“Race is the San Andreas Fault of our culture as well as our history. Its fissure…” — Mike Barnicle

The refurbishing and rebuilding of Fenway Park since 2001 has created a new urban neighborhood in Boston.

Very few people live in the same house they move into when they're married or the same neighborhood when they're married. Very few people certainly live in the neighborhood they grew up in.

Fear is hugely contagious. Used skillfully by politicians looking to manipulate voters, it can become toxic and capable of infecting more than just a few.

In Washington, politicians worry about their 'base.' About polls. About ideology. About raising money. About re-election. They measure their future in two- or six-year increments.