« March 2007 | Main | May 2007 »
For those interested in the fine art of shot putting, here are some choice videos available on the Internet. Obviously, others have the same fascination and respect that I have for this sport and the he-men, like Parry O'Brien, who advanced and refined the form and sent the 16-pound ball further and further into space.
Classic film of O'Brien's Glide
Brian Oldfield, accompanied by Lynyrd Skynyrd
The Top Ten, accompanied by AC/DC
The gun-obssessed hate it when we throw the lack of gun control -- and the massive amount of unnecessary guns -- in their faces after another mass shooting, this time the one in Virginia. The gun-obssessed are lashing back at anyone, including this columnist, who dares raise the issue of the number of handguns in the country and the uneven regulation of them. Make sure you read the news reports from the Virginia medical examiner. While there was probably no way to stop the VT gunman, or anyone that deranged, from stepping into a building with concealed Glocks and starting a killing spree, there's no way (sort of a suicide bombing) for him to kill that many people that quickly without the firepower he possessed.
One e-mailer believes I have a duty to point this out in a future column:
According to the most recent annual statistics from the Centers for Disease Control, there were 11,500 homicides committed by perpetrators using guns. There were 17,000 deaths committed by perpetrators using vehicles after consuming alcohol. Your chances of being killed by a drunk driver are much higher than being killed by a perp with a gun.
I get a lot of requests for this information from ex-offenders, guys recently out of jail -- or their moms or girlsfriends -- so here's a bit more of it. This includes a list of agencies that work with ex-cons, to help them find jobs and stay off the street and out of trouble. The second part is a list of "hot jobs" for April from the Mayor's Office of Employment Development:
The Re-Entry Center @ Northwest One-Stop Career Center 2401 Liberty Heights Ave. Mondawmin Mall - Suite 302 Baltimore, MD 21215 Contact: Felix Mata, Project Director at 410-523-1060
Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake SEETTS Program, or Project Bridge 222 E. Redwood Street Baltimore, MD, 21202 Contact: Chip Reis at 410-837-1800, ext. 130 http://www.goodwillches.org
STRIVE Baltimore Job readiness and placement – 3 week program Contact: Glynnis Gladden or Joe Jones at 410-367-5691 http://www.strivebaltimore.com/program.htm
Positive Directions (for men and women) /Alternative Directions (for women) Housing, Employment, Education and other needs Positive Directions provides Power/Excel training 2505 N. Charles Street Baltimore, MD 21218 Maryland New Directions – Help for Women Job placement and housing needs for ex-offender women 611 Park Avenue Baltimore, MD 21201 Contact: 410-230-0630 http://www.mdnewdirections.org/mnd/
The Caroline Center - For women in recovery or transition 900 Somerset Street Baltimore, MD 21202 Contact: Sister Patricia at 410-563-1303 http://www.caroline-center.org/cchome.html Moveable Feast Culinary Training Program St. Bernadette's Catholic parish Wilkens Avenue and Cathereen Street Southwest Baltimore Contact: Vince Williams or Vic Basile, 410-327-3420 Ext. 26
For a more detailed description of each job listed, or for additional job listings, visit: www.mwejobs.com. Contact one of the Career Centers listed at the end of the Hot Jobs to apply. All applicants must be enrolled in the Maryland Workforce Exchange.
· Asbestos Workers/ Job Order Number MD0524895
Working on a demolition site with lead abatement and asbestos removal.
Qualifications:
Prefer individuals with experience in asbestos, lead, or mold removal or OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 certification.
Contact Information: Fax resume to D. Holland at 410-396-4063
_________________________________
· Baker/ 3 positions/ Job order Number MD0456886
Responsible to make various cakes, cookies, and breads.
Qualifications:
You must have at least two years of experience minimum as a baker.
Contact Information: Fax resume to: D. Holland at 410-396-4063
________________________________
· Baltimore City Urban Park Rangers (Seasonal) /MD0328500/ 20 Positions / Job order number MD
Work in large and small Urban Parks in Baltimore City to include Carroll, Druid Hill, Gwynns Falls, Leakin, Herring Run, Clifton and Patterson Park. Will patrol trails and parks; educate the public about enforcing park rules, provide orientation to ,parks provide basic visitor services, educate the public about the parks system’s historical and ecological value, community outreach activities, and perform supervisory duties. Salary range: $10.00 to $17.00 per hour. Uniforms are provided.
