Recalling what our lives were like in 1968
He walked up to me at an academic conference wearing an inquisitive expression. I said hello and introduced myself. He did the same. Then this student said to me: “I’d like to know more about 1968. Can you help me?” My reply: “How much time ya got?” For all of us who waded, wandered, worried and worked through that epic year of American history, 1968 remains an obvious... READ MORE
Local authors tell of murder, satire, more
The Bibliophile These accomplished writers will mesmerize you with their fascinating accounts of true crime, the life of a beloved local figure, and a forgotten chapter in aviation history. Blood Runs Coal: The Yablonski Murders and the Battle for the United Mine Workers of America, by Mark A. Bradley, 368 pages, W.W. Norton & Company paperback, 2021 On December 9, 1969,... READ MORE
Honoring volunteers for decades of work
For the past 25 years, Montgomery County, Maryland, has chosen two older adults to receive the annual Neal Potter Path of Achievement Award for their lifelong commitment to volunteer work. The awards, named after former County Executive Neal Potter, are co-sponsored by the Montgomery County Commission on Aging and the Beacon Newspapers. This year, the county selected Dr. Carol Garvey, ... READ MORE
Play highlights Hollywood compromises
It turns out that pairing a Midwestern historian who writes a bestselling book on the Chinese Exclusion Act with a Hollywood producer who wants to turn it into television gold is a recipe for a hilarious and moving comedy. At least, this is true for Exclusion, the 10th production in a series of works Arena Stage theater commissioned for its Power Plays initiative. It is also longtime... READ MORE
Artist Hal Boyd makes ‘art that is mine’
Baltimore artist Hal Boyd’s paintings give observers the feeling that they’re in a dream: People dressed to the nines are waltzing in the moonlight while a gazelle looks on nearby (“Gazelle,” 2012); a bride and groom pose for a traditional wedding portrait, while candles dance behind the bride and two ghostly figures kiss in the background (“Bride & Groom,” 1989);... READ MORE
Finding nostalgia in your nearby grocery
These days, grocery shopping can and will take you far beyond groceries. Need nylons? Birthday cards? Blue jeans? A lunchbox festooned with cartoon characters? Your friendly local store has them all. Not to mention sushi, exotic white wine and Advil (could there be a connection?). But the other day, as I trundled through the cleansers aisle, I spied an item that made my rotten... READ MORE
Books reveal untold World War II stories
The Bibliophile Even today, remarkable tales about the Second World War are emerging. These books shed light on lesser-known aspects of the war and of heroes from the Greatest Generation. Immortal Valor: The Black Medal of Honor Recipients of World War II, by Robert Child, 288 pages, Osprey hardcover, 2022; paperback, June 2023 The Medal of Honor is the highest military... READ MORE
Alexandria’s corner jewelry shop endures
It may not have the pizazz and glitter of Tiffany’s, but David Martin’s 800-square-foot Virginia shop and studio, Gold Works, glows nonetheless. For 33 years, Martin has designed, made, restored and sold jewelry in the modest brick building on the corner of Old Town Alexandria’s King and West Streets. “This store is my wife and my baby,” Martin said. Gold Works sparkles with ... READ MORE
Facing up to my limitations at a singalong
We graying (or gray) souls have all had one or more of these experiences: We attend a business meeting and we’re the oldest person there. We mention “November 22, 1963” in a room full of Gen Xers and are met with a sea of uncomprehending faces. We read “OMG,” “ICYMI” or another hip digital abbreviation, and we have no idea what it means. Now I have another log to... READ MORE
Ideas and advice for venturing outdoors
The Bibliophile Time to head outdoors and enjoy springtime. These books offer ideas for activities close to home. AIA Guide to the Architecture of Washington, DC: Sixth Edition, by G. Martin Moeller, Jr., 383 pages, Johns Hopkins University Press softcover, 2022 This comprehensive guide covers more than 400 structures of distinction in the nation’s capital. Whether you’re an... READ MORE
Arts 2024
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