Nice. Sweet. Lovely. Way to go, O's!

The Birds hold the Sox to four hits. They're stealing bases. They're playing strong defense. (Did you see Markakis go for that Manny foul?) Tejada seems to have lost his attitude. You have to like the way Trembley and Mazzone are handling the pitchers.

And, the Yankees beat the White Sox with eight home runs and gain a game on Boston.

All this makes me happy. More. More. We want more. Trachsel goes Wednesday night.

Sweet dreams.

Posted by Dan Rodricks at 10:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

So, Nestor liked my blog post expressing appreciation for his radio station's programming -- WNST-AM (1570). He didn't so much like what I had to say about him, calling him a self-promoter and saying his criticisms of Orioles management are over-the-top. Here's his response:

I "agree to disagree" regarding (Orioles) ownership...  Ask around with ANYONE who has had the misfortune of having to work with/for them...They are creeps... And they took away my press credential... And they've taken this city's passion for hometown pride and baseball and the Orioles and they've systematically destroyed it...

So much for free speech in America in 2007... Free The Birds 2 is coming in a few weeks...

And if you THINK for a NANOSECOND it's about "self promotion," you're wrong...I REALLY am OFFENDED when people say "publicity stunt!"

We're trying to enact civic change...

What Peter Angelos has done to the streets of downtown Baltimore on a summer night is a DISGRACE and an OUTRAGE...

Come on down here one night when there is a home game...you'll see how barren the streets are...

Come down and talk to the business community down here and how the Orioles' mismanagement has hurt this city in so many ways...

I gave 35 years of my LIFE to the Orioles...my entire media entity EXISTS BECAUSE I was an Orioles fan...

I wrote an ENTIRE BOOK about why I love the Orioles and baseball...

Those empty seats at Camden Yards and that full hill in Cooperstown full of orange should tell you all you need to know...

Nestor Aparicio, nasty@wnst.net

Posted by Dan Rodricks at 6:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
                    

All together, Orioles fans, let's gather around your MASN tonight and transport our collective orange-and-black karma to Boston with the Birds so they have a lovely run against the Sox, who we are eager to see choke again. Remember, this is what that franchise is notorious for. (News to the Obnoxious Red Sox Nation: The Orioles haven't won a World Series in 24 years, but they've been in six since 1966 and won three of them. The Red Sox have only one one Series in nearly 90 years. Never has a franchise gotten so much hype for such little achievement, and who have the Sox put into the Hall of Fame lately?)

Anyway, we're rooting for our Orioles, and hoping the Sox return to their old ways. Can't happen, you say? In 1978, what was the Sox lead over the Yankees at the All-Star break? 14 games? Yeah, somethin' like that. Something sick. And hopefully it will happen again.

Posted by Dan Rodricks at 7:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

Nice to be able to tune into 1570-AM, despite its weak signal, and hear live local sports talk -- after a big weekend like the one we just had: Orioles taking two from the Yankees, and Cal getting into the Hall. There isn't enough good talk radio here, but the guys at 1570 keep it cooking all day.

The station's founder, Nasty Nestor, was a year ago staging a protest walk-out against Peter Angelos' ownership of the Orioles and, a prince of self-promotion, he's set himself up as the Representative Man of the Orioles fan base, and supposedly that fan is fed up and disgusted with the Orioles ownership. I like Nestor, but never bought into this stuff -- because I knew the Orioles baseball men were trying hard to put the pieces together over the last few years and came very close to having everything they needed to make the team a contender again. And they are getting there. It has been frustrating, but Baltimore is a city of frustrations.

Forget all that. The point is, in what's become a spare sports-radio landscape, 1570 casts a shadow bigger than its tower. You can get the broadcast on the Internet, of course, and if you visit the station's web site you'll see their theme: "We never stop talking Baltimore sports."

You might also hear the hosts start changing the tune of the station when it comes to the Orioles.

Posted by Dan Rodricks at 9:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

One of Baltimore's great institutions made Mid-Atlantic AAA's Top Ten Admissions-Free Places on the East Coast. Looking for a freebie during late-summer vacation? You can start at Charles and Centre. Won't cost you but for the parking. I was there last week, and what can I tell you? The Walters is amazing. (Guys: If you're not into quilts, there's always the Egyptian mummy masks and medieval armor collections.)

