Happy Holidays!

The New Year is coming, and it's time to announce a few things...

Most imporantly, I have New Contact Information... A new toll free number now replaces the separate Baltimore (BDL East) and Phoenix (BDL West) voice mail numbers that I'd maintained for a while, even long after I left my "Phoenix Office" behind and consolidated my life back home in Charm City... So to reach me from anywhere in the U.S. simply dial 800-937-2164, and please discard the old numbers: 410-783-8250 and 602-230-4343. (If you're interested in getting a toll free number, I've found a great new service, and I'd love to tell you about it!)... As for mail, note that my Baltimore freelance services mailing address at P.O. Box 23359, Baltimore, MD 21203 is active as the only "public" address for me... (Friends, however, please use my "personal" home address, mobile and home phone numbers... Just contact me for any info you don't have yet.)

Also, while many of you already know about my new domain and e-mail addresses, please note that the old AOL accounts (which I've seldom checked anyway during this transition) are now going away for good. Yes, AOL's abrupt and careless shutdown of its "hometown" FTP space didn't harm me, as www.bdlyles.com and www.bdlcommunications.com have been transitioning into their new internet home for quite some time now... After a few tweaks, my site(s) will soon be up to date.

You'll note that my interests in photography and video now figure prominently on my site. These interests, combined with other skills in the writing, digital graphics and performing arts, will play a large part in BDL Online, a series of original mini-multimedia productions which will continue to take shape in 2009. A few special video clips (sans any "on air" appearances of me so far) are already on You Tube... The Newsroom section of my site, especially the photojournalism blog, is another place to check out for any timely and newsworthy photos and multimedia, in addition to general media and news.

BTW, within the next few months, start to look for information about select colleagues of mine who are now a part of the BDL Communications site!!! Although I am not actively soliciting freelance and consulting assignments myself, I've kept the site up and running, and it will soon display their profiles and freelance abilities too. My associates will also be accessible through the new toll free number!

AND finally, my long-awaited digital BDL Scrapbook is finally about to debut. It is a magazine-style PDF document which will be updated annually. The first edition will be online by the 1st, highlighting 2008 personal news, photos and reflections, in addition to general information, photos, reflecions and other entries from my background and career.

Brian

P.S. Speaking of talents, the image above was taken by best friend (and partner, in so many ways) Paul. It was taken in between our quick trips to the Guggenheim and the Frick museums, during the snowstorm that hit Manhattan the Friday before Christmas and Hanukah... I've never had a "protégé" before, but Paul is developing his photography AND writing talents quite well. It is often too easy to ignore or take for granted the talents we have, the friends we rely on, and the simple beauties that are often right before us, waiting to be cherished or remembered again. Paul and I are learning this, through our writing, editing and taking photos together, and so much more... That's why this photo, of a memorable moment during a very poignant year, means so much to me as I look forward to 2009.

Manhattan Snow

Commuters waiting for a bus near Central Park, along 5th Avenue, during Friday's Christmastime snow.

Christmas Lights at Twilight

A scene of the Baltimore skyline, seen from the trees outside of the National Aquarium at the Inner Harbor.

Another Monumental Occasion

Fireworks lit the sky last night, as the Washington Monument in Baltimore's Mount Vernon Square was illuminated for the holiday season.

Santa at Thanksgiving Day Parade

The arrival of Santa Claus marked the end of Baltimore's Thanksgiving Parade at the Inner Harbor, but it heralds the start of the holiday season.

With an Endorsement for Barack Obama, Baltimore's SUN Does Something Right

The once great Baltimore Sun newspaper is but a mere shadow of its former self. Like many ailing dailies, it's seen better days. Fighting for advertising revenue and readers, competing with the Internet, TV, union labor issues... And the latest redesign inched away more text in favor of larger, garish graphics, combined sections, and way-too-big full body photos of columnists, and seems to be inching closer to becoming a tabloid. (Can anyone else see this paper merging with its new free daily The B?)

However, this Sunday, The Sun, what my grandmother still called "the white paper" not too many years ago, endorsed African-American Barack Obama for President. Their editorial said, "Senator Obama's campaign has been extraordinarily open - inclusive across generational, ethnic and class lines. His top advisers include Democrats and Republicans, giving substance to his promise of bipartisan leadership. He created a disciplined organization that raised record sums yet stayed within budget. Senator Obama's campaign testifies to his managerial skill and talent for surrounding himself with smart, hard-working people."

