RADAR 4 Publication Date: February 3, 2002 Place When our executive editor suggested that I, the sole Baltimore native on the editorial staff, write this opening essay on the topic of "place," I was jazzed. Always ready to proselytize to the unconverted, I've recently taken to using RADAR as a messianic tool at parties. When the inevitable question, "Where are you from?" arises, I proudly proclaim my localness. Out pops the little book, and the preaching begins. But this essay has been the most painful writing experience of my life—no exaggeration. I have plumbed the depths of my past looking for illustrative moments to explain my love for my city. I have written too many drafts, both on paper and in my head while trying to sleep. Here's a sampling of potential titles: Nomadic vs. Deep-Rooted, A Social Theory Baltimorism: Everyone has a "Grassy Lot" How To Pass For Local—10 Secrets to Acceptance Ellie Robinson, a Unique Life by Ellie Robinson Home Is Where Your Pets Are Why People From Baltimore are Like Oak Trees Passengers Wanted: Why You Should Take Public Transportation. I cringe at almost every word and refuse to expose them publicly. I believe my readers will be grateful. What I can comfortably share is this: In 1969 my parents bought a house on Abell Avenue for $6500. The row house was built at the turn of the century and only one family lived in it before ours. My mother still lives there, and if she ever decides to move I will most likely buy the house from her. I enjoyed an unconventional childhood growing up in Charles Village. Presently I am building on my local history, setting up shop in a new house, starting a new family, and learning a new neighborhood in my hometown. For these reasons, and many more, I celebrate my life in Baltimore. Further analysis by me has proved futile, but I highly recommend the exercise. Ellie Robinson