Ray Rice Holds Off Saints, 30-24

     19, December. Baltimore -- MD.  The all-black jerseys made their season debut as the Baltimore Ravens hosted the New Orleans Saints in a crucial showdown Sunday afternoon . Despite continued offensive woes and some defensive lapses, successfully held Drew Brees and his three-headed running back squad off as the final seconds ticked down.

      New Orleans elected to receive first, and Baltimore's defense came out strong, stopping them for a three and out. Flacco, too, struggled his first time out, forcing the Ravens to punt early. On New Orleans's second drive, however, Brees led the team to greater success. The Saints came marching in (pun intended) and stormed down the field. Their drive was assisted by a roughing the passer penalty on Baltimore free safety Ed Reed, and Brees completed their march with a 18 yard touchdown pass to Jimmy Graham. Baltimore responded quickly, following with its own scoring drive as Flacco connected with tight end Ed Dickson, who played for injured veteran Todd Heap. On the Saints' following drive, Lardarius Webb nearly intercepted a Brees pass, and the Ravens used pressure from Tavares Gooden and Ed Reed (both graduates of The U) to stop New Orleans in its tracks. 

      Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron finally seemed to hear the prayers of Ravens fans everywhere. He consistently went to the Ravens' running game, looking to back Ray Rice to carry the team. Rice performed, and after a questionable handoff on third and inches, took charge on fourth down, gaining a new Baltimore first down and allowing the Ravens to avoid the punt. These gains set up another Ravens touchdown, in which Rice ran into the endzone to give the Ravens a 14-7 lead. After Baltimore contained New Orleans's three man rush for the second consecutive drive, Lardarius Webb returned a Saints' punt back into New Orleans territory. Runningback Willis McGahee then made his presence known, working with Ray Rice to help the Ravens gain nearly 20 yards. But Michael Oher continued to struggle, putting Baltimore in an uncomfortable position. Throughout the 2010 season, the much-hyped offensive tackle has missed important blocks and is the Ravens' most penalized offensive player. On this drive, Oher was called for a false start, but Baltimore recovered with a tight end fake, dishing the ball to Rice out of the backfield for his second touchdown of the game. 

     As the Saints hoped to answer back, Baltimore defensive penalties, including a key offsides call, sent the Ravens reeling. New Orleans ran the ball and quickly made its way across the 50 yard line. Baltimore linebacker Dannell Ellerbe, however, took advantage of Dawan Landry's solid coverage on Brees's primary receiver, and sacked the New Orleans quarterback. After a short-lived Baltimore drive, which included a Derrick Mason reception inside the Saints' 40 yard line, the Ravens were forced to punt, allowing the Saints to go 92 yards and score with :22 remaining. As the half drew to a close, Joe Flacco aired a pass out to TJ Houshmandzadeh, which was batted away by New Orleans.

     In the midst of several Ravens' penalties, New Orleans came out strong at the beginning of the second half, stopping Balitmore cold and tacking on a field goal. On a later Ravens' drive, Le'Ron McClain dropped a pass and Flacco was sacked by back Marvin Mitchell, but kicker Billy Cundiff gave the Ravens a field goal of their own, restoring the Baltimore lead to 24-17. The Ravens, whose last second half offensive touchdown came in Week 10, continued to struggle in offensive production. Analysts and fans have been quick to point fingers at coordinator Cam Cameron, suggesting that overly-conservative play calling and a lack of discipline on both sides of the ball have resulted in a less successful record. 
     The Ravens did not particularly prove these critics wrong - the defense allowed Julius Jones to take a first down pitch from Brees into Ravens territory. Two completions later, the Saints treaded inside the Baltimore 10 yard line. Veteran linebacker Jarrett Johnson dropped Reggie Bush back for a loss of yardage. On the next play Marcus Colston tipped the ball, which was controlled by Saints receiver Lance Moore for a 15 yard touchdown. On this play, two notable Ravens defenders, Josh Wilson and Ed Reed, missed their coverage by a mile. Brees, who was heavily pressured and aggressively pursued by the Ravens' backs, should not have been able to get a pass off, much less a touchdown completion. This lapse in pass pressure and coverage elicited memories of Ben Roethlisberger's stiff-arm evasion of Ravens defenders just two weeks before. The secondary should not have allowed Brees's completion, and Reed's lackluster performance renewed concerns about his health, while others questioned Wilson's inexperience. 

