Buzz

Digital City contributor Jon Franklin praises Baltimore's art scene, stubborness, and the fact that D.C. hasn't "rubbed off" on it. He then lists 11 reasons why Baltimore is awesome. Of course, we can think of way more.

An excerpt from the article reads:

1. Cheap rent
For artists that tour and artists that stay home, the rent is relatively cheap. Like Philadelphia you can still find a one-bedroom for around $500. In general, it's more than it used to be and may go higher but still much less than New York rent.

2. Good arts and music scene
Look at the artists of a city and see who's done well for themselves. If they're also doing well in their own city then that's a good gauge that the city has a good scene. Dan Deacon, Animal Collective, Dru Hill, Mary Prankster, Trixie Little and the Evil Hate Monkey are a few that are doing something different and have done well at it. There are well attended all-ages shows and burlesque shows as well as gatherings.

3. Atomic Books
One of the best places in the world, Atomic Books opened in 1992, closed in 2000 and reopened in 2001.
They not only support local bands but also artists as well. They will sell your zine, comic, book or cd on consignment. There are signings, parties, readings and a blog. They also accept fan mail for John Waters.

4. John Waters
Legend says that when John Waters was young his dad was driving him to school in Baltimore. There was a guy standing on the street corner doing nothing but being himself. Being himself really pissed off Waters' father so much that Waters' thought, I want to work with that guy someday. That guy was Harris Glenn Milstead, aka Divine. They went on to make great movies together including Cry Baby, Hairspray, Pink Flamingos and Polyester to name a few. The settings for most of Waters' movies is Baltimore.

Read the entire posting here.

Dave Murphy of Greater Greater Washington argues that the Central Maryland Transit Alliance should not prioritize the extension of Baltimore's Yellow Line light rail to Columbia, saying it would do better to focus on central transit.

An excerpt from the column reads:

The Green Line extension will hit developed areas in a large city with a burgeoning centralized train system in place. This is smart. The Yellow Line extension will connect Columbia to downtown Baltimore on a very long, very circuitous route that by-passes Fort Meade, the largest employment center in the state of Maryland.

Baltimore City needs transit connections. It needs an expanded system. It needs a centralized system. A Yellow Line extension would bolster businesses in Columbia and Towson. These are decentralized locations. A Green Line extension would bolster more centralized business districts like the Belair Road and Harford Road corridors. These are centralized areas. Baltimore has been decentralizing for fifty years, and it's not working.

From Columbia, the Yellow Line would take 42 minutes to get to BWI Airport, and then another 27 to get to downtown Baltimore. An hour and nine minutes to get from Columbia to Baltimore isn't a good transit connection. The northern section of the Yellow Line is actually a good idea, connecting several colleges along a main thoroughfare through the city proper. But the southern portion is as circuitous and useless as the current plan for the CCT in Gaithersburg.

Read the entire column here.

A Northern Virginian with a hawk's eye for sales alerts her readers that the Safeway at Burke Center in NoVA has the car decals
shoppers must display to win big bucks. One of her followers responds that the decals are available at the Boston Street location in Baltimore. Game's on until the 18th!

An excerpt from the blog posting reads:

If you live in the DC Metro area (including Northern Virginia and Maryland) or the Baltimore Metro area, you should pick up your car decal and stick it in your back window. Vans from Baltimore's Magic 95.9 and DC's Mix 107.3 will be driving around to one Safeway store each day between September 12-18 to choose a winner of a $1,000 Safeway gift card. Listen to each radio station for more details on how to get "spotted" at Safeway. Here are the official details.

Read the entire posting here.

A blogger notes wryly that Taneytown is considering the installation of speed cameras "EXACTLY" when it's in the red, but says the city may want to put the breaks on that plan.

An excerpt from the blog posting reads:

The folks out in Taneytown, Maryland, may well want to consider Baltimore and Chicago's troubles with speed cameras, because they're planning to be next in.

The mayor of Tareyton, James L. McCarron Jr, is looking at getting the cameras in following a new state law allowing their use in school zones, calling it a "good idea" and "something (they) should truly consider".

