Animals have been entwined with our lives since the earliest days of civilization. Many of the first cave drawings are of animals and how they interact with humans. Dogs were loyal companions and protectors. Cats kept the home safe from mice and curled up on a lap after a long day of work. Both were worshipped as gods and goddesses.As our society grew, so did our appreciation of our animal neighbors on our Earth. Many of us now care for more unusual pets such as rabbits and geckos....

The wintry month of December has been a time of celebration since the earliest days of caves and campfires. As soon as humans could make sense of the phases of the moon and the wheeling of the stars, we treasured the Winter Solstice - the darkest day of the year. Many counted this period as the turning point for the entire cycle.Yule sprang from this date, as did the Chinese celebrations. When the Syrians attacked Jerusalem in 167BC, and the locals ably defended themselves, this ad...

Massachusetts was first settled over 7,000 years ago. It has a long and storied history. From the Salem Witch Trials to the birthplace of Dr. Seuss, fromLouisa May Alcott to Edgar Allen Poe, Massachusetts offers a range of fascinating, evocative, and historically important moments to explore and understand.Enjoy the works of these fifteen local authors as they celebrate the rich history, legacy, and beauty of Massachusetts.Some essays talk about our own histories – w...