     After a horrific series for Baltimore, which landed Harbaugh and his Ravens in a third and long position, the Ravens were called for yet another offsides penalty. Then Ray Rice continued to do what he had done all day, taking matters into his own hands for a 51 yard, season long run into New Orleans territory. The Saints were called for unnecessary roughness, as Roman Harper pushed Derrick Mason out of bounds. Houshmandzadeh nearly reeled in another Ravens touchdown but had only one foot in the endzone, before he went sliding out into the tunnel, towards the locker room. Consequentially, the Ravens again settled for a field goal, extending Baltimore's miserable second half offensive record. Baltimore corner Cary Williams and Saints safety Pierson Prioleau began to fight, and their extracurriculars drew the attention of other players.

     The Ravens special teams coverage was surprisingly wanting, and weak tackling gave the Saints a distinct advantage, but Sam Koch continued to perform, punting the ball inside the Saints 5 yard line, where a diving Marcus Smith controlled the ball. Throughout the Saints' ensuing drive, Brees was heavily pressured and Ed Reed delivered a crucial hit to prevent a completion to receiver Marques Colston. Haloti Ngata closed out the game, as has become perfunctory for Baltimore's linebackers, batting a Brees pass to Cory Redding for his first career inerception. Ray Rice closed out the game, carrying the Ravens down the field and setting up Cundiff's decisive 27 yard field goal. 

     In this outing, penalties, lack of offensive production, and an inconsistent secondary continued to be the story of the game, haunting the Ravens who allowed the Saints to stay in the game far longer than they should have. The Ravens again controlled possession, and Ray Rice's 233 yard, two touchdown contribution was dominant, yet somehow, the Saints, like the Houston Texans, managed to stick around, presenting a real threat to the Ravens. Cam Cameron seemed to regain some of his wisdom in looking to Rice and the Ravens' strong ground game as the underlying offensive strategy, but failed to press the issue when the Ravens had New Orleans on its heels. It is imperative that the Ravens reassess their offensive strategy, clean up their game, and prepare their young secondary to fill the shoes of the older and less healthy veterans if Baltimore hopes to pull out a win against conference rivals the Cleveland Browns, and to secure a spot in the NFL playoffs.  (photos: http://www.baltimoreravens.com)

Love Actually is... All Around

      "Love Actually," directed and written by Richard Curtis shows us that sometimes, despite farfetched plotlines, gross exaggerations, and hyperbole, movies are, once in a while accurate depictions of real life. The believability, and furthermore, relatability, of this film (and the fact that it stars Hugh Grant) make "Love Actually" a christmastime classic, one that appeals not only to chicks and old, weepy women, but also to families, young people, parent and child, as much as to boyfriend and girlfriend or husband and wife.

     As my plane taxied into BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport yesterday afternoon, and I stepped through the gate, I watched everyone around me. Projections of love and reunions and embraces danced around me as I made my way to the bag return. The moment struck me in one of those deja-vu ways; it was nearly identical to the opening and closing scenes in "Love Actually." Lovers launched themselves at one another, children like me, home from college, jumped into the arms of parents, brothers and sisters hugged. One man takes a suitcase from his cousin, and extends his hand in a warm, long awaited welcome. Perhaps the most striking thing about this phenomenon was how all of this blended quietly into the daily bustle of the airport traffic. One of humankind's greatest miracles, and everyone just rushed by, taking this love for granted as they sprinted to board their flight before the attendants moved on to Group C.
     Released in 2003, the "Love Actually" follows the starcrossed love lives of various englishmen and women, as they learn more about one another, the world, and themselves through their relationships with those they love. We follow Colin, the young english bro, who has fallen on hard times romantically. He just can't get a brit girl to like him. The Prime Minister (Hugh Grant) isn't having much more success, though. He hasn't found "the one" yet, and despite what you might expect, he's not the most articulate smooth-talker, especially when it comes to the ladies. Everyone can relate to him as he falters and stutters and says the most embarrassing things in his attempts to fill awkward silences. His sister, Karen, is happily married; or so she first thinks. As the plot unrolls, we learn that things aren't always as perfect, or permanent, as they seem.
      Karen's husband, Harry, runs a company for which many of the movie's many other lovers work. Her friend, Daniel, has just lost his wife, and another, Jaime, has fled love's cruelty, escaping to France to finish his novel. Juliet, played by Kiera Knightly, her new husband Peter, and his best friend Mark, too, unearth the complications of young love as the movie progresses. A washed up popstar has seemingly shut himself off from all emotion, but in the end, even he comes around and realizes that his publicity director has been there for him all along.

