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.

    

This I Believe: Memories

     Tufts asked all first-year students to read "This I Believe," a book inspired by NPR's series, which started in the 1960s and was hosted by legendary news anchor Edward Murrow. Recently, NPR has begun to air the series again. The book, like the radio program, features the "personal philosophies of of remarkable men and women"- in other words, celebrities, politicians, athletes, and others have shared with the American people their own inspirational stories, their fervent beliefs, their passions, their secrets, and their strongest convictions, about everything from cancer to barbecue to schooling.
     Each composition, only a few hundred words long, explores mankind through a new pair of eyes, and reliably offers a refreshingly positive take on society and humanity. Each does its bit to restore our faith in one another, and in the simple truths we often overlook and disregard. Upon finishing the book, each student was asked to compose a voluntary "This I Believe" essay of his or her own. I chose to write mine, below, on memories.


"I believe in memories. I believe memories are some of the most instructive tools with which we can sculpt our futures and blaze new trails forward. Memories are what President Obama calls “teachable moments,” snapshots of our collective pasts. Little things that can fill us with emotion or remind us of how things were in simpler, better, or perhaps just different, times.

I have always had a good memory. I have an affinity for remembering faces and names. I listen to people and latch on to the smallest details. Sometimes I’ve wished my memory were less active, for memories also carry the immense power to haunt and overwhelm us, to hold us captive in painful pasts.

But, I believe more than anything, that memories can inspire us. Last year, I started a Word Document where I record various dates that are special to me, “good days,” where I had fun at the pool with a friend or driving to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor with the windows rolled down. Little things that I can look upon to remember how lucky I am—how good things have been and can be. When I read my list of June 27ths and February 11ths, I recognize that not everyone can have those memories, and that the best I can do is to create more May 8ths for myself and for others.

I believe, too, in remembering through images and words. I think that a pen and a camera do not take away from our own mental capacities to remember, but instead add dimension to our memories. I love to capture moments; snapshots, candids of people laughing and dancing. People walking to work and picking out blackberries at the farmers’ market. Athletes pushing themselves to the limit and people doing real, honest work. Friends sharing hugs, politicians rallying to inspire a crippled people. Births and first birthdays. First days of school and summer vacations and picnics and swim meets and graduations.

I believe that as long as we can distinguish between memory and reality, we should continue to document these moments, these people, this love shared. I believe that memories will push us forward, and that they allow us to connect to other human beings, to relate more deeply to the human experience. I believe that we should embrace and learn from and build with our memories rather than suppress them. I believe that memories provide us with balance and perspective. They help us remember our “good days,” so that we do not wallow in self-pity or selfishness, but instead are more willing to look outside of ourselves. 

     I believe that our memories, our lessons learned, and feelings felt, and friendships made, and hardships lived or witnessed, will inspire us to change the world in order to paint a world full of births and birthdays. First days of school and summer vacations and picnics and swim meets and graduations. For everyone. Because then we will have something to sit back and admire, something entirely worth remembering."

Memories can hurt. But in the end, I think, I would never want to finish my life in a place with no memory. This, I Believe. 

The Road Less Traveled

Baltimore Series: Falls Road/ Lake Roland Trail

     In my attempts to cast Baltimore in a more positive light, by documenting the less noteworthy farmers' markets, festivals, and establishments, I decided it was time to focus in on a free recreational opportunity that gets little recognition from the city and its residents. Parallel to Falls Road, in between Lake Avenue and Ruxton Road, runs the Lake Roland hiking trail. It is certainly not empty, but gets little publicity and is not thoroughly mapped or marked, so it remains a cozy and intimate place to walk the dogs or break in those new hiking boots.
     In just days, I will be setting out on an adventure- even before I arrive at college, I'll be hiking through some New England wilderness for four days as part of Tufts University's TWO, or Tufts Wilderness (Pre)-Orientation program. I don't know where I'll be going-- it could be New Hampshire's White Mountains, or western Massachusetts. Maybe Vermont and possibly Maine. But as I backpack and slip in mud and stumble through brambles, I'm sure to think upon Thornton Wilder's beloved Grover's Corners, the small New Hampshire town featured in his three-act play, "Our Town." As a result, I have recently been inspired to push the envelope, both to break in the boots and to see what exactly I am getting myself into. But what I have discovered, rather serendipitously, is a deeply-rooted appreciation for God and nature-- a new, more literal, passion for nature.

