Press Conference

CAIRO, Egypt -- Secretary of State James A. Baker III increased his verbal pressure on Israel and Syria yesterday, saying that if they were serious about peace they would find a way to solve the procedural disputes blocking a Middle East conference."

When the president doesn't call on time, our governor gets cranky. And angry. And petty.Very, very petty.That seems to be the reason Maryland's government is operating under a gag order that bars bureaucrats from answering questions from the media, or legislators, unless the communication is cleared through the governor's office. Even our recent inquiries on wild ducks and bungee jumping have run into a stone wall from state employees terrified they would lose their jobs if they answered such simple questions without getting the okay from William Donald Schaefer himself.

At a press conference two days ago, Baltimore County dTC Executive Roger B. Hayden blamed everyone but himself for his failed re-election bid against Democrat C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger. The Republican incumbent did offer one legitimate point in explaining his defeat -- that is, his government downsizing and layoffs of county workers cost him votes. Yet he was totally resistant to suggestions that he bore any responsibility for his loss.Mr. Hayden's Nixonian press conference, and his election-night tirade against his opponent on live TV, underscored the incumbent's fatal flaw: a lack of personal appeal that left people unenthusiastic about him as their leader.

Two-time All-Metro quarterback Bobby Sabelhaus of McDonogh School called a press conference today to announce his acceptance of a football scholarship to the University of Florida, a source close to the family confirmed.Sabelhaus said he will sign officially on Feb. 8, the first day of the NCAA seven-day early signing period for football players. The 6-foot-6, 225-pound Sabelhaus, who was The Baltimore Sun's 1994 All-Metro Offensive Player of the Year, has already notified the other programs in the running for his services -- Duke, Boston College and Michigan -- that he will be playing for Florida coach Steve Spurrier, the source said.

A 30-year-old city man was sentenced yesterday in federal court to 20 years in prison for carrying a loaded gun, crack cocaine and marijuana, prosecutors said. Prosecutors highlighted the lengthy prison sentence at a news conference in an effort to deter criminals from committing gun crimes, part of a new crime-fighting strategy led by the state's attorney's office that would guarantee prison time for those convicted of carrying guns. "Baltimore Exile," a collaboration between federal, state and local law enforcement, would seek significant prison sentences for those convicted of gun crimes by prosecuting more of those cases in federal court, where prosecutors enjoy a higher conviction rate and sentences are generally harsher.

Los Angeles - The networks like to call it "reality" television. But metaphysics aside, what we are really talking about is "cheap" television.And one thing viewers are going to be seeing a lot more of this spring is cheap programs. The bottom line is shaping the look of prime time at the broadcast networks more and more. A few examples:*ABC has a new program called "American Detective." Sound familiar? It should: It's "Cops," the Fox show that follows real police officers around, kicked up to the level of detectives.

For the seventh time in history, WrestleManiawill be hosted in New York/New Jersey. At a press conference Thursday, MetLife Stadium, the home of the New York Giants and New York Jets of the NFL, was announced as the venue for WrestleMania 29, taking place April 7, 2013. In attendance for the press conference were WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Jets owner Woody Johnson, Giants owner John Mara and notable WWE Superstars John Cena, Triple H, Sheamus and Mark Henry.

If you absolutely, positively, can't wait to spend $180 for your authentic Orioles Sammy Sosa No. 21 jersey - and it appears from an unscientific sampling yesterday that you have lots of company - fear not. Majestic Athletic, the official supplier of uniforms to all 30 major league teams, began production at 8 yesterday morning. With any luck, you'll be able to wear that Sosa jersey to work early next week. Chuck Strom, senior brand manager for Major League Baseball apparel at Majestic, said the family-owned company couldn't start making Sosa Orioles jerseys until the deal was official.

Rushing to implement a new, violent-crime task force even before planning for the unit is complete, Baltimore police officials last night sent a dozen extra patrol officers into the most crime-ridden areas of East and West Baltimore in an effort to reassure beleagured residents."

If, at this very instant, we were gathered in a cocktail lounge somewhere -- a cozy Ramada off the interstate, or maybe some country-western joint in a shopping center -- and the lounge singer was taking requests -- some guy with Frankie Avalon hair sitting behind a Hammond 2000, the kind that makes those marvelous rhythm sounds (Chee-it, chit-chit. Chee-it, chit-chit . . . ) -- I think I'd have to get up, slip him a buck and have him sing a Billy Joel song. You know the one:"Don't go changin' . . . to try and please me . . ."