Qualifications:
18 years of age with reliable transportation, valid noncommercial Class C license is preferred but not required; Some college preferred but will consider experience, special skills and abilities. Must be able to work evenings and weekends and must be willing to work during normal seasonal weather conditions; Candidates should have some experience working in an outdoor environment and be comfortable working with and around plants and animals; must be in excellent physical condition and comfortable with mountain bike and walking Baltimore City Parks. Must be able to lift 75 pounds; must possess excellent oral and written communication skills to deal with the public in a courteous manner. Uniforms provided and you must be willing to wear and maintain the uniform in a professional manner. Drug and alcohol testing, criminal background check and ability to pass a physical is required.
Contact Information: Please call Tiera Dorsey at 410-767-2169 for a prescreening appointment.
________________________________________
· Bartenders, Banquet Servers/ 6 positions/ Job Order Number MD7904583
Must be very customer friendly and have proper attire.
Qualifications:
1-2 years experience required - ability to work evenings and weekends preferably.
Contact Information:
Fax resume to Bill Carnes@410-523-0970.
______________________________________________
· CDL Drivers/10 positions/Job Order Number MD0635559, Full-time/part time positions available
Qualifications: Must possess a CDL Drivers license for State of Maryland for 3 years, High School diploma or GED required. Must be physically able to perform job duties and able to lift 60 pounds. You must be able to pass a criminal investigation. You can have no more than 3 moving violations in the last 3 years. Salary $14.00/hourly
Contact Information: Please fax resume to Deborah Holland at (410) 396-4063
___________________
· Caregiver/CMA, CNA with Medical Certification/Job Order Number MD 0717761
Qualifications: Must have current nursing assistant license, MD drivers license and able to pass physical exam.
Contact Information: Please fax resume to Deborah Holland at (410) 396-4063
___________________
· Client Service Representatives / multiple positions/ Job Order Number MD0225466
Responsible for providing top quality service to internal and external customers. Will handle client and attorney requests/inquiries/problems via telephone, e-mail, fax, postal mail, and in-person by providing accurate, consistent, and responsive service meeting specific needs of each client.
Qualifications:
High school diploma or GED, some college preferred; health care or legal background preferred. Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills required to communicate with all levels of staff including co-workers and management. Must be computer literate in Microsoft Office Applications. Must be able to prioritize and organize work to meet strict time frames. Must possess the ability to manage a high volume of incoming calls and to return calls in a timely and professional manner. Must be able to lift 20 pounds. Salary: $28-$33K based upon experience.
Contact Information:
Fax resume to Bill Carnes@410-523-0970.
________________________________________________
· Collector / multiple positions/ Job Order Number MD0279174
To negotiate payment arrangements with debtors on third party accounts.
Qualifications:
High school diploma or GED with previous collection experience preferred. Willing to train the right candidates. Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills. Must be computer literate, able to prioritize and organize work in a multi-tasked environment. Must be able to work 3 days and 2 evenings, Monday through Friday, and a minimum of 2 Saturdays per month. Motivated, driven and goal-oriented personality a MUST! Must be able to lift 20 pounds. Salary: $10-$15 per hour + commissions. Base salary is commensurate with experience.
Contact Information:
Fax resume to Bill Carnes@410-523-0970.
________________________________
· Collision Repair Technician/ 1 Position/ Job Order Number MD0504828
Frame and unibody repairs on customers’ vehicles including welding, metal finishing.
Qualifications:
Prefer candidates having their own tools. 4-5 years automotive experience and a high school diploma required. ASE (Automotive Service Excellence Certification) preferred.
Contact Information: E-mail resumes to lmcneil@oedworks.com
________________________________
· Construction Jobs
If you have at least one year of experience in the construction trades, local companies want you. Many construction companies seek general laborers, carpenters, bricklayers, pipe fitters, electricians, operating engineers, construction equipment operators, painters, welders, roofers, drywall/ceiling installers, brick masons, & other skilled workers. Send resumes only. If you need a resume, visit one of the One Stop Career Centers.