Meanwhile, the city council wasn't so convinced (perhaps they HAD talked to Baltimore first), wondering about rules and expenses.  McCarron deferred to the October council meeting to address those concerns.

Interestingly, this comes at right about the same time that a hole in the city's budget to the tune of just shy of three hundred grand was discovered by City Manager James Schumacher, and now Taneytown is left to consider a debt policy.

Read the entire posting here.

A blogger reacts to the heist of Cal Ripken's No. 8 statue and reflects that the Orioles legend deserves a grander -- and perhaps heavier? -- work of art in his honor.

An excerpt from the blog posting reads:

According to the Sun papers, a quartet of local miscreants uprooted Ripken's numeral from its base outside Camden Yards and carted it off in the back of a pickup truck for a night of fun in Charm City.

But not being the freshest crabcakes in the city, the foursome kept Ripken's number out in plain view � just like those KISS statues in Dazed and Confused � which led to a quick resolution of the case. 

From the Baltimore Sun:

"Police discovered that the theft had been captured on surveillance video and a lookout was broadcast for a pickup truck. About an hour later, police responded to a call for men acting disorderly at Lombard and Elwood streets in East Baltimore. When officers arrived ... they saw the pickup truck and the No. 8 statue in the back.

"'They saw the big No. 8 and knew that was the property,' Guglielmi said."

I think we can all agree that the city of Baltimore has not seen a finer piece of detective work since Cole brought home the Mississippi extradition.

But can we also agree that Ripken deserves a lot more than just a boring number outside the park where he saved baseball? The amount of damage the No. 8 received during its night out is unknown, but here's saying the Orioles should take the opportunity to go ahead and commission a work of the man in bronze. Babe Ruth could use some company. 

Read the entire posting here.

Baltimore loves to take a title, and Agnes Hudnall Smith could very well help it nab the distinction of being home to the oldest American.

An excerpt from the article reads:

A 114 year old New Hampshire woman is believed to be the oldest American, but Baltimore's Agnes Hudnall Smith isn't far behind.

Mrs. Smith celebrated her 105th birthday today.  She was surrounded by family and friends at Captain Harvey's restaurant in Owings Mills.

Mrs. Smith was born in North Umberland County, Virginia and moved with her family to Baltimore when she was a child.

Known as "Aunti Agg" to her family, Mrs. Smith is still active as a deacon at Sharon Baptist Church in Baltimore.

She says her beauty secret is Vaseline Petroleum Jelly.

Read the entire article here.

The Peabody Court Hotel is celebrating its role in the upcoming Renee Zellweger film "My One and Only" with a special travel package. Set in the 1950s, the film is based on actor George Hamilton's upbringing by his mother along the Eastern Seaboard.

An excerpt from the article read:

This upscale boutique hotel is in the heart of the arts district. Mount Vernon is a cultural urban village with museums, boutiques, theater, fine restaurants and a great nightlife. The neighborhood's historic centerpiece, built in 1815, is the Washington Monument. This area of Baltimore is generally regarded as one of the most beautiful urban sites in the world.

The Romance package at the Peabody Court includes overnight accommodations for two in a Deluxe room, valet parking, a bottle of champagne with chocolate-covered strawberries, breakfast for two in George's on Mount Vernon Square or with room service for two, and a guaranteed late check out of 2 p.m.

The double room rate of $189 includes room taxes. This rate is valid on stays through Dec. 22, but could be extended if the film receives any Oscar nominations.

Read the entire article here.

JetBlue has fired a salvo in the low-cost carrier battle by entering the Boston-Baltimore/Washington market, beginning Sept. 9. The carrier's announcement was accompanied by a $19 each-way fare, but if you blinked, you missed it.

An excerpt from the article reads:

The Boston-BWI route has perhaps become the single-biggest flashpoint highlighting the increasing competition between U.S. low-cost carriers. Beginning one week from today, JetBlue will launch its first-ever service from Baltimore with daily service to Boston. The route will be one of the first outside Florida where the three big low-cost carriers will compete head-to-head between the same airports.

