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Columbia and a Commitment to the Bit

  I just realized that lots of folks were down at the Lakefront this weekend and I haven’t seen any photos of the People Tree. Well, now that it’s specifically a commercial symbol wholly owned by HHC, perhaps it doesn’t feel as aspirational as it used to. At any rate, here’s something for sale in Facebook Marketplace that gave me that old People Tree vibe. You’re welcome. I’ve had a bunch of Columbia-centric things piling up in my bag of tricks lately. There’s a local real estate agent who has taken it upon himself to explain the whole, entire deal about the New American City in a series of videos. I am not kidding! This is not an endorsement nor have I watched all of them. I am merely noting his commitment to the bit. Scott Moran, Maryland’s Tallest Realtor It’s at least good to see someone making the effort? Are you a Pioneer? Do you know any? I saw this comment on generational affiliation on Bluesky recently and wondered if I knew any Columbia Gen X-ers who’d disagree. Some folk...
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A Fine Day for a Parade (and Other Things)

  First things first: if you weren’t able to attend last night’s celebration at the Lakefront, Delegate Chao Wu posted video of the drone show. It’s on YouTube in two parts.  Part One.   Part Two. Also shown last evening was a video from the Howard County Veterans Foundation celebrating the official opening of the Howard County Veterans and Military Families Monument at Vivian C. "Millie" Bailey Park. If I can find a link to that anywhere I'll add it here. Continuing with the theme of honoring our veterans - - today’s Veterans Day Parade. In case you find white text on a dark background difficult to read: THE HOWARD COUNTY VETERANS DAY PARADE & CELEBRATION - Sunday, November 8, 2026 Downtown Columbia Parade: 9:30 a.m. Ceremony: Immediately Following Parade Save the date for the 12th annual Howard County Veterans Day Parade & Celebration! Each year, this event is an opportunity to celebrate our county's Veterans and honor their profound dedication and service t...
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Apologies and Celebrations

  Dear Howard County Government,  I am writing to apologize for my lack of enthusiasm for your commitment to observing America’s 250th birthday.  I know you have invested so much creativity and effort into these events but I have just not been in a frame of mind to celebrate.  I am sorry. It’s not your fault that we are living through such a hard time right now in the United States. You very likely committed to this initiative long before 2026 and had no idea what this year would look like. Tonight you’re hosting a big celebration at the Lakefront and I hope it has a great turnout.  Image from HoCoGov website  It’s possible that, despite the cooler weather, more folks may feel like celebrating tonight than they did in July when this event had originally been scheduled. ***** From the County Executive’s Facebook page: An evening of food, music and 800 drones awaits at our Columbia Lakefront! Bring your family and friends on Saturday, November 7, as we celebr...
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F ³: Grins and Giggles

  I can’t exactly explain it, but I found this headline hilarious: Larry Hogan says he has no obligation to help Maryland GOP if members won't listen,  By TINASHE CHINGARANDE and KONNER METZ , Baltimore Sun I can’t image this article (or at least this framing) appearing anywhere but the Sun. Enough said. But I very nearly guffawed. ***** Do you know what this is? It was for sale this week on Facebook Marketplace. I thought it was a musical instrument, probably percussion. Perhaps a relative of a cajon? Silly me. It’s a two-story house for a cat. (The clue was right there on the lower right hand corner.) Perhaps if you’re a musician everything looks music related. ***** People are sharing this photo beyond Howard County. I’ve already seen it twice today on Bluesky. Do you know why?  The Normies visiting this Howard County, MD library must be so very confused. We know it's not the same, but we're here for you in these dark days. Each book can be checked out for 3 weeks, whi...
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Where Are the Parents?

  You’ve heard the question. You can envision the head shaking and tut tut tutting on the other side of it.  “Where are the parents?” It’s almost always white people asking. I’d be extremely surprised if the question is ever about white kids. Yesterday yet another report of racist behavior at a certain local high schoo l came to light. At a sporting event - - big surprise. Similar reports have been documented for years in Howard County. What does it mean if people see the words “school” and “racism” in a headline and already know which school it is?  Apparently some folks think it couldn’t possibly be them. What the heck? Are all the other schools in Howard County participating in a years-long conspiracy to make up mean things about one school? For absolutely no reason? Why on earth would they do that? There has certainly been no positive “payoff” for people who have called out bad behavior.  So, how do kids get like this? Where do they learn those words, those atti...
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As the Day Begins

  I did not stay up late last night. I managed to sleep until five am and then I got up and did the things I always do.  Iced coffee. Check. Comfy chair and fuzzy blanket. Check. iPad. Check. And so my day begins: checking the familiar places, searching for local stories. There’s quite a big to-do on Bluesky about Howard County. Howard County, Indiana, it turns out. I now know a bit more about Kokomo than I used to.  Next stop: the Howard County Library website. My library card allows me access to local newspapers which mean that their website is an early morning destination. This service has allowed me to use my limited discretionary income to donate to Baltimore Beat and Columbia Community Care while still being connected to local journalism. Here’s what I saw when their webpage opened this morning. Pages of Gratitude A curated monthly reading list with children's, teen, and adult books in fiction and nonfiction. Perfect for exploring new titles. Read More Further down ...
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HoCo Holler: The People Who Still Believe

  Today’s the day. If you haven’t voted yet - - use your voice at the polls to make a difference in our community, our country, and the world.  I’m running the following post again today out of gratitude. Throughout our community and across the nation there are folks who have been working towards this day. In this election, that means they are working to make sure that the values and freedoms that our democracy guarantees us remain guaranteed for all.  They will probably be too busy to read this today but you can read it and think about what it takes to keep a free society truly free. The People Who Believe , October 25, 2014 It's Saturday morning. I just got up to make a coffee and turn on the heat. It is chilly in the house and I'm sitting in my husband's recliner under a fluffy blanket. The drapes are still closed but I can see sunlight peeking in at the edges. The house is quiet. While I sip my coffee things are already well underway at the Democratic Headquarters o...
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