Contact Information:
E-mail your resume to bmore@oedworks.com or fax your resume to Construction jobs at 410-361-9648
· Demolition Worker/ 15 positions/ Job Order Number MD0061021
You will be working on a demolition site with asbestos and lead abatement removal.
Qualifications:
Prefer experience working with lead, asbestos and mold, also experience possessing OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 certifications.
Contact Information: Fax resume to D. Holland at 410-396-4063
___________________________________
· Development Director / 1 position / MD0409593
A community-based AIDS organization seeks a seasoned Development Director to provide leadership and oversight to the acquisition, administration and reporting of private financial contributions. Candidate must be able to implement agency-wide fundraising component to include individual, corporate and foundation funders. Director will develop proposals, match programs to opportunities and shape language and structure of program initiatives to fit funding.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business or related field; 5 – 7 years experience in senior development position with proven success record. Experience in annual giving, major gifts, donor relations, corporate and foundation relations, gifts in kind, gift planning and on-line fund raising programs required. Experience in government funding/reporting desirable. Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills.
Contact Information:
E-mail letter of interest, resume with salary history, writing sample and 3 professional references to rworen@oedworks.com
· Dump Truck Driver/ 4 positions/ Job Order Number MD4099991
Drive tri-axle dump trucks. Haul dirt, sand, and rocks. Flexible shifts including nights. Because of different locations and shifts you must have your own transportation. Salary range: $12.00 - $13.00 per hr.
Qualifications:
CDL or A License and a clean driving record required. You must have your own transportation.
Contact Information:
Please call Tiera Dorsey at 410-767-2169 for a prescreening appointment
__________________________
· Foreman - Painting / 2 Positions / Job Order Number: MD-0294399
Must be an experienced painter to manage a crew. Will run projects, manage the team, prepare daily reports, time sheets and ensure jobs are completed on time and within budget.
Qualifications:
At least 5 years painting experience – brush, roller and spraying and 2 years supervisory experience. Must possess current driver’s license and own reliable transportation to get to and from jobs. Salary will be $21 to $24 /hour based upon experience.
Contact Information:
Send resume with two references to rworen@oedworks.com
____________________________________
· Integrated Pest Management Supervisor/ 1 Position/ Job Order Number MD9086376
Prepare estimates for work and submit proposals for review. Prepare and sell personalized spray programs for clients. For complete description, please see the job order in MWE.
Qualifications:
A minimum of 5-7 years field-related work at the supervisory level. A Maryland Drivers License with less than 3 points is required. Ability to effectively communicate with Clients, Management and the workforce. Excellent written, verbal and computer skills and a working knowledge of OSHA Operating Safety standards. Complete qualifications listed in the MWE.
Contact Information:
Call Tiera Dorsey at 410-767-2169 for a prescreening appointment
_______________________________.
· Janitorial Workers / 75 positions / MD0341694
Full and part-time positions to clean Camden Yards and Ravens’ Stadium, sweep, mop and pick up trash
Qualifications:
Prior janitorial experience is preferred. Good communication and interpersonal skills are a must; must be able to follow oral and written instructions, prioritize multiple tasks and work individually as well as in a team.
Contact Information:
Fax resume to Deborah Holland 410-396-4063
__________________________________________________
· Marketing Coordinator / 1 position / MD0297118
Marketing coordinator will prospect for new clients in Baltimore, set appointments, manage accounts and work on special projects for Tailored Marketing, Inc. a boutique hybrid advertising/marketing firm located in Pittsburgh, PA. Position may lead to an account executive position.
Qualifications:
Candidate must be a team player but able to work independently and will report to the Pittsburgh, PA office. Must be a creative, proactive problem-solver to develop creative marketing solutions and be able to interact with all levels of management. Candidates must have demonstrated achievements in developing new accounts and have relationships and contacts in the Baltimore area. Prior project and account management experience required.
Contact Information:
E-mail resumes to rworen@oedworks.com detailing previous two-year sales achievements
________________
· Painters – Experienced / 3 Positions / Job Order Number: MD0268301
To work on projects to include large office and commercial contracts including public and government buildings.
