George Washington: life and legacy
The Bibliophile These fascinating books shed light on lesser known chapters in the life and legacy of George Washington. The Virginia native, born on February 22, 1732, never lived in the White House. However, there are several sites in the area with which he is associated that are well worth reading about and visiting. Young Washington: How Wilderness and War Forged America’s... READ MORE
Powerful play highlights female strength
Prior to the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, women comprised half of government workers, 70% of schoolteachers and 40% percent of doctors in its capital city, Kabul, according to the U.S. Department of State. A Thousand Splendid Suns, which runs through March 1 at Arena Stage, tells the story of Laila (Mirian Katrib), who grew up in Kabul and likely would have been one of those... READ MORE
Silent Sky shines a light on female scientists
You don’t need a degree in astronomy to enjoy Ford Theatre’s production of Silent Sky. All you need is your humanity. Silent Sky, written in 2015 by Lauren Gunderson, the most produced American playwright, showcases the life of Henrietta Swan Leavitt, a partially deaf astronomer from the 19th century. This is a story not about science but about the obstacles and sacrifices people,... READ MORE
Musicians revitalize early jazz melodies
Most jazz bands today play famous tunes by Duke Ellington and Charlie Parker. One Baltimore band, however, revives the early songs of Cab Calloway and Fletcher Henderson — jazz music from the 1920s and 1930s, decades earlier than the most popular songs in that genre. That’s the mission of the Hotel Paradise Roof Garden Orchestra, a 12-person ensemble comprised of musicians ranging ... READ MORE
Facing a painful part of the past
Almost 90 years after a man was hanged by a mob in Maryland, residents of Howard County have begun an effort to remember the victims of lynching in the area. “The legacy still influences us,” said Will Schwarz, president and founder of the Maryland Lynching Memorial Project (MLMP), which he established in 2018. The nonprofit is dedicated to remembering the victims of lynching and... READ MORE
Unique club’s place in history
Twenty-one years ago, a Vietnam veteran returned to his home of Baltimore to “give back” to his community. That was when Kaleb Tshamba, now 70, joined the Arch Social Club, first established in 1905. “Social clubs always build the community up,” said Tshamba, the club’s de facto historian, who is writing a book about its early history. For generations, the Arch Social Club,... READ MORE
Limit winter damage to your plants
You’ve prepared for the predicted snowstorm. You’ve spread salt on the driveway, sidewalk and steps, reducing the chances of slipping and falling. However, have you considered how your lawn and plants will fare this season? A little bit of science provides reasons to prepare your garden for the damage of winter weather. Chemistry: Slippery surfaces Chloride-based chemicals (salts)... READ MORE
Start 2020 with these books and calendars
The Bibliophile Begin the new year with a healthier lifestyle and an optimistic outlook. Observe the world around you while making each day count. What to Eat When: A Strategic Plan to Improve Your Health and Life Through Food, by Michael Roizen, M.D., Michael Crupain, M.D., MPH, with Ted Spiker, 352 pages, National Geographic paperback, 2019 This book focuses on... READ MORE
Please weigh in: Is this a good idea or not?
The parking lot of a bank is an unlikely spot for either a huge argument or a nice idea. But the other day, I was a witness to the first and the author of the second. The scene was a typical one: Eight parking spaces in the bank’s lot, including one clearly marked for those who have a handicapped hang tag. The traffic jam in the bank lot was pretty typical, too. All eight spaces... READ MORE
Reese Witherspoon stands up for women
Reese Witherspoon remembered when she met with several film production studios in 2011 to ask them how many movies were being developed for women. The studios’ responses nearly floored her. “Of all the major seven studios, the answer was one,” Witherspoon said after she received the prestigious Sherry Lansing Leadership Award at The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment... READ MORE
Arts 2024
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