     The characters slowly come to their own realizations about what love is, and how to go about finding it. Jamie learns Portuguese in order to ask the woman he loves for her hand in marriage. Others, like Karen, learn that sometimes we fall in love with the wrong person, and that person cannot always be trusted. Juliet will always wonder if she married the right friend. Others, like Daniel, learn powerful lessons about overcoming grief and learning to love again. They, and we, learn that maybe there isn't just one person for us in the world, and that maybe, someday things will be okay. Love is about letting go of one's inhibitions, of decorum, and of fear, and going for it, letting it all out, no matter the consequences. These lessons are sometimes taught by the least likely of suspects, namely the little boy who learns to play drums to charm the 10 year old diva of his dreams. In the face of love, no challenge is too big, too impossible. No obstacle, whether it be a language barrier or post 9/11 airport security, is too insurmountable. They learn the power of a good cry, and a good romantic drama; referring to Titanic, Daniel tells his stepson, "We need Leo and we need Kate and we need them now."
     The movie is particularly effecting because it speaks to the versatility of love. Rather than define love in one context, as between a man and a wife, it defines love in its full spectrum of awing, spine-tingling emotion. Curtis uses airports as a metaphor, a prism through which to analyze these concepts and shades and manifestations of love. Hatred, the narrator says, is indeed a myth, and love will triumph over all in the end. Set against a holiday backdrop, the film reminds us what Christmas is really about, yet suggests that maybe, if we look closely enough, maybe love actually is all around. Always. All day. Every day. In the airport, the French villa, the streets of Portugal, the bars of Wisconsin, the Prime Minister's office, and the shabby apartment flats on the dodgy end of East London. The narrative comforts viewers, too, as they realize that love just as likely exists in their dorm room or starter apartment.
     Curtis artfully sculpts the interrelated storylines to carry us from the "total agony of being in love," and the torment of loving that person who doesn't love you back, to the blissful realization that none of that matters. He captures the crazy forces behind love that cannot be explained by any scientific or mathematical principle- the lengths we are willing to go to to find love. He captures those serendipitous and fateful moments that make the trials and heartbreaks and tears and hateful words all worth it all in the end. But, most significantly, Curtis underscores that true love is always around us, and likely more apparent than we think.
     So when I return to school, I'll be sure to look around once more at Logan and BWI, taking in all the bitter tears shed, the sad goodbyes, but also the hugs and kisses and high fives and knowing smiles, those little moments and bonds that all else on earth compares in comparison with. Because Curtis already stole from The Beatles; I have no problem doing the same. Paul, John, Ringo, and George said it all. Love is all you need. I used to accompany my dad to airports watch the planes touch off and taxi in, but now I realize there may just have been something even more magical going on right inside those glass-paneled windows all along.

Steelers Bloody, Battered; Ravens Beaten

     In front of a record-setting television audience, the Baltimore Ravens fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night. After a strong start on defense, Baltimore's offensive unit was ultimately unable to produce, particularly when it mattered most. Baltimore dropped to 8-4 on the season while the Steelers, now 9-3, took control of the AFC North.
     On the Steelers' very first drive, Baltimore's veteran defensive tackle Haloti Ngata and linebacker Terrell Suggs sacked Ben Roethlisberger. Ngata delivered an arm to the Pittsburgh quarterback's face, breaking his nose, which bled profusely as Roethlisberger left the field for medical examination. It appeared that in addition to a broken foot, the nose injury would pose an insurmountable obstacle to Roethlisberger and the Steelers, who were already racked with injuries. The Ravens took an early 7-0 lead, after 61 and 14 yard completions to wide receiver Anquan Boldin.
     The Steelers, however, recovered more quickly than anticipated, and the second half marked a shift in both momentum and quality of play for the two teams. Pittsburgh added two field goals, and Baltimore's Billy Cundiff answered with one to make it a 10-6 game. Although Roethlisberger was roughed up several times throughout the game, and was sacked again by Terrell Suggs, he was calm and collected, and maintained a pocket presence that Joe Flacco would have done well to emulate. Flacco, however, caved under the pressure from the NFL's top-rated defense. He let Pittsburgh linebackers James Farrior and James Harrison, and strong safety Troy Polamalu get to his head, and to his throwing arm.