Qualifications:
Must have prior experience in rolling, back-rolling, cutting in and trim of walls and ceilings. Spraying experience preferred. Salary up to $15 per hour with spraying experience. Must possess current driver’s license and own reliable transportation to get to and from jobs.
Contact Information:
Send resume with two references to rworen@oedworks.com
____________________________________
· Plumber/ 5 positions/ Job Order Number MD0677594
Install various miscellaneous mixed valves, drain shoes and other fixtures.
Qualifications:
You must have plumbing experience and license. Your own transportation is needed.
Contact Information
Fax resume to D.Holland 410-396-4063
· Therapeutic Behavioral Aides / 10 Positions / Job Order Number MD0259577
Provide one-on-one home/in school and in community supervision of developmentally delayed, emotionally disturbed or those demonstrating serious behavioral issues; coordinate behavior plans with therapists/behavioral specialists; prepare daily contact notes and will attend team meetings if required.
Qualifications:
High school graduate with 1- 3 years experience in mental health, human services or education with particular emphasis on child development. Must possess excellent verbal and written communications skills and be customer-service oriented. Must be a self-started capable of working alone and as part of a diverse team serving a diverse population in a fast-paced environment. POSITIONS ARE CONTRACTUAL, individual is responsible for paying all taxes; $10 to $14 per hour depending upon experience. Full background screen and drug screen required.
Contact Information: E-mail resume to: rworen@oedworks.com
Jobs guaranteed after successful completion of the training. Apply at any of the One Stop Career Centers today! Must meet eligibility requirements to participate ( WIA, YO, ReC)
· NURSE EXTENDER - Prepare for a great career in healthcare! $ 11.52/hr.
· DECONSTRUCTION WORKER – Earn while you learn $10.00 - $12.00/hr.
REGISTER AT ANY OF THE CENTERS BELOW:
Northwest One- Stop Eastside One-Stop Baltimore Works One-Stop
Career Center Career Center Career Center
2401 Liberty Heights Ave. 3001 E. Madison Street 1100 N. Eutaw Street
Mondawmin Mall Ste. 302 Baltimore, MD 21205 Baltimore, MD 21202
410-523-1060 410-396-9030 410-767-2148
Youth Opportunity Youth Opportunity Community Center
Community Center HEBAC
1510 W. Lafayette St. 1212 N. Wolfe Street
(Gilmor St. Entrance) Baltimore, MD 21205
410-545-6950 410-732-2661
Looking for a career, money and training?
If you like working with your hands, building and tinkering, how about four weeks of paid training at a community college + a guaranteed job at one of Baltimore’s oldest companies earning $10.00 per hour just to start? As an assembler/mechanic trainee, you will learn to read and understand blueprints and assemble parts for dredging equipment. Sound good…
If you are a Baltimore City resident with a high school diploma and did well in math, we have a great opportunity for you at Baltimore Dredges. Located southwest of the Inner Harbor, Baltimore Dredges has designed and manufactured over 1,300 dredges since 1885, and has served customers in over 70 countries. Dredging equipment is used to restore beaches, make irrigation trenches for agriculture, excavate water reservoirs and prepare navigational lanes for our harbors and ports.
For more information, contact Ms. Diggs
immediately at 410-767-2148.
In his Saturday radio address, Bush says he's directing three cabinet secretaries to get with educators, mental health experts and government officials across the nation to recommend ways to avoid a repeat of the shootings at Virginia Tech. "I have directed these officials to travel to communities across our Nation, to meet with educators, mental health experts, and state and local officials. I have asked the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Mike Leavitt, to summarize what they learn and report back to me with recommendations about how we can help to avoid such tragedies."
The President never utters the word "guns."
Fun and good conversation with Kirk, Mark and Shamrock last night at Della Rose's Avenue Tavern in White Marsh, and on the air this morning (105.7 FM). Great guys -- funny, clever, witty, topical, and they speak in complete sentences. I wish them the best at their new station.