As the museum's director Gary Vikan wrote on his own blog (This is a first for me, quoting another blog): "We do not own the assets; they belong to the public. And so our work . . . is to provide access to those who collectively do own those assets. And to the extent we have to charge an entry fee, as some among us must, that fee should be as low as we can bear. "

The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, MD - The museum houses an internationally renowned collection of art accumulated by William and Henry Walters and later bequeathed to the City of Baltimore. The collection presents an overview of world art from pre-dynastic Egypt to 20th-century Europe, and counts among its many treasures Greek sculpture and Roman sarcophagi; medieval ivories and Old Master paintings; Art Deco jewelry and 19th-century European and American masterpieces.  www.thewalters.org
 
The Rest of the Best:

Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia, PA - On July 8, 1776, the Liberty Bell rang out from the tower of Independence Hall summoning citizens to hear the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Today, the Hall is revered as the birthplace of the American nation. Admission is free, but visitors will need a timed tour ticket for entrance into Independence Hall.  www.nps.gov/inde

The Museum of Small Town Life, Dover, DE – Travel back in time to as you stroll through exhibits such as a general store, print shop, pharmacy, post office and woodworking shop.  The museum depicts society and industry in 19th century small towns in Delaware.

Harley Davidson Factory Tour, York, PA – Many enthusiasts flock to this factory to explore exhibits that detail the plant’s history and guide them through the manufacturing and assembly processes The Kids’ Rally, a specially designed area for visitors under the age of 12, makes the York facility an ideal family destination. Children under the age of 12 are welcome in the Tour Center, but are not allowed on the factory tour.  www.harley-davidson.com
 

Herr’s Potato Chip Factory Tour, Nottingham, PA – The tour offers a first hand learning experience sure to impress both children and adults. Learn little-known facts, like how a pretzel gets its brown color, or what kind of a potato makes the perfect chip, and how tortilla chips get their seasoning. Don’t forget to check out the fun and useful souvenirs in the gift shop area. A number of Herr’s® products are available for purchase.  www.herrs.com
 

Wildwoods Beaches, Wildwood, NJ -  The only free beaches in South Jersey, the Wildwoods beaches have been voted some of the best in the country and are host to a number of events throughout the season, including championship volleyball tournaments, monster truck rallies, concerts, movies on the beach and the Wildwoods International Kite Festival.  www.wildwoodsnj.com

The Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. & New York City – Composed of 16 museums and the National Zoo in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, and two museums in New York City, the Smithsonian Institution is the largest museum complex and research organization.  Admission is free for the zoo and all the museums in Washington, DC and the American Indian Museum’s George Gustav Heye Center in New York.  The Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in New York admits members and children under 12 for free.  www.si.edu
 

Children’s Museum of the Arts, New York City – At the Children’s Museum each child can express their artistic talents through hands-on art programs taught by trained, working artists; through on-going collection and exhibition of children’s art; and through partnerships with diverse community organizations. Free fun for the kids–from 4 – 6 p.m. you can pay what you wish on Thursdays.  www.cmany.com

Sony Wonder Technology Lab, New York City – Visitors can experience four floors of hands on interactive exhibits in technology and communication. Discover everything from CD clips to computer chips. Check out HDTV in the state-of-the-art 73-seat theater and experience one-of-a-kind exhibits such as producing your own movie preview or creating a video game. www.sonywondertechlab.com
 

Richmond National Battlefield Park, Richmond, VA – The park commemorates 11 different sites associated with the Union Army’s attempts to capture Richmond.  The park protects 763 acres of historic ground.  Visitors can view a film which depicts the battles around the city before setting out on a self-guided tour.  www.nps.gov/rich
 
Source: Triple-A Mid-Atlantic

Posted by Dan Rodricks at 6:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

I'm sure you New York and Jersey people -- you Yankees fans in town for the stand with the Orioles -- are hankering for New York-style deli. (Assuming you've already had a Baltimore-style crab cake.) Then you should stop by Baltimore's Corned Beef Row and check out Weiss, Jack's and Attman's. (Do I dare name a fave?)

I was at Attman's yesterday (again) and, of course, there's ample parking now. And have you heard about what they're getting ready to do over there? They're intending to triple the size of the deli, expanding along East Lombard Street in a way that the Attman family had wanted for years. They are even going to have table service!

