The Love Letter

Does anyone under the age of 30 even know what a “love letter” is? Back in the day…before smart phones, computers, the internet, instantaneous communication, there were letters. Real letters. Handwritten. Thought-out. Emotional. Confidential. Meaningful. Heartfelt. Back in the day, people spoke on telephones, in person, and managed to engage with one another without the use of any electronic devices whatsoever. And they wrote to each other. Love letters. Letters home from camp. Postcards from faraway places, like Ocean City, Maryland. Slips of paper passed in school. Grocery lists. Letters to friends. Letters to distant relatives. Thank you notes. RSVP…

Shatter the Illusion of Integrity (part 2)

Not to pile on, but doesn’t it seem like we just can’t seem to get this integrity thing right here in Baltimore? I guess this must happen in other municipalities, no? But jeez Louise, really, more tawdry scandal again? And we can’t even claim a scandal of the salacious variety (think Anthony Weiner); ours is embarrassingly petty: not particularly large sums of money acquired in dishonest and/or questionable ways by Baltimoreans whom we are supposed to trust. Dixon with her gift cards. DeSousa avoiding income taxes. And now Healthy Holly. As longtime Baltimore chronicler and conscience Dan Rodricks reminds us,…

I’m Just a Girl Who Can Say No…and Does, Frequently

There’s something to be said for amiability. Smiling pleasantly, getting along, going along. People like amiable people. You know what happens to those who are so affable, so unbelievably agreeable? They get stuck doing EVERYTHING! That used to be me, I’ll admit it. I’m a people pleaser, I like making people happy. It’s great to bask in the warmth of someone’s glowing appreciation for your thoughtfulness and consideration. Until you start to suffer. There’s only so many hours in a day, so many minutes in an hour. If you’re always “doing” for someone else, then you’re the one who is…