Blog updates

Man convicted in accident that sent officer off JFX [Baltimore Crime Beat]

2012-05-25T15:26:00-07:00

The motorist who slammed into the back of a Baltimore police car that struck an officer and sent her plunging over the side of elevated Interstate 83 has been convicted of three traffic offenses, closing one chapter of a horrific crash that has ended the officer’s career.

Officers caught drinking at Miss Shirley's [Baltimore Crime Beat]

2012-05-25T15:14:00-07:00

The cops surely picked the wrong place to drink after work -- their chief's favorite morning hangout, Miss Shirley's, especially since they were in partial police uniform.

Continuity will be key for the Ravens offense [Ravens Insider]

2012-05-25T13:00:00-07:00

The most significant offensive additions the Ravens made this offseason were free-agent wide receiver Jacoby Jones and a pair of rookie linemen in Kelechi Osemele and Gino Gradkowski. Their personnel losses include Pro Bowl guard Ben Grubbs and veteran backups in running back Ricky Williams and wide receiver Lee Evans.

Site set for Maryland State Private School baseball championship [Varsity Letters]

2012-05-25T12:45:00-07:00

The Maryland State Private School baseball championship game between St. Frances Academy and The Heights School will be played Saturday, 4 p.m., at Cardinal Gibbons' Babe Ruth Field, 3225 Wilkens...

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Weekend: Tune in for Healthy Harbor, go out to Loch Raven [B'More Green]

2012-05-25T11:40:00-07:00

Many folks may be traveling on this long Memorial Day holiday weekend, but if you're going to be around, here are two activities not to miss on Saturday.

Weekly Maryland recruiting roundup [Recruiting Report]

2012-05-25T10:02:00-07:00

Albany transfer Logan Aronhalt's commitment to Maryland this week was big news in the shooting guard's hometown of Zanesville.

Weekly Maryland recruiting roundup [Tracking the Terps]

2012-05-25T10:02:00-07:00

Albany transfer Logan Aronhalt's commitment to Maryland this week was big news in the shooting guard's hometown of Zanesville.

Walbrook grad Peete headed to D-II title game with Limestone [Varsity Letters]

2012-05-25T09:56:00-07:00

Learning the game of lacrosse in Baltimore City and playing for Walbrook during his high school days, Limestone College freshman Jamar Peete has come a long way.

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Bay group warns of swimming after storms [Picture of Health]

2012-05-25T09:35:00-07:00

Swimmers should avoid contact with tidal and fresh water for 48 hours after a big rain storm this summer, warns the Chesapeake Bay Foundation .

Suspect in Craigslist robberies arrested at city library, police say [Baltimore Crime Beat]

2012-05-25T09:30:00-07:00

A man suspected in a rash of recent Craigslist robberies was taken into custody at a downtown library, where police say he was using a computer - possibly to set up more attacks.

Our Take: The week in Maryland sports [Tracking the Terps]

2012-05-25T09:18:00-07:00

Baltimore Sun reporters Jeff Barker and Don Markus and editor Matt Bracken weigh in on the three biggest topics of the past week in Maryland basketball and football.

Painter enjoying time with Flacco, Taylor so far [Ravens Insider]

2012-05-25T09:00:00-07:00

The past 12 months have been a bit of a whirlwind for new Ravens quarterback Curtis Painter. A year ago, he was expected to be the backup to Peyton Manning with the Indianapolis Colts, but Manning sat out the season with a neck injury. Kerry Collins was ineffective early, pushing Painter into the starting lineup for Week 4. He made eight starts for the Colts, who ultimately finished 2-14, before giving way to Dan Orlovsky.

O'Malley to appear at tea party? Can this be true? [Maryland Politics]

2012-05-25T08:17:00-07:00

At first glance, the event listed on Gov. Martin O'Malley's schedule for Saturday seems utterly implausible.

Peter Oundjian leads Baltimore Symphony, Choral Arts in Beethoven, Bruckner [Clef Notes]

2012-05-25T08:02:44-07:00

Beethoven's Ninth, never too far from earshot in Baltimore, is back this week, but with a most welcome companion piece -- Bruckner's "Te Deum.&qu [ensuring a level of intensity from start to finish.He drew out the sense of mystery, even fear, in the first movement, getting the orchestra to put ...

Police continue to investigate spate of shootings in city [Baltimore Crime Beat]

2012-05-25T07:23:00-07:00

Baltimore police are continuing this morning to investigate a spate of shootings that left two people dead and five others wounded — two of them critically — within two hours on Thursday night, and on opposite sides of the city.

'So You Think You Can Dance' recap: Season 9 premiere [Reality Check]

2012-05-25T06:46:00-07:00

I missed you, Cat Deeley!

'SYTYCD' is back for a ninth season. We missed you, Cat Deeley.

St. Frances overcomes adversity to reach state semifinals [Varsity Letters]

2012-05-24T19:57:00-07:00

UPDATED (10:55 p.m.) -- St. Frances won the semifinal game, 4-0, and will advance to play The Heights in the championship game on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at a site to be determined.

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Joe's Crab Shack and Cycle Gear open sites [Consuming Interests]

2012-05-24T14:14:00-07:00

Joe's Crab Shack will open its fourth Maryland restaurant at Hunt Valley Towne Center, the mall's developer, Greenberg Gibbons, said Thursday.

7-Eleven flash mob -- petty larceny or more serious robbery? [Baltimore Crime Beat]

2012-05-24T14:02:00-07:00

The police report describes what appears to be a serious crime — a youth mob rushes a downtown 7-Eleven to capitalize on a free Slurpee promotion, steals candy, punches the store owner and possibly takes an envelope from his pocket filled with $6,600 in cash.

Anquan Boldin is ready to mentor, hungry to win [Ravens Insider]

2012-05-24T14:00:00-07:00

At 31, Anquan Boldin is the oldest receiver on the Ravens roster by a few years (newcomer Jacoby Jones is closest in age at 27). Some of his fellow wide-outs were in middle school when he broke into the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals nine years ago, and they no doubt grew up watching him score touchdowns on TV.

'So You Think You Can Dance': Rule changes for Season 9 [Reality Check]

2012-05-24T13:36:00-07:00

Format changes include multiple winners, elimination rotation

Before you turn on tonight’s premiere of “So You Think You Can Dance” there are a few things you should know. The format and rules, which have stayed pretty much the same for the past eight seasons, have been changed drastically.

Hack taxi driver sentenced for rape [Baltimore Crime Beat]

2012-05-24T13:20:00-07:00

Samuel Renard Queen, of the 3500 block of Elmley Ave. in Baltimore, was sentenced to two consecutive life terms for rape, kidnapping and related offenses this week for assaulting a woman at knifepoint in his unlicensed taxicab, the Baltimore state's attorney's office announced.

O'Malley to spar with Gingrich on Meet the Press [Maryland Politics]

2012-05-24T13:03:00-07:00

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley will spend part of his Memorial Day holiday at the NBC studio in Northwest Washington for an appearance on Meet the Press.

Fish kills reach Baltimore harbor [B'More Green]

2012-05-24T11:10:00-07:00

Die-offs seen in Inner Harbor, at Fort McHenry

The algae blooms fouling Baltimore area waters apparently have claimed more victims, as more dead fish have been spotted floating in the Inner Harbor and washing ashore at Fort McHenry just south of downtown.

Pollard on the Ravens defense: 'You can't stop us' [Ravens Insider]

2012-05-24T11:00:00-07:00

Ravens strong safety Bernard Pollard was rewarded this month with a contract extension, a deal that can keep him in Baltimore through 2015. Pollard made 75 tackles and broke up a career-high 13 passes in 2011, his first season here, but he insists his attitude and his play won’t change now that he has a new deal.

Team Melo forward Trevis Buckhanon Jr. getting high-major interest [Recruiting Report]

2012-05-24T10:20:00-07:00

As a freshman at Kenwood, Trevis Buckhanon Jr. was targeted regularly by opponents looking to embarrass the gangly big man.

Health officials warn public about coming heat [Picture of Health]

2012-05-24T09:45:00-07:00

As Memorial Day approaches and the temperatures rise, some state health officials are reminding residents to take care of themselves and their children and neighbors.

Brooks Robinson All-Star game set for June 10 [Varsity Letters]

2012-05-24T09:29:00-07:00

The 30 best high school baseball players as selected by the Maryland State Association of Baseball Coaches will be playing in the 31st annual Brooks Robinson All-Star game on Sunday, June 10.

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Egypt's new beginning [Second Opinion]

2012-05-24T09:24:00-07:00

Our view: No matter who wins this week's presidential election, the power of democracy has clearly taken hold in one of the world's oldest nations

For the first time in some 5,000 years of Egyptian civilization, voters went to the polls this week to select a leader in a contest where the outcome was uncertain. Given Egypt's crucial role in maintaining order and stability in the Middle East and the wide range of candidates, from secular to military to Islamist, that fact is unnerving to some in the United States, Israel and elsewhere. But it has been a cause of unbridled jubilation throughout Egypt, where millions of ordinary people lined up to cast ballots and determine their national destiny. It will likely be weeks before we know the victor and still later before we know what shape the government will take. It is entirely likely that Egypt's new leaders will make mistakes or choose paths that are inimical to our interests. But it is impossible to witness what has happened there this week and not share the optimism of a people tasting the power of democracy for the first time.

Flash mob strikes downtown 7-Eleven; manager reports $6,600 in receipts taken [Baltimore Crime Beat]

2012-05-24T08:29:00-07:00

Baltimore police are reviewing surveillance tapes to identify what appears to be middle-school youngster who mobbed a 7-Eleven store Wednesday afternoon on Light Street near the Inner Harbor.

Maryland athletics department teams up with Maroon PR [Tracking the Terps]

2012-05-24T08:23:00-07:00

Firm to help school with media

Maryland has a deal with Maroon PR to work with the school’s athletic department on a number of initiatives, including branding and coaches’ media training, according to school officials.

Maryland basketball schedule coming together [Tracking the Terps]

2012-05-24T08:15:00-07:00

Kentucky is the headliner

Let’s look at what we know so far about Maryland’s men’s basketball nonconference schedule.

More on the Ravens' competition at left guard [Ravens Insider]

2012-05-24T08:00:00-07:00

Many of the eyes Wednesday at the Ravens’ first organized team activities (OTA) workout that was open to the media were fixated for a decent chunk of practice on the team’s offensive line. Team officials had identified that area as one they would like to improve this offseason, and they have attempted to do so by spending a pair of draft picks on linemen, Kelechi Osemele (second round) and Gino Gradkowski(fourth).

Man killed in home invasion in Waverly [Baltimore Crime Beat]

2012-05-24T07:43:00-07:00

A 35-year-old man was shot and killed Wednesday night after Baltimore police said several men forced their way inside his Waverly home and fought with the victim before shooting him in the head in his upstairs bedroom.

The Last Word with Jon Dillard [Tracking the Terps]

2012-05-24T07:37:00-07:00

At 5-11, 165 pounds, Jon Dillard looks like a regular, inconspicuous college student. For three years at Maryland, that’s exactly what he was.

New poll by same-sex marriage advocates shows gains [Maryland Politics]

2012-05-24T07:12:00-07:00

//UPDATE: This post has been changed to add more information about the methodology of the poll.

'Revenge' recap: Season finale, 'Reckoning' [Reality Check]

2012-05-24T07:10:00-07:00

I hope everyone has taken a few moments to collect themselves after that spectacular finale.

Havre de Grace residents express concerns, offer solutions for Chapel Road area traffic problems [Getting There]

2012-05-24T06:45:00-07:00

Although residents were divided on solutions, one thing was clear at a public hearing in Havre de Grace Wednesday night, something needs to be done to address traffic problems in the Grace Manor community.

Observations after first Ravens OTA viewing [Ravens Insider]

2012-05-24T05:31:00-07:00

The Ravens will finish up the first of three voluntary offseason team activities today, though they’ll do it outside the glare of the media. Yesterday was the one day for media availability, and while no big news came out of it, it was still good to see some action after so much attention has been placed on off-the-field stories over the past couple of months. Making any conclusions after a two-hour practice -- which did not include some of the team’s top veteran players, including running back Ray Rice , linebacker Ray Lewis and safety Ed Reed , and featured most of the players in jerseys, gym shorts and no shoulder pads -- would be foolish. However, I think it is appropriate to make a couple of observations:

Police sergeant who says he got PTSD after shooting man speaks out [Baltimore Crime Beat]

2012-05-24T04:58:00-07:00

Sgt. Richard Willard, who this week settled a lawsuit he filed against the city alleging he never got help after fatally shooting a man in 2005, sent me an email wanting to explain his situation further. I had talked to his attorney on Wednesday.

Police search for man wanted in West Baltimore slaying [Baltimore Crime Beat]

2012-05-24T04:41:00-07:00

Baltimore police are seeking help in identifying a possible suspect in the April 24 shooting death of a 59-year-old man who was shot while sitting on the front porch of a home in West Baltimore.

New law helps schools cope with food allergies [Picture of Health]

2012-05-24T04:00:00-07:00

Maryland public schools will all soon be keeping emergency supplies of epinephrine on hand for students who may have an allergic reaction, and patient advocates are applauding the new law .

Hereford-Glenelg boys lacrosse game postponed due to lightning [Varsity Letters]

2012-05-23T19:04:00-07:00

The Hereford-Glenelg boys lacrosse Class 3A-2A state title game has been postponed to 4 p.m. tomorrow at UMBC due to lightning.

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Group ranks Baltimore's parks 15th in nation [B'More Green]

2012-05-23T16:25:00-07:00

City gets high marks for park accessibility, but faulted for lack of funding

Baltimore's historic park system ranks 15th among the nation's 40 largest cities in a new rating released Wednesday, which credits the city's foresight in carving out public spaces over the past two centuries but faults its more recent leadership for not maintaining that investment.

North Harford pitcher wants perfect repeat in 3A title game [Varsity Letters]

2012-05-23T16:20:00-07:00

When North Harford pitcher Kevin Mooney opened his eyes Wednesday morning, the first thing he thought was that the Hawks were going to the Class 3A state championship game.

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Baltimore man sentenced for Christmas carjacking [Baltimore Crime Beat]

2012-05-23T14:37:00-07:00

A 24-year-old Baltimore man was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison Wednesday for a Christmas-Day carjacking, the Maryland U.S. attorney’s office announced.

Jacoby Jones adjusting to life as a member of the Ravens [Ravens Insider]

2012-05-23T14:29:00-07:00

Wide receiver Jacoby Jones, who signed a two-year deal earlier this month, is excited to join a Ravens team that knocked his former team, the Houston Texans, out of the playoffs in January.

'Xanadu' gets sparkling revival from Signature Theatre [Clef Notes]

2012-05-23T14:05:32-07:00

First, there was an odd film in 1947 called "Down to Earth," watchable only for the divine Rita Hayworth as the Greek muse Terpsichore who f [pure, sure escapism. And if you have at least a trace of the camp-humor gene, you'll experience a good deal of convulsive laughter, too.This product ...

Bryant McKinnie discovering the benefits of OTAs [Ravens Insider]

2012-05-23T13:29:00-07:00

Ravens offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie, whose weight and conditioning were scrutinized during his first season in Baltimore, attended this week’s organized team activities and has been a regular participant in the team’s offseason program for most of the past few weeks.

Everyman Theatre closes season with revival of 'You Can't Take It With You' [Clef Notes]

2012-05-23T13:00:41-07:00

In the thick of the Great Depression, a new Broadway play took an energetic swing at everything that seemed wrong with the world -- government, big bu [a little below the usual company standard. Some of the acting lacks punch, and the pacing, not to mention the quirkiness, could be edged up a notch ...

Sergio Kindle: 'I haven't proven anything yet' [Ravens Insider]

2012-05-23T12:45:00-07:00

Two years after the Ravens selected him in the second round of the 2010 NFL draft, linebacker Sergio Kindle has yet to make a start, a tackle or a significant impact on the team’s fortunes.

MPSSAA 4A baseball title game site, time changed [Varsity Letters]

2012-05-23T12:21:00-07:00

The site and time of Friday's Class 4A state championship baseball game has been changed.

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Reed not at OTAs but Ravens counting on him to be there when it counts [Ravens Insider]

2012-05-23T12:13:00-07:00

Harbaugh: "There's been no indication that he's not going to play."

Ed Reed was one of a handful of the Ravens' high-profile veterans not present at organized team activities today, but neither that nor his recent radio comments that he's not "100 percent committed" to playing football this season has head coach John Harbaugh concerned.

Avoiding picnic pitfalls [Picture of Health]

2012-05-23T12:06:00-07:00

Each week a nutritionist from the University of Maryland Medical Center provides a guest post to The Baltimore Sun's health blog Picture of Health (baltimoresun.com/pictureofhealth), which is reprinted here. This week, Emily Rice, dietetic intern, weighs in on picnic foods.

Great Gatsby trailer promises greatness [Read Street]

2012-05-23T11:27:00-07:00

The trailer for "The Great Gatsby," Baz Luhrmann's new adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel, shows promise. (It certainly couldn't be as bad as the 1974 adaptation, which was flat and passion-less, despite a cast that include Robert Redford, Mia Farrow and Bruce Dern.)

Rape and prison [Second Opinion]

2012-05-23T11:03:00-07:00

Our view: New Justice Department rules don't go far enough to protect inmates from sexual assaults

The prospect of spending years behind bars in a tiny cell is sufficiently chilling to deter most people from ever committing a crime. Those who willfully break the law anyway and get caught have no one to blame but themselves when a judge sentences them to prison. But even convicted felons shouldn't have to suffer the extralegal indignity and physical trauma of being raped by fellow inmates and prison staff while they're serving their time.

Serial Baltimore robber sentenced to life in murder of Korean businessman [Baltimore Crime Beat]

2012-05-23T10:47:00-07:00

A Baltimore judge on Wednesday sentenced serial robber William Carr to life in prison plus 30 years, the maximum terms allowed, for the armed robbery and murder last year of a Korean businessman at the Erdman Shopping Center in Belair-Edison.

Pensions, bonuses and county budgets [Second Opinion]

2012-05-23T10:41:00-07:00

Our view: For most local governments, helping foot the bill for public school teacher pensions is hardly a financial disaster, now or in the future

This is the season when local governments finalize their budgets for the next fiscal year, and the grousing about their penurious circumstances is in full swing. Some are even complaining that the state's revised budget and tax plan — signed into law by Gov.Martin O'Malleythis week — has put a serious crimp in their finances.

Overnight JFX closures to continue [Getting There]

2012-05-23T10:32:00-07:00

Revised schedule means complete and partial shutdowns this week

The city Department of Transportation has revised this week's overnight closures of the Jones Falls Expressway at 29th Street as crews replace collapsed drainage pipes and repair erosion that threatened to undermine the road.

Long meeting, long words [Maryland Politics]

2012-05-23T09:57:00-07:00

Today's Board of Public Works meeting was about more than just big government contracts, it also became a lesson in big words.

Police hunting robbers luring victims on Craigslist [Baltimore Crime Beat]

2012-05-23T09:33:00-07:00

A man claiming to be selling watches, coins and other items on Craigslist — the Internet version of classified ads — has lured four people to a residential street in Northwest Baltimore and robbed them at gunpoint, according to city police.

Rice, Lewis, Reed, Ngata among players absent from Ravens OTA [Ravens Insider]

2012-05-23T09:27:00-07:00

Although some of the Ravens’ biggest names were missing from the team’s OTA (organized team activity) today, more than 80 on the 90-man roster were in attendance at the Owings Mills training facility.

InsideMDSports: Paul Harris has top four, visits on tap [Recruiting Report]

2012-05-23T08:56:00-07:00

Editor's note: Each week, InsideMdSports.com provides this blog with a Maryland recruiting feature that previously appeared as premium content on its site.

Varsity Q&A: Ashley Ross, Liberty, track and field [Varsity Letters]

2012-05-23T08:18:00-07:00

Runner has her sights set on a state title before she heads to Navy to become a fighter pilot In both the classroom and running track, Liberty standout Ashley Ross has shown a knack for getting...

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'America's Got Talent' recap: Howard Stern's dance-off with the Savage Men [Reality Check]

2012-05-23T08:02:00-07:00

It's Night 2 in New York and judge Howard Stern brought his parents along.

Maryland offers tax relief on debt forgiveness [Consuming Interests]

2012-05-23T08:00:00-07:00

For a long time, you had to pay income tax on debt that your mortgage lender forgave. During the height of the housing crisis, the federal government offered a reprieve — it stopped collecting income tax on up to $2 million of forgiven mortgage debt on a primary residence.

Justin Bieber to perform at Verizon Center in November [Midnight Sun]

2012-05-23T07:41:00-07:00

No longer a boy, not yet a man but most definitely a pop phenom, Justin Bieber will bring his headlining "Believe" tour to Verizon Center on Nov. 5.

'The Real Housewives of Orange County' recap: Back the truck up [Reality Check]

2012-05-23T07:27:00-07:00

Bravo named tonight's episode "Scream Therapy," but there isn't much screaming and there is only a tiny bit of therapy.

MD coastal bay sea grasses take a dive [B'More Green]

2012-05-23T07:15:00-07:00

One-third loss last year blamed on nutrient pollution, hot weather

More than a third of Maryland coastal bays' sea grass beds disappeared last year, a state survey has found, wiping out nearly 20 years of recovery in vital underwater vegetation in the shallow, fragile estuaries.

'Dancing with the Stars' recap: Donald Driver and Peta Murgatroyd win the Mirror Ball trophy [Reality Check]

2012-05-23T07:00:00-07:00

After 10 weeks of performances and eliminations, the Green Bay Packer took home this season's championship.