The Boston-BWI route has at least symbolic value for all three carriers as they increasingly try to expand in each other's shadow. Southwest and AirTran are the top two carriers at BWI, while JetBlue says it is the top carrier (by number of nonstop destinations) out of Boston. AirTran has slowly been building its presence in Boston, while Southwest just added service there last month with flights to BWI and Chicago.

And just yesterday, Southwest announced plans to add St. Louis service out of Boston. As for JetBlue, it announced its plans to add Baltimore � and to go head-to-head with both AirTran and Southwest � shortly after Southwest announced its Boston plans.

Read the entire article here.

A recent study of Baltimore residents reveals that individuals' attitudes about the health care system are a significant determinant of how quickly they seek care. Those who mistrust the system are more likely to postpone care until they are sicker, which drives up the overall cost of treatment.

An excerpt from the article reads:

Researchers surveyed 401 Baltimore residents, the majority of whom were black, about their attitudes toward the health care system, including doctors, hospitals and insurance companies.

The survey found that people who doubted the trustworthiness of the medical care system were more likely to ignore medical advice, neglect to go to follow-up appointments or to fill prescriptions. Patients who were suspicious of the system were also more likely to admit to putting off medical care that doctors told them was necessary.

The study will appear online in Health Services Research.

"Over the last 15 years, the health care system has changed, and increasingly patients' interactions are with the system, not just an individual doctor," study author Thomas LaVeist, director of the Hopkins Center for Health Disparities Solutions at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said in a release from the news service.

"We found that persons who were more mistrustful of the health-care system were more likely to delay needed care or postpone receiving care, even when they perceived they needed it," LaVeist said.

Read the entire article here.

Bookings at Baltimore hostels are up 58%, according to data from Hostelworld.com. The Associated Press sent interns to check out hostels in four cities: Baltimore, Chicago, New York, and Venice Beach in Los Angeles. The one in Baltimore definitely made the grade for young travelers, but was only recommended for parents who can do without air conditioning.

An excerpt from the article reads:

BALTIMORE HOSTEL: 17 W. Mulberry St., Baltimore, http://www.baltimorehostel.org or 410-576-8880. Rate: $25. Reviewed by Aaron Morrison, 24.

Best thing about the hostel: Free, do-it-yourself pancake breakfast.

Worst thing: The place was almost too quiet. Whether the subdued behavior was encouraged by staff or self-imposed by guests, common areas might as well have been funeral parlor chapels. Of course, low noise levels could be a plus for some travelers.

Bathroom: Bathrooms and showers smelled and looked like they had just been cleaned.

Sleeping: Dorms are gender-specific. The rooms are spacious. Other than lockers in rooms and hallway, a little room is available to place luggage so it's not a nuisance to roommates. Signs advertise ear plugs as a way to shut out other sleepers snoring. Ask for the ear plugs pre-emptively and before the front desk closes. You'll be happier in the morning.

Staff: The staff is friendly and they run the hostel like clockwork.

Amenities: The kitchen is impressive. There are two gas stoves, plenty of cookware and utensils, refrigerators for food storage and ample counter and dining space. A door in the kitchen leads to a outdoor patio, decorated with lights and lined with flower pots. There is a TV room stocked with movies and board games. Speedy WiFi connections are free. Internet reception was good in common areas and dorm rooms. There is a laundry room in the basement.

Read the entire article here.

Now that mixed martial arts has the benediction of state lawmakers, graphic design firm MOS Creative and Shogun Fights, a newly formed MMA organization based out of Baltimore, are bringing the action to downtown Baltimore. As they say: if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

An excerpt from the blog posting reads:

After years of fighting the laws in the state of Maryland, Shogun Fights organizer and former MMA competitor, John Rallo, is bringing the excitement of MMA and all of its loyal fans to the 1st Mariner Arena in Baltimore on October 24, 2009 at 7:00pm.

