All adds up

In my final piece for the Malden Observer, I take a look at a local math teacher who has added to her school's success.

A good skip

Sports Illustrated's Michael Rosenberg does a good job explaining why Joe Girardi is a good fit as manager for the New York Yankees, but also how his selection could have gone wrong.

Softball time

In probably my last piece ever for the Daily News Tribune, I preview the Brandeis softball team's first-ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Take special note of the byline.

No. 500

It's the 500th strikeout of her career for Newton North senior Rae Copan, the Daily News Tribune reports.

Flyers flop

In my final piece for the MetroWest Daily News, I write about a loss by the Framingham Flyers softball team.

The expansive power of Thomas Chalmers

This sermon is a bit of a headache to read, and the layout is absolutely treacherous, but with a decent cup of coffee and some time you can glean much from Thomas Chalmers' "The Expulsive Power of a New Affection."

Truly interesting journalism

It was a package so well done that I actually felt the need to buy the entire magazine this time.

This month, from New York magazine:

• A fascinating collection of New York living spaces currently embracing a "new old" trend, from neo-Victorian to neo-British and more. You can hardly do justice to these amazing photos on the Web, but this link should get you started for some great home design ideas. My favorite? NeoVictorians, by far. Check out their olive oil holder.
  
• If you want to be sufficiently creeped out yet enjoy a fantastic piece of journalism, check out this piece on bedbugs in New York's richest sections. Great writing, great facts, great story.
• And a great essay on the essence of skyscrapers, complete with a wondrous package of photos that show the city's skyline throughout the years. The writing captures why skyscrapers are more than just tall buildings (they speak to the heart of the city and where it's going rather than being a travesty to the landscape like the many mid-level buildings that pack the city do, which attract tons of people, obscure views, and are altogether ugly). The art gives you a glimpse into the world they've make New York City become.
  

If at all possible, buy the issue. It's what a magazine should be.

The case for a balance of amateurs and the experienced

As this New York Times column shows, there's a case to be had for experience in our government, which is a notion not altogether prized by today's populist crowds. While we'd like to think that we want to elect the nearest person to represent the citizens' wishes, this column reveals that our Founding Fathers not only had a good deal of experience but also put in safeguards (unusual for their time) to ensure that experience would remain. Getting rid of bad politicians is great, and being accurately represented is desirable, but having qualified, experienced politicians is an objective worth looking into.

Appreciating art and plaques

May is Art Appreciation Month in Stoneham, but that story pales in comparison to this one in the Malden Observer, in which a plaque finds its way from Malden to Aurora, Colorado.