Eileen Fisher to open first Baltimore area store [Consuming Interests]

2012-05-23T06:00:00-07:00

It's a busy time for store openings for some Baltimore-area malls.

Midweek Madness: An orchestra unleashed [Clef Notes]

2012-05-23T05:35:43-07:00

My thanks to an adorable reader in Washington for alerting me to this perfect Midweek Madness candidate -- an orchestra that ... [really knows how to let go: ...

Bill to ban children from making purchases at liquor stores to be heard tonight [Maryland Politics]

2012-05-23T05:25:00-07:00

Baltimore's City Council will hear testimony this evening on a bill crafted by Councilman Nick Mosby that would prevent minors from making purchases in liquor stores.

'Glee' recap: Goodbye [Reality Check]

2012-05-23T04:15:00-07:00

Now it's time to say goodbye to the graduates at William McKinley High.

CFPB takes first step toward regulating prepaid cards [Consuming Interests]

2012-05-23T04:00:00-07:00

Prepaid debit cards have been called the Wild West because of their rapid growth, uncontrollable fees and little regulation.

Naji Hibbert talks about transferring to Gardner-Webb from Texas A&M [Recruiting Report]

2012-05-23T04:00:00-07:00

Naji Hibbert has never been to Gardner-Webb, and he didn’t know much about the small Division I school in Boiling Springs, N.C., until a few weeks ago.

'Glee' recap: Goodbye [Reality Check]

2012-05-22T19:31:00-07:00

Now it's time to say goodbye to the graduates at William McKinley High.

'Glee' recap: Goodbye [Reality Check]

2012-05-22T17:56:00-07:00

Now it's time to say goodbye to the graduates at William McKinley High.

Harbaugh to be honored by U.S. Army [Ravens Insider]

2012-05-22T16:15:00-07:00

Ravens coach will receive Outstanding Civilian Service Award

Ravens coach John Harbaugh will be honored tomorrow for his support of the U.S. Army.

Mark Turgeon comments on Logan Aronhalt's signing [Recruiting Report]

2012-05-22T14:46:00-07:00

Former Albany shooting guard Logan Aronhalt said Sunday that he planned to transfer to Maryland for his final year of eligibility. On Tuesday, Terps coach Mark Turgeon made it official.

Mark Turgeon comments on Logan Aronhalt's signing [Tracking the Terps]

2012-05-22T14:46:00-07:00

Former Albany shooting guard Logan Aronhalt said Sunday that he planned to transfer to Maryland for his final year of eligibility. On Tuesday, Terps coach Mark Turgeon made it official.

SHA to give Southwest Park and Ride in Catonsville $1 million makeover [Getting There]

2012-05-22T14:06:00-07:00

Project will last until fall and take away 25 to 28 parking spaces

Dozens of members of the Bent Twig Garden Club met at the Southwest Park and Ride just after 8 a.m.Thursday to board a charter bus to Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens inWashington, D.C.

UPDATE: Metropolitan Opera changes position; Opera News will cover Met [Clef Notes]

2012-05-22T14:00:09-07:00

UPDATE 4 p.m. Tuesday: The Metropolitan Opera has backed down; Opera News will continue to cover Met performances after all. FULL PRESS RELEASE BELOW [the Somerset Maugham quote: "People ask you for criticism, but they only want praise." This unfortunate human trait is bad enough when it ...

'The Bachelor' casting call in Baltimore: Are you eligible? [Reality Check]

2012-05-22T13:42:00-07:00

You may think you have what it takes, but have you changed out the (many) rules?

With “The Bachelor” casting call coming up at McHenry Row on June 28, here are a few tips to help you decide if being on the show is right for you.

NFL owners approve some rule changes [Ravens Insider]

2012-05-22T13:00:00-07:00

The NFL tweaked some of its rules Tuesday, making thigh and knee pads mandatory equipment for players (starting in 2013) and pushing forward a pair of other changes involving the trade deadline and injured reserve.

Girls Athlete of the Week: Sam Nolan, Fallston, lacrosse [Varsity Letters]

2012-05-22T12:58:00-07:00

The senior scored five goals in Saturday's Class 2A-1A state semifinal against Parkside, inluding the game-winner in the second overtime for a 14-13 win that sent the Cougars to Tuesday's...

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Boys Athlete of the Week: Jordan Portner, Mount St. Joseph, tennis [Varsity Letters]

2012-05-22T12:57:00-07:00

On Friday, the junior won the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference individual tennis title, beating McDonogh's Jake Gober, 6-3, 6-1. That performance came after Portner won at...

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Under Armour announces 'WIN Baltimore' community program [Varsity Letters]

2012-05-22T12:50:00-07:00

Under Armour has announced a new "community-based empowerment program" titled "WIN Baltimore," with its first initiative being the renovation of the football stadium at Dunbar.

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The Best of Luck Candy & Gifts moving to Power Plant [Consuming Interests]

2012-05-22T12:19:00-07:00

Candy retailer The Best of Luck Candy & Gifts has moved to larger quarters at Power Plant in downtown Baltimore, next to Phillips Seafood.

Candy shop moves to Power Plant [Consuming Interests]

2012-05-22T12:19:00-07:00

Candy retailer The Best of Luck Candy & Gifts has moved to larger quarters at Power Plant in downtown Baltimore, next to Phillips Seafood.

Clean produce to avoid food poisoning [Picture of Health]

2012-05-22T12:10:00-07:00

It’s farmers’ market time, and all those fruits and vegetables seem so fresh. But they aren’t necessarily clean.

After Patterson Park 'melee,' resident pushes for documentation [Baltimore Crime Beat]

2012-05-22T12:08:00-07:00

But police say without a victim, fight doesn't qualify as a crime

Joanna Sullivan knows what she saw Saturday night as she and her husband peered through the window of their home overlooking Patterson Park - more than 20 youths involved in a "melee" on the tennis courts.

The Bain of Romney's candidacy [Second Opinion]

2012-05-22T11:43:00-07:00

Our view: Bain Capital under Mitt Romney should not be off limits for debate; what the public needs is a more thorough (and balanced) accounting

Newark Mayor Cory Booker was wrong and President Barack Obama is right: Mitt Romney's record at Bain Capital deserves closer scrutiny by voters. Whether a brief television ad accomplishes this is another matter.

Playing catchup with the minority birth rate [Second Opinion]

2012-05-22T10:53:00-07:00

Pudgy, pink Gerber babies are no longer the typical children being born in the United States. According to theU.S. Census Bureau, moms who are Latino, Asian, African American or mixed race are now giving birth to just over 50 percent of American babies.

'The Bachelorette' Recap: Episode 2, 'He's almost too perfect, like Brad' [Reality Check]

2012-05-22T10:36:00-07:00

Emily chats with her "gal pals" and the Muppets show up.

O'Malley's slots gamble [Second Opinion]

2012-05-22T09:07:00-07:00

Our view: Governor's work group won't have enough time to evaluate the effect of a sixth casino before a July 9 special legislative session

Our biggest concerns about the push to expand gambling at the end of this spring's regular session of the General Assembly were that there had been insufficient public debate about all of the changes slots boosters wanted to institute and that there was too little reliable information about the performance of Maryland's existing gambling program. Gov.Martin O'Malley's announcement Monday of a work group to expanded gambling in time for a possible special session of the legislature July 9 does nothing to erase those qualms. The idea of settling on a proposal for a sixth Maryland casino and for the legalization of table games in time for a referendum on the November ballot is fundamentally flawed and should be abandoned.

11 players to watch at Ravens OTAs this week [Ravens Insider]

2012-05-22T08:30:00-07:00

The Ravens began organized team activities Tuesday, marking the first time this offseason that the team's rookies have been on the practice field with veterans. These workouts at the team’s facility in Owings Mills are optional for veterans, though I'm sure coach John Harbaugh hopes all of them will be in attendance. The OTAs will continue into June, setting the table for next month's mandatory minicamp.

'Dancing with the Stars' recap: The final couples perform [Reality Check]

2012-05-22T08:10:00-07:00

We're at the finale already (didn't this season seem short?).

I-95 traffic stop yields $120k [Baltimore Crime Beat]

2012-05-22T07:46:00-07:00

A Maryland Transportation Authority police officer's traffic stop in October netted more than $120,000 in cash for the agency and federal government.

Meet the Recruit: Terps commitment Shaquille Cleare [Recruiting Report]

2012-05-22T07:44:00-07:00

With each passing day, Shaquille Cleare becomes a little more aware of what he can expect as a Maryland basketball player.

Meet the Recruit: Terps commitment Shaquille Cleare [Tracking the Terps]

2012-05-22T07:44:00-07:00

With each passing day, Shaquille Cleare becomes a little more aware of what he can expect as a Maryland basketball player.

Firewood hitchhikers threaten Maryland's trees [B'More Green]

2012-05-22T07:30:00-07:00

Authorities warn about spread of invasive beetle

With Memorial Day about to kick off the unofficial start of summer, agriculture officials are warning the public not to take firewood with them if they go on camping or cookout trips - those logs could harbor some unseen, tree-destroying hitchhikers.

'America's Got Talent' Recap: Gymnasts, rappers and dancing dogs [Reality Check]

2012-05-22T07:14:00-07:00

The search for America's next greatest talent continues in New York.

O'Malley to sign tax hike, arsenic ban, ethics bill [Maryland Politics]

2012-05-22T06:56:00-07:00

Gov.Martin O'Malley will sign bills doing everything from raising income taxes to banning arsenic from chicken feed Tuesday as he closes out the business of the 90-day General Assembly session and the special session that followed it.

McDonough sounds off again about city crime; calls for curfew center, which city already has [Baltimore Crime Beat]

2012-05-22T06:03:00-07:00

The delegate from the city's northern suburbs is sounding off again about Baltimore crime, calling for the mayor to resign unless she convenes a "solutions summit" and demanding a "citywide curfew" be put in place.

Maryland ban on arsenic in chicken feed to spread? [B'More Green]

2012-05-22T05:40:00-07:00

Activists aim for similar legislation in other states

Maryland is set to become the first state in the nation to outlaw chicken feed additives containing arsenic - but it won't be the last, if environmental activists have their way.

IRS says it's becoming even more kind and gentle to struggling taxpayers [Consuming Interests]

2012-05-22T04:03:00-07:00

The IRS has been granting more leniency to struggling taxpayers through a program called Fresh Start.

Captive dolphins have less toxic mercury than wild animals [B'More Green]

2012-05-22T03:30:00-07:00

Study by JHU, National Aquarium suggests different diet explains contaminant levels

People aren't the only ones at risk from eating mercury-contaminated fish, since coal-burning power plants have liberally sprinkled the toxic metal across the earth's waters. But it appears that captive dolphins have a little less to worry about in that regard than their wild counterparts.

Wicomico linebacker Derrick Hayward 'very excited' about Terps pledge [Recruiting Report]

2012-05-21T19:11:00-07:00

Patrick McGlinchey heard “great things” about Derrick Hayward before the young linebacker/defensive end ever set foot in the Wicomico weight room as a freshman.

Wicomico linebacker Derrick Hayward 'very excited' about Terps pledge [Tracking the Terps]

2012-05-21T19:11:00-07:00

Patrick McGlinchey heard “great things” about Derrick Hayward before the young linebacker/defensive end ever set foot in the Wicomico weight room as a freshman.

Maryland braces for Memorial Day travelers [Getting There]

2012-05-21T19:07:00-07:00

Potential seen for backups on Bay Bridge

State transportation officials hope you'll do a lot of sightseeing this Memorial Day weekend. Just not on the Bay Bridge.

O'Malley names panel to study gambling expansion [Maryland Politics]

2012-05-21T16:20:00-07:00

Gov. Martin O'Malley named an 11-member work group Monday night to study a possible expansion of gambling in Maryland and announced that if the group can reach consensus he would call a special session July 9 to vote on casino legislation.

Health care spending rising in Maryland [Picture of Health]

2012-05-21T15:22:00-07:00

Marylanders spent $44.5 billion on personal health care in 2010 as costs in the state continued to outpace the nation, according to a new report.

Grand jury indicts woman for attempted murder in baby stabbing [Baltimore Crime Beat]

2012-05-21T13:53:00-07:00

A Baltimore grand jury indicted a 29-year-old woman Monday on attempted murder and seven other charges in connection with the brutal stabbing of her 8-month-old daughter during a supervised visit at a city social services office in April.

Ravens: Looking at five questions during OTAs [Ravens Insider]

2012-05-21T12:59:00-07:00

From contract negotiations with quarterback Joe Flacco and running back Ray Rice to a potentially season-ending Achilles injury to star linebacker Terrell Suggs to coach John Harbaugh ’s comments on the New England Patriots to mercurial safety Ed Reed ’s controversial radio interviews, the Ravens have made plenty of off-the-field news this offseason.

Grade level of congressional speech falls [Maryland Politics]

2012-05-21T11:56:00-07:00

A study suggesting that the sophistication of congressional floor speeches has declined by a full grade level since 2005 ranks Reps. Chris Van Hollen and John Sarbanes as the most eloquent -- or verbose, depending on perspective -- members of Maryland’s delegation to Washington.

Pianist Vanessa Perez makes Baltimore debut at An die Musik [Clef Notes]

2012-05-21T11:46:55-07:00

Vanessa Perez, a young Venezuelan making waves in an ever-crowded sea of talented pianists, visited Baltimore Saturday afternoon to promote her new, a [smudgy, pushy playing, too, as in the B-flat minor and G minor (the latter, delivered at a supersonic speed that left the actual musical substance i ...

MIAA baseball championship postponed to Tuesday [Varsity Letters]

2012-05-21T11:23:00-07:00

The final game of the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference baseball championship between Calvert Hall and Archbishop Curley has been postponed because of rain.

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Citizens United II [Second Opinion]

2012-05-21T11:01:00-07:00

Our view: Supreme Court has an opportunity to correct the grievous error that created the 'Super PAC' and uphold Montana's 106-year-old anti-corruption law

"While American democracy is imperfect, few outside the majority of this Court would have thought its flaws included a dearth of corporate money in politics."

Baltimore Concert Opera closes season with Puccini's 'Il Trittico' [Clef Notes]

2012-05-21T09:04:57-07:00

Baltimore Concert Opera wrapped up its season with the three vivid one-acters that make up Puccini's "Il Trittico." I caught two of them Fri [these feelings affectingly. She acted out the whole closing portion of the opera, from the searing aria "Senza mamma" on, with impressive ...

A proper Midnight Sun introduction, only 10 months late [Midnight Sun]

2012-05-21T08:48:00-07:00

It’s somewhat strange to write an introduction on a blog you’ve been contributing to for the past 10 months, yet here I am, doing the Internet equivalent to the awkward honk and wave.

Bernard Pollard says team supports Ed Reed no matter what [Ravens Insider]

2012-05-21T08:17:00-07:00

On Thursday afternoon, Ravens safety Ed Reed told Sirius/XM NFL Radio that he wasn’t 100 percent committed to the 2012 season and that he has considered retirement this offseason and the two previous. He quickly backtracked, releasing a statement later in the day that said he wasn’t referring to retirement.

Baltimore man guilty in high school reunion stabbing [Baltimore Crime Beat]

2012-05-21T08:15:00-07:00

A 29-year-old Baltimore man was convicted of second-degree murder for stabbing another man to death at a Walbrook High School reunion nearly two years ago, the Baltimore State’s Attorney’s Office announced Monday.

Still haunted by tenor aria from Massenet's 'Werther' [Clef Notes]

2012-05-21T07:52:25-07:00

Although I have heard a lot of music since attending Washington National Opera's production of Massenet's "Werther" a week or so ago, I keep [a lightweight. I can't, not when confronted with this aria (or the rest of "Werther," not to mention "Manon"). Here are three gold ...

Dog bites are "inherently dangerous" to finances [Consuming Interests]

2012-05-21T05:59:00-07:00

Maryland dog lovers are upset by a ruling in the highest court in the state that says pit bulls are “inherently dangerous,” which means owners and landlords can be liable for the first bite a pit bull makes.

Ray Rice might not be in the building, but some progress has been made in contract talks [Ravens Insider]

2012-05-21T05:00:00-07:00

Optimism remains that deal gets done before July 16 deadline

For the next three weeks, the Ravens will have three-day, organized team activities that will undoubtedly attract many of the team’s veteran players along with the rookie class.

Red Line funding uncertain with failure of Maryland gas tax hike [Getting There]

2012-05-20T21:00:00-07:00

Documents show that O'Malley's pledge to build Red, Purple lines at same time will be difficult to keep

Gov. Martin O'Malley has long promised that Baltimore and the Washington suburbs would each get a new light-rail line and that the Red Line and its Purple counterpart outside D.C. could be built at the same time.

'Mad Men' recap: Season 5, Episode 10, 'Christmas Waltz' [Reality Check]

2012-05-20T20:12:00-07:00

Don and Joan sneaking away from work almost made up for a bad episode ... almost

Thank God for Joan and Don. Without their lunchtime escape from the office, replete with witty, sexy banter, this episode, the worst of the season, would have been pointless.

'Game of Thrones' recap: 'The Prince of Winterfell' [Reality Check]

2012-05-20T19:58:00-07:00

Bran and Rickon live!

The big reveal at the end of Sunday night's episode of "Game of Thrones" is that the Stark children, Bran and Rickon, are not only alive, but hiding right beneath Theon Greyjoy's nose in Winterfell. So much for Greyjoy's relentless hunt.

Albany shooting guard transfer Logan Aronhalt commits to the Terps [Recruiting Report]

2012-05-20T14:40:00-07:00

Maryland’s 11-point win over Albany last season featured the debut of Alex Len , but was an otherwise unremarkable non-conference game for the Terps. For Great Danes guard Logan Aronhalt , however, the late-December matchup was unforgettable.

Albany shooting guard transfer Logan Aronhalt commits to the Terps [Tracking the Terps]

2012-05-20T14:40:00-07:00

We need a war on lead poisoning [Second Opinion]

2012-05-19T21:00:00-07:00

Our view: CDC's revised guidelines on the risks to children from exposure to lead show the need for greater public investment in remediation of older homes

The reports that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cut its threshold for lead poisoning from 10 micrograms per deciliter to 5 micrograms were something of a simplification. What the CDC said, after years of study and discussion, was that no level of lead exposure for children is safe. The 5-microgram level was set somewhat arbitrarily as the point at which doctors and public health officials would recommend parents take action to reduce their children's risk, but there is ample evidence to show that levels of 3 or 4 micrograms — and perhaps even lower — are associated with learning and attention deficit disorders later in life.

Reducing the threat of Armageddon [Second Opinion]

2012-05-19T21:00:00-07:00

Our view: President Obama should heed calls for deeper cuts to the U.S. nuclear arsenal

President Obama achieved a major foreign policy goal in 2010 when he concluded the New START Treaty committing the U.S. and Russia to reduce the size of their long-range nuclear arsenals by a third within six years, to 1,550 warheads on each side. But as the president made clear in remarks at the time, even those cuts didn't go far enough. The world, he said, wouldn't be safe from the threat of these terrifying weapons until they were eliminated entirely.

Another boost for same-sex marriage [Second Opinion]

2012-05-19T21:00:00-07:00

Our view: The Maryland Court of Appeals decision to recognize out-of-state same-sex marriages fundamentally shifts the terms of the marriage rights debate

How ironic that a divorce will be remembered for strengthening the rights of all Marylanders to be married regardless of sexual orientation.

State lacrosse finals set for Tuesday, Wednesday at UMBC [Varsity Letters]

2012-05-19T17:32:00-07:00

The state boys and girls lacrosse championship matchups have been set for Tuesday and Wednesday night at UMBC. Two schools have teams in boys and girls finals -- Fallston and Westminster.

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Maroon 5 keeps Preakness popping [Midnight Sun]

2012-05-19T16:12:00-07:00

The rockers reminded the crowd how deep their 10-year catalog is

The rockers reminded the crowd how deep their 10-year catalog is.

MIAA A,B Conference baseball finals set [Varsity Letters]

2012-05-19T14:06:00-07:00

The Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A and B Championship games are set.

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Preakness revelers try to catch sight of Maroon 5's Adam Levine [Midnight Sun]

2012-05-19T14:03:00-07:00

Twenty-year-old twins Kyla and Keegan Cytryn of Allentown, N.J., stood on their tip-toes to catch a glimpse of Adam Levine, the lead singer of Maroon 5

Twenty-year-old twins Kyla and Keegan Cytryn of Allentown, N.J., stood on their tip-toes to catch a glimpse of Adam Levine, the lead singer of Maroon 5, from the grass beside the outdoor stage.

Onetime Preakness infielders upgrade to the grandstands [Midnight Sun]

2012-05-19T10:30:00-07:00

This year marks the second Preakness for both Dave Bowser and his girlfriend, Angela Alexander -- and both expect this experience to be quite different from their first.

Preakness infield largely laid-back [Midnight Sun]

2012-05-19T09:43:00-07:00

The crowd as a whole is behaving surprisingly lucid and laidback, enjoying their neon yellow mugs full of beer. Anyone turned off by the debauchery of say, five years ago, might want to consider coming back.

Preakness 2012 Infield beer waits swell to 30 minutes [Midnight Sun]

2012-05-19T09:39:00-07:00

Preakness 2012 Infield revelers picking winners, watching music

Revelers in the Preakness Infield were jovial Saturday morning, staking out prime spots -- near the track for some, and near concert stages for others.

Preakness graffiti under control, on a chalkboard [Midnight Sun]

2012-05-19T09:12:00-07:00

In the middle of the infield at Preakness 2012, there are six long horizontal blackboards filled with scribbles of neon chalk. The randomness of the grafitti is appropriately light-hearted and innocuous.

