Mark LaFlamme: Don’t step on any sparklers

Talk of the Town: Readers know a lot about pedaling pet passengers and names that rhyme with mayor. But do they know what NOT to do with fireorks?

Mark LaFlamme: Who WAS that masked dog?

Talk of the Town: It's unlikely the dog's name is Goggles McGee and that Leo Sayer will run for mayor. But a columnist can dream.

Talk of the town: Ode to the potato

Talk of the Town: Do you smell that?

Talk of the Town: Trade you a gross green pepper for a tasty sausage

Mark LaFlamme: Put your shirt on, Shatner

Talk of the Town is inspired by a reporter who was shirtless for some reason.

Talk of the town: If my cat calls, tell her I’m not here

Talk of the town: Dirty pillows and purloined potato sticks

There once was a woodpecker from Nantucket

The Talk of the Town influenced by migraines, woodpeckers and haikus.

Mark LaFlamme: The Desert of Maine could use some whip cream

The Talk of the Town clears up some confusion over the Freeport tourist attraction, celebrates Canal Draining Day, asks people to take off their shirts and clears up some confusion over scintillating scotoma.