     Late in the fourth quarter, Flacco was sacked and stripped by Polamalu, allowing LaMarr Woodley to carry the ball to the Ravens' own 19-yard line. With nearly three minutes left, running back Isaac Redman danced by Baltimore safety Dawan Landry and into the Ravens' endzone, giving the Steelers a 13-10 advantage. The Ravens' fate, once again, lay in the hands of Flacco, who had engineered a textbook two-minute comeback in Baltimore's October meeting with the Steelers at Heinz Field. This time, Flacco could muster up no such magic, and when Harbaugh opted to go for it on fourth down (prevailing winds proved too daunting to attempt a field goal), Flacco muffed a pass to tight end Ed Dickson, and the Ravens lost possession on Pittsburgh's 31 yard line, effectively ending the game with half a minute remaining.
     In Baltimore's loss, receiver Derrick Mason's six receptions for 80 yards went largely unappreciated, and the Ravens failed to capitalize off of strong performances from both him and Boldin. The Ravens also failed to utilize their running game, perhaps due to concerns regarding Pittsburgh's notorious rush defense. On defense, the Ravens contained the Steelers for much of the game, but with little help from the offense, and with crucial lapses in both the linebacking corps and the secondary, the notorious D's efforts were not enough to secure the Ravens' spot atop the AFC North.
     Going into next week's must-win Monday Night showdown with the Houston Texans, the Ravens, who maintain a two game lead in the wild card race, still have a great chance of going to the playoffs. The Steelers, who improved their away record to 6-1, made a strong statement to the league. In his song, "Black and Yellow," Wiz Khalifa may have been onto something-- teams are scared of the Steelers, and progressing into the playoffs, they are not to be taken lightly.

(photos: Larry French/Getty Images, www.bleacherreport.com, www.baltimoreravens.com)

Dave Matthews Band

T.D. Banknorth Garden, Boston, 9 November 2010

"Can Paul Rabil Make Lacrosse Sexy?"

      Recently, James Vlahos, a columnist at The New York Times, profiled lacrosse sensation Paul Rabil in a "Fashion & Style" section feature article. Vlahos explored not only Rabil's own rise to fame, but also his sport's ethos, one that has recently been unfairly tarnished by such scandals as the Duke rape scandal and George Hughely's murder of ex-girlfriend Yardley Love last spring at the University of Virginia. While Vlahos does not go as far as to defend the sport from these controversies, he certainly offers an alternate perspective of lacrosse and of those who play it.
     Painting Rabil as a well-educated, street-smart, and otherwise worldly athlete, he indirectly rebuts many stereotypes commonly associated with lacrosse. Vlahos acknowledges that in light of those aforementioned controversies and stereotypes, the sport of lacrosse could use a few well-intentioned heroes, both to redeem their sport's image and to inspire future generations of players. Rabil, Vlahos argues, is just that kind of hero. He impresses upon readers that not only is Rabil an awing physical specimen, but also a player both keen on commercializing lacrosse and maintaining a close relationship with his community, particularly with aspiring players in youth leagues and developmental programs.
      Vlahos appropriately credits Rabil for all of his positive qualities, including his perseverance, sportsmanship, and leadership abilities. He chooses to project both Rabil and his sport in a well-deserved positive light, rather than draw on Rabil's physical and personal shortcomings. While Rabil certainly is not perfect, he is a role model and is personally invested in fostering a deep love of lacrosse in all who watch him play.
       The author takes note of the bad press lacrosse has received in recent years, and offers a more balanced, and far more personal, account of the sport. Through its in depth reporting, Vlahos's exposition provides readers with a more exacting glimpse at the life of an individual lacrosse star, shattering readers' preconceptions and their abilities to make generalizations about lacrosse players en masse. In fact, Rabil himself facilitates this juxtaposition; as Vlahos notes, he does not fit the mold of the stereotypical lacrosse player (accurate or not). Rather, Rabil's long hair and perfected grunge look contrast the prep style so quickly associated with the sport. His uniqueness invites readers of the article, and observers of the sport in general, to reconsider their conceptions of lacrosse.
       Rabil commands the utmost respect from both inside and outside the lacrosse community. As a one-time Hopkins star, Rabil garnered the attention and adoration of those in the sport's community. By personal account, it is certainly impossible to watch Rabil take over a game at Homewood Field and lead the Jays to a victory and not be in complete awe of his abilities, physical and otherwise. He has continued to dominate play in both the outdoor and indoor major leagues, ensuring that he will continue to demand this respect from players and insiders. At the same time, Rabil, like few others in the sport, has  used smart advertising strategies and exacting brand extension to successfully pioneer his way into a mainstream commercial consciousness.
     By demonstrating some of the virtuous personal qualities that Vlahos extols in his article, Rabil has also brought the sport closer to this consciousness and made lacrosse both more appealing and more accessible to the public. Rabil is the first lacrosse player that has been truly successful in garnering a hero status outside of the lacrosse community (others preceding him, including the Gates brothers, Powell brothers, and Rabil's former teammate Kyle Harrison have successfully captured this status within the sport, but are now extemporaneous or remain largely unrecognizable outside of the lacrosse circuit).
     Rabil exemplifies the best of lacrosse through top level play, business savvy, his admirable public comportment, and sex appeal. He has used championship rings, selective marketing, and an apparent good-guy vibe to transcend the lacrosse bubble and reach beyond his sport's traditional demographic. Rabil's ascendancy to fame only bodes well for lacrosse's future as the "fastest game on two feet," and arguably the fastest growing sport in America.

