Larry Smith

I was dismayed to learn that my congressman, Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger of Maryland's 2nd Congressional District, voted for an unconditional $2.4 trillion increase in the U.S. debt ceiling limit without instituting any fiscal controls or compromises. Fortunately, the motion failed 318 to 97. Providing that kind of credit increase without any concurrent spending cuts or caps would have signaled to the world that we Americans aren't serious about living within our means. Such a message is egregiously irresponsible.

The Chesapeake Bay is 200 miles long and 35 miles wide at its widest point. It's the nation's largest estuary, and 17 million people live within its 64,000 square mile watershed, which includes six states and the District of Colombia. But unfortunately, over time the bay's ecosystem has deteriorated because of excess nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment entering the water as a consequence of human practices. In December 2010, the EPA issued its final Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Limits — a historic and comprehensive "pollution diet" for the bay and its tributaries.

When the Canadian Football League concluded its two days of meetings in Baltimore yesterday, team owners were able to measure progress in small steps.The aim of the meetings was to solidify the rapidly changing structure of the league."This year is a year for stabilizing," said Bill Comrie, owner of the B.C. Lions.In addition to addressing the major problems, there were also these developments:* The league made no decision on future expansion, but did establish a Team Services division to assist new franchises.

Howard County detectives say they will charge two men and a juvenile arrested in Prince George's County last week with a string of eight garage burglaries in the Columbia area this year.Sgt. Steve Keller, a Howard police spokesman, said officers applied for warrants charging Larry Eugene Smith, 22, Rodney Lee Smith, 28, and a 17-year-old Odenton boy with 10 counts of burglary, 11 counts of theft and one count of destruction of property and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.Howard police are investigating whether the suspects may have committed as many as 20 such crimes in Howard County dating back to October, Sergeant Keller said.

Jan 18 -- The Calgary Stampeders sign Doug Flutie to a five-year contract.Jan 27 -- The Canadian Football League's board of governors approves expansion teams for Memphis, Tenn., and Birmingham, Ala.Feb 17 -- The San Antonio City Council approves an agreement to bring the CFL's Sacramento Gold Miners to San Antonio for the coming season.Feb 17 -- CFL commissioner Larry Smith brands as "totally preposterous" a report saying the league will fold within six weeks, then begin play under a new name to eliminate roster restrictions on Canadian teams.

No longer will it be a novelty act because this is the second time around for Baltimore in the Canadian Football League. The owner of the franchise, Jim Speros, and the commissioner, Larry Smith, won't have to ride in on horses -- certainly one of the most imaginative sports introductions any city has ever been presented, considering that once upon a time there was a team playing in the same stadium known and revered as the Baltimore Colts.Last season, the CFL and Speros, in particular, played off the fact, while tugging on the heartstrings, that the Colts were taken away.

No. 2 Nebraska (7-0, 3-0) at No. 7 Colorado (6-1, 2-1)Where: Folsom Field, Boulder, Colo., 3:30 p.m.TV: Channel 2The week that was: Nebraska used a 24-7 victory over Colorado in Lincoln last year to leap from No. 3 in the AP poll to No. 1. The Cornhuskers' defense stuffed the Buffaloes, who were 0-for-15 on third- and fourth-down conversion attempts. Nebraska QB Tommie Frazier missed the game with a blood-clot problem, and his replacement, Brook Berringer, threw for 142 yards and a touchdown.

Moves Baseball ORIOLES: Announced minor league roving infield/base-running instructor Matt Martin will not be offered contract for next season. Announced Triple-A Ottawa manager Tim Leiper will not be offered contract for next season. Announced Single-A Aberdeen pitching coach Andre Rabouin will not be offered contract for next season. Basketball BUCKS: Signed G Tommy Adams. CAVALIERS: Signed G Lucious Harris. Named Philip Averbuck director of international scouting. GRIZZLIES: Signed C Pau Gasol to a multi-year contract extension.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- When he stopped by as a guest at the Baltimore Football Club's preseason luncheon two weeks ago, Canadian Football League commissioner Larry Smith scoffed at the notion that negotiations between the league and the CFL Players Association might end in a strike."

The Learning Bank volunteers and staff are holding the second annual Bowling for Scholars party from 4 to 7 p.m. April 26 at Towson Fair Lanes, 701 Southwick Drive, Towson. The party includes snacks, prizes, gift certificates and friendly competition. For details call 659-5452.Bon Secours Hospice Program wants volunteers to provide direct or indirect services for terminally ill patients and their families. A spring training will begin the first weekend in May. Call Marla Feldman, 837-8500.