Photo: Washington Nationals Roger Bernadine slides safe into home plate AP

Five of the best baseball jokes ever

Laughter is the best medicine, so they say, whether you’re winning or losing. Published 2:05 p.m. May 21, 2012 - Comments

Photo: Rio de Janeiro, where the Bossa Nova started

Thanks to Charlie Byrd, the Bossa Nova stole America's heart

First recorded in a D.C. church, the Bossa Nova celebrates its Golden Anniversary. Published 8:06 a.m. May 5, 2012 - Comments

Photo: Yogi Berra, Joe Pignatano, and Eddie Yost, 1969 Mets

"Yogisms": Life according to Yogi Berra leaves the listener asking "How's that again?" (VIDEO)

America's fascination with Yogi Berra's twist on the English language has not waned through the years. Published 2:53 p.m. April 21, 2012 - Comments

Photo: Interior of the renovated Howard Theatre AP

Howard Theatre reopens, Washington D.C.'s historic home for jazz

The author remembers one night in 1964 when Nancy Wilson, Oscar Brown, Jr., the Ramsey Lewis Trio, and the Cannonball Adderley Sextet brought the house down. Published 11:12 a.m. April 12, 2012 - Comments

Photo: Stephen Strasburg winds up AP

Play ball: Opening Day for Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field (Video)

The strong link between Opening Day and Washington baseball was forged a long time ago on April 14, 1910, when President Taft tossed a ceremonial ball to inaugurate a new season. Published 2:21 p.m. March 30, 2012 - Comments

Photo: Tranquil creek in the woods

Nearly murdered, campers return to Appalachia's Dismal Creek

Appalachia's code is to be generous and open to strangers, but it almost cost two men their lives. But it hasn't dampened their love of the mountains and they still return to fish and camp. Published 2:03 p.m. March 19, 2012 - Comments

Photo: Costa Allegra after being towed to the Seychelles Islands AP

With back-to-back disasters this year, the Costa Cruise Line flounders

The author remembers fondly the year he worked on the Flavia, a Costa Cruise Line, a very different time from the tragedy of this year. Published 5:33 p.m. March 10, 2012 - Comments

Photo: Billy Crystal hosted Oscars nine times AP

Oscar host Billy Crystal wasn't funny or relevant

What is it about the job of hosting the Oscars that turns capable people — actors, comedians, and other pros — into self-absorbed, bush-league neophytes? Published 12:41 p.m. March 2, 2012 - Comments

Photo: Harper Lee with "Scout"

Three-time Oscar winner "To Kill A Mockingbird" celebrates its 50th anniversary

Harper Lee's 1960 book, which has never been out of print, marked its 50th anniversary. The motion picture was released to resounding acclamation two years after the book. Published 2:54 p.m. February 23, 2012 - Comments

Photo: George Pelecanos

George Pelecanos' What It Was earns him the title of "DC's Own"

George Pelecanos brings back Derek Strange, a career private investigator. Published 1:17 p.m. February 16, 2012 - Comments