National Guard patrolling in DC (still...)

While on my way to a restaurant in the quiet upscale Woodley Park neighborhood of DC with friends we saw National Guard troops 'patrolling.' 

There are areas in the city that could seriously use well-trained community policing resources to aid in reducing violence and doing other good works, but I have never once seen any of these out-of-state military troops in those areas - Congress Heights, Simple City, Clay Terrace, etc. This is all about a certain leader's ego, providing no benefit for challenged communities - or for the soldiers deployed in this way for months as showpiece occupiers with nothing whatsoever to do.

Seth Kibel and the Kleztet

Seth Kibel and the Kleztet performed at a Mother's Day Klezmer Brunch as part of the EDCJCC's JXJ Festival. Photographs from my book A Joyful Noise: Klezmer on the Move (Klezmer Institute 2025) were projected behind the band during the performance

Thanks to Seth and his band, and JXJ director Mardy Shualy, and JXJ's staff member Yaa Amoakohene.

The musicians: Seth Kibel (woodwinds), Kristoffer Belgica (guitar), Zoë Jorgenson Speirs (bass), and Tim Jarvis (drums).

Clematis

 

TWI- The Washington Institute for Near East Policy - 2026 Conference

On assignment for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy (TWI), covering their Weinberg Policy Conference. Presenters included the British and Israeli ambassadors, the President of Lebanon, the Emerati Foreign Affairs director, three-star American generals, numerous distinguished scholars, journalists, and other high-level experts on the region. A briefing held in the British Ambassador's residence was part of the week's highlights. 

Folger - McKee Fellows Program

I recently covered a session of the Lily McKee High School Fellows on assignment at the Folger Shakespeare Library. This lively program provides challenging and creative opportunities DC-area teenagers for research, performance, and scholarship in the arts and humanities. 

Thanks to Garland Scott of the Folger for the assignment, and to the students and staff engaged with the program.

Wandering around Chestertown Maryland / Wedding weekend for Matthew and Rachel

Ruth and I attended the wedding of her nephew Matthew to Rachel in Chestertown, Maryland. We had a happy weekend wandering around this quaint and historic town on the Eastern Shore.