I Hope

Among the concerns for jockeys at the Preakness today is the weather. Shortly before rain began to fall minutes ago, jockeys were watching the skies. Some know all too well that their horses don't respond to sloppy tracks, and they were holding out hope that the rain stayed away from Pimlico Race Cource. “I hope it stays like this [without rain] and I hope he likes the track.” said John Velazquez, who is riding Itsmyluckyday. “[Itsmyluckyday] is another horse that didn't run very good in the slop at Churchill Downs.” Itsmyluckyday finished 15th at The Kentucky Derby with Elvis Trujilloaboard.

"I hope my baby is dead. " These are the chilling words from a mother who is now charged with repeatedly stabbing her 8-month-old child during a supervised visit with a social service's worker. The account comes from police charging documents filed in court that detail the horrific incident. Social workers rushed to help the child, and one threw a chair at her, forcing her to drop the baby, the knife still in her neck. One worker told police she confronted the suspect as she held her daughter on a table with one hand and the knife in the other.

Yesterday's hiring of Frank Wren as Orioles general manager came as little surprise to many within the organization. However, how Wren intends to fortify a team that dramatically underachieved last season for various reasons remains a point of concern to those fearful of a razed clubhouse."

Children today want clean air, world peace and help for the poor and homeless. That's what they wrote to President Barack Obama. Some also wish for lower taxes and a little more security in shopping malls. And, oh, by the way, Mr. President, "You should stop smoking!" Those were a fraction of the thoughts that were written by children from Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School in Baltimore to Obama as part of part of a national handwriting project called Mail to the Chief. About 34,000 letters from all over the United States were delivered yesterday to the Washington office of Rep. Chris Van Hollen, a Maryland Democrat who plans to forward them to Obama.

Arlington Baptist Eagles1994 record: 11-7. Coach: Tim Hurlburt.Top players: Andy Booker, Sr., M; Paul Durso, Sr., F; Daniel Birx, Jr., M; Kevin Hamilton, Jr., D.Outlook: The Eagles are hoping to enjoy the same amount of success this season competing in the MIAA C Conference as they did last year as a member of the Christian Schools Athletic Association. Booker, who scored 30 goals last season, will have to have a similarly productive senior campaign to compensate for the team's defensive shortcomings.

WASHINGTON -- Just what did George Bush say about women U.S. Senate candidates during the presidential debate Thursday night?He said he hoped a lot of them lose -- an understandable partisan shot since 10 of the 11 women running are Democrats.But despite transcripts and tapes that captured the aside by Mr. Bush, a White House spokeswoman insisted yesterday that what the president really said was:"I hope a lot of them win."But later, another White House spokeswoman, Judy Smith, acknowledged that Mr. Bush had said "I hope a lot of them lose."

The winners..."[Baltimore] got the short end of the stick, not necessarily from the Colts, but from the league in general. They wanted a little of it back. Today, I hope they got it." Tony Siragusa, Ravens defensive tackle... the losers"This is very frustrating, but I would much rather see this kind of performance and lose than not to see this kind of performance." Jim Mora, Colts coach

On deck The White Sox will be home for 22 of their next 28 games when they return to Chicago. He said it "I just look on it as I'm still doing the job, and I hope it doesn't distract from anything." Ernie Harwell, Tigers announcer, on the attention he's likely to receive as he completes his 55th and final season behind the microphone

On the Ravens' passing game We took baby steps last season. We focused on the high-percentage short passes. ... But why are we still inefficient? I hope this year that the younger [offensive] linemen bring improvement in ... giving [Steve] McNair and the receivers more chances to go downfield to keep opposing defenses honest. I think the passing game is fine and will get better with an improved running game.

Children today want clean air, world peace and help for the poor and homeless. That's what they wrote to President Barack Obama. Some also wish for lower taxes and a little more security in shopping malls. And, oh, by the way, Mr. President, "You should stop smoking!" Those were a fraction of the thoughts that were written by children from Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School in Baltimore to Obama as part of part of a national handwriting project called Mail to the Chief. About 34,000 letters from all over the United States were delivered yesterday to the Washington office of Rep. Chris Van Hollen, a Maryland Democrat who plans to forward them to Obama.

