Archive for November, 2009
Making My List and Checking It Twice - Books for Holiday Giving
November 27th, 2009 Categories: Real Estate News
Well, I’ve been making my list and checking it twice and the answer is always the same - books are at the top of our list for holiday giving. Who says you can’t sell real estate and read at the same time?!?
Over the next few weeks, I thought I would share a number of our favorites, in several different categories. I make no claim to having read all of these, just that they are on my list, for giving and getting. Today we are going to start with history books:
Defend the Realm by Christopher Andrew - a fascinating in-depth history of the Military Intelligence [Department 5] originally formed in 1909 to counter the danger to Britain from Germany espionage. Later renamed the Security Service, it is still best known as MI5.
A Country of Vast Dreams by Robert Mercy - takes a new look at the vastly underrated presidency of James Polk. An unabashed expansionist, Polk in one term enlarged the boundaries of the United States by one third. Highly recommended by my barber, Pat.
My Fellow Americans by Michael Woreck - this collection of presidential speeches provides an insightful look at our nation’s darkest periods, and the careful words our leaders chose to offer comfort and inspiration, some of which are eerily contemporary.
On Hallowed Ground by Robert Poole - a sensitive look at the storied history of America’s most famous cemetery and it’s reflection of a country in turmoil over the very human cost of war. Review.
A Fiery Peace by Neil Sheehan - Air Force General Bernard Schriever is the hero in this saga of underdog visionaries struggling to redirect a misguided military juggernaut while building this country’s intercontinental ballistic missile program. Sheehan is the Pulitzer prize winning author of A Bright Shining Lie. Review.
D-Day by Antony Beever - combines extensive archival research with a remarkable use of telling anecdotes and is sharply critical of senior commanders on both sides. Review.
Lord of the Sea by John Hale - history and archeology both come to bear in this account of an Athens whose golden age and democratic institutions depended on it’s navy. Between 489 and 322 B.C., Athens built, ruled and lost an empire extending from the Aegean to the Black Sea. Review.
When Everything Changed by Gail Collins - women, who once lacked the right to wear pants in public but now take their rightful place on the campaign trail have come a long way and Collins makes the most of highlighting early pioneers in the “movement.”
The Imperial Cruise by James Bradley - In 1905 Teddy Roosevelt initiated a series of clandestine agreements meant to secure America’s push into Pacific territories. Instead, according to Bradley, he ignited the long fuse of Asian restlessness that would lead directly to WWII. Review.
Have you made your list and checked it twice? If not, I hope this will be a good beginning for your holiday giving. And stay tuned for suggestions for biographies, cookbooks and children’s books.
Michael
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Temple and Church Share a Thanksgiving Tradition in Alexandria
November 25th, 2009 Categories: Alexandria, Things to Do
Tomorrow an Alexandria temple and an Alexandria church will share a Thanksgiving service - just as they have done for at least 30 years. Temple Beth El and Christ Church Alexandria, once neighbors on Washington St., celebrate each November with a service of remembrance and thanks followed by a reception and hospitality.
The service alternates location each year and tomorrow will see the gathering at Christ Church at 10:00am with both priests and rabbis officiating. Over the years this service - generous in spirit and thanks - has developed a loyal following.
Now located on Seminary Road, Temple Beth El, was the first Reform Congregation in Alexandria.
On a day when we stop to celebrate family and friends and give thanks for our many blessings it is indeed appropriate that the congregations of a temple and a church come together in one of the best Thanksgiving traditions in Alexandria.
Michael
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The Last Flowers of Fall
November 22nd, 2009 Categories: Scenic Sundays
Just four days from Thanksgiving we still have hydrangeas blooming in our front yard - the last flowers of fall. But now, instead of pale blues and pinks, the colors mirror the surrounding trees. We’ll cut some this afternoon and enjoy their dried beauty long into winter.
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