Passion Pit at Tufts University, 26 October 2010

Tufts Wilderness Orientation 2010

     When my mom urged me to apply to Tufts' pre-orientation programs, offered annually to incoming freshmen, I was not too enthused about the idea. I did not see any advantage to leaving Baltimore a week early and in heading off to school. But my mother was persistent, and, as mothers usually are, she was right.
     On August 26th, however, I arrived at Cousens Gym on the Tufts campus, and was greeted by a rising junior, who took my pack and carried it into the gym for me. After registration I met my two trip leaders, who then introduced me to other group members who had arrived by then. After some icebreakers, we got to know one another at a cookout, and that night, we slept on the baseball field, tossing and turning in anticipation of the next morning's adventure.
     Friday morning, we awoke and boarded a classic yellow school bus bound for an undisclosed location-- it could have been New Hampshire. Maine. Vermont. Soon, we realized we were headed for the Presidential Range in New Hampshire's White Mountains. Because our leaders did not share the time, location, or our daily routes with us, we embraced the sense of timelessness and the peacefulness of connecting with our surroundings.
     The first afternoon presented an unforgettable vista. As we sat on a cliff for lunch and looked out across the range, we already felt accomplished. Further up the trail, we stumbled upon Canada Grey Jays (which leads me to question why Toronto's baseball team is named the Blue Jays). These birds flocked to us, and as some of my trip-mates held out peanuts and dried fruits in their hands, the jays slowly approached, perching themselves delicately in my friends' palms.
     Along the way, we met not one, but three Tufts graduates. I could not help but notice that in all instances, these alumni had initiated conversation with us, demonstrating their sincere interest in what we were doing. While other hikers were friendly enough, there was a striking correlation between the immense warmness of these hikers and their common alma mater.

     By nighttime, we had set up camp on a wooden platform, laying down a tarp and stringing some support ropes together. We slept with our heads sticking out from under the tarp, staring up at the clearest and most breathtaking night sky many of us had ever seen.
     The next morning, we were off again, this time for a full day of backpacking. As we trekked through the woods, we began to lose patience.  We could not see how far we had come. The slopes were steep and slippery. Our legs burned. Soon, however, we emerged above the tree-line, and followed a ridge across before summitting our first peak-- Mt. Eisenhower. That day, we would stumble our way across three more peaks, before lunching at Mt. Monroe's Lake in the Clouds. We had no idea what was in store next. Soon, we began our descent, following wet, slippery rocks, often jutting out at vertical angles, along the side of a ridge, and back down below the tree-line.
     The next morning, we set out on a trail that, marked as an official wilderness territory, was poorly maintained to say the least. In fact, a trail barely existed at all. We bushwacked through trees and brambles, forcing our way up a seemingly endless, and depressingly dark, trail. Many of us were losing spirit, and it seemed morale had taken a turn for the worst. But, eventually, after hours an hours of hiking, we again hit the tree-line, and began up Bootts Burr trail.
     That afternoon 65 mph winds picked up, and we were forced to crawl down the face of a seemingly vertical slope. I was blown off the trail not once but twice, but we beat on, focusing intently on taking one step at a time, and hoping that we would not roll an ankle or completely plunge off the side. Again we survived, and at the campsite we basked in the sun on a deck at the shelter we would be staying in for our final two nights.
     On Sunday that we began to recognize the importance of community-building. Another Wilderness group had had to hike out a member who popped her knee coming down the aforementioned slope. Anticipating the group's late arrival to the shelter, we prepared a meal for them, and immediately bonded with the eight other incoming freshmen. The next day, however, we were to take on the greatest challenge of all-- Mt. Washington-- the highest point in the northeastern United States. We awoke and headed out on what turned out to be a 2400 ft vertical incline, stretched over just 1.8 miles.
     The going along Tuckerman's Ravine was tough, and, as always, there were times when we doubted ourselves. But we admired the impressive views, taking in all of the splendor of our last full day on the trail. Some of the boys in our group began to quite literally sprint up the slope, inspiring us to push ourselves harder, and after a few breaks and a lot of sweat, the end was in sight.
     Finally, we reached the top. A dusty parking lot was filled with cars and tourists who had taken day trips to admire the view from the top. While we found the summit more commercialized, and less stirring, than some of our other summits, we could not believe what we had accomplished.
     As we headed back down the mountain, we expected another long hike. The morning's hike had taken us several hours. But our growth and comradeship again proved true. We began to sing. Inspired by our surroundings, we began with the Sound of Music classic, "The Hills are Alive." Then we progressed to other showtunes, and classics including "American Pie" and "The Weight."
We made it back to camp in under an hour. Our unprecedented speed gave us hours to relax. We sat by the river and began to make dinner. That night, we reflected upon the highlights, and low-lights (although essentially nonexistent) from the trip.
      Tuesday was the last morning of our trip, and we began it as with any other. Untying the bear bags, lighting the peak stove and the whisper light. And then we departed. Soon we sighted a marker for the trail head and knew that we were on our way out of the woods. We emerged into broad daylight and rejoined the other TWO group in order to board the bus.
     On the way home, exhaustion set in. Some days, it turned out, we had gained nearly a half mile in elevation, often at a steep incline. We'd accomplished feats I'd never dreamed myself to be capable of.  After a few wrong turns, the bus driver finally navigated his way to the pick-up zone for the final group. Then it was off to Dairy Queen. And a shower.
     Since our trip, we have only grown closer. As one group member pointed out, one often has these group trip experiences but then must say goodbye to all of his new friends. In this case, however, we have four more years to spend with these people.
     The Wilderness participants are permanently bonded, and aside from the fact that my core group of friends is from my wilderness group, Wilderness showed me what Tufts sets out to instill in its students, but primarily it taught me about myself.

