Monument

The present controversy over the proposed Eisenhower National Memorial centers on the relationship between the meaning and significance of Dwight David Eisenhower's service to the nation and architect Frank Gehry's scheme to commemorate that service. Does the design fulfill the requirements and standards of monumental civic art? Does it, in a seemly manner, recognize and honor the achievements of General Eisenhower as supreme commander of the Allied Forces in Europe in World War II and as president of the United States from 1953 to 1961?

They are plebes no longer. It took two hours, 10 minutes and 13 seconds Tuesday for the freshman class at the U.S. Naval Academy to have one of its own knock a plebe's "dixie cup" hat from the top of the greased Herndon Monument and replace it with a midshipman's hat, symbolically morphing the group into 4th-class Mids. Andrew Craig, 19, of Tulsa, Okla., achieved the goal in the noisy and slippery event that drew between 800 and 1,000 plebes, officials said. Tradition holds that the student who caps the monument will be first in the class to reach the rank of admiral, though that has yet to happen.

The mission was a lot easier to define than it was to carry out. The Orioles wanted six larger-than-life bronze likenesses of the six living legends who have had their numbers retired by the team, and they had to be perfect. The first one will be unveiled at Oriole Park on Saturday, when the team celebrates the life and career of Hall of Famer Frank Robinson. Brooks Robinson will be honored next, then Earl Weaver , Jim Palmer, Eddie Murray and Cal Ripken Jr. - one a month throughout the season.

Lady Baltimore has withstood much in 189 years perched overlooking Courthouse Square. She has lost both of her arms over the decades — one of them, holding high a wreath that signifies service to the republic, was sheared off by a gust of wind in January 1938, shattering on the pavement. And though it may be hard to tell from the street 52 feet below, wind, rain, snow, hail and pollution have dissolved much of the marble statue's eyes, nose and ears. But a new effort will finally give Lady Baltimore a new home — for her own good.

Towson forged the program's largest fourth-quarter rally when it turned a 9-3 deficit into a 10-9 win in double overtime against Colonial Athletic Association rival Hofstra Saturday night. It was the Tigers' largest comeback in the second half. The previous mark was a four-goal hole in the third quarter to Loyola in 2001 before that squad notched a 19-14 victory. How that victory will impact the program is undetermined, but coach Shawn Nadelen said he was pleased to see his players' willpower.

Fireworks lit up Mount Vernon Place, the sound of choirs echoed off townhouses and laser lights illuminated the chilly air Thursday evening for the 40th annual lighting of Baltimore's Washington Monument. "The fireworks this year were the best. They were really terrific," said Hunting Ridge resident Vicki Bringman, who has attended the event for more than a decade with her husband, Lew Bringman. "We couldn't see much other than kids' rear ends, up on their parents' shoulders, but it was wonderful.

Ravens great Matt Stover will preside over this year's lighting of Baltimore's Washington Monument, organizers announced Tuesday. Stover spent 13 seasons as a Raven, earning respect as one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history and the admiration of Baltimore fans who appreciated both his on-field performance and his off-field love for their city. Although not signed by the Ravens following the 2008 season (he would later sign with Indianapolis and help them get to Super Bowl XLIV)

As part of their 20th anniversary at Camden Yards, the Orioles in 2012 will unveil six statues of the modern franchise's Hall of Famers in a revamped area beyond the bullpens in left-center field. Each of the six men who have gone into the National Baseball Hall of Fame as an Oriole — Frank Robinson, Brooks Robinson , Earl Weaver , Jim Palmer, Eddie Murray and Cal Ripken Jr. — will be honored with his own free-standing bronze statue. All six have been involved in the process, which has been ongoing for more than a year.

Two of Baltimore's most recognizable landmarks will be lit up in blue Monday in honor of World Diabetes Day — a commemoration inspired by a 16-year-old girl's desire to draw attention to the prevalent disease. The Washington Monument in Mount Vernon and the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower will be illuminated Monday evening. Blue is the color of the globally recognized symbol for diabetes, a circle. The city granted the request by Amanda Witherspoon, a Garrison Forest School sophomore who was diagnosed six years ago with Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease that can damage victims' eyes, kidneys, heart and blood vessels, and nerves.

Twelve Harford Leadership Academy grads will display their talents as performing artists in a competition fundraiser Tuesday, Nov. 15, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Chesapeake Theater at Harford Community College. The performers will compete for Judges' Choice, Audience Favorite and Best in Show. Three area community leaders - James LaCalle, Duke Thompson (Maryland Conservatory of Music) and Vanessa Milio (Harford County Chamber of Commerce) - will be judges. The master of ceremonies will be Eric E. McLaughlin, a founding partner of Shaffer, McLauchlin & Stover, LLC. Tickets to the event are open to the public and are $20. To purchase tickets, call the HCC Ticket Box Office at 443-412-2211.