A little more than a year ago, I didn't think it was Obama's time yet, and that he was too young and inexperienced for the job. I soon changed my mind, as did many others. In fact, The Sun praised both men's admirable qualities, but stressed the lack of good leadership abilities in Obama's opponent, Senator John McCain. In fact, The Sun said what we've all been thinking: "... Senator McCain's choice of Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska called his judgment into question and has proved to be an unsettling distraction as she is woefully unprepared for the presidency."

At this point, I think most undecided voters would rather see NBC's Tina Fey working in the Oval Office than that one.

As for Obama's lack of experience when compared to McCain, The Sun said, "In his first term in Congress, Senator Obama cannot claim decades of Washington experience. But his steadiness and thoughtful approach to issues show he has the judgment and depth of knowledge to lead the country. His first major decision after winning the nomination was to name Senator Joe Biden of Delaware, a proven foreign policy hand, as his running mate."

Thank you, Baltimore Sun editors, for giving me hope. While friends tell me they see more McCain signs in suburban, traditionally white sections of Baltimore Country, as opposed to the overwhelming amount of Obama signs and stickers I see in the city, I'm glad that, despite all of the changes, intelligent minds are still at work at the "establishment" newspaper in town. In fact, maybe adding more color to The Sun really is a sign of the times. Change, it seems, can be a good thing. Let's just hope most of the electorate are as thoughtful and forward-thinking when they consider the country's future.

On the Move for Alzheimer's

This coming Saturday, October 18th, I will again be “On the Move” to end Alzheimer’s disease.

Yes. The local Memory Walk is this Saturday, and I will be joining the Baltimore-area Genesis teams at Towson University. Since 1989, the nationwide Alzheimer's Association's Memory Walks have raised more than $230 million for the cause, but much more is needed. These is still no cure.

Alzheimer's disease is more serious than you might think. Not only is it a debilitating illness; it is also the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S. Every 71 seconds, someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

First working with leading neurogenomics researchers at TGen in Phoenix, and now for the past three years working at Genesis HealthCare, I have become intimately aware of the disease and its effects. (If you have not read this already, please check out the feature article I wrote after a visit to one of our locations with a dedicated Alzheimer’s unit. It describes some of the issues, as well as some of the good work we do at Genesis to assist these patients.)

On behalf of the millions of Americans and their families who are living with Alzheimer’s, I urge you to support me in this year's walk by making an online donation today.

Bill Cosby in Park Heights

Although I couldn't attend last Thursday, because I was working that day, I was excited to learn that Bill Cosby came to my old neighborhood. Just three blocks from where my family still lives, Cosby came to a street festival at St. Ambrose Church. The festival was part of the Mayor's Operation PROTECT, and the message Cosby gave to the crowd was one of empowerment to many in the area who need inspiration. In the 40 years since my family's lived there, the neighborhood has become a shadow of its former self. Blighted homes and retail, as well as the devastation of drugs, unemployment and crime have replaced a once-thriving community.

Above photo from WBAL-TV's coverage:
see video

Target Comes to Baltimore!

The first Target store in Baltimore City is now open in Mondawmin Mall.

iPhone G3 Arrives!

The wait for the newest model iPhone, released today, was three hours at Apple's flagship store in New York.

"Bombs Bursting in Air"

A scene from yesterday's fireworks seen at Baltimore's Inner Harbor. The pryotechnics originated from both the Inner Harbor and Fort McHenry.

Evening Rainbow on Joppa Road

Photo taken near Mylander Lane, Towson, MD.

Filming at Masonic Temple

Trailers with doors marked "Ricky" and "Lucy" parked on 39th Street. Renee Zellweger and Chris Noth have been filming a movie in and around Baltimore.

Towson Circle Changes

New markings and traffic controls are being installed in an attempt to slow cars and ease pedestrian movement... all a part of plans for a more walkable Towson core.

A Father's Day to Remember

This Father's Day was one to remember. Three weeks ago my dad was one of the passengers in a van that ran off the road and flipped over a guard rail. He and his friends, coming back from a fishing trip, were lucky to be rescued and alive. (Here he is with my mother in the hospital.) Now, after a injured hip that resulted in a partial hip replacement, he's home and doing well today. We're all lucky this Father's Day.