Anyway, Yankee fans, if you get cravings for good deli, that's where you want to be. You can get an Attman's Corned Beef sandwich at Oriole Park, but I prefer the Kibbitz Room on Lombard Street.

With the way things have improved along Corned Beef Row, it would be nice to see a couple more restaurants there -- maybe an Italian pizza/sub shop, or another good Jewish deli. I can't imagine that another good deli would hurt business at Attman's, Weiss, or Jack's, all of which have loyal customers who come from miles and miles away.

Just remember people: Corned beef, rye, mustard. No mayo!

Posted by Dan Rodricks at 7:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

Can't remember the last time I heard such full and real laughter in a movie theater. There were shrieks and howls during the sneak preview of Andy Samberg's new film, Hot Rod, tonight at Towson Commons. The gags and pranks were juvenile and goofy and random and completely cracked -- just the way you've got have it once in a while.

This is Napolean Dynamite meets Talladega Nights. Samberg plays a really bad stuntman in a JOFA helmet, attempting Evil Kneviel jumps on a moped, and he's trying to be a mensch and save a life, too.

Favorite line? I'd have to see Hot Rod a couple more times to make up my mind. Right now, the front runner is: "Never sneak up on a man who's been in a chemical fire."

Sissy Spacek plays Rod's mom. Rod's pit crew is motley, a bunch of NapDynamite-like misfits who win the day. Ebeneezer Scrooge shows up on a school bus with a goose. There's an amusing rip on the long, slow death of AM Radio, too.

Isla Fisher is a doll. Samberg is one of the best punch dancers you'll ever see.

Posted by Dan Rodricks at 9:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

We keep hearing about Baltimore's overloaded criminal docket -- how it leads to generous-looking plea deals for violent criminals, for instance, and how it's at the center of the city's problems with stemming crime in general. And didn't Mayor Dixon recently suggest that some of the city's courts go into night and weekend sessions to relieve all the pressure on the dockets?

Must not be so bad, after all. The administrative judge of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City doesn't think potential jurors -- the citizens of the city who have so much at stake in the quality of criminal justice -- be inconvenienced and annoyed with duty close to a holiday weekend.

Check this out: A July 19 memo from Judge Marcella A. Holland, the AJ,  to all active and retired judges.

"It has come to our attention that one of the aggravating things to jurors is to be summonsed, sit around and not be called to a courtroom," the memo  began.

(My comment: Such is life, your honor. It's a one-day-or-one-trial rule we've lived with for years. Sure it's annoying, but that's the system.)

"To help alleviate this on certain days, I have instructed the Jury Commissioner to cut the number of jurors called on 'light docket days.' That means on a day before a holiday weekend, or a major holiday, such as Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and sometimes the day after major holidays if it falls on a Friday, she will only call enough jurors to handle misdemeanor cases and one-day civil cases.

"She will not call in enough jurors to allow anyone to start a felony trial.

"No one should start a felony trial the day before a long holiday weekend or before Thanksgiving or the last day of the Christmas holiday. It is counter productive not only to have jurors sitting around, but also jurors are angry because they have been brought in just before what is their holiday as well. There is plenty of work in chambers and in misdemneanor and civil, I am sure, to keep those few judges who are here on those busy days.

"Please do not yell or complain to Ms. Dennis because you cannot get a jury for a felony trial on those days, as she has been instructed to ignore you."

Great stuff. Great message. Just what we need -- even fewer days devoted to the criminal docket. Wouldn't want to inconvenience our fellow citizens who have their eyes on a three-day weekend.

Posted by Dan Rodricks at 9:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

Posted by Dan Rodricks at 7:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
                    

Here's my prediction:

Red Sox will choke. It's going to get really ugly. It's going to be historic. The Curse Resurrectio. They'll not only lose the AL East. They won't get a wild-card bid.

Yanks will finish first in the East, the Tigers in the Central and the Angels in the West. The Indians will be the wild-card.

The Orioles will make a run and finish strong -- edging out the Jays and the Sox into second place right behind the Yankees.

There, it's done. I said it. I'm gonna live with it. I've started the Bosox Choke Watch.

