What Does It Really Take to Be a Little Chivalrous?

TweetTweet I recently moved from Boston, the nicest place on the planet (ha!), to San Francisco, actually a contender for Top 5 on that list (or so I thought). During my time here, I have recognized two main ways in which people in California differ from their Bostonian counterparts: 1) People will randomly talk to you on the street, instead of shoving you out of their way; 2) people don’t fake-attempt to hit bikers on the street! That last one might be because half of SF is full of bike junkies, but let’s get back to the point. Surprisingly, these two polar opposites have one clear Continue reading >>>

Newbury Town Library appoints two new librarians

June 13, 2012 Newbury Town Library appoints two new librarians The Daily News of Newburyport Wed Jun 13, 2012, 03:32 AM EDT NEWBURY — Amy L. Sadkin has been appointed the new director of Newbury Town Library by the town's library trustees. Sadkin, who has spent the past five years as director of the Lunenburg Public Library, will begin her new post in Newbury on June 20. Sadkin received her bachelor's degree cum laude from SUNY, Potsdam and her master's of library services from the University of Rhode Island. She is a member of the American Library Association, Continue reading >>>

Summer in the City kicks off June 14

Jeri Wooten The Boston Harbor Hotel kicks off its Summer in the City music series on June 14 with music by Jeff Pitchell. Pitchell and his band play a smooth mix of rhythm, blues, rock and soul tunes. The concerts take place on the floating stage behind the hotel on Boston Harbor. See the Boston Harbor Hotel website for other concerts in this outdoor summer series. 6 p.m. Boston Harbor Hotel, Rowes Wharf, Boston. 617-439-7000 Continue reading >>>

Could a Social-Media Tool Increase Kindness?

When I lived in downtown Boston, I was surprised by how standoffish everyone in my apartment building was. We would see each other twice a day in the elevator but we'd rarely exchange a word of greeting or acknowledgment. It was so bad, I remember thinking to myself at one point: Maybe this building is in the witness relocation program, and people are afraid they'll be recognized. Boston is the grumpiest place God ever created. Normally, I'd say the situation was beyond our individual or collective control. But recently I met a couple of guys who could actually change Boston's emotional tone. One Continue reading >>>

Strawberry festivals in Mass. on June 16

Joanne Rathe, Globe StaffThis year's strawberries at Boston Hill Farm in North Andover. Mild winter, warm spring. That means the time for sweet, succulent, local strawberries is now. On June 16, Connors Farm in Danvers celebrates their harvest in a big way with music by Boston Rockabilly, hayrides, pony rides, and barbecue -- plus strawberry shortcake and chocolate-dipped berries of course. Meanwhile, over at Land's Sake in Weston, they're throwing an old-fashioned Strawberry Day with music, children's activities, farm animals, and pick-your-own organic berries. If you like art with your shortcake, Continue reading >>>