Bong-toking? Out. Slots by the Patapsco? Looking doubtful. Beer at the Preakness? Over. Who’s running this place, Carrie Nation?
By Fern Shen
The Baltimore Sun’s web page reported today that the forces of temperance are ascendant in the Free State.
If it wasn’t Olympian Michael Phelps mea culpa-ing over his marijuana-smoking, it was late-breaking news that the recession-era appetite for slots parlors was so anemic that long-time slots-backer Senate President Thomas V. “Mike” Miller wants the commission overseeing the bidding process to start over, presumably to see if they can sweeten up the deal.
Then, news broke that the Maryland Jockey Club is forbidding Preakness spectators from bringing beer, thermoses of Pimm’s Cup, Evian, Big Gulps or beverage of any kind to the infield.
Hi-de-li-ho neighboreeno! What’s going on here?