SpaceX pushes back the final frontier [Second Opinion]

2012-05-19T03:00:00-07:00

Our view: The planned launch today of a privately owned unmanned cargo rocket could mark the beginning of a new era of commercial space flight

If all goes as planned, sometime this morning a spacecraft will blast off from its launchpad in Cape Canaveral, Fla., and ride a fiery plume of contrails upward through the pre-dawn darkness to begin a two-week journey to the International Space Station and back. But the flight won't be just another NASA resupply mission. Instead, the Falcon 9 rocket and its unmanned Dragon cargo capsule built by Space Exploration Technologies Corporation — SpaceX for short — will be the first commercially owned and operated vehicle ever to rendezvous with the station's orbiting astronauts.

City prosecutors charge group tied to killing, shootings [Baltimore Crime Beat]

2012-05-18T16:08:30-07:00

City police, DEA collaborate with investigation

When a relative of accused druglord Robert G. Moore was stabbed and killed during a robbery, authorities say, Moore vowed to avenge the death.

On the Record: Bartok from BSO/Alsop; works by Joel Puckett, Larry Hoffman [Clef Notes]

2012-05-18T14:17:01-07:00

While we await the long-predicted — heck, long-declared — death of the classical recording industry, new releases continue to emerge, day [the technologically ancient 1950s by Fritz Reiner and the Chicago Symphony, there’s always room for one more. Alsop misses a few opportunities ...

Baltimore heroin dealers sentenced in conspiracy [Baltimore Crime Beat]

2012-05-18T14:03:00-07:00

Two 44-year-old city men were sentenced to federal prison Friday for taking part in a heroin conspiracy that spread into Baltimore and Anne Arundel counties, the Maryland U.S. attorney’s office announced.

Police: Man, 19, beaten by two groups of students downtown [Baltimore Crime Beat]

2012-05-18T13:35:00-07:00

A 19-year-old student from Baltimore Polytechnic High School told police he was beaten by two separate groups of juveniles from a rival school in downtown Baltimore on Thursday afternoon, an attack that comes amid a pitched debate over downtown safety.

Crownsville student honored for pancreatic cancer test [Picture of Health]

2012-05-18T12:15:00-07:00

Fifteen-year-old Jack Andraka of Crownsville won the top prize at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair for designing a new method to detect pancreatic cancer, Intel announced Friday.

Interesting job or exciting plans this summer? We want to hear about it [Varsity Letters]

2012-05-18T11:43:00-07:00

After the school year concludes, the Baltimore Sun's high school sports staff writes a story featuring student-athletes and high school coaches that have interesting jobs or unique plans during the...

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What to Expect movie reviews [Read Street]

2012-05-18T11:41:00-07:00

The reviews are lukewarm at best for "What to Expect When You're Expecting," a movie loosely based on the hot-selling book series by Heidi Murkoff. Charming moms-to-be, including Anna Kendrick and Cameron Diaz, deal with the emotional and physical challenges of pregnancy, while their significant others, including Chris Rock, act boorish. Here are excerpts from reviews:

White Marsh Mall renovations starting Sunday [Consuming Interests]

2012-05-18T10:36:00-07:00

Managers of White Marsh Mall offered more details today about mall upgrades, a day after announcing that Boscov's department store will return to the shopping center in October.

Going after Terrell Suggs' money would have ramifications for Ravens [Ravens Insider]

2012-05-18T10:05:00-07:00

Ravens have the option but here's doubting they will exercise it

Though the idea that the Ravens could put injured linebacker Terrell Suggs on the non-football injury list and not pay him all of his $4.9 million base salary during the coming season has picked up steam this week, there has been no indication that it’s something the Ravens would consider doing.

Beach House addresses Volkswagen advertisement controversy [Midnight Sun]

2012-05-18T09:36:00-07:00

Despite the Baltimore duo denying the car company use of its song "Take Care," there's a new ad with a similar sounding song.

Weekly Maryland recruiting roundup [Recruiting Report]

2012-05-18T09:09:00-07:00

It's no secret that the Maryland men's basketball staff is aiming high for its 2013 class. Scout.com's updated rankings this week brought further evidence of the Terps' lofty recruiting goals.

Weekly Maryland recruiting roundup [Tracking the Terps]

2012-05-18T09:09:00-07:00

It's no secret that the Maryland men's basketball staff is aiming high for its 2013 class. Scout.com's updated rankings this week brought further evidence of the Terps' lofty recruiting goals.

Is Preakness' Kegasus played by a teetotaler? [Midnight Sun]

2012-05-18T09:07:00-07:00

Here's a strange twist to the already abnormal Kegasus story: he's played by John C. Bailey, a D.C. actor who has been "20 [years] clean and sober," according to a Deadspin story.

Best Buy and Cooking.com launch website [Consuming Interests]

2012-05-18T08:52:00-07:00

Need a new paella pan or a souffle dish?

Classical music world loses another giant: baritone Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau [Clef Notes]

2012-05-18T08:19:25-07:00

Just saw the dispiriting news that Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, the incomparable German baritone who set the gold standard for lieder singing, died Frida [ ...

Baltimore Bohemians to open inaugural soccer season Saturday [Varsity Letters]

2012-05-18T08:03:00-07:00

The Baltimore Bohomians are set to kick off their inaugural season in the United Soccer League's Premier Development League, taking on visiting Ocean City FC at 7 p.m. Saturday at Cedar Lane Park in...

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Review: Steel Panther at Rams Head Live May 17 [Midnight Sun]

2012-05-18T07:01:00-07:00

Comedy clubs are littered with guys who can strum the guitar and tell jokes concurrently, but the key to a great musical comedy act is the strength of their musicianship.

Another concussion prompts Diehl to retire rather than pursue NFL dreams [Ravens Insider]

2012-05-18T06:01:00-07:00

Former Clemson fullback was released by the Ravens this week

A day after making a handful of roster additions and cuts, the Ravens announced on Wednesday that they had released fullback Chad Diehl, an undrafted free agent who had participated in the team's rookie minicamp over the weekend.

Our Take: The week in Maryland sports [Tracking the Terps]

2012-05-18T04:00:00-07:00

Baltimore Sun reporters Jeff Barker and Don Markus and editor Matt Bracken weigh in on the three biggest topics of the past week in Maryland basketball and football.

Could McCoy's new extension be a template for Rice deal? [Ravens Insider]

2012-05-17T16:46:00-07:00

Eagles running back signed Thursday to a five-year, $45-million deal

If you were wondering what Ray Rice's reaction was to LeSean McCoy's new contract extension with the Philadelphia Eagles, the Ravens' running back wasted little time responding to the news.

Under Armour to build Dunbar a new football field [Varsity Letters]

2012-05-17T16:17:00-07:00

After playing almost all of its games on the road in recent years, Dunbar’s football team will finally get a chance to protect its own house.

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Woman, 78, scared after two close to her are shot in Baltimore [Baltimore Crime Beat]

2012-05-17T15:55:00-07:00

Police have said little of recent violence

There's a swirl of violence occurring around 78-year-old Florence Carter, and she says she doesn't know why. But for the first time in nearly five decades, she's being forced to contemplate moving out of her Northeast Baltimore home.

Bernstein to announce results of six-month investigation [Baltimore Crime Beat]

2012-05-17T15:48:00-07:00

Baltimore State's Attorney Gregg Bernstein will hold a news conference Friday morning to announce the results of a six-month investigation into an alleged murder and drug conspiracy, which sources say was touched off by the home invasion killing of a former high school wrestling standout.

Komen gives out $58 million in grants [Picture of Health]

2012-05-17T15:09:00-07:00

Five Maryland doctors win money

Susan G. Komen for the Cureon Thursday announced $58 million in grants to support breast cancer research.

Baltimore and bigotry [Second Opinion]

2012-05-17T13:05:00-07:00

Our view: Where others might view the unruly mob behavior on St. Patrick's Day at the Inner Harbor as criminal, one delegate sees 'black youths'

It is always tempting to ignore the bluster and bombast emanating from the vicinity of Patrick L. McDonough, the Baltimore County delegate and radio talk show host who considers himself a man of the people but mostly is a self-promoting bomb-thrower. His is a career built on angry sound bites and finger-pointing, particularly at minority groups, while his actual legislative accomplishments in Annapolis can be contained in a thimble — with room to spare.

Varsity Q&A: Alice Mercer, Century, lacrosse [Varsity Letters]

2012-05-17T12:59:00-07:00

Three-sport standout headed to Maryland admits her love for Duke, discusses her choice of a career path Alice Mercer has been a leader on Century's field hockey, basketball and lacrosse teams, which...

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DOJ seeks to tighten Baltimore policy on recording police [Baltimore Crime Beat]

2012-05-17T12:55:39-07:00

The U.S. Department of Justice isn't satisfied with the Baltimore Police Department's recently issued orders on the public's right to record officers.

MIAA A Conference lacrosse championship preview [Varsity Letters]

2012-05-17T12:37:00-07:00

No. 1 Calvert Hall (15-2) faces No. 2 Loyola (16-3) at Johnny Unitas Stadium No. 1 Calvert Hall (15-2) vs. No. 2 Loyola (16-3)

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Ed Reed says he isn't 100 percent committed for 2012 [Ravens Insider]

2012-05-17T12:30:00-07:00

Ed Reed being non-committal about his future is an annual rite of spring here in Baltimore, and he kept the tradition going Thursday by telling Sirius/XM NFL Radio he isn’t 100 percent committed to playing in 2012.

R.I.P. Chuck Brown and Donna Summer, two legends [Midnight Sun]

2012-05-17T12:23:00-07:00

It's been a tough month for music fans, and the bad news hasn't slowed down.

"Pooh house" for sale [Read Street]

2012-05-17T11:11:00-07:00

If you're in the market for a home with a literary heritage -- and have a few million dollars to spend -- check out this English estate that once was the home of Christopher Milne (1920-96), who was immortalized in the Winnie the Pooh books.

DeCosta promoted to Ravens' assistant general manager [Ravens Insider]

2012-05-17T10:57:00-07:00

Well-respected executive is considered heir apparent to Ozzie Newsome

When several teams, including the Oakland Raiders and Chicago Bears, expressed interest in Baltimore director of player personnel Eric DeCosta for their general manager opening earlier this offseason, the Ravens responded by giving their long-time executive a contract extension and a title change.

Warning about shellfish from South Korea issued by state health officials [Picture of Health]

2012-05-17T09:00:00-07:00

State health officials are warning consumers not to eat any fresh or frozen molluscan shellfish from South Korea.

Ex-Raven Foxworth says he's 'probably' going to retire [Ravens Insider]

2012-05-17T08:27:00-07:00

Cornerback has played just two games over last two seasons because of injuries

Former Ravens cornerback and current NFLPA president Domonique Foxworth is “probably” going to retire.

At Preakness time, a new optimism [Second Opinion]

2012-05-17T08:24:00-07:00

Our view: The racing industry's long-promised boost from slots revenue is taking hold, providing stability and a chance for renewal

The Preakness Stakes arrives at Pimlico Race Course on Saturday absent one of the event's hallowed traditions. Sure, there will be sundresses and hats, black-eyed Susans, drunken infield revelry and, in a recent addition to the bill, faux-mythological mascots. But what's missing this year is the hand-wringing about whether this Preakness will be Maryland's last.

Tea party victories in Ind., Neb., are no boon to the Democrats [Second Opinion]

2012-05-17T08:13:00-07:00

Conservatives have the energy going into the fall election

If it has accomplished nothing else, the tea party insurgency has made Republicans vastly more newsworthy than Democrats. While the party of the left plods along performing the boring old tasks of governing, the party of the right is engaged in high drama worthy of Shakespeare.

State boys, girls lacrosse semifinals set [Varsity Letters]

2012-05-17T08:00:00-07:00

Times and dates have been set for the girls and boys state lacrosse semifinals Friday night and Saturday. Following is the complete schedule. State finals will be held Tuesday and Wednesday nights at...

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White Marsh Mall Boscov's returns after four-year absence [Consuming Interests]

2012-05-17T06:59:00-07:00

Store was one of three that closed in 2008

Nearly four years after closing, Boscov's department store will reopen at White Marsh Mall in November, shopping center owner General Growth Properties announced Thursday.

Howard County to start funding speed humps again [Getting There]

2012-05-17T06:58:00-07:00

Speeding is so bad on Furrow Avenue that resident Tom Albert said cars have veered off the road, knocking down mailboxes and clipping hedges, and forcing joggers to jump out of the way.

Victoria Justice to perform at Maryland State Fair [Midnight Sun]

2012-05-17T06:34:00-07:00

The Nickelodeon star comes a year after Selena Gomez

Parents, prepare to be begged. Victoria Justice, aka Tori Vega on Nickelodeon's popular show "Victorious," will perform at this year's 131st Maryland State Fair.

'Revenge' recap: 'Grief' [Reality Check]

2012-05-17T05:19:00-07:00

"FINALLY!" I am sure my household was not the only one to yell that during this week's episode. It was the moment most of us had been waiting for all season, and I for one had given up hope that the magical kiss would happen anytime soon.

Healthy Recipes: Picnic Broccoli Salad [Picture of Health]

2012-05-17T04:00:00-07:00

It's cookout season, which means plenty of temptations to indulge.

Loyola completes win against Gilman [Varsity Letters]

2012-05-16T19:29:00-07:00

A day after Loyola's bid to secure a berth in the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference championship was interrupted by lightning Tuesday night at Johnny Unitas Stadium, the No....

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8 local boys picked for Under Armour All-America game [Varsity Letters]

2012-05-16T18:06:00-07:00

Calvert Hall and Gilman each have three boys on the South roster for this summer's Under Armour All-America Lacrosse Classic, leading the way among local teams.

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A look at the Ravens' options for handling Suggs' salary [Ravens Insider]

2012-05-16T16:39:00-07:00

Nearly two weeks ago, when it was revealed that Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs had sustained a season-threatening tear of his Achilles tendon while training in Arizona, we reported that the Ravens could, theoretically, put Suggs on the non-football injury list if he was injured while working out away from the team’s facility. By doing so, they could get off the hook for some or all of the linebacker’s 2012 base salary.

Consumers to receive up to $40 million in refunds from Skechers USA [Consuming Interests]

2012-05-16T14:36:00-07:00

Skechers USA, which claimed its shoes could make you thinner and tone your muscles, agreed to pay $40 million to consumers in more than 40 states, including Maryland.

The Sun at 175 [Second Opinion]

2012-05-16T14:02:00-07:00

Our view: Much has changed since A.S. Abell started his paper, but our mission to provide light for all remains the same — and will for the next 175 years

If Arunah S. Abell dared to imagine 175 years into the future when he produced the first copies of The Sun on May 17, 1837, he almost surely would have guessed that the nature of his business would remain fundamentally unchanged. The news would be printed daily onto broad sheets of paper and sold throughout the city of Baltimore and beyond. In a sense, he would have been right. If he were to be transported to The Sun's printing plant in South Baltimore, he might marvel at the scale, speed and automation of modern presses, but the process would be familiar — blank paper comes in, newspapers come out.

Baltimore police officer charged with misconduct, perjury [Baltimore Crime Beat]

2012-05-16T14:01:00-07:00

A Baltimore police sergeant was suspended and criminally charged with perjury and misconduct after a months-long investigation into allegations he used false information to obtain a search and seizure warrant.

Skechers comes to $40 million settlement with FTC over sneakers [Picture of Health]

2012-05-16T13:52:00-07:00

Company claimed wearing shoes would get people in shape

It turns out wearing sneakers - without exercising - won't get you in shape.

Book art for your wall [Read Street]

2012-05-16T13:16:00-07:00

I'm always interested in finding new ways to use books as art -- whether it's creating a spectrum from shelved books or recycling books as craft projects. Here's another: Litographs , colorful wall prints that incorporate the words of Moby Dick and other classics into designs.

At wide receiver, the Ravens have the numbers but not the experience [Ravens Insider]

2012-05-16T12:31:00-07:00

Of the 13 receivers on their roster,only four have caught an NFL pass

The Ravens may lack experience at the wide receiver position, but they certainly don’t lack depth. How much quality exists within that depth remains to be seen.

Giant Food to open store in Perry Hall [Consuming Interests]

2012-05-16T11:58:00-07:00

Maryland-based Giant Food says it will be moving into a Perry Hall shopping center at Belair Road and Hannon Court. Construction workers are now turning a 57,000-square-foot retail site, formerly occupied by Super Fresh, into a Giant Food store. The new store will open later this year.

11 local girls selected Under Armour lacrosse All-Americans [Varsity Letters]

2012-05-16T11:54:00-07:00

Eleven local girls lacrosse players, including three from No. 1 McDonogh, are among 45 girls selected as Under Armour All Americans to play in the seventh annual Under Armour All-America Lacrosse...

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Baltimore welcomes a new archbishop [Second Opinion]

2012-05-16T11:44:00-07:00

Our view: William E. Lori will lead an archdiocese challenged by far more pressing concerns than who pays how much of the out-of-pocket costs of contraception

Today's installation of William E. Lori as the 16 t h archbishop of Baltimore is a noteworthy event, not only for the half-million Catholics in an archdiocese that stretches from Middle River to the mountains of Western Maryland, but for non-Catholics, too. The church continues to wield great influence in the secular world and notably in Maryland, a state with a long history of Catholicism from the Colonial era to the present.

'Fela!' shakes the roof at Morgan State University [Clef Notes]

2012-05-16T11:36:23-07:00

“I’m going to change Africa,” Fela Kuti says in the ambitious, highly-charged musical about his life and work. “I’m go [the Black Power movement in the States, he became politically energized and outspoken against oppression at home. Fela’s music grew increasingly ...

Special session fallout [Second Opinion]

2012-05-16T10:55:00-07:00

Our view: Return to Annapolis highlights the Democrats' dysfunction; Republicans capitalized on it well, but it may not matter at the ballot box

They did what they had to do, and they went home. That's the best that can be said of the special session of the Maryland General Assembly that concluded today. The tax increases, spending cuts, fund transfers and other measures lawmakers approved in 21/2 days this week protect public education, health and public safety and put the state on a path to fiscal sustainability, all while requiring a relatively minimal additional contribution from taxpayers. After a chaotic end to the regular General Assembly session, order has been restored.

House approves tax increase, sends bill to O'Malley [Maryland Politics]

2012-05-16T09:52:00-07:00

The House of Delegates voted 77 to 60 this afternoon to increase income taxes on the top 14 percent of Marylanders, finishing up business left undone when lawmakers gridlocked at the end of the regular session in April. It still needs to be signed by Gov. Martin O'Malley, who introduced the legislation.

Most Marylanders support bringing elk back, survey finds [B'More Green]

2012-05-16T08:30:00-07:00

But hunter-backed poll also finds strong opposition among some western Maryland landowners

The hunter-backed effort to bring wild elk back to western Maryland is gaining some steam, though fierce resistance remains in key quarters.

The Black Keys, a rock band thriving in a world of pop [Midnight Sun]

2012-05-16T08:12:00-07:00

Ohio blues duo reaches new heights while staying true to its gritty sound

Hailing from Ohio, the garage-rock duo really lives on the road, winning over growing crowds and new fans the old fashioned way.

Test offers red flag for autism at 6 months [Picture of Health]

2012-05-16T08:00:00-07:00

A simple “pull-to-sit” test on infants at six months old may help doctors predict autismand other delays, a new study has found.

Solar power growing in Mid-Atlantic [B'More Green]

2012-05-16T07:15:00-07:00

Sun-driven electricity generating capacity surpasses 1 gigawatt in PJM network

Solar power is gaining a toehold in the Mid-Atlantic region.

'Real Housewives of Orange County' recap: Happily never after [Reality Check]

2012-05-16T06:35:00-07:00

There are tiaras to be worn and bling to be bought as Alexis goes all out for her little princesses, and Slade decides to declare Gretchen his queen.

The Last Word with Berend Weijs [Tracking the Terps]

2012-05-16T06:30:00-07:00

Berend Weijs was a favorite of Maryland men’s basketball coach Mark Turgeon. It’s not that the 6-foot-10 center was a top scorer. But he was affable, worked hard in practice and was a shot blocker.

Towson to host Bike to Work Day rally, May 18 [Getting There]

2012-05-16T06:21:00-07:00

Towson will host a rally on Friday, May 18, 7 to 9 a.m., at the County Court House, as part of the Baltimore Metropolitan Council's 15th annual Bike to Work Day.

'Dancing With the Stars' recap, semifinals results [Reality Check]

2012-05-16T06:19:00-07:00

The judges pick an encore, but given the way the stage is set up, it's clear the audience knows what the routine will be. Judging from the screams, it must be William ...

Chesapeake Bay historic trail expanding [B'More Green]

2012-05-16T06:15:00-07:00

Four rivers to be added to route named for Captain John Smith

The 3,000-mile water and land trail network created to relive the Chesapeake Bay's 17th century exploration by English colonists is about to grow still larger.

'Glee' recap, Props/Nationals [Reality Check]

2012-05-16T05:55:00-07:00

And the winner of the 2012 National Show Choir Championship is ...

'America's Got Talent' recap, season 7 premiere part 2 [Reality Check]

2012-05-16T05:26:00-07:00

Because two hours of auditions last night weren't enough, the "America's Got Talent" season 7 premiere continued into Tuesday night.

Midweek Madness: Saluting the latest inauguration of Vladimir Putin [Clef Notes]

2012-05-16T04:09:11-07:00

Back around Christmas time, I interviewed a cirque artist who told me he had performed for three Russian presidents. I had to bite my tongue so as not [was first a hit during the Soviet era, and, hey, doesn't it feel like just a little bit like the wonderful Soviet era is comin' back? I found a perfor ...