Fells Point Focus: Mr. Yogato

     This Baltimore neighborhood has certainly not been shortchanged when it comes to wowing reviews, publicity, or foot-traffic. I would, however, like to reiterate just how vibrant a place Fells is, and some of the things, discovered and not, that make it an incredibly enjoyable spot. I am certainly not the only one attempting to do so- recently The Sun published an article highlighting the Fells Point Food Tour- a new program which takes members to the finest culinary institutions in the area, and provides them with samplings of small Greek dishes, fine wines, and draft beers. But in addition to all of the fine dining opportunities (this week is Baltimore Restaurant Week- take advantage!!) offered here, there are a number of excellent spots to go for a walk, spend a summer weeknight, or top off that four star meal.

     I will begin with what is, in my opinion, the crowning jewel of Fells Point. Opened last year, Mr. Yogato Frozen Yogurt captures the hip, fun-loving spirit that is becoming increasingly pervasive in the downtown district. At Yogato's one can play Mario and any other variety of old-school games on an original Playstation, immediately eliciting memories of playdates and years past. A number of low tables provide places to sit, and board-games are strategically- no pun intended- arranged around the room. Battleship and Connect 4 faceoffs are a common sight.
     On a large whiteboard, Yogato offers weekly and monthly physical challenges. If a visitor successfully completes one (thus far they have proven nearly impossible), he receives a 30% discount on his yogurt. The wall also serves as a place for customers to scribe random musings, philosophical thoughts, hypothetical questions, and to respond to the establishment's frequently updated questions-- "What is your favorite book?" "What flavor would you like to see next?" The wall serves as a facilitator between customers and the employees, and also allows visitors to connect to one another in a light-hearted way.

      Behind the counter, a second seating area houses couches, stools, and coffee table books, as well as more board-games. This spot is more secluded, and many don't even realize it's there; thus it remains a cozy place to enjoy one's yogurt, a secret garden.
     Mr. Yogato encourages guests and employees to be fun-loving, offering discounts for answering trivia questions, getting stamps on their foreheads, and reciting movie speeches. Just as the discount opportunities change, so do the flavors- Yogato keeps people coming back and encourages frequent visits by offering the tried but true punch card-- ten stamps gets you a free yogurt, and through its unique 30-Day Challenge- any customer who tallies thirty consecutive visits gets the next flavor named after him.