Posted by Dan Rodricks at 12:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

This just came in by e-mail, with a request for anonymity:

As an ex-Detroit Police Officer that has relocated to this area (I am not a police officer anywhere now), I was my precinct's resident Community Police Officer.  I received certification at VA Tech, and was also the DARE officer in my community.  I learned a lot.  I could get into the whole "Broken Window" theory, and more, but that would take way too much time, and add nothing to the urgency of the problem affecting Baltimore City right now.

I was successful in doing my part in equally violent Detroit, because I grew up and "LIVED" in the community I "SERVED."  Most of the knuckle-heads were dudes I grew up with, and many were friends of my knuckle-head brothers, and hung out right in my moms house.

The community policing thing can work in "select" neighborhoods, or communities, but not in Baltimore at large.  Community policing can only work when the people in those affected communities make a conscious effort to "trust" and "partner" with the police, and the police respect and partner with the community. 

My new home in a very tough neighborhood in West Baltimore, is not such a candidate.  The people in that community have an extreme distrust of the police, and a sick maligned loyalty to the criminal elements that have infiltrated and infested those communities.  Why?  Because those drug dealers give them something that the city won't, cash, drugs, and what they perceive as a voice - they listen to them, they make them think they are part of something that Baltimore is very bad about doing - recognizing their invisible underclass.  They make them feel "visible" and make their existence relevevant!  They throw them a few dollars to act as lookouts, and give them positions and growth opportunities.  They solicit mothers to get their children on the payroll so they can help out with the ever-increasing cost of living in Baltimore.  When you have BGE raise your energy 50%, and your rent, food, and gas went up, that money looks good, especially when you got a couple growing kids that eat everything that doesn't move.

The drug culture is so intertwined with everyday life in Baltimore, that community policing just won't make a dent in the real problem; drugs and access to guns, PERIOD!

I think that Sheila Dixon has good intentions, but she is not versed in the subject of policing a REAL CITY or its crime problems, well enough to lead this city to continued prosperity.  I think she has done considerable damage to the image of Baltimore, and will only do worse in the future.  Many of my Washington D.C. friends and coworkers that have considered Baltimore, are now not so sure about making that move from the high costs of Washington D.C. because of this recent crime spike.

People ask me why I didn't join the police department in Baltimore...I always tell them that they just don't pay enough for what I could bring them, simple as that...pay.  When you look at the Department, and what they have to go through, I can see why the morale is so low.  I can also see that a new Baltimore will require a new Baltimore police officer.  One that is better educated, professional, fitter, and more concerned about the community it serves, all while balancing tough policing principles.  However, while such a police officer does exist, there is a cost associated with getting him or her.  Baltimore gets exactly what they pay for, and until both these issues are addressed (better pay for officers and continued zero tolerance, particularly for drug and gun offenses) Baltimore's crime will continue to spiral upward.

Posted by Dan Rodricks at 10:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

Readers had plenty to say about Sunday's column on the Dixon administration's determination to reverse crime-fighting gains made during the O'Malley years by backing off zero-tolerance enforcement and moving to "community policing." Here's a sampling:

From a member of the Baltimore bar: "The short answer is that NYC is not a majority black city and therefore the majority (non black) accepted the aggressive policing even with a few innocent people sodomized and or shot. Baltimore is overwhelmingly black and will not accept it.  Too many people get pissed off at the tactics.  They hate the police and then sit on juries and acquit.  We want it both ways -- do something about crime but it can't be aggressive  It doesn t work.  Aggressive policing will work but we do not have the political will for it."

My comment: It did work, and we once had the political will -- when O'Malley was mayor. That's my point.

More from this legal eagle: "Juries throw out 65% of the gun cases where the cops find the gun on the guy.  They do not believe the cops.  Very sad.   Also anti-crime blacks state their views so forcefully in Voire Dire that they are excused from serving ... Watch Newark, N.J.  Similar demographics to Baltimore.  New young, black mayor has brought in Ed. Norris type from across the river to do the NYC thing, and I doubt it will work."

