Armory

Philly antiques show More than 55 dealers will present an array of 18th- and 19th-century antiques and collectibles, including furniture, decorative arts and more, at the Philadelphia Antiques Show from Saturday through Tuesday. The annual show, begun in 1962, is held at the 33rd Street Armory. The show starts tomorrow with a preview gala. The show also features lectures, tours and more. This year, the exhibit Vaulting Ambition -- Gothic Revival Furniture in Philadelphia 1830-1860 will be on display, showcasing never-before-seen furniture, as well as paintings, books, ceramics and silver.

It took more than an hour of meticulous brushing, styling and blow-drying - and a little last-minute shaving - to get Marlene ready for her big moment. The intensive grooming paid off: The cocker spaniel from France was named the best female in her round during competition at the Maryland Kennel Club's 93rd All Breed Dog Show yesterday. More than 1,800 dogs competed. The top honor - Best in Show - went to Garbh Aerie of Eagle, an Irish wolfhound. The dogs competed in 12 rings against others of the same breed and age. More than 140 breeds were represented.

NOW OR NEVER More than just a large vehicle, it's a home on the road. Today's recreational vehicles boast more than just the comforts of home. Some, in fact, have the comforts of a luxury hotel. If you're in the market for an RV, or just want to dream, visit the Maryland Recreational Vehicle Show this weekend and next weekend at the Maryland State Fairgrounds. The 40th annual show sets up camp indoors and presents the newest and largest class-A motor homes and travel trailers on the market, including those with tent campers, truck inserts and new side-outs.

While the debate continues about whether 377 tons of explosives from an Iraqi arms depot were removed during Saddam Hussein's last days of power or looted after U.S. troops invaded, hundreds of thousands of tons of ordnance throughout Iraq have not been secured, according to military officers and documents. U.S. forces and contractors hired by the Army Corps of Engineers have destroyed or secured about 400,000 tons, officials said. But it is estimated that Iraq's total inventory of bombs, rockets, missiles and explosives is at least 600,000 tons.

The Bel Air Downtown Revitalization Alliance will hold its second annual Hometown Holidays Event Dec. 3 through 5 at the Bel Air Armory on North Main Street. A preview night will be held on Dec. 2. Volunteers are sought to decorate holiday trees and wreaths; play Santa Claus; staff the event; and assist in setting up and a breaking down the hall. "This is a wonderful opportunity to use your creative talents to help the revitalization of our town," said Chairwoman Cora Harrison. For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, contact Harrison at 410-838-2985.

Irish festival planned this weekend at armory The 30th annual Baltimore Irish Festival will be held tomorrow through Sunday at the 5th Regiment Armory at Howard and Preston streets. The festival will feature crafts, food and traditional dancing and music. Proceeds from the festival will go to Irish Charities of Maryland. Admission is $10 for adults and $20 for a three-day pass; $5 for children older than 12; and $7 for senior citizens. Entertainment will be provided by Irish groups such as O'Malley's March, Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul, Rigadoo, Na Fianna Pipe Band and Ellis Island.

Hometown: Baltimore Current members: Martin O'Malley, vocals, acoustic guitar, songwriter; Jared Denhard, harp, highland pipe, trombone; Jamie Wilson, drums; Ralph Reinoldi, guitar; Jim Eagan, fiddle; Sean McCominskey, button accordion; Pete Miller, bass. Founded in: 1988 Style: Traditional and contemporary Irish music Influenced by: Shane MacGowan Notable: It's the mayor's band. Quotable: Jared Denhard on being in the mayor's band: "People often assume that we must work for the city."

Told by local Afghans that hundreds of Taliban fighters were holed up in nearby villages and in the mountains above them, Army Warrant Officer Michael J. McInerney led his detachment of 12 Special Forces soldiers from a Maryland Army National Guard unit into the jagged hills in pursuit. The insurgents "scattered like rats," said McInerney, 39, a resident of Alexandria, Va. But between Aug. 25 and Sept. 4 last year, he and his fellow citizen-soldiers, with about 200 Afghan militiamen, tracked the Taliban on foot up the hot, dusty valleys that crease the 9,000- foot peaks north of Dai Chupan, in southern Zabul province.