InsideMDSports: 2013 point guard RaShawn Powell wants to get to know Terps [Recruiting Report]

2012-05-16T04:05:00-07:00

Editor's note: Each week, InsideMdSports.com provides this blog with a Maryland recruiting feature that previously appeared as premium content on its site.

InsideMDSports: 2013 point guard RaShawn Powell wants to get to know Terps [Tracking the Terps]

2012-05-16T04:05:00-07:00

Editor's note: Each week, InsideMdSports.com provides this blog with a Maryland recruiting feature that previously appeared as premium content on its site.

Loyola-Gilman boys lacrosse game halted due to lightning [Varsity Letters]

2012-05-15T20:11:00-07:00

Only Mother Nature was able to slow down No. 2 Loyola against No. 3 Gilman in the second game of a Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference semifinal doubleheader Tuesday night at...

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'Glee' recap: Props/Nationals [Reality Check]

2012-05-15T17:58:00-07:00

And the winner of the 2012 National Show Choir Championship is...

The St. Patrick's Day brawl [Second Opinion]

2012-05-15T15:25:00-07:00

Our view: Why did officials try to downplay the seriousness of a violent disturbance at the Inner Harbor?

New details of the Baltimore police response to a particularly large, unruly and violent crowd of youths downtown over theSt. Patrick's Dayweekend not only raise the question of whether the department has the resources it needs to anticipate and respond to such incidents but also whether it can be trusted to level with the public when similar disturbances occur in the future. City officials are right to be concerned about protecting Baltimore's reputation as a tourist attraction and destination for out-of-town visitors, but not at the cost of whitewashing episodes that might tarnish that image.

Triple crown of nutrition tips [Picture of Health]

2012-05-15T13:30:00-07:00

Each week a nutritionist from the University of Maryland Medical Center provides a guest post to The Baltimore Sun's health blog Picture of Health (baltimoresun.com/pictureofhealth). This week, Christine Dobmeier offers nutrition lifestyle tips.

Route 1 lane closures over Conowingo Dam planned next two weekends [Getting There]

2012-05-15T13:24:10-07:00

The southbound lane of Route 1 across Conowingo Dam in Harford and Cecil counties will be closed each of the next two weekends for repaving, according to the Maryland State Highway Administration, which advises motorists to expect some delays.

'Dancing With the Stars' recap: Semifinals [Reality Check]

2012-05-15T13:11:00-07:00

Semifinals tonight. And it's only the second time we're getting two individual routines from each couple, right? Does anyone else feel like they started the two-a-shows earlier in past seasons?

Top baby names have literary theme [Read Street]

2012-05-15T12:40:00-07:00

Twilight continued its influence on the top baby names in 2011, as Jacob was the most popular name for boys, and Isabella was #2 for girls. Sophia captured the top spot for girls, according to the Social Security Administration -- a nod, perhaps to "Tom Jones"," or a twist on "Sophie's Choice"? Next year I have my money on variations of Katniss, Gale and Peeta.

Boys Athlete of the Week: Peter Merritt, Gilman, track and field [Varsity Letters]

2012-05-15T12:15:00-07:00

The senior captain capped his four-year varsity career with four victories at the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association track and field championships. He ran the anchor leg of the 3,200-meter...

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Pit bull pals may get chance in a second special session [Maryland Politics]

2012-05-15T12:10:00-07:00

Pit bull owners and other animal advocates won't get a chance to overturn a recent Court of Appeals decision labeling the breed as dangerous during the special General Assembly session now under way, but they might get their chance if the legislature reconvenes this summer to consider gambling issues.

Ashton Pankey will transfer from Maryland [Tracking the Terps]

2012-05-15T12:00:00-07:00

Ashton Pankey will leave Maryland and transfer to a school closer to his New York City home, the UM athletic department announced today.

Annapolis' unfinished business: Transportation funding [Second Opinion]

2012-05-15T10:20:00-07:00

Our view: For the second time in six weeks, lawmakers will leave Annapolis without having done a thing to address Maryland's transportation deficit

Not long after the Maryland General Assembly last adjourned back in mid-April, gasoline prices were approaching $4 a gallon. Currently, a price-conscious shopper can purchase a gallon of regular unleaded in the Baltimore area for as little as $3.50.

FTC says it settled with debt collector that posed as Ed McMahon [Consuming Interests]

2012-05-15T09:43:00-07:00

The Federal Trade Commission has been cracking down on businesses that try to collect debts from consumers that they don’t even owe.

Senate passes tax increase, pension shift [Maryland Politics]

2012-05-15T09:30:00-07:00

The Maryland Senate passed an income tax increase and a shift of some of the cost of teacher pensions to the counties Tuesday, averting more than $500 million in so-called Doomsday budget cuts that otherwise would have taken effect July 1.

Death from marathon running low [Picture of Health]

2012-05-15T09:20:00-07:00

The stories of marathon runners collapsing and dying at the finish line are enough to scare anybody thinking of participating in one of the 26.2 mile races popular around this time of year.

Review: Rusko at Rams Head Live May 14 [Midnight Sun]

2012-05-15T08:01:00-07:00

It wasn't until nearly midnight when the Hollywood sign-like letters flashed on in the darkness to spell out Rusko.

Myths about credit scores, and signs that a date has a great score [Consuming Interests]

2012-05-15T06:58:00-07:00

The Consumer Federation of America released its second annual survey of our credit score knowledge.

'The Bachelorette' recap: Season premiere, 'A Minivan Full of Babies' [Reality Check]

2012-05-15T06:27:00-07:00

This time around, ABC is skipping the Los Angeles mansion in favor of Emily's hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. Twenty-five eligible bachelors will vie for Emily and her daughter's affection while acting like immature jerks on national television.

Mid-Atlantic flounder stock declared rebuilt [B'More Green]

2012-05-15T06:25:00-07:00

NOAA says six fish populations nationwide fully recovered from overfishing

In a bit of good news for Maryland anglers, the federal government has declared the mid-Atlantic stock of summer flounder fully rebuilt after years of catch restrictions meant to curb overfishing.

Potomac named America's most endangered river [B'More Green]

2012-05-15T06:00:00-07:00

Group says 'nation's river' threatened by urban, farm pollution, cutbacks in Congress

The Potomac River, which flows between Maryland and Virginia, was named the nation's "most endangered" waterway today by a Washington-based environmental group.

Gansler eyeing lawsuit over menhaden catch limits [B'More Green]

2012-05-15T05:20:00-07:00

AG says MD may sue if fisheries panel doesn't curb Omega's harvest enough

Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler says he's considering going to court if the interstate panel that regulates Atlantic coast fishing for menhaden doesn't cut back enough the catch of a Virginia-based fleet that takes the lion's share of the forage fish.

Mychal Parker talks about transferring to Loyola from Maryland [Recruiting Report]

2012-05-15T04:14:00-07:00

After parting ways with Maryland last month, Mychal Parker decided he wanted to finish his college career closer to home.

Mychal Parker talks about transferring to Loyola from Maryland [Tracking the Terps]

2012-05-15T04:14:00-07:00

After parting ways with Maryland last month, Mychal Parker decided he wanted to finish his college career closer to home.

Mercy to open $41.5 million childbirth and children's center [Picture of Health]

2012-05-15T04:00:00-07:00

Mothers who deliver their babies at Mercy Medical Center will soon do so with an expansive view of the Baltimore skyline.

'America's Got Talent' recap: Season 7 premiere [Reality Check]

2012-05-15T03:26:00-07:00

It's clear the producers are making this season -- or at least this episode -- all about new judge Howard Stern.

Miller miffed by "best available technology" regs [Maryland Politics]

2012-05-14T16:02:00-07:00

Maryland's Democrat-majority state senate beat back a GOP amendment that would have gutted the O'Malley Administration's new septics regulations, but Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller wants to revisit the regs next year.

Crowding Balto. Co.'s classrooms [Second Opinion]

2012-05-14T13:36:00-07:00

Our view: Incoming Baltimore County school superintendent Dallas Dance needs to add increased class sizes and overtaxed facilities to his 'to do' list of things to improve the system

The results of Baltimore County Superintendent Joe Hairston's poor decision to cut teachers from high schools are now clear: A sharp drop in the number of classes available to students (including Advanced Placement courses), increasing class sizes and overtaxed facilities, such as chemistry labs with too many students for their lab stations. Mr. Hairston thought it more important to hire new administrators than to preserve teaching jobs, and the result is a lower quality education for students across the district.

Jacob and Sophia most popular baby names [Picture of Health]

2012-05-14T12:10:00-07:00

Across the country last year, the most popular baby names were Jacob and Sophia, according to the Social Security Administration’s latest count.

Baltimore running store owner stars in national retail campaign [Consuming Interests]

2012-05-14T11:44:00-07:00

'I'm Jim Adams... and This is Retail'

If you've never heard of Baltimorean Jim Adams, the National Retail Federation is hoping you will soon, thanks to a promotional campaign by the trade group.

'Werther' gets eloquent treatment from Washington National Opera [Clef Notes]

2012-05-14T11:11:50-07:00

Maybe it is not better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. Consider the case of young Werther, the central figure of the hugely in [exactly what WNO delivers in a production updated, in mostly effective fashion, to late-1920s/early '30s -- Massenet's inspired use of the saxophone ...

High school Romney vs. high school Obama [Second Opinion]

2012-05-14T10:54:00-07:00

If Obama is a little too cool and aloof, Romney may be too callous

Sure, you may know which man -- Mitt Romney or Barack Obama -- you want to see running the country, but which one would you have wanted to know in high school?

Pit bull legislation caged in rules committee [Maryland Politics]

2012-05-14T10:16:00-07:00

Dog lovers shouldn't look to the General Assembly to give them a bone, as legislation overturning court ruling that designated pit bulls as dangerous animals was locked in the House rules committee this morning.

Setting boundaries in Frederick [Second Opinion]

2012-05-14T09:19:00-07:00

Our view: When an ethics panel decides a commissioner's company can't do work of any kind in the county, it's clearly gone too far

How far should a locally elected official have to go to avoid business dealings in his city or county?

Animal Collective's new album, 'Centipede Hz,' due in September [Midnight Sun]

2012-05-14T07:30:00-07:00

Check out the teaser video announcing the 11-song tracklist. And stream two new songs that won't make the album.

GOP opens session with roar of protest [Maryland Politics]

2012-05-14T07:00:00-07:00

Republican lawmakers opened Monday's special session with a roar of protest, denouncing Gov. Martin O'Malley as a liar and vowing to fight the majority Democrats' plans to raise income taxes and shift part of the cost of teacher pensions to the counties.

Weekend Wrap: Shane Cockerille wins QB MVP at Nike camp in Westminster [Recruiting Report]

2012-05-14T05:54:00-07:00

Gilman's Shane Cockerille wasn't the most touted quarterback heading into the Nike Football Training Camp at McDaniel College, but the future Terp finished Sunday as the event's most impressive signal-caller.

'Survivor: One World' finale recap [Reality Check]

2012-05-14T05:33:00-07:00

In hindsight, I bet the men sure are regretting that time they volunteered to go to Tribal Council and voted out Bill. And I wonder how the game would have played out if karma hadn't stepped in and taken Colton down.

Restoring Mount Vernon [Second Opinion]

2012-05-14T03:00:00-07:00

Our view: A public-private partnership offers a way to preserve an iconic city landmark

Baltimore's Washington Monument in Mount Vernon Square is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks, a classical Doric column towering 178 feet above its elegant surroundings. But nearly 200 years after its completion in 1829, the building and its grounds are showing their age, and the city can't afford their upkeep. That's why an agreement signed last month between the Board of Estimates and the Mount Vernon Place Conservancy, a private group formed to raise money and plan for architectural repairs and improvements on the site, may be the only way to preserve this iconic structure for future generations.

Former Terps point guard Steve Blake helps Lakers survive first round [Tracking the Terps]

2012-05-13T14:46:00-07:00

There’s not been a lot to cheer about for Maryland basketball fans the past couple of years -- most notably two seasons without a postseason invitation and Terrell Stoglin’s misguided decision-making off the court that recently ended the college career of last season’s top scorer in the ACC.

JFX repairs may be finished first week in June [Getting There]

2012-05-13T14:11:00-07:00

Crews work 12-hour shifts and overnight to repair pipes, shore up road foundation

On an unseasonably warm Saturday nearly four months ago, workers removed six bolts on a manhole cover in the median of the Jones Falls Expressway and lowered an engineer into a dark space about the width of a phone booth.

BSO to launch training ensembles, taking over from Greater Baltimore Youth Orchestras [Clef Notes]

2012-05-13T13:33:06-07:00

After 35 years, the Greater Baltimore Youth Orchestras, an educational enterprise involving multiple ensembles, will officially dissolve on Aug. 31, t [250 students, ages six to 19, from throughout the metropolitan region take part in the organization. There is a full orchestra of advanced students, ...

Baltimore Symphony performs romantic gems by Rachmaninoff, Elgar [Clef Notes]

2012-05-12T09:13:52-07:00

May is turning out to be a great month for the Baltimore Symphony. A week after a potent combination of a Ravel concerto and a Shostakovich symphony, ["superb technique and unwavering passion." A few minutes later, the pianist demonstrated both attributes in a typically high-Watt(s)age pe ...

Could it be magic? Barry Manilow to play 1st Mariner Arena [Midnight Sun]

2012-05-11T13:44:00-07:00

Tickets go on sale next Saturday.

Singing in the aisles at Wegmans [Consuming Interests]

2012-05-11T12:37:00-07:00

Update: In an email Friday, drama teacher Maura Morrison said Thursday night’s show was standing room only with people turned away from the 900-seat auditorium.

Does this remind you of Seacrets? [Midnight Sun]

2012-05-11T11:59:00-07:00

Midnight Sun alum Sam Sessa and I were both unfamiliar with Caribbean Secrets, the defendant in the trademark infringement lawsuit filed by Ocean City's Seacrets.

Henson verdict a disappointment [Second Opinion]

2012-05-11T10:16:00-07:00

Our view: The bad-acting campaign consultant was just as much to blame for the cynical 'relax' robocall as Paul Schurick was; he deserved the same treatment

Political consultant Julius Henson deserved to be held to account for his role in producing a fraudulent robocall on the night of the 2010 gubernatorial election that was clearly designed to prevent Democrats — and in particular, African-American voters — from going to the polls. It is disappointing, though, that the jury rendered a mixed verdict in the case, convicting him on just one count of conspiracy but finding him not guilty on three other charges. A separate jury last year convicted Paul Schurick, the former aide to Gov.Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. and Mr. Henson's employer in that election, on all four counts for the same offense. Their culpability was equal, and they should have been judged accordingly.

Obama plans two Baltimore fundraisers June 12 [Maryland Politics]

2012-05-11T09:18:00-07:00

He may not be campaigning in deep-blue Maryland but President Barack Obama will be in Baltimore next month for a pair of fundraisers.

Review: Red Hot Chili Peppers at Verizon Center May 10 [Midnight Sun]

2012-05-11T09:17:00-07:00

The most impressive thing about the Red Hot Chili Peppers¿ sold-out show had more to do with what the band played than how they played it.

Club Dubai to become Shakespeare theater in January [Midnight Sun]

2012-05-11T08:49:00-07:00

On Jan. 1, the mega-club's lease will end and so will its run at the historic Mercantile Trust and Deposit Company building.

Hoyer to support gay marriage effort in Md. [Maryland Politics]

2012-05-11T08:35:00-07:00

Rep. Steny Hoyer's decision to support same-sex marriage could bring a powerful ally to efforts in Maryland to retain the gay marriage law in the state. A source close to Hoyer said Friday that the Democratic House leader will "oppose efforts to repeal the new Maryland law."

Weekly Maryland recruiting roundup [Recruiting Report]

2012-05-11T08:33:00-07:00

Many of Maryland's top 2013 targets are guards, but the Terps have identified several post players as top priorities as well.

Weekly Maryland recruiting roundup [Tracking the Terps]

2012-05-11T08:33:00-07:00

Many of Maryland's top 2013 targets are guards, but the Terps have identified several post players as top priorities as well.

Our Take: The week in Maryland sports [Tracking the Terps]

2012-05-11T07:35:00-07:00

Baltimore Sun reporters Jeff Barker and Don Markus and editor Matt Bracken weigh in on the biggest topic of the past week in Maryland sports.

Saved from bulldozer, UM 'hillock' teems with life [B'More Green]

2012-05-11T05:55:00-07:00

'BioBlitz' tallies birds, bugs and more in wooded campus enclave

Harvard University has a research forest. So does Duke. Yale has multiple forests. The University of Maryland has “the wooded hillock." a 24-acre patch of trees at the northern tip of the state's flagship public campus.

Edsall ranked 65th among college football coaches by The Sporting News [Tracking the Terps]

2012-05-11T05:00:00-07:00

The 2012 college football season is still months away, but those who oversee its coverage at The Sporting News did their best this week to turn some of the attention away from the NFL’s concussion controversy, the NHL’s Stanley Cup playoffs, the NBA’s latest playoff injury and Josh Hamilton’s home run derby at Camden Yards.

Young people still risking skin cancer for tans [Picture of Health]

2012-05-11T04:00:00-07:00

Two new government studies show young people are still putting themselves at risk for skin cancer by getting sunburned and going to indoor tanning beds.

InsideMDSports: Change of plans for Rysheed Jordan [Recruiting Report]

2012-05-11T04:00:00-07:00

Editor's note: Each week, InsideMdSports.com provides this blog with a Maryland recruiting feature that previously appeared as premium content on its site.

InsideMDSports: Change of plans for Rysheed Jordan [Tracking the Terps]

2012-05-11T04:00:00-07:00

Editor's note: Each week, InsideMdSports.com provides this blog with a Maryland recruiting feature that previously appeared as premium content on its site.

Pneumonia is biggest killer of young kids, study shows [Picture of Health]

2012-05-10T16:05:00-07:00

Around the globe, the leading cause of death for children under age 5 is pneumonia, according to a new study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health .

USDA offers Frederick County farmers help reducing pollution [B'More Green]

2012-05-10T13:35:00-07:00

Technical aid, $315,000 pledged for voluntary conservation in Catoctin Creek watershed

Farmers may be leery of anyone from the federal government promising help, but here's one offer that sounds too good to refuse.

'God of Carnage' gets brilliant production at Signature Theatre [Clef Notes]

2012-05-10T13:34:26-07:00

Long before the projectile vomiting, and long after, suppressed feelings and uneasy thoughts are spewed all over the set in Signature Theatre's searin [these adults are going to end up acting more like children than children (to borrow a phrase), but Reza keeps adding killer spice and detours to the ...

New Grand Prix deal is worse than the last [Second Opinion]

2012-05-10T11:32:00-07:00

Our view: The Andretti name is impressive, but the terms of a proposed race agreement -- and the short time until Labor Day -- put the city at risk

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blakesays the new organizers she has selected for September's Baltimore Grand Prix — including a member of the legendary Andretti family — "have what it takes to move forward and make this world-class sporting event successful for Baltimore." Isn't that what she said about the last group of people she brought in to save the race? That the lead promoter, Dale Dillon, was a race-savior who would make sure everything went smoothly this year? (Unless, as it happened, he stopped talking to his Baltimore-based partners and dropped off the face of the Earth?) Are we supposed to trust her on this one a third time?

Stretch of River Road in western Catonsville to be repaved by July 1 [Getting There]

2012-05-10T10:47:00-07:00

One-day project's estimated cost of $20,000 for 1,800-foot section

A start date has not been scheduled, but Baltimore County plans to have an 1,800-foot section of River Road in western Catonsville repaved by July 1.

Harry Potter novels available for loan via Kindle [Read Street]

2012-05-10T09:37:00-07:00

Harry Potter novels will be available through the Kindle Owners' Lending Library, Amazon said today, in announcing a deal with J.K. Rowling’s Pottermor e website. announced today.

Download Now: Kane Mayfield, 'Hydrants' [Midnight Sun]

2012-05-10T09:34:00-07:00

Baltimore rapper offers introspection, vivid imagery over a beat seemingly plucked from the early '90s.

Domino's offers new gluten-free pizza [Consuming Interests]

2012-05-10T07:15:00-07:00

Domino’s became the nation’s largest pizza chain this week to offer a gluten-free pizza crust, a step to meet the needs of gluten-sensitive customers, Nation’s Restaurant News reported.

Cody Joyce, former Southern forward, commits to Houston Baptist [Recruiting Report]

2012-05-10T06:09:00-07:00

Cody Joyce received a harsh introduction to the cutthroat world of college basketball recruiting less than a week after he accepted his first Division I scholarship offer.

More from the Mark Turgeon interview [Tracking the Terps]

2012-05-10T05:40:00-07:00

Coach wishes he could have helped Stoglin make 'better decisions'

All season, it seemed, Maryland coach Mark Turgeon and leading scorer Terrell Stoglin had to work at getting to a place where each was comfortable.

The Figaro Project finds a murder mystery in 'Don Giovanni' [Clef Notes]

2012-05-10T04:15:51-07:00

Most opera-goers likely feel they have a firm grasp on the plot of Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” — as firm a grasp as the one the op [Caitlin Vincent, a Peabody Conservatory-trained soprano who founded The Figaro Project in 2009 as an outlet for young singers in the area and a mean ...

Land conservation conference looms [B'More Green]

2012-05-10T04:00:00-07:00

Maryland Environmental Trust event targets land trusts and nonprofits

Representatives of land trusts and conservation groups are expected to gather May 15 in Columbia for a statewide conference on the challenges of saving land in Maryland.

Barney Frank: Obama shift important in Md. [Maryland Politics]

2012-05-09T18:25:00-07:00

U.S. Rep. Barney Frank said Wednesday night that one place President Obama's change of position to open support of same-sex marriage could have a significant impact is Maryland.