My hope is that we will not lose hope - that some of the energy, joy and promise we feel now will still be around next year. Some of it will dissipate. That is only natural. All passion cools. Sooner or later the fever passes, and we have to decide whether or not to move forward. When President-elect Barack Obama says there will be some tough times ahead, I hope we will try to understand what that really means. And when he speaks, I pray he will remember that he is not alone. He, upon whom we have placed so much, will not single-handedly make America a more just society.

Prosecutor produces weak charges for mayor Until last week, my "gold standard" for wasteful, spiteful, politically motivated witch-hunts of public officials that, in the end, only produced a few poorly supported allegations of criminal behavior was the infamous federal Office of the Independent Counsel under Kenneth W. Starr. As we all know, a Republican-controlled Congress hostile to then-President Bill Clinton's progressive agenda established this office, which spent at least $65 million of taxpayer money in an attempt to hound Mr. Clinton out of office.

It's easy to appreciate the environment when the sun is shining and the air is warm. But around 1,500 Howard County residents demonstrated their appreciation for more than nice weather Saturday at GreenFest, a county-sponsored fair promoting `green,' or environmentally friendly, lifestyles. The event, held the Glenwood Community Center, the county's first green building, featured displays from 60 vendors, clubs and organizations. "Any level of what you want to do to get involved is in this building," said Joshua Feldmark, director of the Commission on Environment and Sustainability, standing in a hallway with several exhibits.

No one seems to have seen Deysi Benitez since her four children were found murdered by their father nearly a year ago in the family's Frederick townhouse. Reported sightings in her native El Salvador turned out to be false leads. An official in the country's Washington embassy appealed for the woman to contact her, but the call went unanswered, even as police searched a pond for the woman's body. The news yesterday of the discovery of human remains that closely fit the description of the missing mother raised hopes -- and fears -- that at least most elements of the mystery had been solved.

Earlier this year, Laura Jenkins was a student herself at Villa Julie College in Stevenson, from which she graduated in the spring. Now, in less than two weeks, she will lead her own classroom of students as one of Howard County's new public school system teachers. "I'm really excited to have my own classroom," said Jenkins, 22, who will teach English to sixth-grade students at Wilde Lake Middle School in Columbia. "I want to teach English because I love it so much, and I hope to inspire others."

JUPITER, FLA. -- When does a stagnant offense become such a concern that it stirs up an entire team? Apparently not in the final weeks of spring training. Though only 11 days remain before the Orioles open the regular season, they haven't shifted into panic mode over their inability to score runs in bunches. It's too early, the regulars aren't playing the entire game, the wind is swirling. Pick your favorite excuse and apply it like spackle. It'll cover the holes. "I'm very optimistic about the offense," hitting coach Terry Crowley said.

I talk about everything from show business to fashion to crime to celebrity to television, advice to kids who want to become old-fashioned juvenile delinquents, to tips on style. It's a self-help seminar for people who want a bad influence. I hope to be a filth elder for people."- JOHN WATERS, Baltimore director, on his lecture tomorrow at the Florida Film Festival

It's Wednesday morning, and things are a little crazy around Lee Ann Womack's house. Her third album, "I Hope You Dance," was released just the week before, and when Billboard magazine released its sales chart for the week, Womack was at No. 1. Needless to say, having the best-selling country album in America is cause for celebration, and so Womack wound up entertaining a few well-wishers. "Actually, it's a lot of people," she says, laughing. "And the kids are running around." As she speaks, Anna, her youngest, squeals in the background, happily illustrating her mom's description.

On the Ravens' passing game We took baby steps last season. We focused on the high-percentage short passes. ... But why are we still inefficient? I hope this year that the younger [offensive] linemen bring improvement in ... giving [Steve] McNair and the receivers more chances to go downfield to keep opposing defenses honest. I think the passing game is fine and will get better with an improved running game.

The name of the Towers Beauty Salon - the sign says Towers East, the answering machine says Towers West - matters little to the seniors who come in weekly to get their locks trimmed, curled and hair-sprayed into homespun perfection. Customers come in to share local gossip and consume free coffee and cookies while under giant domed hairdryers. They tell stories about being real beauties years ago, though many possess a beauty few can hope to have in their 80s. They also share photos with their stylist, who seems to know exactly what to do for each customer.