Topic: Boston

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Major gay marriage cases in federal court and where they stand

Battles over same-sex marriage have been raging in the federal courts for several years. Two could reach the US Supreme Court within a year: one challenging California's ban on gay marriage under Proposition 8, and the other seeking to invalidate the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Here are the cases to follow.
3 new novels grapple with questions of mortality

Three new works of fiction address themes of mortality, including a ghost – in an Anne Tyler novel.
How 5 young black men see the Trayvon Martin case

The Monitor approached, at random, five young black men in Boston, Los Angeles, Coral Gables, Fla., and Louisville, Ky., and asked them to talk about the Trayvon Martin case, race relations, hoodies, and, of course, their own life experiences. Here's what they had to say.
'Game Change': 5 revelations from the book

As the bestselling book 'Game Change' becomes an HBO movie, here are the 5 most interesting stories from the book.
From Wilt Chamberlain to Jeremy Lin: 10 NBA 'firsts'

Jeremy Lin's rise on the NBA radar provides the impetus to look back at Wilt Chamberlain's highest-scoring game and nine other NBA 'firsts.'

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Decoder Wire
St. Patrick's Day: Quick, which US president was most Irish?

American presidents often play up their Irish heritage – however distant that may be – to attract votes. But who is the 'most Irish' president? It may not be who you think.
‘Hunger Games’ is an opportunity to bond for many families

Family members have been reading ‘The Hunger Games’ books and plan to see the movie together next week. Tales of multigenerational bonding over this harsh parable abound.
Corned beef and cabbage? No! Try St. Pat's doughnuts, shakes, 'n fries.

Irish restaurants may want to serve corned beef and cabbage. But America's fast-food chains are offering far more intriguing fare for St. Patrick’s Day: from Dunkin' Donuts' 'Lucky Mint' dessert to Burger King's free fries with green ketchup.
'Masterpiece' for the masses

Under Rebecca Eaton, dramas like 'Downton Abbey' attract more, and younger, viewers.
The next 'Potter'? 'Hunger Games' takes kids to darker, more violent place.

The buzz over the 'Hunger Games' movie suggests a new blockbuster young-adult franchise is being born. But the coming-of-age tale set in a fascist future has less humor than 'Potter.'
Jedi knights of online privacy strike back at data-mining empires

Firms such as CloudCapture, which launched Wednesday, and Abine, which debuted its 'Do Not Track Plus' app in February, see a ripe opportunity to turn the technology developed to mine personal data into a tool consumers can use to fight its abuse.
Whitey Bulger case: Mobster’s girlfriend pleads guilty to charges

Whitey Bulger’s girlfriend pleaded guilty today to charges of harboring her longtime lover before being captured last year in Santa Monica, Calif.
Goldman Sachs culture 'toxic'? Letter confirms suspicions about Wall Street.

Polls show that Americans hold a very low opinion of Wall Street, and a damning public letter of resignation from a Goldman Sachs executive could only amplify that perception.
Ancient and modern: Iran's lush cuisine

As talk goes nuclear, a journalist gets a taste of the culture.
Self-immolations in Tibet must resonate in America

Tibetans around the world are in mourning for the more than 25 Tibetans who have immolated themselves over the past year in protest against China's oppression. These self-immolations are also desperate cries for support from the international community. Americans can help.
'Game Change': 5 revelations from the book

As the bestselling book 'Game Change' becomes an HBO movie, here are the 5 most interesting stories from the book.
Change Agent
Franco Majok fled Sudan – but returned to build a school

Education helped Franco Majok escape from war-torn Sudan. Now his Village Help for South Sudan has built a school there – and more.
A plucky revival

The mandolin is breaking out of bluegrass and becoming hip and versatile.
Super Tuesday: Mitt Romney woos blue-collar voters in Ohio

Mitt Romney is locked in a tight GOP primary battle with Rick Santorum for Ohio, perhaps the biggest prize on Super Tuesday. On Monday he campaigned in blue-collar Youngstown.
Chevy Volt: Why is production being halted?

Even though expectations were high for the Chevy Volt this year, things aren’t looking all that electrifying for the vehicle right now. High gas prices might change that.
Try, try again: Senate 'Gang of Six' hatching plan on US debt reduction

Congress punted last year on a plan for major US deficit and debt reduction. But the bipartisan 'Gang of Six' senators is back at it, crafting a blueprint they say will be ready for consideration even before Election 2012.
From Wilt Chamberlain to Jeremy Lin: 10 NBA 'firsts'

Jeremy Lin's rise on the NBA radar provides the impetus to look back at Wilt Chamberlain's highest-scoring game and nine other NBA 'firsts.'
Baseball spring training: The facts, from history to cheap seats

Spring training is when players shed the winter rust by limbering up on warm, sun-baked diamonds, sign autographs galore, and provide hope that this may be their team’s year. As preseason games between major-league teams begin on Saturday, here are a few facts to give you some background on spring ball.
Rick Santorum slams JFK, Mitt Romney OK with being wealthy (+video)

Rick Santorum said that John F. Kennedy's 1960 speech on being a Catholic made Santorum want to "throw up." Mitt Romney defended his $250 million in assets.
Putting the accent in the right place

Even in an era of globalization, regional accents are still with us.
Bradley Manning: Will the alleged WikiLeaks ally have a compelling defense?

Pfc. Bradley Manning is expected to enter a plea in response to 22 charges lodged by military prosecutors, including turning over to WikiLeaks hundreds of thousands of military and diplomatic documents.
Charlotte au Chocolat

Her parents' restaurant was celebrated, but Charlotte Silver's childhood as a rich little poor girl was less glamorous than it looked.
Cover Story
Does America need a CEO in the Oval Office?

Mitt Romney has been both vaunted and vilified for his business background. Here's how running a corporation really compares to running a country.
Foiled suicide bombing of US Capitol: plot is both familiar and strange

Since 9/11, a series of would-be attackers – many of them 'lone wolves' – have been thwarted by undercover agents posing as collaborators. But an attempted suicide bombing is unusual.
The Vote
Why Michigan could be Mitt Romney's make-or-break moment (+video)

Mitt Romney trails Rick Santorum in Michigan. Has any presidential aspirant lost their home state primary, yet gone on to win a major party nomination? Since 1972, the answer is no.