberal media bias."

See what Michael Moore has to say about it below. You'll probably be as disgusted as I am. I mean, I think it's some kind of weird cosmic convergence, a bizarre coincidence but Moore's take on it, like his take on everything else is just....well, out there.Of course he's being sardonic, but c'mon! He's hard to take and in most cases with him, we want to blame the messenger, even when he has real and valuable things to say. I mean, get a shave Michael and take off the hat. Lose some weight. In fact, lose a lot of weight. There is a spoof documentary coming out about him next month. That ought to be fun.


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Onion Says Hurricane Isaac On Its Way Too

We are all concerned about the impending landfall of Hurricane Gustav. Here as a public service, CP is proud to bring you this latest update from The Onion about yet another potential storm, Hurricane Isaac. Please watch.

Hurricane Bound For Texas Slowed By Large Land Mass To The South

(We'll excuse them this time for misleading us that soft shell crabs are actually a species)



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