Gorton’s Seafood of Gloucester pivoted to the new technique of freezing fish to preserve it because of an unpaid bill of $1 million for a shipment of salt cod to Italy in 1923.

Mussolini’s nonpayment was catalyst for Gorton’s and Birdseye frozen food success

By Sharon Oliver Contributing Writer GLOUCESTER - It is probably safe to say few people would have Italian dictator Benito Mussolini as the reason behind Gorton...
Long-time DJ Cha-Chi Loprete, right, and magician John Logan have teamed up to bring a multimedia experience to Beatles fans.

DJ and magician team up to bring Fab Four magic to Beatles fans

By Matt Robinson Contributing Writer BOSTON - Though it has been over 60 years since the Beatles first came to Boston, the band’s legacy has remained...
The real Grizzly Adams was a shoemaker from Medway who led a life that was somewhat less sanitized than its portrayal by actor Dan Haggerty on the 1970s TV show. Photo/Wikimedia Commons

The dark history of Medway’s John “Grizzly” Adams

By Sharon Oliver Contributing Writer MEDWAY - Many can recall the 1970s classic television series “The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams.” Fans tuned in each...
Soul singer James Brown’s historic April 1968 concert at Boston Garden was broadcast live on local TV station WGBH, and credited with helping keep the city calm in the wake of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Photo/Wikimedia Commons

‘Godfather of Soul’ James Brown once helped quell racial tensions in Boston

By Sharon Oliver Contributing Writer BOSTON - Although it may sound cliché to say, “music has charms to soothe the savage beast,” there is some truthfulness...
Janice Lindsay

A billionaire’s life?

By Janice Lindsay Contributing Writer At a recent family party, we played a game where a game card asked a provocative question and each player gave...
The 1973 horror film “The Exorcist” drew public attention to the phenomenon of demonic possession and exorcism. Photo/Wikipedia

Exorcism room at College of the Holy Cross continues to intrigue

By Sharon Oliver Contributing Writer WORCESTER - One of the most critically acclaimed horror films in cinematic history is undoubtedly 1973’s “The Exorcist.” In fact, it...
Jennifer Benson, AARP Massachusetts State Director

Helping make Massachusetts even more livable

By Jennifer Benson, AARP Massachusetts State Director If you’re looking to make a change in your community, AARP Massachusetts is here to help. We’re committed...
The classic orange roof with its spire topped with a weathervane was the signature look for Howard Johnson’s restaurants. Photo/Wikimedia Commons/Christopher Ziemnowicz

Howard Johnson’s empire started as a Quincy corner pharmacy selling ice cream

By Sharon Oliver Contributing Writer QUINCY - Though the old look may be disappearing from city landscapes across the nation and various countries, Howard Johnson’s landmark...
Sheldon Goldberg's creative and varied career has taken him from theater production to being professional wrestling promoter, and now a novelist.

Ring leader: Theater and wrestling impresario turned novelist Sheldon Goldberg

By Matt Robinson Contributing Writer BOSTON - Shakespeare has often been quoted as opining that, “All the world’s a stage,” and that, during his lifetime, a...
The Great Hall at Worcester’s Mechanics Hall features a variety of musical performances, some free and open to the public. Photo/courtesy of Mechanics Hall

Mechanics Hall is Worcester’s most historic musical venue

By Sandi Barrett Contributing Writer WORCESTER - One could easily stroll past the pre-Civil War facade of Mechanics Hall and not know it is a treasured...