Revisiting Anne Frank’s life
Born in Germany in 1929, Anne Frank would have celebrated her 90th birthday this June. Instead, she will forever remain 15 years old for those who have read her posthumously published diary, Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, seen its various stage and film adaptations, or visited the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. Anne died in 1945 at the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in northern ... READ MORE
Springtime’s beauties not here for long
Take some time this month to notice spring flowering ephemerals — you’ll be mesmerized by their magic. These plants have a short bloom period, go dormant, and then reappear the next spring. Typically, spring ephemerals are perennial woodland wildflowers that develop stems, leaves and flowers in early spring, quickly bloom before deciduous trees leaf out, and produce seed. Then... READ MORE
Exhibit illuminates immigrants’ stories
When he was 10 years old, Atif Qarni, Virginia’s Secretary of Education, came to the United States from Pakistan. He went on to serve in the U.S. Marines during the Iraq War. Bol Gai Deng, who works at a Richmond home-improvement store, survived the destruction of his Sudanese town when he was seven years old, fled to America and settled in Virginia. Today he’s campaigning to be the... READ MORE
Being judged on age, rather than merit
My boyhood friend Roger has a resume that’s as gold-plated as gold-plated gets. Honor student in high school (please don’t ask if I was, too). Ditto in college (I told you not to ask). First in his class in law school. Practiced law at a big firm for about 20 years. Then Roger was appointed a judge in New York State. He has been hearing cases — and tolerating overwrought... READ MORE
Some books that shine a light on justice
The Bibliophile The District of Columbia has by far the highest number of lawyers per capita, compared to any state. Whether here or abroad, the ideal of justice — the evenhanded prosecution of the guilty and exoneration of the innocent — is a never-ending quest. You needn’t be a member of the bar to be enthralled by these fascinating accounts of crime and justice. Lincoln’s... READ MORE
A romp Into the Woods at Ford’s Theatre
It is always a treat to see a show in the intimate and history-rich Ford’s Theatre with its poignant flag-draped theatre boxes. That pleasure is enhanced by an engaging and high-energy performance like that of Into the Woods, which runs until May 22. The award-winning musical, written by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, is an ambitious and rewarding show that gazes at darker topics... READ MORE
She built more than a restaurant
Every day, Virginia Rollins Ali, 85, stops by the landmark restaurant she and her late husband, Ben, opened on D.C.’s U Street in 1958. She walks from table to table, greeting the regulars, tourists, athletes, politicians and movie stars who visit Ben’s Chili Bowl for a half-smoke, chili cheese fries or a milkshake. Most of the time she gives them a hug. “You’d think she’s... READ MORE
Bravely telling stories of mental illness
Baltimore comedian Michele Wojciechowski had her first full-blown panic attack when she was a freshman at Loyola College (now University). “I remember exactly where I was,” said Wojciechowski, who is now 51 and a writer, editor, humorist, speaker and stand-up comic. “You know how if you’re driving and a car comes close to hitting you and you get that rush of adrenaline to your... READ MORE
Lawn care of warm-season turfgrass
It’s March, and the lawns of Central Virginia are starting to green up. Warm-season grasses break dormancy as soil temperatures gradually rise above 50° F, and it usually takes three to four weeks for complete greening. It’s as easy as 1-2-3 to establish or maintain your warm-season lawns. 1) Do research about your yard Determine your grass type The care of turf depends on... READ MORE
Seeing the world through an artist’s eyes
For years, tourists have purchased postcards to show others the interesting sites they have visited and the beautiful works of art they have seen. But what did people do in the 17th century, when travel was difficult and there was no photography? How did those who couldn’t travel themselves get a sense of what was out there in the world and what was happening in other lands? In many ... READ MORE