Promising Maryland basketball recruiting class will get chance to make early impact [Tracking the Terps]

2012-05-09T17:39:00-07:00

Five freshmen will be counted on as Turgeon says he'll 'play the best players'

Seth Allen wasn't quite satisfied.

Ocean City's Seacrets files another trademark infringement lawsuit [Midnight Sun]

2012-05-09T13:31:00-07:00

After winning a similar case last November, Ocean City's Seacrets has filed another trademark infringement lawsuit, this time against Baltimore restaurant Caribbean Secrets.

New farm rules curb manure, sludge use to help Bay [B'More Green]

2012-05-09T12:30:00-07:00

State's "balanced" approach still irks farm, municipal groups; environmentalists split

New farm regulations being aired this week by Maryland officials would ease first-ever limits on how, when and where the state's farmers can spread animal manure and sewage sludge on their fields.

O'Malley applauds Obama same-sex marriage stance [Maryland Politics]

2012-05-09T12:19:00-07:00

Shortly after President Barack Obama threw his support behind the right of gay couples to marry during an interview Wednesday, Gov.Martin O'Malleywelcomed the shift.

Baltimore Healthy baby campaign to continue with $1 million grant [Picture of Health]

2012-05-09T12:03:00-07:00

A Baltimore campaign to reduce the city's high rate of infant mortality got a $1 million boost Wednesday that will enable it to continue its efforts.

Lawnmower accidents common in the summer [Picture of Health]

2012-05-09T10:17:00-07:00

Tips to keep your children safe while doing yard work

I wrote today about a 5-year-old Harford County girl who lost her feet after her father accidently backed into her with a lawn mower.

High-major programs tracking Poly point guard John Crosby [Recruiting Report]

2012-05-09T09:07:00-07:00

Sophomore starring for Team Melo on the AAU circuit

Every offseason in Baltimore, some of the city’s top players transfer high schools in search of what they hope is a better basketball situation.

O'Malley, Busch, Miller unveil budget agreement for special session [Maryland Politics]

2012-05-09T08:18:00-07:00

Standing side by side, Gov. Martin O'Malley and the state's two top legislative leaders unveiled the broad outlines of the budget plan they hope to enact quickly during a special session next week.

Bids being taken for community gardening awards [B'More Green]

2012-05-09T07:20:00-07:00

Nursery giving away plants, shrubs, trees to top greening projects

B'more Green generally stays away from touting commercial products or companies, largely because we lack the time or resources to vet them. But my green-thumbed colleague Susan Reimer passed this along, and it seemed too worthwhile to ignore:

Committee seeks state grant to help create Towson 'Bike Beltway' [Getting There]

2012-05-09T07:17:00-07:00

Marks' panel proposes dedicated bike loop through downtown

A panel of bicycle and pedestrian advocates have submitted a grant proposal to the state for a "Bike Beltway" around downtown Towson — a collaborative proposal from the panel, the county's Department of Public Works and members County Executive Kevin Kamenetz's staff.

Rare wildflower saved to bloom another day [B'More Green]

2012-05-09T06:50:00-07:00

UM, BGE team up to rescue sundial lupine

Spring is a little showier around here these days, thanks to the efforts of plant specialists at the University of Maryland, College Park. The staff at UM's Arboretum and Botanical Garden have tracked down and rescued or preserved dozens of patches of an increasingly rare wildflower known as the sundial lupine.

Free stuff for Mom on Mother's Day [Consuming Interests]

2012-05-09T06:29:00-07:00

Mom wouldn’t want you to spend your scarce dollars on her. But you can spend the day with her and enjoy some free events.

Walmart beats Target in online shopping satisfaction [Consuming Interests]

2012-05-09T05:43:00-07:00

Online shoppers prefer Walmart to Target.

Yo Gotti stays connected to the streets [Midnight Sun]

2012-05-09T04:36:00-07:00

Memphis rapper talks disappointing album sales, 'Road to Riches' tour

The Memphis rapper, who performs at Baltimore Soundstage this weekend, talks disappointing album sales, 'Road to Riches' tour.

Midweek Madness: A uke-y 'Ride of the Valkyries' [Clef Notes]

2012-05-09T04:23:09-07:00

Wagner's "Ring" Cycle has been in the news a lot lately, thanks to the Metropolitan Opera's hugely expansive, not universally beloved production. That [ ...

The Last Word with Austin Walker [Tracking the Terps]

2012-05-09T04:00:00-07:00

At Maryland, Austin Walker lived the dream of walk-on football players everywhere.

First salvo in 6th District race fired then withdrawn on Twitter [Maryland Politics]

2012-05-08T17:27:00-07:00

Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett, the Republican incumbent fighting to keep his seat in Maryland's 6th District, fired what could be considered the first line of attack against his Democratic opponent in the general election race, criticizing John Delaney in a tweet.

State Police run truck-safety dragnet at FedEx Field [Getting There]

2012-05-08T16:30:00-07:00

Hundreds of truckers pulled over for surprise inspection

— Just after dawn Tuesday, law enforcement officers began yanking hundreds of trucks off the Capital Beltway and funneling them to an inspection lot a long touchdown pass from FedEx Field.

Top 3 terrible eating habits [Picture of Health]

2012-05-08T13:50:00-07:00

North Avenue bridge near Bel Air opens to traffic [Getting There]

2012-05-08T13:46:04-07:00

Link to several communities welcomed by residents, despite likely traffic problems

Harford County opened a new bridge carrying North Avenue in Bel Air over Bynum Run Tuesday morning, providing another northern bypass for traffic in the county seat area.

DNC chair to headline Obama Shore event [Maryland Politics]

2012-05-08T12:05:00-07:00

The Eastern Shore's embattled Democrats, routinely outvoted in one of the redder regions of a very blue state, will have something to cheer about June 3 when Democratic National Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz appears at a fundraiser for President Obama's re-election campaign.

O'Malley, presiding officers to discuss special session tomorrow [Maryland Politics]

2012-05-08T10:53:00-07:00

Gov. Martin O'Malley and the state's two presiding officers plan to hold a news conference Wednesday morning to lay out plans for the upcoming special session.

Lawmakers want special session to stick to budget [Maryland Politics]

2012-05-08T10:51:00-07:00

In theory, a special session of the General Assembly could be an opportunity raise any issue a legislator wanted to attempt to put on the agenda. In reality, there seems to be virtually no desire on the part of lawmakers to deal with anything but the state budget in the session set to begin May 14.

Do credit bureaus have constitutional right to report negative information about customers -- forever? [Consuming Interests]

2012-05-08T09:39:00-07:00

Interesting case going on in a federal district court in eastern district of Pennsylvania.

Weekend roundup: Annapolis Symphony, Concert Artists, Choral Arts [Clef Notes]

2012-05-08T09:08:54-07:00

Last weekend's musical activity for your (mostly) humble correspondent was all about milestones. (This week has been all about distractions, hence the [fine showcase for Frank's vivid musical personality, with its multicultural influences (the title is Spanish for "roots"). The composer's ...

FTC: Myspace agrees to live up to privacy promises to consumers [Consuming Interests]

2012-05-08T09:01:00-07:00

The FTC announced it has reached a settlement with Myspace, which was accused of sharing consumers’ personal information with advertisers when it promised it wouldn’t do so.

Maurice Sendak dead at 83 [Read Street]

2012-05-08T08:10:00-07:00

The death of Maurice Sendak , author of "Where the Wild Things Are" and other wonderful children's books, is a great loss for children's literature. His books, which included "In the Night Kitchen," "Alligators All Around," and the Little Bear books, were favorite reads for my children. Each one carried just the right tone of whimsy, and the illustrations had a classic beauty.

Meetings begin on MD's climate plan [B'More Green]

2012-05-08T08:05:00-07:00

2009 law calls for 25 percent cut in greenhouse gases by 2020

Maryland environmental officials are staging a series of public meetings, beginning today, to get public input on the state's plan to reduce climate-altering pollution.

Death of illustrator Maurice Sendak felt in opera world, too [Clef Notes]

2012-05-08T07:59:33-07:00

Although best known for his compelling, wild-thing-filled illustrated children's books, Maurice Sendak, who died Tuesday at 83, also left his mark in [Mozart's "The Magic Flute" (the latter, which I saw in the early '90s in a Florida Grand Opera production, created an engaging fairy tale for adults), ...

Emails show O'Malley's close ties to Perdue lawyer [B'More Green]

2012-05-08T07:20:00-07:00

Environmental group accuse governor of "pandering" to poultry industry; spokeswomen defend exchanges

A series of emails between Gov. Martin O'Malley and Perdue's corporate lawyer shows what an environmental group calls a "cozy relationship" between the two law school classmates as Maryland's chief executive weighs farm pollution regulations of concern to the Salisbury-based poultry producer.

Miller, Busch make nice after session fiasco [Maryland Politics]

2012-05-08T07:14:00-07:00

If any ill will remains between the state's two top legislative leaders over the chaotic end to this year's session, the two concealed it well at the Democratic Party's gala fund-raiser in Greenbelt Monday night.

Emails illuminate guv's relationship with top Shore employer [Maryland Politics]

2012-05-08T07:10:00-07:00

A series of emails between Gov. Martin O'Malley and Purdue Industry's top lawyer have drawn criticism from an environmental group for showing undue "coziness" between the two. O'Malley's office denies that conclusion -- but the exchanges do provide political-types a peek into how the state's governor manages key relationships (and some insight as to what exactly he's doing with his Blackberry all the time.)

Forest Park guard Wayne Hill 'a definite DI prospect' [Recruiting Report]

2012-05-08T05:47:00-07:00

Wayne Hill left Walbrook two years ago as a 5-foot-7 freshman. When Hill returned to Baltimore last fall after a year in North Carolina, Forest Park coach Greate White was struck by a fairly obvious change in the combo guard’s appearance.

Overnight JFX closures to continue [Getting There]

2012-05-08T04:32:34-07:00

Buy a Mother's Day meal or gift and support a favorite cause [Consuming Interests]

2012-05-08T04:00:00-07:00

Here’s a twist on buying Mother’s Day gifts, whether a meal out or a box of chocolates.

Healthy Recipes: Joy Bauer's soft-baked chocolate-cherry oatmeal cookies [Picture of Health]

2012-05-08T04:00:00-07:00

Just because you're trying to eat healthy doesn't mean totally abandoning your sweet tooth.

Harder for Americans to get health insurance, report says [Picture of Health]

2012-05-08T03:00:00-07:00

Americans in almost every state are finding it harder to get basic health services, according to a report released today by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Madeleine Albright sheds light on long-hidden family secrets [Read Street]

2012-05-07T14:35:00-07:00

Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright will be at the Enoch Pratt library's main branch on Thursday to discuss her new memoir, "Prague Winter," which delves into a family background that had been shielded from her for decades.

Hopkins grabs rays from campus rooftops [B'More Green]

2012-05-07T13:55:00-07:00

2,900 solar panels put on seven university buildings

College students are gluttons for catching rays - now schools are getting in the act, too.

Hopkins engineer students create devices to help keep babies alive [Picture of Health]

2012-05-07T13:50:00-07:00

Johns Hopkins University Engineering students unveiled devices Monday that they hope will lower the number of still births and deaths from fever-related illnesses in developing countries.

Minors see online alcohol ads, buy alcohol [Picture of Health]

2012-05-07T13:05:00-07:00

Alcohol is far too attractive and easy to obtain online for kids, says Dr. David Jernigan, director of Johns Hopkins’ Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth .

Oyster planting season begins [B'More Green]

2012-05-07T10:48:00-07:00

31 million baby bivalves dropped in Eastern Shore creek

Spring's time for planting more than flower and vegetable gardens. it's oyster planting time, too.

The Free World -- 60-second review [Read Street]

2012-05-07T10:06:00-07:00

My book club, which focuses on works with a Jewish theme, is reading "The Free World" by David Bezmozgis. It was one of the better novels we've read, though it conntinued a common theme of a rootless people looking for a safe haven.

Weekend Wrap: Perry Hills stars in Pennsylvania all-star game [Recruiting Report]

2012-05-07T09:44:00-07:00

Perry Hills turned in a near-flawless performance Sunday in his final high school football game.

Vividly sung, intriguingly staged 'Nabuuco' from Washington National Opera [Clef Notes]

2012-05-06T11:30:50-07:00

With “Nabucco,” his third opera, Verdi’s career truly began. He would go on to do much finer work, but his talent and potential are [a musically potent production that strives hard to remind today’s audiences of what “Nabucco” meant to Italian audiences when it wa ...

After FIU coaching change, Forest Park grad Antoine Myers commits to Troy [Recruiting Report]

2012-05-04T18:04:00-07:00

Antoine Myers loved the idea of learning from one of the game’s best point guards of all time, making his commitment to Isiah Thomas ’ Florida International program an easy decision.

Weekly Maryland recruiting roundup [Recruiting Report]

2012-05-04T14:18:00-07:00

Maryland could look locally for a top forward target in the 2014 class.

It's Happy Hour! Frappuccino Happy Hour, that is [Consuming Interests]

2012-05-04T11:35:00-07:00

Starbucks is offering half-off any flavor and size of its blended beverages starting Friday and running through May 13, between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. The blends, mixes of syrup, coffee, milk and ice, include flavors such as Mocha Cookie Crumble, Chocolate Cookie Crumble Crème and Mocha Coconut.

Free Comic Book Day on Saturday [Read Street]

2012-05-04T10:07:00-07:00

There must be some sort of cosmic alignment this weekend, because just as "The Avengers" movie is released, Free Comic Book Day is upon us. I don't read comics often anymore, but I have fond memories of my parents buying a bunch for me and my sister for our two-hour family trips from Connecticut to New York. I was a super-hero fan; she leaned toward Archie. We sometimes read while curled up on the floor of the family's massive Chevrolet, in the pre-seatbelt days. (Don't try this at home.)

Gifts from the heart for Mother's Day [Consuming Interests]

2012-05-04T09:46:17-07:00

Remember that you have many ways to spend less and add more meaning for a special Mother's Day

Somewhere along the way, honoring mom came to mean a fancy brunch or extravagant flower bouquet, an oddly transactional approach that manages to be both generic and pricey at a time many household budgets are tight.

Weekend: Climate "dots", invasive weed pull, urban gardening and more [B'More Green]

2012-05-04T09:10:00-07:00

Workshop on tap to encourage greening in West Baltimore

The upcoming weekend is chock-full of green activities. Here are just some:

Magnetic performances from Marin Alsop, Leon Fleisher, Baltimore Symphony [Clef Notes]

2012-05-04T09:03:34-07:00

Meyerhoff Hall was the place to be Thursday night. In a Baltimore Symphony program of Ravel and Shostakovich conducted by Marin Alsop, the intensity s [a stirring roar from the crowd when he walked out and again when the performance ended.For four decades, Fleisher was limited to such pieces as this, ...

Review: Slash at Rams Head Live May 3 [Midnight Sun]

2012-05-04T08:35:00-07:00

The iconic guitarist worked in Guns N' Roses, Velvet Revolver songs and more

The banner atop the stage during Thursday night's tour-opening performance said it all.

Bay pollution trading stirs mixed feelings [B'More Green]

2012-05-04T07:45:00-07:00

Officials look to cut costs, critics fear cleanup could suffer

Could pollution "trading" really shave billions of dollars from the costs of restoring the Chesapeake Bay? Or would the long-running cleanup effort suffer at the hands of those looking to make a buck on it?

Our Take: The week in Maryland sports [Tracking the Terps]

2012-05-04T06:31:00-07:00

Baltimore Sun reporters Jeff Barker and Don Markus and editor Matt Bracken weigh in on the three biggest topics of the past week in Maryland sports.

Q&A: Lower Dens' Jana Hunter [Midnight Sun]

2012-05-03T10:05:00-07:00

Baltimore singer-songwriter talks 'Nootropics,' learning from drama and playing at home

For Jana Hunter, the multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter of Lower Dens, album release dates typically mean anxiety and, once they're over, relief. But on the morning her group's second album, "Nootropics," hit stores, she said this day felt different.

Meet the Recruit: Terps small forward commitment Jake Layman [Recruiting Report]

2012-05-03T10:01:00-07:00

With relatives living in Maryland and fond memories of the Terps’ 2002 national championship lingering in his mind, Jake Layman always had interest in UM’s basketball program. Maryland’s interest in the 6-foot-8, 195-pound small forward, however, took a bit longer to develop.

Meet the Recruit: Terps small forward commitment Jake Layman [Tracking the Terps]

2012-05-03T10:01:00-07:00

Construction of water transmission line to impact traffic in northern Catonsville [Getting There]

2012-05-03T08:56:00-07:00

$3-million project to start this month and take 18 months

The construction of a new two-mile long water main in northern Catonsville set to begin in May will likely cause traffic delays.

Lewis Lane traffic change to be brought before Havre de Grace city council [Getting There]

2012-05-03T08:02:00-07:00

City seeks permanent solutions to ongoing intersection issues

The plan to close part of Lewis Lane in Havre de Grace for construction at the railroad crossing is being delayed after Grace Manor residents complained about the road closure and the impact it was having on traffic in their community, city public works director Larry Parks said Tuesday.

Rep Stage closes season with intriguing 'Las Meninas' [Clef Notes]

2012-05-03T03:41:02-07:00

I'm not sure what is more intriguing about "Las Meninas," the 2002 Lynn Nottage play on the boards of Rep Stage -- the strange plot itself, [a guide through the courtly doings in the play. Her connection to what happened between the queen and the dwarf provides a key element in the drama. ...

Mount Vernon streets to be closed for Flowermart [Getting There]

2012-05-02T13:50:00-07:00

Other road closures planned in city this weekend

Commuters who've begun using downtown streets because of lane closures on the Jones Falls Expressway might want to think about a backup plan for Thursday evening and Friday.

Avengers movie reviews [Read Street]

2012-05-02T09:42:00-07:00

Early reviews for "The Avengers" movie are in, and the adaptation of comic book super-heroes appears to promise non-stop action, surrounding sub-plots of intrugue. I always considered the Marvel grab bag as B-list superheroes, trailing well behind Batman and Superman. But the group, which includes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor and Captain America, has developed into movie powerhouse. Here are excerpts from some reviews of the movie, which will be widely released Friday.

InsideMDSports: Terps in early on point guard Kaleb Joseph [Recruiting Report]

2012-05-02T08:30:00-07:00

Editor's note: Each week, InsideMdSports.com provides this blog with a Maryland recruiting feature that previously appeared as premium content on its site.

High traffic volume expected at Bay Bridge this weekend [Getting There]

2012-05-02T07:35:00-07:00

Thousands of visitors to attend Springfest in Ocean City

The first of the travel season's "go early, go late" advisories for the Bay Bridge is in effect this weekend as thousands of visitors head for Springfest 2012 in Ocean City .

Midweek Madness: The Supremes meet 'Mary Poppins' [Clef Notes]

2012-05-02T04:46:10-07:00

With the national tour of "Mary Poppins" providing more than a spoonful of entertainment at the Hippodrome this week, I could not resist dev [supremely adorable (if you are of a certain age or mindset) or annoying (if you're like me) song with the unforgettable (hard as I try) word that mean ...

JFX lanes to close overnight as crews begin $2M project [Getting There]

2012-05-01T16:49:00-07:00

All northbound lanes near 29th St. exit will be closed from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m. Thursday to Monday

On Thursday night, all but a single lane of the Jones Falls Expressway near the 29th Street exit will be closed, signaling the start of a $2 million project to replace crushed drainage pipes and to shore up the soil that supports the crucial thoroughfare for commuters and residents.

Temporary road closures planned around Arundel Mills [Getting There]

2012-05-01T15:47:00-07:00

Southbound access to be restricted starting Monday for casino route

The developer of a casino scheduled to open next month at Arundel Mills will temporarily restrict southbound access to the mall beginning next week during road construction to prepare for an expected traffic increase.

Gilman linebacker Kiser headed for Virginia [Recruiting Report]

2012-05-01T13:05:00-07:00

Gilman middle linebacker Micah Kiser planned all along to make his college commitment before the start of his senior year. Monday night, he made it official. He'll play for Virginia.

Entitlement [Charm City Moms]

2012-05-01T04:00:00-07:00

Here's Liz Atwood with this week's Tween Tuesday: A Texas couple was demonized by the media last week for not giving a souvenir baseball to a little ...

May Day books [Read Street]

2012-04-30T22:10:00-07:00

May Day (May 1) seems a bit old-fashioned these days, as union membership is squeezed, but it recounts the bitter fight for organized labor in American and around the world. Much of that fight traces back to Baltimore in 1866, when trade union representatives created the National Labor Union, which advocated for an eight-hour workday. That issue became the centerpiece of May Day demonstrations in the United States and around the world, politicizing a day that had previously marked the coming of spring.

Barnes & Noble, Microsoft team up behind Nook [Read Street]

2012-04-30T12:49:00-07:00

Barnes & Noble has teamed up with Microsoft to create a powerful competitor to the Amazon Kindle -- setting up a mano a mano battle for dominance of the e-reader market. The deal is built around the Barnes & Noble Nook and related digital business.

Spalding's Greg Brown talks about signing with St. Francis (Pa.) [Recruiting Report]

2012-04-30T10:12:00-07:00

Recruiting for Greg Brown waxed and waned through the seasons.

Stay tuned: Reviews to follow [Clef Notes]

2012-04-30T08:06:42-07:00

Your humble correspondent had a whirlwind weekend -- two operas, two plays. I managed to get one review done in between my travels to College Park, D. [ ...

Southern grad Bryan Harris finds new home in Wofford [Recruiting Report]

2012-04-29T14:48:00-07:00

For five days last month, Bryan Harris had found everything he wanted in a college basketball program.

