Latest Columns

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July 4th gives voice to the ideas of America across generations

Today, we celebrate the Fourth of July, one of our nation’s favorite holidays. Measured by holiday air and automobile travel statistics, travel for Independence Day is rivaled only by Thanksgiving and exceeded only by the Christmas-New Years’ holiday, a time that, in some years, overlaps...
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Plant a tree, water a flower, trim a perennial and change the world

Adm. William McRaven, a retired four-star and Navy SEAL – and retired Chancellor of the University of Texas System – used his commencement speech to the UT-Austin Class of 2014, to advise, “If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.” ...
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I Care a Lot (2020)

Storyline Poised with sharklike self-assurance, Marla Grayson is a professional, court-appointed guardian for dozens of elderly wards whose assets she seizes and cunningly bilks through dubious but legal means. It's a well-oiled racket that Marla and her business partner and lover, Fran, use with brutal...
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Grandchildren have been the greatest joy among the disruptions of 2020

As we approach the end of 2020, many I talk to are saying this year can’t end too soon.   And for good reason.  The year 2020 has been filled with a lot of noise and friction we would like to forget.  An ugly impeachment. A...
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There’s no stopping the Showstoppers, not even the coronavirus

Three years ago, I dropped in on the South County Senior Center in Edgewater just to see what was going on. Though I was familiar with the Wiley Bates senior center in Annapolis – an impressive place with many benefits, from history and art classes...
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Storytelling is a great way to pass family legacies to grandkids

This year’s Thanksgiving included just Mary Sue and me and a longtime friend who has spent Thanksgiving with our family for more than a decade.  Normally, Thanksgiving will include 14-18 family members and friends around the table beginning around 3:00 pm – and would include...