In May of 2008, Governor Martin O'Malley signed a bill legalizing MMA in Maryland with the full support of the Maryland State Athletic Commission. MMA is the fastest growing sport in the country. It involves competitors using various interdisciplinary fighting styles; including jiu-jitsu, muay thai, wrestling, judo, boxing, kickboxing and karate in a highly controlled fight with the winner decided by KO, submission, judges decision or referee stoppage.

"I have been involved in MMA since 1998. It is a great sport, with great athletes," says Rallo. "Our fighters have trained hard to compete for MMA titles in front of their friends, family and thousands of fans in the ring at the 1st Mariner Arena. Finally Marylanders are able to enjoy what Shogun Fights has been working so hard to provide. It is entertainment in the purest form."

Tickets for the momentous occasion will be made available on Friday, August 28, 2009 and can be purchased through the 1st Mariner Arena box office, 410-547-SEAT, and all Ticketmaster outlets.

Read the entire posting here.

The combination of a Catholic boyhood and college summers spent window washing have given this blogger a hawk's eye for beautiful stained glass. He's put together a few spots to hit for sacred and secular stained glass-o-philes alike.

An excerpt from the blog posting reads:

If you're interested in those decorative transoms that seem to be above so many rowhouse doorways these days, there are a few places you can find them around the city. We're partial to a few, namely Daniel Herman Stained Glass (1601 Guilford

Avenue # 2S), Terraza Stained Glass (1412 Woodall Street), and Vintage Stained Glass . These are craftsmen, they can help you design what you want, even if you're not too sure yourself.

Finally, for the DIYers and crafty types who want to try their hand at making their own windows, there's The Glass Key in Jessup (8610 Washington Boulevard). They carry a full line of stained glass materials and tools, and, thankfully, offer a full line of classes for beginners like us. We appreciate that, if only because it's virtually guaranteed that our first five (or more) tries are going to come out as lumpy, disfigured pieces of glass . And also because once we get good we're not going to waste our time on anything lame like flowers or clowns, but only design super-cool stuff like stained glass rocket ships full of werewolves. That's just how we roll.

Read the entire posting here.

With the help of hip-hop artist DK a.k.a. Wayne Watts and backing from the the University of Maryland School of Medicine and Abell Foundation, a group of Baltimore students have posted their Stop the Violence message on the Web. The students hope the video will become an Internet sensation.

"Stop the violence!  This site offers FREE DOWNLOADS of hip-hop music and personal messages calling for a stop to the violence threatening Baltimore neighborhoods."

Read and see the video here.

The free festival known as Baltimore Twestival will take place this Friday at Rams Head Live. Twestivals, or Twitter Festivals, have taken place around the globe. The 100 percent Twitter Festival Local events take place around the world September 10 - 13. This is the second Baltimore Twestival. It is an homage to the annual music festivals hosted by the former alternative rock radio station WHFS. Jimmie's Chicken Shack, Gary Jules and Colouring Glass  will perform. Proceeds from the ad-hoc festival will benefit Music 4 More.

Read more here

Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon refused to let a slur against her city made by a British member of Parliament go uncontested. The Liberal Conspiracy reports on her response.

An excerpt from the blog posting reads:

The Mayor of Baltimore has hit back at Tory MP Chris Grayling over comparing parts of Britain to The Wire.

In a statement posted to her website, Sheila Dixon said Baltimore had a per capita homicide rate "a fraction of that in the popular UK television show Midsomer Murders."

The statement read:

"Fellow citizens

This week I was alerted to a speech made by a Member of the British Parliament, a Mr. Chris Grayling, who suggested his country should fear becoming like our city of Baltimore as portrayed in the HBO series, The Wire. We all watched The Wire and while it was sometimes a heart-breaking reflection of reality, it was in the main, merely entertaining fiction.

The television show failed to reflect the best we have in this city, our sense of community, our hospitality and our proud history and culture. To present a television show as the real Baltimore is to perpetuate a fiction that dishonours our city. It is as pointless as boasting that Baltimore has a per capita homicide rate a fraction of that in the popular UK television show Midsomer Murders."

Read the full blog posting here.