From a reader in Reisterstown: "I have read your article for some years now and find myself usually agreeing with you because your statements come from a place of common sense. I recently earned my undergraduate degree in political science from UMBC, and find that the one thing lacking in government is common sense. So much of my family lives in the city, I feel directly affected by these recent events. I remember watching Governor O'Malley when he was mayor and I knew that if I ever got a chance to vote for him, I would. An increased police presence combined with increased pressure for the most basic of offenses will drive crime down. Ask Rudy Guiliani. There will certainly be people griping about human rights and civil rights. Given a cost-benefit analysis, I would rather have the increased pressure on criminals than assume that rights are being violated carte blanche and protest the increased pressure. The idea of community policing has its place, but not in Baltimore as a whole, and not right now."

From a "concerned citizen" in Baltimore: "I totally agree with your article in today's Sun entitled "Tolerance for Crime Best at Zero."  Sheila Dixon's "Community Love" and "We Can All Get Along" policies are definitely not working.   That attitude only serves as a welcome mat for gangs to migrate to Baltimore with their atrocious behavior.  Drug dealers and others of a similar persuasion will stay and multiply as they bask in the status quo in Baltimore City.  Soon many of us who have not been too injured or murdered will leave Baltimore; that means a dwindling tax base.  Mayor Dixon, of all people, should think about such a result."

From a NE Baltimore reader: I too do not understand the change in police tactics under Sheila Dixon.  We in Mayfield have experienced a rising tide of crime in our neighborhood since January.  The criminals have been brazen, kicking down a door in broad day light and robbing garages at will, for example.  I think there is a knowledge on the streets that the police are nowhere to be seen in middle class enclaves such as ours. I do not understand the rationale: If taxpayers are not safe in their neighborhoods, they will move out and the city will have less tax revenue.  Less tax revenue equals less ability to police the city.  Less police means more crime and more taxpayer flight. Didn't the city go thru this before?  (Rhetorical question, since I was here then as well.) The city needs to protect its tax base but policing the areas where taxpayers reside.

Posted by Dan Rodricks at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

Here's what an insightful Baltimore detective had to say in a recent e-mail, following the resignation of Leonard Hamm as commissioner. He asked to remain anonymous:

First of all, "Zero Tolerance" is not currently the "Mission Statement" of the Baltimore City Police Department.  I can't tell you what the Mission Statement is, because I don't know.  Many of us in the rank and file do not.  I don't really even think there is one.  Oh, sure, we have had "pep talks" given by then Deputy Commissioner Bealefeld (now Acting Commissioner) and by Mayor Dixon, but those speeches focused on a general idea of what needs to happen in the City.  There was no clear plan laid out... just ideas such as "omnipresence" and "getting back into the community." 

I myself was present when then Deputy Commissioner Bealefeld addressed a group of Detectives in reference to the recent deployment of Detectives on weekly foot details.  Deputy Commissioner Bealefeld advised us that he wanted to make clear exactly why we were being asked to walk foot and what was expected of us.  He too mentioned omnipresence and reconnecting with the community, but what was never addressed was the fact that by taking Detectives away from their case load for five consecutive nights each week, nothing was being accomplished on said case load. 

Look at it this way:  When I work, whether it be on day work or night work, I investigate cases that have already been reported, as well as conducting pre-report interviews with victims as they occur.  In addition to that, I interview arrestees who may or may not have information that they are willing to share regarding the investigations that our Unit and others are conducting.  Every person arrested must be interviewed/debriefed to ascertain if any information is forthcoming.  Now, I am not complaining.  These tasks are no big deal and are all in a day's work.  But imagine sending me to the Eastern District starting on Wednesday night of a given week and continuing through Sunday night in order to walk foot.  Oh, and did I mention that while walking foot, I am discouraged from making arrests, issuing citations or even responding to calls because that would take away from my main focus, which is omnipresence.  And yes, during that time, I am not doing any work on my investigations because - for one thing - I am working on the complete opposite side of town from where the crimes that I am tasked with investigating took place.  And I am doing so in the presence of numerous other Detectives who are also being taken away from their work. 

Now, in fairness, the foot detail is starting to be scaled back... but gradually.

That was a long winded example (and only one of many that I could give) of why what I am about to tell you is the truth, at least as I see it:  First of all, never, NEVER discount what you called "political reasons."  Politics is everything.

We are out there walking foot instead of working cases for political reasons and political reason alone.  It is that simple. 

