Inexpensive, rising Rust Belt destinations
Here’s why tourists should take the Rust Belt about as seriously as they take politicians these days: Because the food, art and sightseeing in “flyover country” is well worth your precious vacation days — not to mention cheaper than in trendier destinations.In the last two years, I’ve visited Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin — sampling art museums,... READ MORE
Seven ways to file your taxes for free
Most do-it-yourself filers prepare their own taxes for one and only one reason: They want to save money.But tax software isn’t cheap, and hidden costs can sometimes blindside you. You might be forced to upgrade to another product midway through your tax return, or to pay extra to file your state tax return.Fortunately, the tax software business is fiercely competitive, and in an... READ MORE
Let your mind wander to lessen anxiety
When we think of anxiety disorders, we generally think of them as uncomfortable emotional responses to threat. These responses may include symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, sweating, trembling or absolute paralysis.While there is nothing inherently wrong in thinking about anxiety this way, a recent study pointed out that there is an entirely different way of thinking about ... READ MORE
Novels help heal war’s trauma
For Ellicott City resident Tom Glenn, 80, “Not to write would be to accept damnation. If I gave up writing, my spiritual life would come to an end. I would be a husk, and cease to be a human being.”For Glenn, you see, writing is not only a compulsion — “I’ve been writing since I was 6 years old” — but also a therapy. It eases the post-traumatic... READ MORE
Home money pits that sap your savings
There are so many expenses associated with paying the bills for a home that it is easy to miss money leaks that are costing you big dollars. Putting a plug into these leaks can make a big difference in your budget.From old-school thermostats to faulty plumbing, here are some of the top money-pits to watch for:1. Old School ThermostatsI recently replaced my 1980s-era thermostat with a new... READ MORE
Innovative housing options are on the rise
Volunteer resident members from CSI Support & Development Maryland Region Co-Op apartments enjoy "A Day of Art" presented by Abrakadoodle at Highlandtown Plaza Co-Op on Feb. 6.Photo courtesy of CSITraditionally, housing options offered older adults were a choice between living alone, which often meant growing increasingly isolated; moving in with their kids; or moving to a... READ MORE
Sciatica can resolve with time, treatments
Dear Mayo Clinic:Three weeks ago I was diagnosed with sciatica. I didn’t have much pain initially, but it has been extremely painful the past few days — usually when I’m sitting. Would physical therapy be an option for treatment? I don’t like to take medications for pain. Are there other treatments I should try? Could surgery help? Answer: Sciatica can cause... READ MORE
Local writer imagines a Baltimore suburb
St. Bart’s Way could be any affluent suburb in America: rich with the histories — and the secrets — of the families who believe that their opulent homes with well-manicured lawns, and the high-powered jobs that keep the lights on, will somehow protect them from the seedier side of life.However, this well-to-do Baltimore ‘burb comes straight from the imagination of... READ MORE
Shifting shapes at renovated Center Stage
Those coming to Center Stage to see award-winning playwright Mary Zimmerman’s adaptation of The White Snake, an ancient Chinese fable, may expect to see dazzling lights and remarkable transformations on the Head Theater stage. But they will also be surrounded by the transformations wrought by the theater’s recent $28 million renovation.The entrance, the lobby, the box office,... READ MORE
All things French without going to France
The Fontaine (fountain) de Tourny’s 43 water jets are illuminated at night. It stands in front of the Québec City Parliament Building, which was completed in 1877 and stands just outside the walls of Old Town. The fountain was added just 10 years ago.Photo by Songquan DengStarting in the 1600s, and escalating in the 1700s, the British and the French battled back and forth over... READ MORE
