The last time I reported on a massive throng gathered around the Reflecting Pool, in front of the seated marble Abraham Lincoln, it was the first major anti-Vietnam demonstration that eventually led to toppling Lyndon B. Johnson’s presidency.

Admittedly, I enjoy political rhetoric, especially when aimed at inept leaders. One of my favorite barbs is an alleged announcement by a former chairman of the Board of County Commissioners that David Gray is the "dumbest person I have ever met."

In years past the greatest lament when it came to elections was voter apathy. That is not a concern this year.

I was sitting in a doctor's waiting room when I checked my phone and found my editor's message, "When can I expect your column?" I jumped up from my chair and headed upstairs to the guest computer room at the University of Maryland. Thank goodness I was very early, as I had another, earlier appointment at another Baltimore hospital today.

All this hoo-doo about green this and green that has become ridiculous to the point that it recalls the myth that massive investment in computer technology will significantly reduce the use of paper and ‘save the trees.”

As the 2010 Maryland gubernatorial contest muddles-on, comes the curious tale of two tragic incidences at separate juvenile justice system facilities, with two profoundly different results during the administration of Gov. Martin O’Malley.

The forecasts by many pundits of the upcoming debacle for the Democratic Party in the November elections are wrong, very wrong. They are an insult to the American people.

In a version of my native Louisiana patois, the above phrase translated into standard English says: Letting people do anything they please accomplished little.

In early 2009, I was coaching the MATHCOUNTS competition team at The Barnesville School, then my place of employment. MATHCOUNTS is a nationwide system of mathematics competitions, open to middle schools students in the USA.

Dear County Commissioner Candidates: There are a few things I’d like to know before I cast my vote for any of you. This isn’t about Republicans or Democrats. And it’s not about conservatives or liberals.

As always, the first day of school is a mixture of sadness and happiness. I am sad because I have less time with my family (my wife is a pre-K teacher at Lincoln Elementary, so she started today also), but getting back to a routine helps with the scheduling.

“The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere

The ceremony of innocence is drowned;

The best lack all conviction, while the worst

Are full of passionate intensity.”

William Butler Yeats

In December of 2008 I wrote a column entitled “Time Is Money.” I thought it may be time for a little redux.

The column is so easy it almost writes itself. It happens that way sometimes, but it always comes as a surprise.

The primary election is only a few weeks away and political signs continue to sprout like weeds in an overgrown lawn. Most candidates play by the rules and only place signs on properties where they have the express consent of the owner.

Various polls of the Maryland gubernatorial contest continue to show incumbent Gov. Martin O'Malley and his Republican opponent, former-Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., in a statistical tie should the election be held today.

Kuching, Malaysian Borneo – The tourist crowds have thinned markedly this month. The best time to visit Kuching, I think. Euro languages can still be heard but they come from the few backpackers and retirees, who, unfortunately, don’t mix. Hilton and Hostel visitors are on opposite sides of the Borneo experience.