     Speaking of flavors, Yogato offers both customary and wild flavors, with appropriately fun names. Currently, it offers Tangy (a clean, less sweet flavor that most closely resembles regular yogurt), Creamy (closest to vanilla), Chocolate, and its flavor of the month; Pineapple. In the past, the spot has featured pomegranate and a variety of other citrus and berry inspired flavors. Of course, what frozen yogurt is best known for, however, are the toppings. This is no exception-- a local bakery provides new mix-ins, including various brownie, cake, and cookie choices. Then there are the fruits-- kiwi, blueberry, mango, raspberries. But where it really gets interesting is with the sweet choices-- every type of cereal imaginable, from Cap'n Crunch to Cookie Crisp. Granola. Oreos. Countless types of candy. And the place is even stocked with a "free toppings" shelf, featuring everything from pepper flakes to balsamic glaze, and perhaps the more traditional sprinkles and Hershey's syrup. The Baltimore Sun exposed these unique offerings, but did little justice to the aura of the establishment itself. I will complete its sentence(s), so to speak.
     Through constant Facebook updates and its conversational staff, Yogato encourages recommendations and constructive criticism, and its direct connection with consumers has proven an effective approach to building a base of supporters. Although parking is worse than a challenge most nights, it is well worth the drive, the navigation, and the (sometimes several) loops of surrounding streets to arrive at this destination. It may be the new kid on the block, but it has proven its mettle and become a staunch competitor of favorites Maggie Moo's ice cream and Pitango Gelato, situated across S. Broadway. Prices remain low, and with intriguing opportunities for discounts and one-of-a-kind atmospheres and flavors, as well as the perceived health advantages of yogurt over ice cream, many have begun to shift their allegiances from the aforementioned classics.
     On Wednesday nights, Films on the Pier offers free movies on a big screen down by the water. What could be better than kicking out on a dock and enjoying a movie, complete with a view of the sparkling harbor, as lights shimmer and catch the gentle waves, and crabs scuttle below the dock? Oh yeah, being able to do this with a delicious frozen yogurt in hand. So here's a 30-Day Challenge- get yourself to Yogato before the summer melts away.


(photo: Mr. Yogato Facebook Photos, author.)

Artscape

      Last month, the city of Baltimore put on quite a show, throwing a huge party in the form of the wildly successful annual Artscape Festival, a weekend filled with photography, sculpture, painting, and more from the area's most innovative and unique artists. Each vendor displayed his unique God-given talents for sculpting, beading, or painting, and many pieces offered insight into the artists' own lives and personal histories. Knowledgeable MICA (Maryland Institute College of Art) students were out and about, more than happy to engage in conversation or share their experiences with various mediums and subject matters.

     Unique clothing items were also for sale, and entrepreneurs and large companies alike hoped to push their products. Kashi designated four whole tents to selling their "all-natural" line of products, leading visitors through each station, designed to raise his awareness for organic products, health concerns, and the environment. Others gave out free samples-- everything from Greyhound Bus water bottles to cranberry-pomegranate Ocean Spray, and my personal favorite- family trial packs of Kraft Homestyle macaroni and cheese. Who would have expected to find that at an arts festival?

     In the Station North district, located near the Charles Theatre and my previously reviewed Tapas Teatro, various movie screenings were available. One couple even cut out each Baltimore neighborhood out of stone and arranged them into a map, allowing visitors to mark important landmarks and meaningful places on the tiles with Sharpie. Nearby, a beautifully painted skate-ramp became a canvas for daring acts and a variety of tents offered activities for the young and young at heart.

     The whole weekend, anticipation builds as all events culminate in Sunday evening's concert. While Saturday, The Cold War Kids impressed crowds, Sunday certainly capped off a very positive weekend for the city, with pulsing performances from Rebelution and hip-hop sensation Wale. In fact, the latter had to be physically forced off stage- he simply did not want to leave his adoring Baltimore crowd anything short of satisfied. Later that evening, Wale tweeted that his Baltimore show was one of his Top 5 performances of all time, something all of us Baltimorons can be proud of. Whether a fan of Wale's music or not, any city resident should be proud that we  are increasingly becoming a favorite destination of nationally renowned artists.

     Wale's performance has sparked controversy among city officials, fans, and others. Many believe that his profanity-laced performance was distasteful and wildly inappropriate for an event sold as family-friendly and endorsed by the city. In fact, when a shout out was given to mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, the politician refused stepping out on stage to bask in the crowd's appreciation. It is undeniable, however, that youthful Artscape attendees found the performance the perfect ending, an appropriate climax, for the weekend's festivities.

     I guess it only goes to prove that Artscape successfully provides something for every taste, whether it be classic oil paintings, progressive or contemporary art, or photography. Ethnic food or more traditional fair-fare, like fries, lemonades, and Bud Lights. Don't forget to try Taharka Bros. (previously Sylvan Beach) ice cream, in order to sample unique flavors like salted caramel. And from local bands to unedited rappers, the variety of music offered was no different, and I am sure that it ultimately added to the success of the festival.
     If I had to draw criticism, I would say that accessibility to the festival- or lack thereof- marked a spot for improvements. The degenerate and very unreliable lightrail system is not a good bet, and even that runs one linear route into the city, with no branches and thus little variety in terms of where one can get on and off. Combined with limited parking, this presented a roadblock, but I feel that for the most part, organizers and visitors alike were able to overcome it. One can only hope that as the years increase, so do the crowds for this up and coming Baltimore event.