Honfest 2008

Baltimore's annual celebration of '60s beehives, cateye glasses and other "hon" lifestyle elements takes place on 36th Street in Hampden.

Hundreds Rally for Senior Funding in NJ

The State House in Trenton, NJ was the site of a protest against a proposed cut in Medicaid funds for nursing homes.

Kiwanis News

Induction ceremony for the first Kiwanis chapter based in a nursing home, at Genesis Brinton Manor in Glen Mills, PA yesterday.

Eco-Festival 2008

An all electric car and its owner were just one of the green slights to see and experience at Baltimore's annual eco festival.

Earth Day 2008

One of my earliest memories of Earth Day was in kindergarten … Or was it first grade? Anyway, it was pretty close to the year the commemoration was begun, back in 1969. Nearly 40 years ago. I remember we planted seeds that grew into pretty red-orange flowers.

I will celebrate this year’s Earth Day at ReNew Organic Day Spa, a business that grew from an ideal. Everyone seems to be going green these days, but I know someone who’s lived it for years. And tonight my good friend Shelley Birnbaum, along with her business partner Sherrie Tennessee and their crew, are holding an open house at their 16-month-old “green” spa, located on The Avenue in Hampden. It’s a warm, inviting boutique day spa that caters to those who cater to the Earth. From their environmentally-friendly build-out and décor (cork flooring, low-toxic paints, etc…) to the organic products they have found, to their genuine commitment to being sustainable and encouraging other to do so, ReNew is a unique respite for the soul and a true friend of the Earth. And they’ve garnered much attention during their first year of operation. ReNew was named “Baltimore’s Best Green Spa” by Baltimore Magazine, and later “Baltimore’s Best Spa” by the City Paper!

Tonight, their signature warm tones and soft, relaxing music will be there, inviting new customers to schedule something special from their list of services. Plus, they will provide plenty of information on “going green” for the rest of us... In fact, ReNew is now purchasing wind power, so they’ll certainly be explaining that to us. There are no windmills in Hampden, but somehow they’re doing it!

And this evening they’ve partnered with The Wine Source, which will be providing samples of organic wines from their store nearby.

5th Annual CityLit Festival

Baltimore's Enoch Pratt Free Library

10 Reasons for Pope Benedict to Visit Baltimore

I don't know why the Pope is by-passing us here Baltimore, which is so conveniently located between his stops in New York City and Washington, DC... After all, Baltimore is the birthplace of the Catholic church in America, and that alone should be enough to entice a Pope. Nevertheless, here are a few other reasons why his eminence should come to Charm City:

• To have a Phillips crab cake at Harborplace.
  
• To see tulips blooming at Sherwood Gardens, a short stroll from beloved Jesuit-run Loyola College.
  
• To see the ugly empty lot created by the Baltimore Archdiocese when they demolished the former Rochambeau Apartments on Charles Street, for a prayer garden yet to be built.
  
• To see the side of an ugly parking garage (once hidden by the Rochambeau) now exposed to the world.
  
• To visit the Basilica of the Assumption. (No joke here. They’re done a great job in restoring this architectural treasure.)
  
• To visit the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, the construction funds of which were bequeathed by a known racist upon his death in 1912.
  
• To pray for peace in our racially-divided, murder-strewn, fear-ravaged, drug-addicted streets… and in the tired hearts of everyone else still looking for answers.
  
• To ride the No. 8 MTA bus, where I thought I was about to experience the End of Days one fateful afternoon. (Who knew so much pestilence could exist in such a small space?)
  
• To pray for Baltimore City Public Schools, where many of the students may not know how to spell cathedral, let alone visit one… and where many teachers often face knife attacks and other horrors trying to do their jobs.
  
• To celebrate mass at Camden Yards.... Because The O’s need more help than the Nationals.

Tall Ship Visits Begin

The Stad Amsterdam is here this weekend, at Baltimore's Inner Harbor.

Kilts & Bagpipes

A scene from Baltimore's St. Patrick's Day Parade, held yesterday.

