Charities fight bid to cap gift deduction
Mass. nonprofits have urged Senator John F. Kerry to oppose tax code changes that could reduce incentives for charitable giving.
Filene’s Basement to shutter four stores in Mass.
The discount retailer has struggled since closing its flagship store in Downtown Crossing. The closures leave three remaining locations in the state.
Wendy Maeda/Globe Staff
Wendy Maeda/Globe Staff
Wendy Maeda/Globe Staff
Wendy Maeda/Globe Staff
Wendy Maeda/Globe Staff
G Cover
Inspired by a book series, bloggers produce a culinary phenomenon
Millions of readers around the world have been devouring George R.R. Martin's “A Song of Ice and Fire’’ series — some more literally than others.
TELEVISION REVIEW
‘Man Up!’ wimps out
If you think American men today are, as one character in “Man Up!’’ puts it, “an over-evolved generation of pantywaists,’’ ABC has a sitcom for you.
Zombies and witches declare war in Salem
The peak pre-Halloween season in Salem has resulted in clashes and run-ins between two competing haunted houses.
Joanne Rathe/Globe Staff
A character from Nightmare Factory walked past the Witch Mansion, a competing haunted house.
Joanne Rathe/Globe Staff
Witch Mansion and other businesses in Salem get creative this time of year to vie for tourist dollars.
Joanne Rathe/Globe Staff
Alexis Tillson of Maine was scared by a character from the Nightmare Factory.
Joanne Rathe/Globe Staff
Doug Merrill of the Nightmare Factory tried to scare Heidi Armell from Maine.
Joanne Rathe/Globe Staff
Characters in costume patrolled Essex St. Pedestrian Mall in Salem to promote their haunted houses, museums, and ghost tours.
Trying to gauge the impact of growing up digital
As more parents share smartphones and tablets with young children, companies are rolling out an ever-growing line of products.
Dan Shaughnessy
Jon Lester’s confession fails to absolve
Your turn, Josh Beckett. You, too, John Lackey. Time for the rest of the beer-swillin’, biscuit-eatin’, fried-chicken munchin’ Red Sox starting pitchers to fess up.
“Let’s not do something that’s going to have a dramatic, overwhelming impact on charitable giving.”
Robert Beal, a major donor to Boston charities
Inside The Boston Globe
Columnists
Metro
Safety of Eastie property unclear
City inspectors are still determining the fate of several evacuated apartment buildings in East Boston on a block shaken by the collapse of a condemned apartment house last week.
Business
Carrier goes retro, looks ahead
The old-fashioned, upscale feel of Porter Airlines, which features free snacks and attendants in pillbox hats, is drawing passengers for Logan flights.
Politics
Political Notebook
Obama pitches jobs plan, assails GOP foes on N.C. tour
The president pressed lawmakers back in Washington to start taking up pieces of his rejected jobs bill and mocked the Republicans who had shot it down in total.
Nation & World
Israelis, Palestinians begin exchange of prisoners
Palestinian officials in Gaza said a captured Israeli soldier was moved across the border into Egypt early today, beginning an elaborate prisoner swap deal.
Sports
Red Sox’ Jon Lester 1st to admit clubhouse drinking
The pitcher admitted during a lengthy interview that he did drink in the clubhouse, but disputed the idea that it helped lead to the team’s downfall.
Arts
Book Review
‘Van Gogh’ by Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith
“Van Gogh: The Life’’ offers what could very well be the definitive life of the great artist.
Lifestyle
G Cover
Inspired by a book series, bloggers produce a culinary phenomenon
Millions of readers around the world have been devouring George R.R. Martin's “A Song of Ice and Fire’’ series — some more literally than others.
Opinion
“Siri could turn us into narcissists. She makes us feel important, which makes us more dependent.”
Joanna Weiss
Ideas
“A string of new studies suggests that the modern chase after happiness—and even happiness itself—can hurt us. Happy, it turns out, is not always the way you want to be.”
Gareth Cook, on the dark side of happiness