The Waverly Farmers' Market

     This year, the Waverly Farmers' Market, situated between E. University Parkway and 32nd Street, celebrates its 30th birthday. Every Saturday, local farms and vendors come to sell everything from fresh produce to Jamaican curries, falafel, Vietnamese, and even home-baked vegan quiches. From 7 AM to noon, Baltimoreans can get their fix of steamed crabs, mesculun tossed with nasturtiums, sweet corn, apples, and butter beans. If one so chooses, he may even hit up Pete's Grill, located perpendicular to the market, before or after his visit. A local favorite, Pete's has gained notoriety for its unofficial Breakfast of Champions, or the sickeningly massive meal consumed by hometown hero Michael Phelps, whenever he stops by his favorite breakfast joint.
     At the market, each vendor puts care into his products, and the staff members are incredibly helpful in recommending the week's best picks and in ringing you up. The market features Belvedere Square favorite, Atwaters, which offers a massive selection of various sweet and savory breads and muffins. A favorite is their signature olive bread. Neopol, also headquartered in the square, sells the best smoked salmon one will ever eat. I can guarantee it- thick cut, and cured in everything from a Thai rub to peppercorn to sauteed onions, it is absolutely not what one can find in his local supermarket.

     For fresh produce, one has many options, but my favorite remains One Straw Farm. Located in White Hall, Maryland, and run by Joan and Drew Norman, the farm specializes in certified organic produces, and focuses on produce unique to the mid-Atlantic region. OSF participates in CSA, or a community supported agriculture program, which is designed to bring this produce straight to the local community, a system that benefits both the farmers and consumers. Upon signing up for the program, community members pick up local produce weekly, from a variety of drop-off locations and local markets. One is allotted a certain amount of produce, depending on that week's yield, and the season stretches from June to November. Each week, the produce available varies in type and quantity, but a regular season generally offers any combination of squashes, eggplants, heirloom tomatoes, kale, lettuce, beets, and chard. Personally, I like the kale.

     I recently visited the farm during an Environmental Science field trip and Mrs. Norman introduced us to a house recipe- kale chips. To prepare them, she lays kale leaves out on a baking sheet and lightly sprinkles them with EVOO and sea salt. Then, she places the sheet in a warm oven (perhaps after roasting a chicken), and leaves it there overnight. In the morning, the chips are paper-thin, crispy, and salty- the perfect alternative to a bagged chip saturated with fats, hydrogenated oils, and starches. Every week, I see her at Waverly, and she is always more than pleased to bag my kale herself.
     A number of ethnic vendors also offer prepared foods of various strains. Some offer empanadas, ginger drinks, and moroccan mint teas. Asian Food Delights offers Thai dishes, while B-more alive has a seemingly endless array of falafel toppings, and Ethiopian Delights's lentil spreads are not to be passed over. Eula McDowell sells incredible soups, including a black bean with garlic shrimp, but her best product is arguably the black bean-mango salad. One man even sells authentic african textiles and scoops out fresh slabs of butter from what looks like a giant coconut shell. Harmony, a vegan stop, offers breakfast foods, cobblers, and everything else under the sun, free of animal products and cooked using the same produce one can buy at surrounding vendors. Another favorite, Broom's Bloom, located in Harford County, produces an overwhelmingly (in a good way) list of ice creams, as well as fresh milks and other dairy products.

     A local smoothie franchise, Wheely Good Smoothies, has taken sustainability and health-consciousness to a new level; they allow market visitors to pedal a bike, powering a blender in order to produce their own concoction. These smoothies include mango, various berry combinations, and a particularly satisfying and innovative strawberry basil. It is precisely this focus on the environment, community, and innovation that keeps people coming back every weekend.
     The market displays the best, edible and not, products available, from fresh bouquets to persian rugs, and vegan tarts to sugarplums. It should not be overshadowed by Sunday's larger market, located underneath the Jones Falls Expressway. In fact, it takes the best of the JFX market and presents it to you in an accessible, easily navigable, and inviting environment, full of ethnic color, warmth, and vibrant mixes of market visitors of all ages and demographics. You don't need a truffle pig to sniff out the fresh oysters, portabellas, or shiitakes that Woodland Mushrooms provides. All you need is a desire to explore and a few durable shopping bags. Maybe some comfortable walking shoes too.