Save the date: Baltimore Reads donation day [Read Street]

2012-04-27T18:51:00-07:00

Want to do a good deed -- and clean out those books lying around the house? Head to the parking lot of Poly-Western High School next Saturday, May 5, as Baltimore Reads holds its annual Books for Kids Day.

Testimony at Johns Edwards trial recalls The Politician [Read Street]

2012-04-25T11:30:00-07:00

A storm of recriminations and denials followed the publication of "The Politician," but the testimony inJohn Edwards' criminal trial reads like the book's key chapters.

SHA to plant 384 trees at I-695 and Baltimore National Pike interchange [Getting There]

2012-04-24T10:24:34-07:00

Move part of a $1.4 million effort to add 28,000 trees to Baltimore and Harford counties

The Maryland State Highway Administration announced Thursday that its $1.4 million initiative to plant nearly 28,000 trees and shrubs in Baltimore and Harford counties will include 384 in Catonsville.

Earlier school start [Charm City Moms]

2012-04-24T08:13:35-07:00

Here's Liz Atwood with this week's Tween Tuesday: I had to chuckle when I read Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot’s comments last week urging school ...

Edgar Allan Poe to get new statue in Boston [Read Street]

2012-04-23T11:40:00-07:00

Boston may be slipping ahead in the Edgar Allan Poe arms race -- the city is preparing for a new bronze statue to honor the great author, even as Baltimore struggles to preserve his former home.

Baltimore's Lia Purpura awarded Guggenheim fellowship [Read Street]

2012-04-23T10:09:00-07:00

Congratulations to Baltimore author Lia Purpura , winner of a prestigious Guggenheim fellowship.

Work under way to repair Hatem Bridge's piers [Getting There]

2012-04-23T05:11:00-07:00

Project in river will take until fall of 2014 to complete

A $48 million project is under way to perform foundation and substructure repairs to the 10 concrete piers supporting the Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge that carries Route 40 over the Susquehanna River between Havre de Grace and Perryville.

Time 100: authors to watch [Read Street]

2012-04-18T14:03:00-07:00

The Time 100 Most Influential People in the World is, by and large, a grab-bag of politicos, entertainers and technology entrepreneurs. But it also gives a nod to the publishing world. Among the Time 100 are:

Starting Friday: I-795 to be resurfaced on weekends [Getting There]

2012-04-17T17:39:04-07:00

Road work will take place between beltway and Owings Mills Boulevard

Starting Friday evening, the Northwest Expressway — Interstate 795 — will be undergoing resurfacing between the Baltimore Beltway and Owings Mills Boulevard in Northwest Baltimore County, officials said.

More roundabouts, other improvements coming for Bel Air area roads [Getting There]

2012-04-17T14:38:00-07:00

Road improvements in the Bel Air area will see the relocation of several utility poles and more roundabouts on two popular roads.

Women and work [Charm City Moms]

2012-04-17T13:54:18-07:00

Here's Liz Atwood with this week's Tween Tuesday: I have a notion to create a bumper sticker that says: “It’s a job, not a choice.” I’m sure you’ve ...

Route 165 pavement work planned near Jarrettsville [Getting There]

2012-04-17T10:39:00-07:00

The Maryland State Highway Administration began Monday a $620,000 project to repair pavement along Route 165 (Federal Hill Road) between Jarrettsville Road and Midsummer Lane in northern Harford County.

Pulitzer Prizes : No fiction winner [Read Street]

2012-04-16T13:42:00-07:00

The 2012 Pulitzer Prizes award today had a big gap -- there was no winner in the fiction category, which must have ticked off a whole lot of marketing execs. What will they do with all the "Winner of the Pulitzer Prize" stickers they had printed up for their covers?

Emancipation Day provides tax filing delay [Read Street]

2012-04-16T10:05:00-07:00

Thanks to a quirk in this year's income tax filing deadline , many Americans are getting a lesson in Civil War history today. The IRS pushed back the filing deadline because April 15 landed on Sunday and today is Emancipation Day , which marks the anniversary of the 1862 District of Columbia Emancipation Act .

Shogun Fights VI: Highlights [MMA Stomping Grounds]

2012-04-15T11:27:52-07:00

brightcove.createExperiences(); If video doesn't work, click here to view. Shogun ...

Best books on the Titanic [Read Street]

2012-04-14T22:00:00-07:00

With the 100th anniversary of the Titanic, there should be a renewed interest in "A Night to Remember," Baltimorean Walter Lord's recreation of the ship's sinking. It is a classic in the dramatiuc retelling of an historical event, and you could draw a straight line to more recent books such as Sebastian Junger's "A Perfect Storm" or Jon Krakauer's "Into Thin Air." From the first pages, Lord evokes the gentility of the steamship era, and pulls readers into the unfolding disaster.

Save the date: CityLit Festival this Saturday [Read Street]

2012-04-12T10:55:00-07:00

Make sure you take a break Saturday from your weeding, planting and other household chores to stop by the CityLit Festival at the Enoch Pratt Free Library. It's one of Baltimore's best literary events, and the schedule is always packed with an entertaining list of speakers. The headliner this year is Walter Isaacson, biographer Steve Jobs, the late Apple CEO.

J.K. Rowling's new book: 'The Casual Vacancy' [Read Street]

2012-04-12T07:33:00-07:00

J.K. Rowling's first book aimed at adults will be called "The Casual Vacancy," and will be released Sept. 27, her British publisher announced today.

Carole King memoir reviews [Read Street]

2012-04-10T10:04:00-07:00

Carole King's new memoir, "A Natural Woman," was released today, and she's making the rounds wuith television and radio interviews. The book chronicles her rise from a New York childhood influenced by music, to her discovery of rhythm and blues on the radio shows of legendary DJ Alan Freed , to acclaim with the hit album "Tapestry," (a hallmark of my generation) and through her troubled marriages. (In two weeks, King is scheduled to release "The Legendary Demos," an album of her early recordings, including " Yours Until Tomorrow." ) Here are exceprts from reviews of her memoir:

Teens and money [Charm City Moms]

2012-04-10T05:00:00-07:00

Here's Liz Atwood with this week's Tween Tuesday As the nation slowly recovers from the recession, a new survey from T.Rowe Price finds that tweens w 1. Take advantage of everyday teachable money moments — Trips to the grocery store, attending a sporting event, getting money from the ATM, and planni ...

Shogun Fights VI: Hear from the fighters [MMA Stomping Grounds]

2012-04-09T17:47:24-07:00

brightcove.createExperiences(); ...

Confessions of a Scary Mommy [Read Street]

2012-04-09T13:33:00-07:00

Having just spent a very busy weekend with adorable, 4-year-old twin girls who were visiting with my nephew, I was extremely interested in the sight-seeing tips from Jill Smokler, the Baltimore-based Scary Mommy blogger who recently released "Confessions of a Scary Mommy."

Bully [Charm City Moms]

2012-04-03T04:00:00-07:00

Here's Liz Atwood with this week's Tween Tuesday: Last week, I wrote about the Hunger Games, a film that is hard to avoid. A few days ago a more impo ...

Jon Jones vs. Rashad Evans: Who will win? [MMA Stomping Grounds]

2012-03-28T04:29:40-07:00

The last several months, former light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans (above, right) has presented his case to the media like a court-appoint Ryan Bader was an undefeated (12-0) fighter at the time he fought Jones. Let the evidence show that he suffered his first loss, by submission, in le ...

Hunger Games [Charm City Moms]

2012-03-27T04:00:00-07:00

Here's Liz Atwood with this week's Tween Tuesday: Parents of teens and tweens are learning a whole new language these days. After a decade of learnin ...

Smoking [Charm City Moms]

2012-03-20T04:00:00-07:00

Here's Liz Atwood with this week's Tween Tuesday: The other day, my 10-year-old said he had a confession to make and begged me not to be mad at him. ...

Cowboy Cerrone is looking for a title shot this year [MMA Stomping Grounds]

2012-03-15T14:13:43-07:00

brightcove.createExperiences(); If you cannot view the above video, click here UFC ...

Am I ugly? [Charm City Moms]

2012-03-13T04:00:00-07:00

Here's Liz Atwood with this week's Tween Tuesday: “How do I look?” Everybody asks that question. You try on a new pair of jeans and wonder if they m ...

Lorax teaching kids to become Occupy protesters? [Charm City Moms]

2012-03-06T03:00:00-08:00

Here's Liz Atwood with this week's Tween Tuesday: As if I don’t have enough to worry about with gun violence, bullying, test scores and teen sex. Now ...

InsideEd moves to new platform [InsideEd]

2012-03-01T09:07:47-08:00

Hello Inside Ed Family, As many of you may have noticed, there are some changes to InsideEd. We have moved to a new platform, that can be reached here [ ...

Moving! Follow the Real Estate Wonk to new home [The Real Estate Wonk]

2012-02-29T05:37:00-08:00

The Real Estate Wonk has moved -- fitting, for a blog about housing. You can tag along to the new location by going to baltimoresun.com/realestatewonk. The new ...

New blogger and new blog home [Maryland Weather]

2012-02-28T03:19:00-08:00

This week Scott Dance joins The Baltimore Sun as its new weather blogger. As other Sun blogs have moved over to a new platform, it's time for Maryland ...

Realtors to rally against proposed change affecting Md. mortgage-interest deduction [The Real Estate Wonk]

2012-02-28T03:00:00-08:00

Realtors have kicked off a campaign to keep legislators from approving a budget proposal that would reduce the amount of itemized deductions higher-income Maryl A taxpayer with an adjusted gross income of $150,000 and $24,000 in itemized deductions would pay $191 extra in Maryland taxes under the proposal, Gui ...

Zero tolerance [Charm City Moms]

2012-02-28T03:00:00-08:00

Here's Liz Atwood with this week's Tween Tuesday: I was happy to learn that the Maryland State Board of Education is taking another look at its zero ...

Hot days in February [Maryland Weather]

2012-02-26T03:03:00-08:00

From the Sun's print edition:Baltimore Sun librarian Paul McCardell offers this post: "Warmer In Baltimore Than In Miami” was the headline ...

A business columnist bids farewell and looks back [Jay Hancock's blog]

2012-02-25T21:01:00-08:00

It's not about more or less regulation; it's about the right regulation

There comes a time for every trader to tally the bets that paid off, revalue the stinkers and recalibrate assumptions according to changing facts.

Wind advisory in effect for Saturday for Baltimore region [Maryland Weather]

2012-02-25T08:34:47-08:00

The National Weather Service has a wind advisory in effect until 6 p.m. Saturday for the Baltimore area.A wind advisory means that wind gusts over 45 ...

Mild winter a bad sign for maple sugar [Maryland Weather]

2012-02-25T04:01:00-08:00

From The Sun's print editions: Baltimore Sun reporters Candus Thomson and Steve Kilar offers this guest post: Mild winter weather cou ...

Some celesital wonders coming up [Maryland Weather]

2012-02-24T13:50:15-08:00

From The Sun's print editions: Baltimore Sun reporter Candus Thomson offers this guest post: If the weather cooperates, Saturday and Sunday nig ...

Time to move [The Schmuck Stops Here]

2012-02-23T07:05:32-08:00

If you're stopping by here and wondering why there is nothing new up on the blog anymore, it's because this isn't the blog anymore. The Schmuck Stops Here has m ...

Learn to be a weather spotter [Maryland Weather]

2012-02-23T03:05:00-08:00

From The Sun's print editions: Baltimore Sun reporter Candus Thomson offers this guest post: How does the National Weather Service ga ...

La Nina and tornadoes [Maryland Weather]

2012-02-22T03:49:00-08:00

From The Sun's print editions: Baltimore Sun reporter Candus Thomson offers this guest post: Last year was the fourth deadliest year ...

Food allergies [Charm City Moms]

2012-02-21T03:00:00-08:00

Here's Liz Atwood with this week's Tween Tuesday: My kids have been lucky not to have developed any food allergies. Many years ago, my older son pret ...

Want to create jobs? Stop complaining and get to work [Jay Hancock's blog]

2012-02-20T15:42:00-08:00

I located some job creators. Fells Point Wholesale Meats puts protein on the table every day at hundreds of restaurants and hotels from Cecil County to Northern Virginia.

Signs of spring this week [Maryland Weather]

2012-02-20T11:58:01-08:00

So the Baltimore area missed out on the holiday weekend snow, which hit Virginia and southern Maryland on Sunday. Weather spotters in Saint Mary ...

9 months of housing-market supply -- for now [The Real Estate Wonk]

2012-02-20T03:00:00-08:00

It would take nine months to sell all the homes on the market in the Baltimore region at the pace people are buying these days, in case you were wondering.That' And on top of that, you've got both would-be buyers and would-be sellers sitting things out for now. When they choose to get off the sidelines will af ...

50th anniversary of John Glenn's Friendship 7 flight [Maryland Weather]

2012-02-19T03:19:00-08:00

From the Sun's print edition:Baltimore Sun librarian Paul McCardell offers this post: "Godspeed, John G ...

Baltimore may see snow, but will likely miss big accumulation [Maryland Weather]

2012-02-18T08:57:56-08:00

While Baltimore might see some snow on Sunday, the latest forecasts are calling for the area to be spared from major accumulations.According to the Na ...

First data from Cross-track Infrared Sounder [Maryland Weather]

2012-02-18T03:17:00-08:00

From The Sun's print editions: Baltimore Sun reporter Candus Thomson offers this guest post: The newest polar-orbiting satellite that ...

WISE satellite one year later [Maryland Weather]

2012-02-17T11:14:36-08:00

From The Sun's print editions: Baltimore Sun reporter Candus Thomson offers this guest post: On this date last year, NASA decommissio ...

Uncertainty surrounds weekend storm [Maryland Weather]

2012-02-17T08:19:56-08:00

Forecasters say it's much too early to determine where and how much snow will fall Sunday. But here is the speculation so far. Update 4:30 p.m. The Na ...

What the robo-signing settlement means for all borrowers [The Real Estate Wonk]

2012-02-17T03:00:00-08:00

If you're not in trouble on a mortgage and didn't lose your home to foreclosure in the last few years, you might think the national settlement between state att o More rules about suspense accounts. When payments are put in such accounts, servicers must tell the borrower and apply money from the account to the ...

Snow still a possibility for Saturday into Sunday [Maryland Weather]

2012-02-16T20:07:16-08:00

Baltimore Sun reporter Steve Kilar offers this guest post: The National Weather Service is still predicting a decent chance of snow for Saturday ...

Goddard explanation for Snowmageddon [Maryland Weather]

2012-02-16T13:46:13-08:00

From The Sun's print editions: Baltimore Sun reporter Candus Thomson offers this guest post: So, what caused Snowmageddon—the t ...

Holiday weekend snow possible [Maryland Weather]

2012-02-16T09:21:09-08:00

The latest wintry mix forecast of the season is for Saturday night. It all comes down to temperature. The National Weather Service says, "A coast ...

City schools to release school system earnings on Friday [InsideEd]

2012-02-15T14:32:56-08:00

Baltimore city school officials said this week that they will be releasing the gross earnings for its employees on Friday. If you remember, The Sun ma [The information initially provided by Baltimore City was incomplete, with school officials providing general salary scales for its positions rather ...

Crime, school and amenities data paired with real estate [The Real Estate Wonk]

2012-02-15T03:00:00-08:00

Real estate search site Trulia now has neighborhood data on crime, schools and other things that aren't real estate but that homebuyers and prospective renters ...

Breast-feeding support for Maryland moms [Charm City Moms]

2012-02-15T03:00:00-08:00

Moms around the world can probably tell hundreds of stories about trying to breastfeed their babies for the first time. As much as some people say it ...

Great Backyard Bird Count is Saturday [Maryland Weather]

2012-02-14T12:49:01-08:00

From The Sun's print editions: Baltimore Sun reporter Candus Thomson offers this guest post: Take part in the national Great Backyard ...

Mayor, Alonso do agree on one part of school construction plan [InsideEd]

2012-02-14T09:50:38-08:00

In a story today about Mayor Stephanie-Rawlings Blake's State of the City address, our City Hall Reporter Julie Scharper touched a lot on how the mayo [ ...

Too much alcohol in Super Bowl ads? [Charm City Moms]

2012-02-14T06:53:06-08:00

Here's Liz Atwood with this week's Tween Tuesday: Folks are still talking about the Super Bowl commercials. While the Clint Eastwood car commercial a ...

Company town [The Real Estate Wonk]

2012-02-14T03:00:00-08:00

Pete from Highlandtown, one of my favorite commenters here (though I love you all), touched on a subject this week that everyone in the region should be giving Some local economists warned for years that the rapidly increasing amount of federal contracting dollars flowing to Maryland would inevitably have to ...

Possible morning snow showers [Maryland Weather]

2012-02-13T15:03:26-08:00

The National Weather Service says there's a 40 percent of snow showers before 10 a.m. before turning to rain. Little accumulation expected. Baltimore ...

Moving Day for BaltTech [BaltTech]

2012-02-13T11:08:06-08:00

We have come to the end of the road for this blog template. No longer will I be using Movable Type to craft my pearls of journalism for the blog-rea ...

Few bedrooms, big price [The Real Estate Wonk]

2012-02-13T03:00:00-08:00

You'd be forgiven for thinking that pricey homes always have a lot of bedrooms. They so often do. Take this seven-bedroom spread in Annapolis. Or this 12-bedroo When it comes down to it, though, how many bedrooms does a mansion really need? I mean, is anyone entertaining enough to make 30 bedrooms a must-hav ...

Memories of February storms [Maryland Weather]

2012-02-12T03:20:00-08:00

From the Sun's print edition:Baltimore Sun librarian Paul McCardell offers this post: We are entering the pa ...

Exelon gets tax cuts despite pledge to locate in Baltimore [Jay Hancock's blog]

2012-02-12T00:00:00-08:00

Among the many advantages Constellation Energy's headquarters gives Baltimore — Fortune 500 cachet, hundreds of well-paid workers, millions in charity — is this: The building pays sticker price on property taxes — $745,000 a year.

High winds forecast for Sunday [Maryland Weather]

2012-02-11T16:43:38-08:00

With a night of howling winds up to 47 miles per hour and some flurries in the forecast, utility crews were preparing Saturday for potential power out ...

Accumulating snow expected Saturday [Maryland Weather]

2012-02-11T05:47:49-08:00

The Baltimore region can expect around an inch of accumulating snow Saturday, likely in the mid to late afternoon. Areas along the Pennsylvania bord ...

See the International Space Station with your sweetie on Valentine's Day [Maryland Weather]

2012-02-11T03:56:00-08:00

From The Sun's print editions: Baltimore Sun reporter Candus Thomson offers this guest post: Get those neck muscles in shape, Interna ...

HCC Part of Student Advocacy Day [InsideEd]

2012-02-10T15:45:25-08:00

By Joe BurrisThree years ago, Ben Fischer suffered a traumatic brain injury from a car accident that left him with slow cognitive skills. The Howard C [“Primarily I am standing up for disabled students who are going to college at this point and time,” said Fischer, who was among 15 HCC stu ...

More rain and snow this weekend [Maryland Weather]

2012-02-10T09:20:44-08:00

The second rain and snow event of the week is upon us, but little or no accumulation is expected in the Baltimore metro area. The National Weather Ser ...

Maryland stocks trout streams, ponds [Maryland Weather]

2012-02-10T03:21:00-08:00

From The Sun's print editions: Baltimore Sun reporter Candus Thomson offers this guest post: Warm, dry weather has meant one thing fo ...

Snow totals in Maryland [Maryland Weather]

2012-02-09T10:20:11-08:00

Accumulations from Wednesday's snow event, such as it was, ranged from a trace at BWI to 2 inches in Frederick County, according to the National Weath ...

Ten states to get NCLB waivers [InsideEd]

2012-02-09T06:56:04-08:00

The Associated Press is reporting that the White House will soon announce that 10 states have gotten waivers to No Child Left Behind, essentially lift [ ...

Updated: After Alonso PIP letter went out, teachers' PIP stories rolled in [InsideEd]

2012-02-09T05:27:29-08:00

Just before our story about the rise in PIPs among city teachers posted last night, Baltimore city schools CEO Andres Alonso sent out a letter to teac [Update on Professional Support for Teachers February 7, 2012 Dear City Schools Teachers, Thank you for all that you have done—and ...

Md. foreclosures since 2006: Almost 50,000 [The Real Estate Wonk]

2012-02-09T05:05:00-08:00

Mortgage firms have foreclosed on about 49,600 homes in Maryland since the final days of the inflating housing bubble in January 2006, real estate data firm Cor ...

Baltimore County school board passes budget [InsideEd]

2012-02-08T15:53:18-08:00

Baltimore County school board members voted unanimously Tuesday night to adopt a $1.23 billion budget with an amendment that would add two more audito [ ...

Twenty apply for Baltimore County school superintendent job - so far [InsideEd]

2012-02-08T14:26:04-08:00

On Tuesday, the search firm hired to help find Baltimore County a new superintendent reported it has 20 applications that are either in hand [ ...

Union Leader: City principals also seeing PIP surge [InsideEd]

2012-02-08T07:30:02-08:00

On Wednesday, we ran a story about the stark increase in the number of Baltimore city teachers who received unsatisfactory ratings on their mid-year e [The district claims that it is now redefining PIPs in using them as a constructive feedback and professional development tool. In the past, they have ...

Facebook deletes photo of artful nude pregnant woman on Disney-owned parent-blogging site's FB page [BaltTech]

2012-02-07T12:24:32-08:00

Avert your eyes! Avert your eyes! This photo was apparently deemed offensive by Facebook, and unilaterally taken down from a page operated by Babble, ...

City schools boxing champion wins second national title [InsideEd]

2012-02-07T11:46:38-08:00

What a breath of fresh air I received today in a phone call from the mother of Lorenzo "Truck" Simpson, the City Springs Elementary/Middle s [ ...

