2024 Guide To Meteor Showers, Total Solar Eclipse, Supermoons And More

April 8’s Great American Eclipse highlights 2024 celestial events. Frequent aurora sightings are likely as the sun reaches “solar maximum.”

A Kid Asks For Coal And More Hilarious Things Kids Say To Santa

Plucky kids test if Santa is real and ask for unusual gifts, including a “bushel of dead squirrels,” “skeleton guts” or “bladder control.”

Neighborhood Holiday Lights And The Art Of Keeping Quiet [Block Talk]

“Who are we to say what our neighbors can and cannot display?” said a Patch reader who claims to be Santa. “Their house, their tastes.”

62 National Restaurants Open Christmas Day And Christmas Eve 2023

A number of national chains are open to serve people who don’t want to cook or who are traveling, but hours may be limited by location.

On Airplanes, Who Gets The Middle Seat Armrests? [Flightmares]

Most readers responding to our survey said the person seated in the cramped middle seat should get both armrests. Do you agree?

Slackers Who Won’t Shovel Their Snow Test Neighborliness [Block Talk]

There’s always that one neighbor who wouldn’t know a snow shovel if hit over the head with it — not that we’re advising that for shirkers.

Leonid Meteors, Known For Fireballs And Fast Speed, Peak This Weekend

Leonid meteors blaze across the sky at about 44 miles per second and are also known for colorful tails and Earth-grazers.

The Great Debate Over Leaf Blowers [Block Talk]

Readers defending gas-powered leaf blowers huffed and puffed — “Move to another country!” one implored — as others stood up for pollinators.

Veterans Day Deals: Where Active, Non-Active Military Members Eat Free

Veterans Day is always Nov. 11, which falls on a Saturday this year. Some of the deals start before or extend beyond the actual holiday.

​40 Restaurants Open On Thanksgiving Day 2023

Restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day range from fine dining to fast casual to fast food. In some cases, you will need to make a reservation.

Kids Who Scream On Planes; What To Do, What Not To Do [Flightmares]

Start with empathy, don’t be afraid to ask the flight attendant to get involved. If that doesn’t work, there’s always the stink eye.

Too Old To Trick Or Treat? Not Unless You’re Dead, LOL. [Block Talk]

Whatever the age of the trick-or-treater, Halloween is a time for spirited fun in neighborhoods across the country.

Halloween Is For Fun; Haters Should Hide In Their Homes [Block Talk]

Lighten up and enjoy your neighbors’ creativity, many readers said. Others said blood and guts may be too much for young trick-or-treaters.

Daylight Saving Time 2023 End Approaches: When To ‘Fall Back’

Time stands still on the Sunshine Protection Act, which would replace the twice-a-year clock changing with year-round daylight saving time.

When Does The 1st Killing Frost Usually Occur: How To Save Your Plants

You may be able to squeeze more life out of your gardens and ornamental plants after the first killing frost of fall.

Skunks Active In Towns Across U.S.: How Do You Get Rid Of The Stink?

Skunks like the creature comforts of cities and suburbs, too. They’re doing the “fall shuffle,” increasing your pets’ odds of being sprayed.

Noisy Dogs And Roosters Aren’t The Problem; People Are [Block Talk]

“Living in a community means letting other people live their lives while you live your own,” said a reader who thinks that’s lost on some.

Oktoberfest: What To Know About U.S. Celebration Of German Culture

Munich’s big Oktoberfest celebration starts this weekend, but they’re already underway in the United States and will continue for weeks.

Rosh Hashanah 2023 Marks The Start Of Judaism’s High Holidays

The High Holy Days start with Rosh Hashanah, which begins Friday and ends Sunday. Yom Kippur is observed Sept. 24-25.

Secondhand Weed Smoke: Chill Out, But Be Courteous, Too [Block Talk]

The bottom line on neighborhood smoking etiquette, one reader said: “Personal freedoms end when they negatively impact others’ well-being.”