Interesting perspective from someone who deals daily with people who have emotional/mental health problems:
I share your opinion about the nature of violence in our society today and the denial by most people of the impact of the number of sources we are exposed to on a daily basis,as well as the extreme nature of the violence in that exposure, that we take for granted. We are in some ways a blessed society for these things like the " VT Massacre" to stand out as so unusual, while much of the rest of the world experiences these life ending events on a somewhat regular basis. It is also hard for us to understand that the rest of the world cries with the same tears that we do.
I would like to share with you another side of the awareness.I am a psychologist in private practice. Since Monday morning I have seen about 40 patients in therapy. As tragic as Monday morning was, not one of my patients mentioned the incident or the deaths or the families of the dead until I did at the end of the session. Not one! In spite of the media coverage and all of its perversities, my clients were concerned about their jobs, relationships, anxieties, what others thought of them, etc. I sometimes feel that after having been a psychotherapist for as many years as I have, that I can find no more surprises. Clinically I know why there was no addressing of the tragedy, personally I am disappointed and surprised. What did we learn?
I continue to read an almost constant stream of e-mails following yesterday's column on the massacre at Virginia Tech, including several that offer as a reason for the killer's rampage -- and the violence in our culture generally -- the lack of religious faith among Americans. After reading the following letter, I found myself almost agreeing with Bill Maher that more people should give up religion and start taking drugs:
Your column was quite telling. Regrettably, I find myself "not shocked" but saddened. The news did not even make me pause for more than a few minutes. Yes, it is horrible, but sadly, too common.
What makes me even sadder is to read some opinion that just washes away all Biblical precept and proudly procalims that all victims of crime like this are now resting in peace with God. Well, the Bible does not say that at all. While I can and will not be judge and jury of any soul, it is very possible that some or many of those killed were not following Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. The Bible is clear as to what we need to do to share eternity with our Lord Jesus Christ, and the fact that some of those suddenly taken from us may not have been followers of Him is the real and most horribly sad part.
Lots of e-mail on today's column. Here's a sampling:
The article on the mass killings really spoke to me. It is so unfortunate that it is so easy for us to accept what is happening to our country, our environment, our food supply, our lives and do nothing. I feel like there should be hundreds of thousands of Americans demonstrating daily in Washington....but where are we? Even so, I think there is a change coming. I don't know how and I can't promise it will be easy, but it is inevitable. We must never give up...or give in to the apathy that surrounds us.
Amen. That is the best way I can thank you for putting into words the feelings that have been roiling around in me since Monday. Thank you for giving me the words for my sadness. I don’t usually buy the Sun, I live on the Eastern Shore. I bought it for the story about the Harriet Tubman funding, I got an extra gift. I too think of myself as an idealist, yet the crass second guessing and access to guns just boggles my mind. As if anyone with a gun, as the gun lobby promotes, could have stopped him. I just hosted young professionals from Ireland sponsored by Rotary including a policeman and an attorney. They cannot comprehend our gun culture. I don’t have a problem with goose/deer/etc. hunting, I’ve seen what happens to the environment when they are protected, yet, why is it so easy to buy a gun to hurt our brothers and sisters? As you noted, it’s almost too late. There is no more shock, it will happen again and again – bigger than the last. And why are we shocked at the loss of 32 Americans, but don’t care about the hundreds of Iraqis who die each day. Today it was reported that yesterday was the deadliest day since we sent more troops into Baghdad as part of the surge. It got less than a minute of airtime on most stations. And all we get for the soldiers who gave their lives is a body count. Those families hurt at least as much.
You've hit the nail on the head. In every sense. I'm not shocked either. And on top of being saddened by the tragedy, I'm saddened that there aren't enough brave politicians in our midst to do something about it. Like you, I have to wonder if things will ever change. Maybe when 100 people die in the next massacre. Maybe not.
I just finished reading your article in the Baltimore Sun regarding the Virginia Tech killings. My co-worker brought the article over to my desk and said read it, then tell me what you think. I told her it was as if you were in on our conversations. We have said exactly the same thing we need to get rid of the guns. We are not just coming to this conclusion, but it seems like it’s not an issue unless it is election time or until a mass group of people are shot from a quiet area. Please don’t misunderstand me, I was devastated to hear the news on Monday. The victims and families are in my prayers, but so are the children that were shot a week or two ago in Baltimore. Again, I wanted to let you know that I read your article and you are not alone in these grim feelings. What can we do to get the guns off the streets?