Second, I believe that our Department has backed away from the methods and practices that were in place during former Commissioner Norris' tenure because those in charge now want to distance themselves as much as possible from Norris's ideas and programs.  I have no proof of this, it is just a general sense that I get.  I don't know exactly why they would want to do that since those methods did seem to be working, but I have discovered that many, many members of this Department are very vindictive, insecure and jealous of other people's success.  (I should mention that I am not a fan of Ed Norris as a man, but I am able to give credit where credit is due, and Ed Norris was the only Commissioner that I have worked under that really had our best interests, and those of the citizens of Baltimore, at heart).  Third, our Department has been the focus of numerous complaints in the media and elsewhere regarding arrests that have gone unprosecuted due to lack of evidence, Officers not showing up for court, etc.  It is safe to suggest that this unwanted attention has caused some to become a bit "gun shy", pardon the pun.  Fourth, and maybe most importantly, it is my heartfelt belief (and has been for a long time) that the "powers that be" in this City - those names you mentioned above and others - do not want things to change.  If the status quo is maintained, then they will have job security.  Unless they let things get too out of hand.  I have dozens of examples to back that statement up, but this message is already a bit longer than you probably expected. 

Bottom line: I think that the citizens of Baltimore have been conditioned to expect the worst when it comes to this Department.  Citizens in other cities around the country - New York, Boston and elsewhere - feel a sense of pride in their Departments (for the most part) and are proud to be a part of that community.  Even citizens in the surrounding counties such as Baltimore, Howard  and Anne Arundle counties seem to be proud to have such dedicated and noble Officers at their service, and those citizens hold them to a higher standard.  But here in Baltimore, it just seems that people don't have very high expectations, so they are fairly casual when things fall short.  And all of that is truly sad for people like me and many of my co-workers here.  Because there are literally hundreds and hundreds of good, honest, hard working, caring Cops that work here.  And we want to make a difference.  We started to when Norris was here.  But because those "powers that be" are more concerned with securing their positions, fattening their pensions, and hurting those within the Department that they do not like - for whatever reason - then what you end up with is literally hundreds and hundreds of great Cops who just feel like giving up.  I know I do many days.

I love this City, and - believe it or not - I love this Department.  I want to see it get better, and if this helps accomplish that, then I am all for it.

Posted by Dan Rodricks at 11:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

You might want to check out  Mingodale Farm at 17201 Masemore Road, about a mile west of I-83:
They've been sending me farm reports all spring. Here's Mingodale's latest pitch:

"The Blackberries are ready and look spectacular...juicy and sweet!! Bring the kids and pick your own!! Delicious Local Sweet Corn just arrived! It is picked fresh each Market Day morning! Tomatoes are unbelievable!!! Big Beef, Celebrity and San Marzano Heirloom Romas are ripened and ready! Our other Heirlooms...Great White, Mr. Stripey, Striped German and Brandywine are just days away!   . . . . At the Market, we are currently offering our delicious and robust German Hardneck and Italian Softneck Garlic, mellow and yummy Walla Walla Sweet Onions, Patty Pan, Yellow Squash and Zucchini, crisp, cool Cucumbers, and freshly harvested New Potatoes! We invite you to try our full selection of Freshly Cut and Potted Herbs...they will change the way you cook!  We are currently growing Sweet Basil, spicy Cuban Basil, Anise flavored Purple Basil, and Lemon Basil, Italian Parsley, Thyme, Rosemary, Dill, Chives, Sage, Greek Oregano, Cilantro, and Mint! Use your Herbs in cooking...(we have plenty of recipes and suggestions), in teas or as an aromatic and visual accent in your home!!  We offer Herbs in a fresh cut fashion from our own Herb Garden or potted. . . . .Need a wonderful and unique gift? "Try one of our Potted Herb Gardens where we combine a variety of our most beloved Herbs in a beautiful Terra Cotta Pot such as the "Italian Collection"...which includes Basil, Parsley and Oregano.
New this year...Sun Gold Cherry Tomatoes Hanging Baskets...hang one up and have sweet cherry tomatoes all summer long!
Back by popular demand...The Black Pearl Pepper Plant...beautiful, edible, unique...
Love Hummingbirds and Butterfiles?  Try one of our Salvia or Anise Hyssop Potted Plants to attract these lovely garden friends. Great Gift Idea!"

