There are times when regionalism cannot be allowed to trump a national vote. Same-sex marriage is one of them, writes Michael Wolsey Same-sex married couples in Northern Ireland would be treated differently than couples in England and Wales, if unionists have their way Sammy Wilson The late Tip O'Neill, Speaker of the US House of Continue reading >>>

Dreis Taylor Luera Redding tea party to protest the IRS Members of the local Bostonian Tea Party and others will be rallying today in Redding against the Internal Revenue Service in wake of the scandal that the federal agency impropely targeted conservative groups. The rallies will be held from 10 a.m. to noon and from 4 to 6 p.m. at the corner of Hilltop Drive and Cypress Avenue. Whiskeytown Falls hikes this month Two ranger-led hikes to Whiskeytown Falls are planned this month. The first one is Wednesday and another will be held Continue reading >>>

Tom Hanks is not known for his range of voices. He managed a decent Texas drawl in Charlie Wilson’s War; a perfect enunciation of the (imaginary) Krakozhian dialect in The Terminal; and a vaguely New English stammer in Catch Me If You Can. On the other hand, his “Oi-rish” accent in Cloud Atlas was laughable (and thankfully brief). His latest try is clam-chowder Boston-ese, as he takes on the title role in Captain Phillips by Paul Greengrass (The Bourne Ultimatum, Flight 93). The film is based on the real Phillips’ book A Captain’s Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALs, and Dangerous Days at Continue reading >>>

I truly understand and appreciate why many folks want nothing to do with the corpse of a man who apparently hated America and our way of life. I recognize the insulting irony to having him remain within our borders, even if underground. That does not, however, justify this less-than-silent minority from turning on their neighbors with such hostility. Fundamental to our way of life is the freedom of expression. No one should be assailed for their words or beliefs so long as they do not threaten public safety. I fail to see how advocating for human decency -- even for someone like Tsarnaev who Continue reading >>>

One Leafs’ fan stirred up controversy Monday night after being pictured holding a sign reading “Toronto Stronger” during game three of the Toronto and Boston playoff series. Complete with a blue and white ribbon, the sign was a direct reference to the “Boston Strong” slogan used in support of the city of Boston in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings. Some Bruins fans, and citizens of Boston, were upset by the sign because they felt it was offensive to what the “Boston Strong” campaign represented. Margaret H. Coit, who lives in Boston, wrote this piece in reaction to Continue reading >>>

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The article “Praying for peace — and understanding” highlighted support for the Muslim community from Jewish and Christian clergy. As an ordinary Bostonian Muslim, who wears a headscarf, I wanted to add a note saying how much I appreciate the support I have received from other ordinary Bostonians. I have always loved the freedom of religion here in the United States. Wear a scarf, don’t wear a scarf; wear a bikini, wear a burka — it’s completely up to you. In my 10 years of wearing a scarf here, I’ve never received anything but smiles, support, and friendliness. After the Boston Continue reading >>>

NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre sparked controversy on Saturday when he asked, "How many Bostonians wished they had a gun two weeks ago?" The comments came in the middle of his speech at the annual NRA members meeting in Houston, Texas. LaPierre explained that during the Boston lockdown that took place while police were chasing the bombing suspects, "frightened citizens [were] sheltered in place with no means to defend themselves." He said: "Imagine living in a large metropolitan area where lawful firearms Continue reading >>>

If, as a Bostonian, you love our local food trucks as much as you love a healthy competition with New York City, you're in luck. The second Food Truck Throwdown is rolling into the Greenway and settling down for a day's worth of food, entertainment, and friendly competition on Saturday, May 4 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nine Boston trucks will face off against nine New York trucks in a battle to win over the taste buds of judges and fans alike. The first Food Truck Throwdown took place last October, when Sarah Ross, the owner of Kickass Cupcakes, came up with the idea to pit Boston and New Continue reading >>>