     Now I am no english teacher, no author. And certainly no Thoreau or Emerson, but even I feel inspired when I am out on the trail. Being alone, or with those important to you, is serene and, yes, transcendental. The Lake Roland trail presents a canvas upon which to paint your own adventure, blaze your own trail. A place to reflect and gain some self-awareness. To remind you that, like Wilder noted, our existence is of infinitesimal significance in the grand scheme of things, our problems are petty and our lives at the mercy of a greater being, of things greater than we.
     But, I've digressed, gone off trail, so to speak. Returning to Lake Roland, the trail consists of one main path with various arteries running through it. As far as I can tell from my exploring, they all essentially lead to one spot, where the lightrail cuts across and one meets the end of his hike. Or maybe not, for the best part about trails is one can follow them to infinity, even if it means walking in a loop.
     As one begins the trail, it snakes along a creek but remains directly parallel to Falls Road, and it takes a while to leave the road behind. Whirs and zooms pervade the air, mixing with bees buzzing, birds chirping, dogs barking, water running, and the occasional frog ribbit. There are numerous rocks and steep climbs, many of which do not include any kind of well-traveled path and are certainly not for the faint of heart. One can, however, enjoy incredibly views from the tops of these ascents. One notable rock is not particularly high, or intriguing, but resembles The Lion King's Pride Rock, and thus is an instant favorite.
     There is a short bridge not too far from the trail's "start." (Cars can access this area driving either direction on Falls, and can park along the side of the trail's entrance.) Below, one is almost guaranteed to come across several dog-lovers, admiring their pups, both young and old, as they splash around in the water below. The young ones frolick and explore, while the elder ones prefer to wade into the shallow waters and rest their arthritic limbs.
      By taking a left, and walking down a steep decline, just before crossing this bridge, one finds Artery #1, a trail that follows the creek's flow northward. This path winds its way along Darnall and Circle Roads in Ruxton, and one can admire the contemporary yet quaint homes nestled into the side of a steep cliff. Soon, the occasional car can be heard again, and the path runs up to a small bridge, located at the end of L'Hirondelle Club Road.
      Across the bridge, one may take another immediate right and follow a short trail into an impressive clearing. A circular trail has been mowed, and one can follow it around an expansive meadow. The hiker is guaranteed to encounter various bird species- cardinals, bluejays, even the goldfinch. But even more frequent are the butterfly sightings- it is nearly impossible to avoid stepping on one. They cover seemingly every square inch, flitting and floating from one tall grass or flower to the next- swallowtails and butterflies of various gorgeous, breathtaking colors seem to put on a performance, and they will certainly delight those who walk the loop.
     My great-grandfather Alexander B. Klots, author of "The Field Guide to Butterflies," would find himself in heaven. I believe I've even seen a few monarchs. There was no determinable path back to the main trail from this location, so I would advise following it back to the club road and following the trail back along the other side and up to the bridge. (Then again, instinct and improvisation only make exploring more authentic and meaningful, right?)

     Once one crosses the trail, he can diverge on any combination of small trails, but they all frequently converge at a series of crossroads. This is the way to the lightrail-- the so-called "end." One can run, bike, hike, walk, or meander through these paths; I still have not taken every one, and prefer to just feel my way around. Throughout the walk, one can enjoy gorgeous views of Lake Roland, and there are many paths winding down to the water's edge. Some even have miniature docks upon which one can sit and simply feel transcendental. From the hooks and lines hanging from low branches, it is evident that some have found these spots ideal (or not so) fishing locations, while empty Natural Light cans would imply that the trail has, indeed, attracted a youth demographic...
     Nevertheless, I am constantly, and pleasantly, surprised by the astonishingly low amount of trash and litter along the trail. Everyone seems to, for the most part, have a sense of personal accountability, a responsibility to society to keep it pristinely clean. Animals flock the area, and if one is lucky, he may stumble across any number of Whitetail Deer, the occasional bull or tree-frog, and even Maryland's famed blue heron.
     The Lake Roland trail, for all its splendor, and all of the wondrous opportunities for discovery that it provides, remains a path less taken. Perhaps this is a good thing- but to let a few more onto the secret couldn't hurt. It literally lives as a reminder, as tangible proof, that in the midst of busy lives and workdays and heavily trafficked roads, there is an entirely opposite world, a separate peace. The isolation of spending time on this trail is not upsetting, but rather heartening. It provides a place for us to become better, more thoughtful, more aware peoples. A place to splash in crisp, unpolluted waters, and to watch your kids' eyes light up (I imagine). It reminds us that Baltimore City and Baltimore County have amazing offerings, if one only opens his eyes to them.
     So I encourage you to take a Sunday stroll, a run, a dog walk, or a directionless, stumbling trip, through the Lake Roland trail, finding your own favorite spots and making your own memories. Etch your initials into one of the many trees filled with the indelible markings of visitors past, and admire the beauty of a rose hidden in a crown of thorns. In "Our Town," Emily questions the Stage Manager, "Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it?-- Every, every minute?" As expected, the Manager replies, "No," but that does not mean that one should not spend fifteen minutes, or perhaps a few more, realizing life.