You truly put to words my feelings. I was ashamed of not being "shocked" anymore. I am disgusted with the media coverage. They give the killer(s) so much air time these days,it is horrible. It will never get better until we as a country stand up and say enough is enough!! But big money and polictics will always reign, and things will be patched up, but never fixed. Anyway.. thanks for article, I still feel bad, but know I am not alone.
You really hit a nerve. Especially with those old enough to have seen better, saner and happier days. Too bad for the person responsible for so many thousands of killings in Iraq to address the bereaved at Virginia Tech.
Unfortunately, for America, your evaluation in today's (4/19) Sun paper is accurate. How can we express true optimism about the future to our children / grand children when this national plague of violence - fostered, primarily by HAND GUNS - is allowed to go unabated?!?! Use your "power of the pen" to engender and spread real outrage and reaction. One legislative "reaction" which might be considered and enacted to stem this virulent river, is an out-right all hand-guns abolishment in the public sector. This wouldn't necessarily negatively impact the "American Sportsman / Hunter" as he could still ply his hobby, with a RIFLE. Criminals and / or the criminally insane obviously cannot easily conceal a rifle in public among us, yet a hand gun, they can. The kids at Virginia Tech may have been alerted beforehand upon seeing a rifle and would have gotten out of harms way long before Cho cornered them. Legislation of this sort could have the potential to: 1. make our streets / society safer by not allowing perpetrators of crime the advantage of surprise, and with strong enough - real teeth legislation - anyone possessing a hand gun, outside their home might receive immediate / no questions asked incarceration thereby aiding law enforcement officials; 2. help to remove the stigma of the United States' being one of the most violent "civilized" countries in the world; 3. keep in-place the general intent of the 2nd Amendment for "hunters"; and, 4. most importantly, give our children / grand-children hope and renewed optimism while living in less fear. For everyone's sake, challenge Maryland's elected officials about this matter with your pen and see what their reaction to this crisis is. It would certainly seem to be "for the greater good" to ALL concerned!
The fact is there IS no way to legislate against this kind of atrocity. This miscreant, along with all of the others intent on criminal activity, will get their weaponry. This culture has regressed. Blacksburg was just another chapter. The real problem runs to the heart of the family structure (lack thereof)---a latch-key adolescent population demographic, left to their own designs by parents who are more interested in keeping up with the Joneses than keeping up with their parental responsibilities. Enter the liberal media (Hollywood is its capital), abusive of free speech under the guise of preserving it, exposing (and desensitizing) all to all manner of violence. Are we really surprised at what happened at Va. Tech? I believe it was Franklin who said: "We give you a republic, if you can keep it."
I too feel the same way. I wish I could have been more shocked and completely effected by the shooting. I am saddened by this even but regretfully not shocked. I just wanted to thank you for writing the article and allowed me to not feel alone in my views.
Reminder to set your clocks: Opening Day at Pimlico: Thursday, April 19. Free admission. Free racing program. Free at last! Free at last! The opening Saturday of the spring stand will include six added money races, a Pimlico T-shirt to the first 4,000 fans, and the headline event on the card will be the $125,000 Federico Tesio Stakes for 3-year-olds, which will be televised on ESPN. But don't let that stop you. Don't stay home and watch on TV. Get out and enjoy the races.
This is a shame -- the Martin Mars seaplane won't be coming back to Middle River, after all. I wrote a column about this a few months ago.
The Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum has apparently lost the bidding over the historic Martin Mars to Coulson Aircrane, Inc., a helicopter logging firm in British Columbia. The Museum had hoped to bring the aircraft back home to Middle River, Maryland, where the planes were manufactured between 1941 and 1945 at the Glenn L. Martin Company. Public statements from TimberWest, Coulson, the City of Port Alberni, and the local Canadian newspapers, indicate Coulson acquired the entire Flying Tankers operation – both aircraft, support equipment, employees, and the lease on the Sproat Lake site. The Mars flying boats will continue to provide fire suppression as water-bombers from their traditional base at Sproat Lake. Unless a snag develops, the deal should be signed within one month.
