One doesn’t have to travel far to start collecting books on travel, according to Kenneth Gloss.

By Kenneth Gloss

Summer is primetime for journeys to far-away lands by way of one’s imagination and by actually making the decision to travel! A collection of travel books is a great way to sample life in other countries and learn about their culture and history whether or not one makes the necessary arrangements to turn their dream into a reality. From the very first travel guide put out by Baedekers in Germany, collectors and travelers alike have been fascinated with books that provide a colorful verbal and sometimes pictorial view of the world.

By Jim Clark

A report of a man threatening people at the Rite-Aid on Broadway last Sunday brought police to the scene to investigate.

Life in The Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The  Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and  do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff  or publishers.)

This article first appeared in the February 25, 2009 edition of The Somerville News.

Today there are plenty of places in Somerville where you can go to have a meal and an adult beverage. From one end of the city to the other, these mid to up-scale eateries offer an enticing menu and a wide array of inebriates. There was a time, not too long ago, when local barrooms were just that, barrooms. If you wanted to see what food was served, it was usually right in front of you, in a large glass jar or hanging on a display rack. The fare was simple, including bags of chips, peanuts, slim-jims and pickled eggs. The upscale joints offered beer nuts to their customers – bon apétit!

– Photos by Bobbie Toner

A Massachusetts Waste System truck was traveling down Newton St. in Somerville when its rear tire fell into a sinkhole. Somerville Fire, Police, DPW and National Grid responded to the scene. Somerville Fire secured the truck and Coady’s Tow Service was able to lift the truck out. Somerville Police shut down Prospect St. and Newton St. to traffic leading to Union Square as city officials  assess the damage.

By Joseph A. Curtatone

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The  Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and  do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff  or publishers.)

This summer, the City of Somerville wants to break the spell of our screens—our smartphones, televisions and computer monitors—by giving every resident access to activities that replace remote communications with face-to-face interactions.

Learn how to repair your own windows this coming Saturday at the Somerville Museum.

By Cathleen Twardzik

On June 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., partake in the workshop entitled How to Repair Windows Yourself, taking place at the Somerville Museum at 1 Westwood Road in Somerville.

The Somerville Fireworks and July 4 celebration planned for tonight, Thursday, June 27, is still scheduled to take place as planned. The evening’s entertainment includes live music by disco-funk band Booty Vortex, the USO Metropolitan New York Performers, BOVA Productions, the Somerville Sunsetters, and the Somerville Moonlighters, followed by a 30-minute fireworks display to be launched from Trum Field at approximately 9:15 p.m. Entertainment begins at 5:45 p.m. Please call 311, with any questions.

– Photos by Bobbie Toner and Samantha Sahlas

Somerville High students and teachers played a softball scrimmage last week  at Trum Field. Teachers won the game 6 – 2.

By Jim Clark

Police responded to a report of an assault with a handgun last Friday afternoon at a Highland Ave. location.

The reporting party told police that while he was in a beauty shop his wife called and told him that a man, later identified as Benjamin Francois, 46, of Medford, was asking for a sign.