2020 Candidates: Julian Castro

Part two in our perpetual, neverending series on the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates. This week, I’m going to organize these into some kind of group to make them easier to find later. (EDITORS NOTE: That’s this website, as it turns out) — NAME: Julian Castro AGE: 44 TWIN?: Rep. Joaquín Castro (D-TX 20) 2016 PICK: Hillary Clinton Castro is one-half of the twin political duo … Continue reading 2020 Candidates: Julian Castro

What do the New England states manufacture?

Manufacturing jobs are politicians’ favorite subject. Every region needs more manufacturing jobs, they’re good jobs, they’re high-paying and magic and they grant you immortality. Politicians. Love. Manufacturing. Jobs. That got Salt & Granite thinking: what manufacturing jobs exist in New England? What are the things we manufacture? For this, we looked at a variety of sources. We excluded agricultural goods like blueberries or apples but included processed … Continue reading What do the New England states manufacture?

Here’s a meal from a restaurant in each of the four New England states we’ve visited so far

It’s been a couple months since the Salt & Granite adventure began. Any regrets? Well, yeah, first off: I haven’t gotten to Connecticut or Rhode Island since starting S&G, so I haven’t really reviewed any food from there. That doesn’t mean I haven’t thrown a little glimpse of Connecticut or sweet Rhode Island love out into the world. But it would be nice to check out the … Continue reading Here’s a meal from a restaurant in each of the four New England states we’ve visited so far

We ate at the only “pub” in East Burke, Vermont, population 132

There aren’t a lot of restaurants in East Burke, Vermont, population 132. Located in Vermont’s scenic and sparse Northeast Kingdom, East Burke is a hamlet at the base of Burke Mountain, a prominent peak (and ski resort). But while the mountain has historically been important to the town, the growth of mountain biking trails in the area are possibly the reason there are as many … Continue reading We ate at the only “pub” in East Burke, Vermont, population 132

Yes, we do subsidize highway transporation

“Lately, commuter rail has been the thing to attract people…. But, we just don’t believe it’s viable in New Hampshire. Commuter rail has not been over well-received in the Committee [on Public Works and Highways]… The subsidies are the deal-breaker in New Hampshire.” That’s New Hampshire Speaker of the House Gene Chandler (R-Bartlett) speaking to Andover, Massachusetts’ Eagle-Tribune back in June. Chandler was explaining why the Republican-controlled New Hampshire House … Continue reading Yes, we do subsidize highway transporation

Cheddar & Rye’s nerdy grilled cheese persona belies its real restaurant roots

Perched at the corner of Elm and Hanover – a busy intersection in downtown Manchester, N.H. – sits the unassuming Cheddar half of Cheddar & Rye. Cheddar & Rye is two spots in one: a grilled cheese sandwich joint on one side and a whiskey bar on the other (although signs still promise that Rye will open “midsummer,” which we’re safely past now). There are … Continue reading Cheddar & Rye’s nerdy grilled cheese persona belies its real restaurant roots

Why California’s auto emissions rules matter to New Englanders

Today, the Westfield River is full of trout. It provides recreation opportunities to tens of thousands of kayakers and canoers every year. The Westfield River, which starts in the Berkshire Hills and ends near Agawam, Massachusetts, is a scenic wonder protected under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. But in the 1950s, it was red. In 1952, the Connecticut River Watershed Council began to … Continue reading Why California’s auto emissions rules matter to New Englanders