NFL's online copyright monitor vendor threw flag too soon on Chrysler ad [BaltTech]

2012-02-07T09:23:57-08:00

Yesterday, you may have followed the online back-and-forth here on the much-talked-about Chrysler ad, " Halftime in America," featuring Clint Eastwood ...

"App Economy" created nearly 500,000 jobs: study [BaltTech]

2012-02-07T09:03:39-08:00

A new study from TechNet, a bipartisan advocacy group in Washington for technology companies, says that the growth of "apps" -- from Facebook games to ...

Phasing in new testing for Common Core [InsideEd]

2012-02-07T06:45:11-08:00

In a story today, I look at the ramifications of moving to the Common Core standards and a new set of tests. When the state schoo [ ...

Renting by default or by choice [The Real Estate Wonk]

2012-02-07T03:00:00-08:00

As the homeownership rate drops, the renter ranks swell. Some are renting because it's the only option, except possibly crashing with family, but others could b ...

Backseat safety [Charm City Moms]

2012-02-07T03:00:00-08:00

Here's Liz Atwood with this week's Tween Tuesday: I noticed a few days ago that the Maryland General Assembly is considering legislation that would r ...

Electric deals often look good — until the contract ends [Jay Hancock's blog]

2012-02-06T15:08:00-08:00

Your first job as a Maryland electricity shopper is to sign up for a good deal at a good price. I'll remind you how to do so later in the column.

Faceoff's home for the 2012 season and beyond [Faceoff]

2012-02-06T12:58:14-08:00

Faceoff has moved. The new address is: baltimoresun.com/sports/lacrosse-blog/ ...

NFL asks Google to reinstate Chrysler's "Halftime in America" ad [BaltTech]

2012-02-06T08:09:17-08:00

Just got word from an NFL spokesman that the NFL did not ask Google/Youtube to take down Chrysler's popular "Halftime in America" commercial, featurin ...

Youtube blocks Chrysler's "Halftime in America" commercial for NFL copyright claim [BaltTech]

2012-02-06T03:49:14-08:00

I missed the Clint Eastwood/Chrysler ad spot last night during the Super Bowl halftime, but many raved about it. So I just tried to pull it up on Yo ...

Proposal would help state keep banks from getting homeowner tax breaks [The Real Estate Wonk]

2012-02-06T03:00:00-08:00

A reader wrote in the other day because she discovered that her former neighbor's house, foreclosed on several years ago, is still listed in public records as i Robert E. Young, director of the assessments agency, said the department-requested SB 123 would require that foreclosing firms forward a copy of the c ...

Price funds grant small but exclusive Facebook entree [Jay Hancock's blog]

2012-02-04T21:00:00-08:00

Among the elite insiders who got to invest in Facebook before it goes public were several Silicon Valley venture capitalists, a Russian oligarch and the rock star Bono.

Doomsayers were right before. Are they wrong now? [Jay Hancock's blog]

2012-02-03T14:35:00-08:00

Adam Davidson has a piece in this weekend's NYT magazine : "It Is Save To Resume Ignoring Prophets Of Doom, Right?" He quotes such sourpusses as Noriel Roubini, Peter Schiff and Johns Hopkins University econmist Steve Hanke, all predicting dire events for jobs and growth.

Jobs report shows economic acceleration [Jay Hancock's blog]

2012-02-03T07:12:00-08:00

The economy added 243,000 jobs in January, the Labor Department said this morning. It was the 4th-best best monthly job growth in almost six years. More important, it looks like part of a trend. There were a couple good job months in 2010, but they were surrounded before and afterward by months with job losses. Now the economy has clocked 16 consecutive months of job growth. The numbers are finally well into six figures.

City principal pay below average [InsideEd]

2012-02-03T07:04:50-08:00

Today, I wrote a story about principal pay in the city, which I was surprised to find was below the average for the state, and that of the other large [ ...

Where Baltimore-area residents would rather be [The Real Estate Wonk]

2012-02-03T03:00:00-08:00

Real estate search site Trulia says the Baltimore region is seventh on the list of metro areas with the weakest demand among the online search crowd -- specific It's an eerily similar list. 1. The Washington area 2. The Bethesda-Rockville-Frederick area 3. The NYC area 4. The Philadelphia area 5. The Sali ...

What the Facebook IPO filing misses: age demographics [BaltTech]

2012-02-02T10:21:26-08:00

I keep hearing in my travels that the young folk (teens and tweens) are using Tumblr alot. Tumblr, indeed, is on a roll. In the context of Facebook's ...

Why we still don't know the real story about Baltimore City school system salaries [InsideEd]

2012-02-02T09:39:13-08:00

Today, The Sun published a database with the salary and overtime for every school system employee--by name and job title--dating back to 2008. I [After blowing the 30-day response deadline outlined by the Maryland Public Information Act--a law--by nearly three weeks, the city school system pro ...

Push for home births in Maryland [Charm City Moms]

2012-02-02T07:55:06-08:00

As mothers, we talk about having and wanting choices on how we raise our children. Some moms in Maryland want to have the option of delivering their ...

Report: O'Malley gas tax hike hits poorest the hardest [Jay Hancock's blog]

2012-02-01T15:32:00-08:00

The Maryland Public Policy Institute, which has no fondness for taxes generally, does not like Gov.Martin O'Malley's proposed gas-tax increase. Fuel taxes are well-known as regressive, but the institute says a Maryland gas-tax increase of 15 cents (the Sun has estimated it would be 18 cents are current gas prices) would hit the poorest of the poor especially hard. Say Wendell Cox and Ronald Utt:

Facebook files for IPO, seeks to raise $5 billion [BaltTech]

2012-02-01T13:54:30-08:00

At 4:47 p.m. today, Facebook Inc. filed its S-1 registration statement as it seeks to go public and raise $5 billion. Some key facts: from the filin ...

Exelon building will pull energy from downtown [Jay Hancock's blog]

2012-02-01T12:59:00-08:00

Granted, the announced move of Constellation Energy/Exelon's new Baltimore headquarters around the Inner Harbor's northeast corner is not a quantum jump. Constellation's present location at 750 E.Pratt St. is already on the edge of downtown, furnishing walk-up patrons for restaurants in Little Italy and other eastern neighborhoods. The new HQ will be less than a mile away.

Updated: Local attorney hopes to bring international perspective to city school board [InsideEd]

2012-02-01T08:48:11-08:00

Updated on February 1: A new member has been appointed to the Baltimore city school board, after two searches have taken place in the last year [School officials confirmed the appointment after The Sun obtained board members' formal notifications last week. Board members are jointly appointed ...

Updated: Alonso's chief of staff withdraws name from superintendent search [InsideEd]

2012-02-01T07:11:16-08:00

Updated: Tisha Edwards, Alonso's chief of staff who traveled to East Baton Rouge last week to interview as a finalist for the parish's superintendent [Original Post: Tisha Edwards, right hand (wo)man and chief of staff for city schools CEO Andres Alonso, is a semifinalist for the superintendent sea ...

Md. could get 5th highest gas tax under O'Malley plan [Jay Hancock's blog]

2012-01-31T13:16:00-08:00

Gov. Martin O'Malley has proposed applying Maryland's 6 percent general sales tax to the price of gasoline, Michael Dresser reports in the paper . Maryland would be the eighth state to put a general sales tax on motor fuels on top of a state excise tax, not to mention the federal excise tax, according to the Tax Foundation .

Look at how easy it is to organize a tech event in Baltimore [BaltTech]

2012-01-31T07:54:23-08:00

There's been a flowering in Baltimore in the area of event planning and organizing, among the tech/entrepreneurial crowd. Social media has really conn ...

Tween Tuesday: Getting face time with kids despite technology [Charm City Moms]

2012-01-31T03:00:11-08:00

Here's Liz Atwood with this week's Tween Tuesday: Do your kids look at you when you talk with them? With all the cell phones, iPods, computers and ot ...

Hiding cell phones in Uggs? [InsideEd]

2012-01-30T09:56:47-08:00

Here's a great story on the decision by one Pennsylvania school to ban the wearing of Uggs, or high top boots, that aren't snug. Students we [ ...

City school, political leaders endorse Obama dropout plan [InsideEd]

2012-01-30T08:48:04-08:00

Baltimore city is used to some radical ideas when it comes to keeping kids in school--a trademark of city schools CEO Andres Alonso--but there is one [In 2008, Pugh's efforts spurred a yearlong study by a statewide task force of educators, community leaders and legislators which recommended that, ...

Shale gas energy of future despite estimate cut [Jay Hancock's blog]

2012-01-30T07:48:00-08:00

Reports that shale gas may not be as plentiful as people thought are getting lots of attention. Last week the Energy Information Agency sharply cut its estimate of shale gas -- from 827 trillion cubic feet to 482 trillion cubic feet, reports the New York Times . Estimates for the Marcellus Shale in Appalachia cut cut from 410 trillion cubic feet to 141 trillion.

Baltimore's Lookingglass raises $5 million round of financing [BaltTech]

2012-01-30T07:07:45-08:00

Lookingglass Cyber Solutions, a Baltimore firm which makes some cool cyber security software that gives organizations global insight into cyber threat ...

Terps: Happy days will be here again soon [The Schmuck Stops Here]

2012-01-29T08:36:14-08:00

The Maryland men's basketball team couldn't sustain a solid game against Duke and nearly let Saturday's victory over Virginia Tech slip away, but it's pretty ob ...

SpotAgent: Baltimore speed cams account for 27 percent of ticket revenue [BaltTech]

2012-01-27T13:22:50-08:00

Hey, remember when I wrote about these two rascals last year who were using Baltimore city data to help you avoid getting a parking ticket? Shea Fr ...

Fast home sales, slow home sales [The Real Estate Wonk]

2012-01-27T03:00:00-08:00

Above: The homes that sold in the Baltimore region in December, organized by how quickly -- or slowly -- they went from listed to under contract.The bre To put it into perspective: 415 homes that sold in December -- not that many more than the 30-and-under group -- had been on the market more than six ...

New member appointed to the city school board [InsideEd]

2012-01-26T14:07:11-08:00

A new member has been appointed to the Baltimore city school board, after two searches have taken place in the last year to find someone to replace An [An inquiry to the governor's press secretary on Thursday was not returned. The appointment of a new member has been a long anticipated. While board ...

Comptroller Franchot launches petition for air-conditioning in Baltimore County schools [InsideEd]

2012-01-26T09:10:53-08:00

Comptroller Peter Franchot is launching a petition drive to try to help Baltimore County parents protest the failure of the county govenrment to [ ...

Orioles: What Duquette is doing [The Schmuck Stops Here]

2012-01-26T08:12:24-08:00

There has been a lot of chatter on the various blogs and Orioles fan sites about the direction that Dan Duquette is taking the game in his first months as execu ...

New proposal for ground-rent registry [The Real Estate Wonk]

2012-01-26T03:30:00-08:00

For those of you with a vested interest in (or just curiosity about) ground rent: The newest twist in the saga is a bill aimed at the registry.Fourteen state de ...

'Stealing Trust' screening event in Baltimore [The Real Estate Wonk]

2012-01-26T03:00:00-08:00

If you haven't had your recommended daily dose of outrage, here's an upcoming source: The Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition is showing its "Stealing Trust ...

State board wants major reduction in suspensions [InsideEd]

2012-01-25T11:52:28-08:00

The state board took the first steps yesterday to propose a significant change in the way school districts discipline students. They want schools [ ...

Updated: Alonso's billion-dollar borrowing pitch [InsideEd]

2012-01-25T08:45:14-08:00

Updated on Monday, Jan. 30: One of the biggest questions that emerged from Alonso's recent pitch to allow the school system to borrow billions for sch [Original/Amended Posting: With the support of City council President Bernard "Jack" Young, students and education advocates, Baltimo ...

Are Romney-Buffett taxes truly that low? Yes [Jay Hancock's blog]

2012-01-25T07:41:00-08:00

The Web economics argument of the day is whether Romney's and Warren Buffett's tax rates are really 15 percent or lower. Last night Obama reiterated Warren Buffett's argument that Buffett's tax rate is lower than that of Buffett's secretary. Mitt Romney's tax rate for 2010 was way less than 15 percent, his tax return shows.

Which cliche will Obama say first in SOU speech? [Jay Hancock's blog]

2012-01-24T14:53:00-08:00

Paddy Power, the Irish bookmaker, is offering odds on President Obama's speech tonight. If you have access to PP's tills, you can bet on which cliché Obama will roll out first, reports Jim Geraghty of the National Review Online.

Howard school board outlines possible redistricting plans [InsideEd]

2012-01-24T12:44:44-08:00

From Howard schools reporter Joe Burris:The Howard County board of education on Tuesday briefed the County Council on possible redistricting plans for [In November, the school board voted to move approximately 1,200 elementary school students for the upcoming school year to relieve over-capacity conce ...

O'Malley's digital download tax on ringtones, music, ebooks and more [BaltTech]

2012-01-24T10:02:58-08:00

Maybe you haven't heard: One of Gov. O'Malley's tax proposals this year is to extend the sales tax to digital products. That means digital media you ...

Bright Minds Foundation Awards Grants [InsideEd]

2012-01-24T09:18:00-08:00

Howard County public schools faculty were among several educators awarded funding to launch projects through the county’s nonprofit Bright Minds [Bright Minds was launched in 2006 by the Howard County school board to fund, among other things, initiatives that are not covered in the school’ ...

Abell Foundation: Waiting for a sustainable online journalism site to fund? [BaltTech]

2012-01-24T07:46:44-08:00

When you run in fast local media-gossip circles like I do (ha!), you can't resist the opportunity to ask a local power player whether his foundation i ...

What N.Y., Del. and a few other states are doing about mortgage misconduct [The Real Estate Wonk]

2012-01-24T05:14:27-08:00

State attorneys general gathered in Chicago or by conference call Monday to go over possible terms for a deal with large banks over foreclosure wrongdoing, but Also in December, California and Nevada's attorneys general said their offices have teamed up on civil and criminal investigations into mortgage misco ...

Helping children cope with deployment [Charm City Moms]

2012-01-24T03:00:00-08:00

Here's Liz Atwood with this week's Tween Tuesday: An estimated 2 million kids have had to say good-bye to a military parent who was deployed overse ...

New O'Malley wind farm proposal still a long shot [Jay Hancock's blog]

2012-01-23T17:16:00-08:00

In its most important respects, Gov. Martin O'Malley's new proposal to build a wind farm in the Atlantic Ocean isn't different from the old one.

View: Baltmore can thrive if it cuts taxes like NY, SF, Boston [Jay Hancock's blog]

2012-01-23T08:07:00-08:00

Of the four cities whose football teams played for league championships yesterday, Baltimore was the only one to steadily lose population through the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. Boston, New York and San Francisco all lost thousands of residents in the three decades after World War II, but they began to grow again after 1980, say Steve Hanke, professor of applied economics at Johns Hopkins, and Steve Walters, a fellow at JHU's Institute for Applied Economics, Global Health, and Study of Business Enterprise. (This WSJ op ed piece is behind a paywall.)

Is this how private equity firms really work? [Jay Hancock's blog]

2012-01-23T07:41:00-08:00

Sunday's column was about the Bain/Romney/private equity problem writ large -- so large that it's a lot bigger than private equity. Buyout firms are only part of a process that has led to big productivity gains, the column said, whose benefits have accrued mostly to the wealthy: "Not surprisingly, corporate profits as a percentage of revenues are near all-time highs. The middle class is struggling. The top 1 percent of the income gradient has gotten very rich indeed. And many people want to occupy Wall Street."

RIM gets rid of its Noah's Ark problem [BaltTech]

2012-01-23T06:24:00-08:00

Finally, RIM's two co-CEOs are stepping down. Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie have been running the company for years, and while at the helm they'v ...

Youngest homeowners least satisfied with homeownership [The Real Estate Wonk]

2012-01-23T03:00:00-08:00

If you're a dissatisfied homeowner, chances are you're young.That's the takeaway from real estate search site HomeGain's latest survey, which asked Americans w Setting aside age and just looking at the length of time someone has owned their home, the group with the highest share of satisfaction isn't the one ...

Queries about Romney's jobs record miss bigger point [Jay Hancock's blog]

2012-01-21T21:00:00-08:00

Did Mitt Romney destroy or create jobs while running Bain Capital?

Spelling errors in state education presentation [InsideEd]

2012-01-20T17:58:00-08:00

From our colleague Michael Dresser on the Maryland Politics blog:When interim Maryland State School Superintendent Bernard J. Sadusky made a presentat [ ...

BWI flights to Sarasota, Huntsville will disappear [Jay Hancock's blog]

2012-01-20T13:16:00-08:00

More repercussions of the AirTran Southwest merger. Southwest said today it'll end service to six additional AirTran destinations: Allentown, Lexington, Harrisburg, Huntsville, Sarasota and White Plains. That means BWI direct flights to Sarasota and Huntsville will disappear starting in August. I suspected that Sarasota was the more popular destination for Baltimoreans -- snowbirds. But BWI's Web site says there are two daily Huntsville flights and one for Sarasota. Probably a lot of defense-related travel between BWI and Huntsville. But apparently not enough.

How home prices in the Baltimore area stack up [The Real Estate Wonk]

2012-01-20T03:00:00-08:00

Home prices in the Baltimore area fell about 4 percent last year, which is either bad or good, depending on your perspective. If you take the position that it's Ninety of the 363 metro areas saw the typical price for resold homes rise between the end of 2010 and the end of last year, with a few others holdin ...

O'Malley gets publicity savvy about tax hikes [Jay Hancock's blog]

2012-01-18T15:00:00-08:00

Lists and rankings are surefire click bait and instant wisdom for Web surfers. The way to gain fame is to make the good lists -- Oscars, Forbes billionaires, best place to live etc. Membership on bad lists summons notoriety, deserved or not. Worst dressed. 10 Things We Hate. Forbes billionaires!

Updated: Seven of Maryland's 10 Congresspeople have not taken a stand on SOPA/PIPA [BaltTech]

2012-01-18T08:45:24-08:00

{Note: This post was updated below to indicate that Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger, who had been listed on ProPublica's website as not having a view on SOPA ...

24-hour daycare [Charm City Moms]

2012-01-18T07:53:53-08:00

There are 24-hour gyms, 24-hour diners and everything in between. Now some daycare centers are joining the mix. The New York Times reports on the tre ...

Alonso's chief of staff on short list for superintendent search [InsideEd]

2012-01-18T07:11:16-08:00

Tisha Edwards, right hand (wo)man and chief of staff for city schools CEO Andres Alonso, is a semifinalist for the superintendent seat in the East Bat [The East Baton Rough district has a website that makes public each candidates' CV and application. I poked around a bit, and it was interesting to l ...

Orioles Pantheon [The Schmuck Stops Here]

2012-01-18T06:53:05-08:00

The Orioles just announced their promotional schedule for the upcoming season and I'm going to give them some love for the way they are unveiling the six statue ...

Report: Rents increased 5% in Baltimore region in 2011 [The Real Estate Wonk]

2012-01-18T03:00:00-08:00

The typical rent for a two-bedroom rental in the Baltimore region rose 5 percent last year, according to real estate search site HotPads.com.The company, which The increases vary a lot within the metro area, from just 0.2 percent in Baltimore's northern suburbs -- basically flat -- to more than 8 percent in t ...

Sinai to give away money to Ravens baby [Charm City Moms]

2012-01-18T03:00:00-08:00

Everyone is getting into the business of celebrating the Baltimore Ravens. My colleague Andrea Walker at Picture of Health reports that Sinai Hospita ...

Gripes continue over BGE Web upgrade [Jay Hancock's blog]

2012-01-17T13:28:00-08:00

BGE has upgraded its billing and payment software on the Web site. Customers continue to complain about delays in confirming their banking information, about long waits on the customer-service phone lines and now about bills that never got sent out.

After urologists got machine, cancer treatments soared [Jay Hancock's blog]

2012-01-17T08:49:14-08:00

Four years ago, doctors at Chesapeake Urology Associates started ordering the most expensive kind of prostate-cancer therapy for many more of their patients.

Cohen saved billions, showed health regulation can work [Jay Hancock's blog]

2012-01-17T04:40:00-08:00

For years, Hal Cohen was director of the rate-setting Health Services Cost Review Commission

Hospitals gouge employers and insurance companies. Combining into powerful alliances, they raise prices almost at will, forcing carriers to pass the costs on to patients and the companies they work for.

Clear Capital: Baltimore-area home prices dropped 6% in 2011 [The Real Estate Wonk]

2012-01-17T03:00:00-08:00

Real estate data firm Clear Capital puts the Baltimore region's price drop last year at 6.2 percent, a figure calculated from repeat sales of homes to try to ca Clear Capital also weighed in with a forecast, because everyone has 'em.The company predicts that home prices will fall 4.9 percent in the Baltimore r ...

To or not to give an allowance [Charm City Moms]

2012-01-17T03:00:00-08:00

Here's Liz Atwood with this week's Tween Tuesday: I’ve always been a bit perplexed over the issue of giving a kid an allowance. Baltimore Sun financi ...

NFC: Simply incredible [The Schmuck Stops Here]

2012-01-14T17:17:07-08:00

The San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints just put on a show for the ages. The Saints rallied from a mistake-riddled first half and an early 17-point defic ...

Corporate welfare for Bain and Romney [Jay Hancock's blog]

2012-01-13T10:50:00-08:00

Rugged individualist Mitt Romney is all for the free market, unless it involves pocketing millions in government corporate welfare. Check out the impressive list from Phil Mattera of Good Jobs First of all the companies backed by Bain Capital, Romney's company, that fed at the government udder. In case after case after case, Bain was enjoying public emoluments even as it bought and sold and downsized its way through these employers.

