Rachel Kaufman

Freelance writer, editor, and blogger in the Washington, D.C. metro area

Archives for the ‘Life’ Category

And the Beat Goes On: Djembe Drumming

By Rachel • Jan 13th, 2009 • Category: Getting Ahead, Life

DECEPTIVELY TRICKY: That could be the best description of djembe drumming. The West African drum has only, “like, six tones [to] learn,” says student Meredith Dalton, yet combining hand movements to make complicated rhythms — while someone else is drumming a different beat — requires coordination and concentration.



Online Book Swaps: ‘Tis Better to Give and Receive

By Rachel • Dec 14th, 2008 • Category: Life, New and Cool

It’s like getting a present,” Christa Cothrel says a little gleefully. The Arlington resident and self-described bibliophile has been getting books in the mail for four years — free.

Joan Wendland of Sterling hasn’t bought a book in 18 months, yet her bookshelves are full. She has sci-fi and fantasy, mysteries, nonfiction, audio books and one incredible Jasper Fforde novel autographed by the author. “He doesn’t come through the States often,” Wendland, 44, says, “and when he does, there’s a huge line.”