As a writer of non-fiction, the late Paul Fussell was one of the master distillers of the 20th Century, and by distiller I mean something like this: A writer who considers all -- not only the general history of an examined period, but the cultural, political, social and commercial environment -- and who extracts from … Continue reading 50th anniversary of a great book about the ‘Great War’
Plan ahead for Mother’s Day: The Mamma Mia Vase
Disclaimer: I am not an investor in Mamma Mia brand olive oil. I receive no compensation from wholesalers or retailers of olive oil. I am a mere consumer: I cook with the stuff. And this brief note is meant as a reminder to the many readers who have asked me where they could get Mamma … Continue reading Plan ahead for Mother’s Day: The Mamma Mia Vase
Eternal Coach: Remembering Gene Hackman for his role in ‘Hoosiers’
Like many of his fans across the land, I dialed up “Hoosiers,” the 1985 film about small-town Indiana basketball, to honor the film’s star, Gene Hackman, and to remember him after his passing at 95 in his acting glory. He comes into the story right away, during opening credits, arriving at Hickory High School in … Continue reading Eternal Coach: Remembering Gene Hackman for his role in ‘Hoosiers’
Photo Gallery: G. Krug & Son of Baltimore, forging history
Peter Krug, the fifth generation of Krugs at the old ironworks on West Saratoga Street, took me through his shop one recent morning. After the tour, upstairs and down, I concluded that no place in Baltimore has a richer feel of yesterday, so real you can touch it and come away with dust on your … Continue reading Photo Gallery: G. Krug & Son of Baltimore, forging history
Looking to help Ukraine? Here’s what’s happening, groups you can support.
I first spoke with Peter Charchalis shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 and found him knowledgeable of Ukraine’s history and its modern political and cultural life. Peter was born in Baltimore to parents who had fled Ukraine at the end of World War II, when it was part of the Soviet Union. He lived … Continue reading Looking to help Ukraine? Here’s what’s happening, groups you can support.
Feeling blue? Read Angela Cook’s poem
There were many good, interesting and moving poems presented at Baltimore's historic Senator Theatre the other night -- poetry and prose from members of one of the Glenwood Life Counseling Center recovery groups -- but the one I offer in this space, as a tonic for our troubled times, is "The Color Blue" by Angela … Continue reading Feeling blue? Read Angela Cook’s poem
Winter canaries
Just a quick note about this photograph, texted to me from Alan Klotz in Garrett County. They are Evening Grosbeaks. I have not seen them in years, and Alan's photo takes me back to winters in a small Massachusetts town. These amazing birds, colorful as canaries, would show up in our backyard to feed on … Continue reading Winter canaries
Make nice with a dictator, scold our allies: Trump-Vance betrayal prompts a letter to Europe
In his first term as president, Trump went to France and passed on a visit to the U.S. military cemetery because of rain. A delegation lead by Chief of Staff John Kelly, the retired general, went instead. It was later reported that Trump rejected the idea of a cemetery visit because he didn't want to … Continue reading Make nice with a dictator, scold our allies: Trump-Vance betrayal prompts a letter to Europe
At the Walters in Baltimore: A break from vulgarities and lies for some beauty and truth
Children were making art in the bright and beautiful Sculpture Court of the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore on Saturday morning. They sat at tables or kneeled on chairs to lean over tables to make greeting cards as their parents watched. Adults were also sketching or cutting and glue-sticking colorful construction paper, creating art. As … Continue reading At the Walters in Baltimore: A break from vulgarities and lies for some beauty and truth
Deaths of vultures from avian flu in rural Maryland
Kurt Kolaja, a friend who lives in Queen Anne's County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, shared photographs of some of the dozens of dead vultures he’s found on his property and his neighbor’s since December. The state confirmed the cause of death as avian flu. For the full story, click here.
Dan Rodricks 