2012 resolutions [The Real Estate Wonk]

2012-01-13T03:00:00-08:00

I'm still sick, so I don't have energy for much except asking a few questions.What are you hoping to accomplish this year? Pay down debt? Save a down payment? F ...

NFL using court orders to shut down Chinese knockoff-selling sites [BaltTech]

2012-01-12T06:42:16-08:00

In my story today, I looked at how the NFL and its teams, including the Baltimore Ravens, are now closely monitoring the proliferation of China-based ...

When will home prices return to bubble-era levels? [The Real Estate Wonk]

2012-01-12T03:00:00-08:00

Moody's Analytics is predicting that home prices in the Baltimore region will climb back to previous peaks in five or six years. Do you think that's likely? Wha ...

Great Scott: The Orioles just got less interesting [The Schmuck Stops Here]

2012-01-11T11:30:26-08:00

Frankly, I have no idea how the loss of Luke Scott is going to affect the Orioles. It all depends on whether Scott would have have made a successful comeback fr ...

Baltimore-area housing market in 2011 [The Real Estate Wonk]

2012-01-11T03:00:00-08:00

Here's the early look at the 2011 housing market in the Baltimore area: table.tableizer-table {border: 1px solid #CCC; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif Celia Chen, a housing economist for Moody’s Analytics, said Tuesday that homes prices in the Baltimore region are down about 22 percent from their pea ...

Free weight-loss programs for Baltimore mothers [Charm City Moms]

2012-01-11T03:00:00-08:00

Weight loss is one of top New Year resolutions for many people. If you're a mother in Baltimore, you could take advantage of a free program called B' ...

BGE customers unhappy with website upgrade [Jay Hancock's blog]

2012-01-10T13:01:00-08:00

Baltimore Gas & Electric has upgraded its website and customer interface software. As often happens in these matters, not all seems to be going smoothly. I've heard from several customers who are having problems with the site. Says one:

Mitt Romney likes to fire people and so should you [Jay Hancock's blog]

2012-01-10T09:41:00-08:00

Republicans and Democrats are attacking Romney for his remark: "I like being able to fire people who provide services to me." It fits in wtih the idea (I refuse to call it a meme) that Romney is an economic predator, a ruthless levergaed buyout artist who raided companies for cash and laid off the workers. That he may be.

Teaching teens to cook [Charm City Moms]

2012-01-10T03:00:00-08:00

Here's Liz Atwood with this week's Tween Tuesday: Is it too late for New Year’s resolutions? My diet is floundering, but I have another idea. I shoul ...

Don't wish too hard... [The Schmuck Stops Here]

2012-01-09T07:36:23-08:00

Everybody -- including me -- wanted the Ravens to play the Texans this Sunday in the first home playoff game of the John Harbaugh era, but if you think that thi ...

Fun facts from Millennial Media's IPO filing [BaltTech]

2012-01-06T07:14:42-08:00

Did you hear? Baltimore's Millennial Media filed to go public yesterday, letting everyone know they hope to raise $75 million from Wall Street to fuel ...

Bring on the Texans [The Schmuck Stops Here]

2012-01-04T22:15:16-08:00

My gut tells me that the Cincinnati Bengals can take the Texans on the road this weekend, but I think it would help the Ravens' chances of reaching the Super Bo ...

BaltTech in 2012 [BaltTech]

2012-01-04T14:05:55-08:00

This is the year of BaltTech. No, not necessarily my blog. But Baltimore Tech. I'm going into my fourth (calendar) year of blogging about Baltimore's ...

Rex Ryan backlash well underway in Big Apple [The Toy Department]

2012-01-04T09:32:21-08:00

Well, here's a big upset: Rex Ryan is no longer the big media darling of New York.In fact, the Jets' head coach -- and former lovable defensive coordi ...

Best apps for kids [Charm City Moms]

2012-01-03T06:01:48-08:00

Here's Liz Atwood with this week's Tween Tuesday:My kids have never met a screen they didn't like. TV, computer, smart phone, iPad, iPod. They love th ...

Bengals are a scary proposition, but... [The Schmuck Stops Here]

2011-12-30T10:34:11-08:00

It's almost hard to believe that the 2011 regular season has come down to this, since there were several seemingly golden opportunities for the Ravens to lock u ...

Catching up with ... Roy Hilton [The Toy Department]

2011-12-29T12:54:12-08:00

At 68, Roy Hilton still enjoys fooling people. "They come up to me and think I'm an old basketball player. I like that," said Hilton, who, at 6-foot-6, was on ...

New York Times accidentally pleads with 8 million people not to cancel subscription [BaltTech]

2011-12-28T12:53:34-08:00

Well, this is a headache for the most esteemed newspaper in the land.... Today, at 1:25 pm, I got an email from the New York Times pleading me to ret ...

Maryland maker of Kindle cases sues Amazon [BaltTech]

2011-12-28T11:08:03-08:00

It wasn't too long ago -- in May, actually -- when I was getting pitched by a PR representative hired by M-Edge Accessories to write about its growing ...

No Facebook for Sasha and Malia Obama [Charm City Moms]

2011-12-27T05:22:43-08:00

Here's Liz Atwood with this week's Tween Tuesday: Sasha and Malia Obama may get to meet Justin Bieber at a Christmas concert, but they won't be gushi ...

Ravens fans dreaming of a Purple Christmas [The Schmuck Stops Here]

2011-12-24T05:51:50-08:00

Clearly, no one is feeling terribly apprehensive about today's game against the Cleveland Browns, who will be starting Seneca Wallace at quarterback and playing ...

Amazon Kindle Fire's impressions growing 19 percent a day on Millennial Media's network [BaltTech]

2011-12-20T12:40:22-08:00

Millennial Media, a top mobile advertising firm based in Baltimore, put out its latest monthly "Mobile Mix" report that updates trends in the industry ...

London [Charm City Moms]

2011-12-20T03:00:00-08:00

Here's Liz Atwood with this week's Tween Tuesday: This week education will take a back seat to celebration in most schools. There will be holiday par ...

The Baltimore news ecosystem: report [BaltTech]

2011-12-15T08:16:18-08:00

I stumbled across this interesting article that looked at digital/mobile efforts in Baltimore news operations, including The Baltimore Sun and the loc ...

The year in search, according to Google [BaltTech]

2011-12-15T08:00:26-08:00

I don't know if I should be mortified or amused. Google today released its 11th annual Zeitgeist report, which looked at global and regional search t ...

Duquette's global ambitions [The Schmuck Stops Here]

2011-12-15T06:46:25-08:00

New baseball operations guru Dan Duquette has made no secret of his desire to make international player development a high priority in the Orioles organization, ...

Things are a-brewing in Baltimore's tech scene [BaltTech]

2011-12-14T07:02:40-08:00

I know there's been a lot of introspection in Baltimore's tech circles regarding where the community is heading, especially the Greater Baltimore Tech ...

BaltTech's top five list of gadgets for the holidays [BaltTech]

2011-12-13T11:31:46-08:00

I was on WYPR's Maryland Morning yesterday to talk about tech, and I covered what I think are some cool gadgets to give as gifts this holiday season. ...

Navy holds on [The Schmuck Stops Here]

2011-12-10T14:59:32-08:00

It was a sloppy game that featured five turnovers (by both teams) and an off-side penalty on Army that iced the game for the Midshipman, but in this rivalry, a ...

Navy back on top...No, wait! [The Schmuck Stops Here]

2011-12-10T13:46:43-08:00

Army's Black Knights appeared to be falling out of the 112th Army-Navy Game in the second quarter, but they rallied for two touchdowns to tie the game at 14-14 ...

Good-bye to Garden Variety [Garden Variety]

2011-09-05T15:00:04-07:00

Susan Reimer's Garden/Photo credit: Susan Reimer

It has been three gardening seasons, 1,733 blog posts and one trip to a convention of garden bloggers just like me. Now it is time for Garden Variety to throw in the trowel, as it were.

This is the last post for Garden Variety. The Baltimore Sun has asked me do to other things. I am sad to see this venture end. It has been a pleasure for me to write about my garden -- and yours -- and to post all the beautiful pictures captured for me by The Baltimore Sun's photo staff.

I did my best to give you some advice and some fresh ideas for your garden -- even if it was only to point you toward someone who knows more than I.

Now that I am leaving the garden blogging scene, let me tell you who they are. Who knows, you might need them next spring.

Margaret Roach, who writes A Way to Garden, is one of the most thorough and informative garden bloggers out there. She has an abundance of advice and information on every topic. And she has a writing and photography gift as well. Please follow her.

Margaret lives in upstate New York, and her advice might be a little "off" for those in the Mid-Atlantic. For regional advice and for Maryland garden events and information, please follow Susan Harris who blogs for both Behnke's in Beltsville and Homestead Gardens in Davidsonville.

Susan also writes for the blog, Garden Rant. If you like your garden writing with a hint of controversy, follow Susan and her pals there.

Also, for those of you here in Maryland, follow Kathy Jentz of Washington Gardener. Lots of advice, trips, tours and events. Kathy never sits still.

There are a hundred garden blogs out there. Maybe 1,000. Some rainy day, get out your computer and google around for them. You will find someone who speaks to you. I am sure of it.

In the meantime, you won't be seeing me on the Internet. But you can always find me in my garden.

The posts here on Garden Variety will remain indefinately. You can always search the entries if there is information you are just sure you saw here -- and need to find again.

University of Maryland Extension: Garden Q&A [Garden Variety]

2011-08-31T11:22:09-07:00

Q: My day lilies look so ratty this time of year! Can I cut them down and be done with them?

A: Around mid-August you can try “dead-leafing,” which entails wrapping your hands around clumps of dead leaves and yanking them out. Or, you can simply cut them down to a few inches from the ground with shears. They’ll put our some new growth which won’t get as tall as the early season leaves, but should look good and stay green until frost.

Q: I water my grass six days a week for 45 minutes with an irrigation system, and it still has brown spots. I’ve been told that when lawn is brown, I should water. What more can I do?

A: Stop watering!

Tall fescue lawns get very few problems, but brown patch fungus is one. What conditions encourage brown patch? High humidity and high temperatures. By watering so much, you are artificially creating a high humidity/moisture environment, perfect for spread of this fungus.

The good news is that brown patch kills blades but rarely grass roots. Leave your lawn alone and it may recover on its own. If some areas are dead, overseed in early fall.

University of Maryland Extension: Plant of the Week [Garden Variety]

2011-08-31T10:29:15-07:00

Japanese Anemone

Anemone hupehensis var. japonica

Text and photo by Virginia Williams

With broad petals so different from the typical fall mum, Japanese anemone really stands out it a fall garden.

From August through September, few plants grow more reliably and bloom in the shade better than Japanese anemone. This perennial produces clusters of white or pink flowers up to three inches in diameter.

Leaves are large, deeply lobed, and somewhat like maple leaves. Growing two to five feet tall, Japanese anemon prefer rich moist soil with good drainage and shade but will grow in the sun.

They can be slow to establish, but given the right location they will slowly spread to a nice thick planting and even require cutting back. Deer tend not to eat it.

What's blooming at Baltimore's Rawlings Conservatory? [Garden Variety]

2011-08-31T10:16:00-07:00

Photo credit Michael Lemmon
Stapelia Hirsuta

Stapelias are succulents that are mostly native to Southern Africa. These stars of the desert are notable for large, unusual flowers that are star-like in shape and can grow up to 16 inches wide.

Unlike other plants that lure pollinators with bright colors or sweet nectar, these “carrion” flowers give off an unpleasant smell to attract flies and bees. It’s best to keep them outdoors when in bloom.

This species, the Stapelia Hirsuta has reddish brown blooms covered with fine purple hairs and reaches a magnificent 10 inches in diameter.

Since they grow naturally in the desert, stapelias require bright light, warm temperatures and a very well-drained type of soil. Most species do best in a climate that doesn’t fall below 60 degrees F.

They are prone to root rot so don’t overwater. Only water to lightly moisten the soil and let dry between watering. A good growing medium consists of equal parts perlite and an African violet mix.

They can be grown successfully indoors as long as they receive bright indirect sunlight and are kept warm.

Stapelias take a little more care than most succulents but if given the right conditions will reward you with a spectacular and unique flower.

Weekend garden events [Garden Variety]

2011-08-25T05:04:21-07:00

Homestead Gardens 3rd Annual Annapolis Tomato Festival

Saturday August 27th, 12 pm to 6 pm Davidsonville location

Tickets: Individuals $10. Family of 4 is $25 (children under 10 free)

Homestead Gardens is hosting its Third Annual Annapolis Tomato Festival This family-friendly event will feature three different contests: the Chesapeake Chili Cook-off, the Salsa Competition and the Ledo Fastest Pizza Eating Contest. Registration for all contests is open to the public; restaurants and individuals are welcome to enter the cooking contests.

There also will be samplings of a wide variety of tomatoes as well as different tomato-based foods. There will have live music and cooking demonstrations throughout the day.

A portion of the profits from the Tomato Festival and Chili Cook-off will go to support Save the Coconuts, an Annapolis-based nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds to fight breast cancer and make life easier for those living with the disease.

Schedule of events (subject to change):

12 noon: Doors open to the Third Annual Tomato Festival.

Tomato Sampling: Try them all!

Preserving the Harvest: Tomato Cooking Demonstration with Homestead's own Food Blogger, Rita Calvert

12:30pm-2:30 pm: 2nd Annual Chesapeake Chili Cook-off: Cast your vote for the best chili in the People’s Choice category.

1-3 pm: Live music: The Andy Poxon Band.

2 pm-4 pm: Salsa Competition Begins: Share your spicy love for this all-time favorite tomato-based concoction.

3 pm: Second Annual Ledo’s Fastest Pizza Eating Contest: Can you eat a large pizza all by yourself? Think you can you eat it faster than everyone else? If so, prove it!

3:30 pm-6 pm: Live Music The Sly 45 Trio

The Best of Ring Posts Xtra: Bloopers & Bleeps [Ring Posts]

2011-08-24T15:46:15-07:00

The third and final Ring Posts Xtra, featuring highlights and outtakes with Kevin Eck and Axl Rotten.

University of Maryland Extension: Plant of the Week [Garden Variety]

2011-08-23T05:04:07-07:00

Liriope

Liriope muscari and Liriope spicata

Text and photo by Virginia Williams

Tough and adaptable, liriope is a stellar groundcover.

Liriope muscari, as shown in the photo, is a clumping form that stays in a clump and does not spread aggressively. Clumps continue to expand, but no runners are formed. It can grow in sun or shade or on the steepest slope.

Once established, it is drought tolerant. Its ribbon-like foliage can get as long as 18 inches and sports purple or white flowers in the summer. This clumping form is popular as edging.

Liriope spicata, on the other hand, is a spreading form that sends out runners. It is especially useful to control erosion, but should not be planted where it can get out of control.

Deer may nibble on it during the winter (saving you the trouble of cutting off old foliage), but liriope is not a big deer favorite.

The Best of Ring Posts Xtra: Part 2 [Ring Posts]

2011-08-22T11:03:50-07:00

The second of three videos featuring highlights from Ring Posts Xtra with Kevin Eck and Axl Rotten.

Tool Time: Top five time-saving tools for the garden [Garden Variety]

2011-08-20T13:07:53-07:00

Stand-up weeder photo courtesy of Yard Butler

Five Tools That Will Save You Time in the Garden
A guest post by Lou Manfredini, Ace Hardware’s Home Expert

While a garden is often considered a labor of love, who wants to spend hours doing what could be accomplished in minutes? These days there are so many gardening tool options that can allow you to save time on everyday gardening tasks such as weeding and pruning. Here are my five top tool recommendations:

#1) Yard Butler Stand-Up Weeder. This tool allows you to stay standing while you pull weeds from your lawn or garden – it puts much less stress on your body and the task gets done faster.

#2) Fiskars Ergonomic Pruning Shears. Made by the folks that produce the famous orange-handled scissors, these shears are just as comfortable in your hand. They make quick work of pruning small branches on bushes, roses and ornamental flowers.

#3) Toro Electronic Cordless Mower. This lawn mower requires no gas and runs for up to 45 minutes on each electric charge. It’s good for the environment and saves you time since you won’t have to run out to the gas station every time you need to mow.

#4) Collapsible Vinyl Garden Bags. These bags help speed up the process of keeping your yard free of debris and clutter. They spring open and hold themselves up for easy loading and dumping; when you are done, just collapse and store. They’ll also save money by eliminating the need to buy plastic or paper lawn bags.

#5) A Quality Wheelbarrow. This is an investment that will last for generations. In fact, mine belonged to my wife’s great uncle and must be 80 years old. Whether you need to mix concrete, haul dirt around your yard, or give your kids a ride, a wheelbarrow can do it all!

For more product tips and advice to help you turn your garden to-do list into a to-done list, head to your local Ace Hardware store or visit www.acehardware.com.

A willow tunnel for Baltimore [Garden Variety]

2011-08-20T05:07:46-07:00

Three months ago, the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore and Downtown Baltimore Family Alliance began construction of Pierce’s Park, a sustainable space located in the city.

This week, volunteers and Willow Artist Bonnie Gale will build Baltimore’s first living willow tunnels, providing a unique feature and play space at the park.

Gale will guide the construction of the living willow tunnels with the help of volunteers from Constellation Energy and the Boy Scouts.

Willow rods will be planted in certain patterns and the branches will be woven together at the top to form a ridge line and, ultimately, a tunnel that will continue to grow.

The work begins Tuesday and will be completed on Friday.

Located on a one-acre parcel of land on Pier 5 between Columbus Center and Eastern Avenue, Pierce’s Park is dedicated to the memory of Baltimore contractor and business owner Pierce J. Flanigan III.

The Best of Ring Posts Xtra: Part 1 [Ring Posts]

2011-08-20T02:47:06-07:00

The first of three videos featuring highlights from Ring Posts Xtra with Kevin Eck and Axl Rotten.

University of Maryland Extension: Garden Q&A [Garden Variety]

2011-08-18T08:39:07-07:00

Q: What chemical can I use to get rid of the broadleaf weeds in my lawn? I want to do this before I overseed my lawn this fall. These hot summers are killing my grass.

A: Don’t apply herbicides when the air temperature is above 85 degrees. Your grass can be damaged. Also at high temperatures some herbicides will volatilize, wasting the product and, even worse, the herbicide vapors can be absorbed by non-target plants where serious herbicide injury can occur.

Read the herbicide label very carefully, so you don’t accidentally damage turf or other plants. In droughts, most weeds slow or stop growing anyway, so you may as well wait a couple of weeks for better, cooler weather.

Fall is the best time to plant grass seed. By planting in early fall, you insure your grass has three seasons to establish good roots before another killer summer hits. See one of our many publications on growing turf: “Broadleaf Weed Control in Established Lawns” http://www.hgic.umd.edu/content/documents/TT49broadleaf-weed-control.pdf.

Q: I harvested my watermelons and they are tasteless, even though I kept them well-watered. What happened?

A: When developing, watermelons like about an inch of water a week. But during the last 1-2 weeks of growth (unless there is a prolonged dry period) they will produce better flavor if you stop watering.

See our Grow It Eat It website at www.growit.umd.edu for Profiles on each type of vegetable, plus you can trouble shoot with our new Plant and Pest Problems feature.

University of Maryland Extension: Plant of the Week [Garden Variety]

2011-08-18T08:30:59-07:00

Mustard Greens

Brassica juncea

Text by Bob Orazi

Photo by Cornell University

Have any space left in your garden? Mustard greens are quick to mature, easy to grow, and nutritional in your diet.

Mustards are in the Brassicae family of plants, which includes collards, kale, turnips, and pac choi. They come in many forms and colors averaging 45 to 65 days to maturity. You can use mustard greens to spice up a salad or cook them with other greens.

Mustards are tolerant of cool fall temperatures. In fact, a light frost will increase the sugar content and flavor. Broadcast the seed on a raised bed about a ¼” deep in mid-August. Thin plants to 8” centers. Row cover will help with insect pests like flea beetle. Plants are medium feeders, responding well to nitrogen applications.

ESPN's Kessenich previews 2012 MLL Draft [Faceoff]

2011-08-16T06:00:00-07:00

ESPN analyst and former Johns Hopkins All-American goalkeeper Quint Kessenich has been intently following the current Major League Lacrosse season as Kessenich has Princeton goalie Tyler Fiorito at No. 4. The Phoenix native and McDonogh graduate ranked second in the country in save percentage and ei ...

What's blooming at the Baltimore's Rawlings Conservatory? [Garden Variety]

2011-08-15T05:00:34-07:00

Photo credit: Michael Lemmon

Sanseviera

Sanseviera

Sansevieria is a group of succulents that are primarily found in Africa. Commonly known as the Snake Plant, their hardiness and virtual indestructability make them a favorite among home gardeners. The long, upright leaves of green or yellow grow to over 3 feet tall, adding dramatic flair to any setting.

Sansevieria contains many different species, including the familiar Mother in-law’s Tongue or Sansevieria trifasciata. The pictured variety known as Sansevieria cylindrica has bluish green foliage, cylinder shaped, that fan out to very sharp tips. In the summer it blooms with small white flowers that produce a sweet fragrance. The orange berry-like fruit adds a striking element to its already unique display.

They are easy to care for, often thriving in low light and little watering. When watering most succulents, a good rule of thumb is that when in doubt, don’t water. In the warmer months once or twice is enough. Cut back even more in the winter. Taller specimens should be planted in deep pots to provide more stability as they will tend to droop. Use a well draining mixture of potting soil and coarse sand.

Most of the Sansevieria grow slowly but remain patient as they’ll reward you with many years of hardiness and will surely stand out in your garden landscape.