My profession is to always find God in nature. 
-- Henry David Thoreau

Out-of-State

     If I had my way, and enough time and money, I would certainly have made a point of attending these five music festivals this summer. Unfortunately, like attending an out-of-state school, doing so would take a large chunk out of my savings, and on a whole is just less pragmatic than hitting up one of the smaller, more local venues for a show. Regardless,  in the spirit of giving things unnecessarily long names, like 'Derek Zoolander's Center for Kids Who Can't Read Good and Want to Learn to Do Other Stuff Good Too,' and in my attempts to be like David Letterman, I have assembled a list of the 'Top 5 Music Festivals I Wish I Could Attend and Hope to Attend Someday.'

1) Bonnaroo in Manchester Tennessee, featured all my favorites, and more. To name (more than) a few- Dave, Kings of Leon, Stevie Wonder, Jay-Z, Tenacious D, Weezer, new partners Damien Marley and Nas (check out Nah Mean), LCD Soundsystem, The Avett Brothers, Zac Brown Band, Disco Biscuits, The Dropkick Murphys (shipping down to Tennessee...), Deadmau5, Bassnectar, Kid Cudi, Dan Deacon, Wale, The Gaslight Anthem, Miike Snow, Blues Traveler, Afrojack, and B.o.B. Now, Baltimore may have hosted many of these artists throughout the summer, but can you imagine a four-day weekend jam packed with this much incredible talent? Bonnaroo is, perhaps unanimously, considered the creme-de-la-creme, as far as US music festivals go, and its rural field setting, its attendees' crazy antics, and its cutting edge lineup draw deep parallels days of Woodstock and Altamont and elicit nostalgic memories in old concert-goers, while simultaneously thrilling younger crowds. 

2) HARD NYC, featuring Major Lazer (their March 31 Baltimore performance at Bourbon Street was one of the best nights of my life), Crystal Castles (who visited Baltimore earlier this summer), Rusko, MIA, Sleigh Bells, and Baltimore-bred Rye Rye. Skream and Benga rounded out the show. A few friends of mine attended Hard NYC and had an excellent time supporting these increasingly popular artists. 

3) Camp Bisco, in Mariaville, NY, featured, like Bonnaroo, a weekend filled with top names and up-and-comers, but with a heavy focus on dubstep, elctronic, and remixed music. Again, The Disco Biscuits, Bassnectar (Baltimore hosted Bassnectar in April), and LCD Soundsystem made appearances, but this time were joined by Girl Talk, Major Lazer, Diplo, Rusko, and countless other artists.      

     Again, Major Lazer's March performance with Rusko and Diplo was a night to remember- in fact it extended far into the morning, and the beats inspired a full-on, five hour long dance party, a disorienting, bruising one, meant only for the bravest and most fun-loving of fans. The lights and other background effects added as much to the show as the artists, and with flashes of fuschia, turquoise, and brilliant greens, strobe lights, smoke, and the dizzying, swaying motion of the crowd suspended one's sense of reality- in a good way, and immersed us in a dream-like, trancy environment, welcomed by all attendees. I can only assume that Camp Bisco provides 72 straight hours of this kind of fun, and thus attending this festival is a top priority. 

4) Coachella, Palm Springs, California featured Benny Bennassi, Deadmau5, Jay-Z, recent sensation La Roux, LCD Soundsystem, Passion Pit, Sleigh Bells, the Avett Brothers, Wale, Vampire Weekend, Bassnectar, Corinne Bailey Rae (staging a comeback?), David Guetta, Major Lazer, MGMT, Muse, Tiesto, B.o.B., Miike Snow, and Thom Yorke, who has recently assembled a splendid remix of Major Lazer favorite, Jump Up. Featuring much of the same electronic, beat-based music as Hard NYC and Camp Bisco, Coachella adds some intriguing flare with counterbalancing artists Jay-Z and Corinne Bailey Rae, sure to provide an interesting twist in the weekend's otherwise slightly homogenous lineup.

5. Lollapalooza, Chicago, Illinois: Soundgarden, Arcade Fire, The Strokes, Phoenix, MGMT, Slightly Stupid, Wolfmother, Matt & Kim, Blues Traveler, Switchfoot,  and B.o.B. Lollapalooza consistently books the nation's top artists, which often include some of my ultimate favorites, and I think a trip to Chicago is in order anyways-- so why not?

Luckily, many of these artists came alone, or as part of smaller festivals, to the 410 this summer and one can only hope that in the future, Virgin FreeFest and other local music weekends will gain, or regain, the precedence that the aforementioned bashes already enjoy. 

(Photo rights:  All rights reserved by j_lir, Emily Calkins,  Some rights reserved by DigitalBridge CR,  All rights reserved by LollapaloozaFest)