Posted by Dan Rodricks at 9:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

Nothing like fresh tomatoes and corn on the cob in July. Had some delicious Eastern Shore corn for supper tonight, purchased this afternoon for $4.50 a dozen off a gentleman's truck parked on Mount Carmel Road in the Hereford Zone. So good I didn't even have to butter it up. The tomatoes were red, firm, juicy and delicious, too. It don't get much better than that. God be praised.

Posted by Dan Rodricks at 7:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

A reader, wishing to remain anonymous, writes:

I found your article titled "Charm City, Harm City: Which is it going to be?" very enlightening.
I am a new Baltimorean. I am a 45-year-old white, educated female professional and I bought a totally rehabbed row house near Washington Boulevard in May. The home is beautiful with stainless steel appliances and hardwood floors. The problem comes when you step out into the urban blight of the neighborhood. Before purchasing this home I did my homework: demographics on median income, home sales and crime. Pigtown is said to be up and coming (some have equated it's future to that of Fellspoint or Federal Hill). Special incentives of CDA loans in "empowerment" zones have made home ownership possible for lower income families.
Crime, poverty, poor school systems, prostitutes and gangs on every corner -- all of these problems that Baltimore faces are just byproducts of what is at the root of the problem: drugs.
I am not afraid to call 911 if I see unsavory activity on my block, because it is as much my block as it is theirs.I moved here to be part of the change, believing that you can't really change this city as a bystander, that you need to get your hands dirty.
I am one of the few working persons on my block, almost all have fallen into the ease of disability payments, public assistance and drug dealing to pay their bills. When I get home from working my 2 jobs I sweep my stoop every night of the debris that has been discarded by my neighbors all day. I want to ask, "Where is your pride?" to most of these people. Is this City so lacking in job training programs, drug counseling and rehabilitation, parenting classes etc , or are these people of a caliber that they are comfortable in the poverty that they are facilitating? I don't know, ask me again in a few years.
I am planning to do volunteer work somewhere I am needed because I worry about the children here, little ones left in the streets to play unsupervised until midnight in some cases; they are dirty and uncared for. This I find shocking and disheartening.This is where I will start to make this City a better place...with the babies.
The police, the Mayor and the City government can only do so much...and for all their good intentions they are way out numbered. Change needs to come from within. Sometimes I wonder if I'm the only one who feels this way. Am I a freak?
I love this City despite it's imperfections. But I also believe it can be so much better. There are many good things in the City -- fine restaurants, Lexington Market, Museums, the architecture, the harbor, the theater.
The good people can't remain idle as the city flounders.They need to ban together, join organizations that will bring forth a change. We must fight and demand a drug-free city, fight for people to take responsible for themselves and their children. Wish me luck, I have a lot of work ahead of me .

Posted by Dan Rodricks at 11:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

My name is Lee Scott and I moved to Baltimore in July of 06'. I am a college graduate of Dickinson College 02' and decided to move back to Maryland after spending the past four or so years in DC. I won't say that I am your normal Baltimore City resident since I grew up in Annapolis and have lived a fairly privileged life thus far.

I moved to the Patterson Park area in July of last year because I could afford my newly rehabbed row home for a price that couldn't get me more than a studio in DC. I wanted to let you know that Baltimore has at least one new resident who has moved to this city for the potential I can see all around us.

As you have noted in your article, we need to get tough on crime and this needs to happen immediately. In order for Baltimore to continue to develop into the great city it can become we are going to need economic support and that simply will not happen with current crime rates on a rise. I moved back to Maryland and to the city of Baltimore mainly because I believe I can help. I am going to continue to increase my level of commitment to the city and the progression I believe it can make to become one of this nation's great cities.

Please continue to write articles just like this one in reference to the unacceptable levels of violence currently ravaging our great city. It's time the Mayor realizes the primary task at hand and embraces the challenges that will undoubtedly follow. Crime is not something that is going to drop easily but if we don't act fast we'll be on the cover of Time magazine with the title you've coined already 'Charm or Harm city?'

This city has more people out there who feel the way I do but now it's time to not only preach these values but have the wherewithal to follow through and execute. Each citizen of this city must take the responsibility to think long and hard in this next election to understand that the mayor we elect must be hard on crime for our city to continue to develop for generations to come.

-- Lee Scott

Posted by Dan Rodricks at 2:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)