Wilson Takes His Bow, Applauds His Successors

Dear Bay Weekly:

After a satisfying four years reviewing local theatrical events for Bay Weekly, I reluctantly concluded that I should step aside as the Bay Weekly theater reviewer.

I have read with some relief (and maybe a twinge of jealousy) the play reviews of Jane Elkin and Davina Hill in recent Bay Weekly editions. Both of these writers do excellent work, giving me confidence they will continue to give Bay Weekly readers informative and entertaining theater reviews.

Finally, I want to thank Bay Weekly for assigning me to explore the local theater world during these past four years. During my tenure I attended and reviewed about 80 plays, mostly good and a few not so good. Regardless, it’s been a deeply gratifying experience. Thank you.

–Dick Wilson, Chesapeake Beach

Another Angle on Biofuels

Dear Bay Weekly:

Your editorial on biofuels and dead zones [Why Biofuels and Dead Zones Don’t Mix: Vol. xv, No. 24: June 14] was a poor excuse for journalism. Although it is important to point out the downside of biofuels, you failed to point out the upside because you addressed it in a very narrow context, i.e. ethanol from corn.

What about ethanol from grass, which would be extremely sustainable from a pollutant standpoint. Imagine if half the crop acres were in grass rather than row crops, and being harvested like hay. Erosion and runoff would be greatly, greatly decreased. What about biodiesel, which can use nitrogen-fixing crops and waste oil for energy production?

When you fail to discern between these differences, you are not acting as an advocate for the Bay, but as a liability. If you can not provide a well-rounded, intelligent argument for your editorials, then you would do the Bay a service by not printing one at all.

–Steve Strano, Annapolis

Editor’s note: Please, don’t kill the messenger. Second-generation biofuels remain years away. Meanwhile, the goal in Washington is 15 billion gallons of corn-made ethanol — 2.5 times today’s output — meaning a whole lot more nitrogen pollution in our future.

Wisner Wades In on Map and Stories

Dear Bay Weekly:

Thanks for an excellent piece of work in covering the wade in this year [Bernie Fowler’s 20th Annual Patuxent River Wade In: Vol. xv, No. 23: June 14]. You bring a great gift to our region with all you do and the wonderful way you have found to make it available to all. I love your paper.

Where did you find that beautiful map of the Patuxent River? Can I access other areas of the Bay in that format? I love maps, especially those that do not have names written all over them. The removal of text makes the aesthetic symbol of region come alive.

–Tom Wisner, Lusby

Editor’s note: The original map, which seemed to be the most complete illustration of the Patuxent River system (with all its branches included), was generously provided to us by Fred Tutman, the Patuxent Riverkeeper. However, it was not blank. Bay Weekly production manager Betsy Kehne spent hours deleting text and roads and other unneccessaries. Blank maps are difficult to come by.