Maryland's Latest Budget News

Earlier today, Maryland State Senate President Mike Miller tells members of the Health Facilities Association of Maryland (HFAM) the latest budget news... revenue projections are lower, but budget cuts to skilled nursing and assisted living patients are not yet being proposed.

Protecting Our Seniors

One of the highlights of my job at Genesis HealthCare during the past year has been my involvement in politics. Today, I was honored to meet Senator Arlen Specter (R), Pennsylvania's senior senator.

Although I am a die-hard Democrat, it was a pleasure to meet the Senator, who is a Ranking Member of the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee. He was presented with the "Protect Our Seniors" award by Genesis, honoring his fight to increase funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and medical research for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, cancer, heart disease and more. He has supported expanded health care for seniors and children, as well as legislation to cover Americans who do not have health insurance.

Late last summer, it was a pleasure for me to be a part of Genesis' "Protect Our Seniors Campaign", where I accompanied our Vice President of Government Relations Larry Lane on a whirlwind van tour through Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. (The van traveled without me to West Virginia and Maine.)

The campaign was developed to educate and mobilize our staff, residents and their families, and the community about potential cuts, at the time, proposed for Medicare funding to skilled nursing facilities. Thousands of signatures were gathered in a petition against the cuts, which were eventually curtailed. For more information, see the brochure I put together for Larry to distribute to members of Congress. It contains reprints of the daily reports and photos filed for publication on our intranet news page.














(l to r) Larry Lane, Health Care Association of New Jersey's Director of Government Affairs John Indyk, and me in August, 2007.

Arlen Specter Honored by Genesis HealthCare

Arlen Specter, Pennsylvania's longest serving U.S. senator, was honored with the "Protect Our Seniors" from Genesis HealthCare, presented at the company's corporate headquarters in Kennett Square.

Hotel Construction

Baltimore's new Convention Center hotel going up.

Renovations at Mondawmin

Baltimore's first enclosed mall is undergoing a major renovation and expansion.

R.I.P. Marc Steiner

Yes. Local NPR station WYPR has taken Marc Steiner's talk show off the air, very abruptly, with a year to go on his contract. They blamed sagging ratings.

While that may or may not be the truth, Steiner had his fans and his critics. He did seem full of himself at times, but he put on a good show and created an excellent forum for local issues. Also, Steiner was the key figure in saving the station when Hopkins wanted to get rid of it.

In The Sun, Herbert C. Smith, and occasional guest on Steiner’s show and a political science professor at McDaniel College, said WYPR’s letting go of Steiner was like The Sun firing H.L. Mencken. Actually, it’s more like NPR letting go Bob Edwards several years ago, after he had hosted Morning Edition for nearly 25 years. Were a majority of listeners surprised and confused? Yes. But did we stop listening to the network? No. So, what about Marc Steiner? Are the majority of WYPR listeners and members (like me) surprised and confused? Yes. It's created a lot of buzz around town, mostly in favor of Steiner. And if WYPR and its board had been able to orchestrate such positive PR buzz like this for Steiner in the past, we wouldn't be going through this now.

But will we still listen to the station? Of course we will. And are we eager and hopeful to see what happens next? I’d have answer yes to that too.

The Marc Steiner Show was once the only locally produced news and information show the station had. Now, with a full news department and shows like The Signal and Maryland Morning, they now have a pretty good track record for producing shows. So while it may be the end of an era in Baltimore radio, it may also be a good opportunity for something new.

As for Marc… Well, columnist and commentator Michael Olesker found a job after similarly abrupt but more justified firing a few years ago. And so will Steiner.

Foggy Southern Morning

University Parkway & Charles Street, at confederate monument. Baltimore, MD

My First Hospital Stay

For those of you who noticed the recent hospital pics of me on my Mobile Phone Album, don't get scared. I snuck into Baltimore's Mercy Medical Center last Saturday night for a simple overnight test. Nothing serious. It was just a sleep study.

I've been told I snore, and that I sometimes appear to stop breathing at times (possible sleep apnea). Hence, my doctor suggested a visit to a ENT doctor, who went ahead and agreed that a sleep study was a good idea. After all, it can be a cause of hypertension... On the other hand, I could just be a snorer. Only the tests will tell for sure.

I'll keep you informed.

Snow Arrives

Today's wet snow stuck to trees and streets.