Mark Twain said, “Everyone talks about the weather, but no one does anything about it.” In these days of climate change that’s no longer strictly true, but most people recognize the sentiment. And as much as weather, community is one of those things that everyone talks about and everyone feels strongly about.

A fifth-generation Islander, Joe Santos (name changed at subject’s request), disdains the little luxuries that most of us consider necessities — no flashy furniture to supplement the La-Z-Boy facing his TV set, no scented soaps or sushi — but he does, in many ways, live like a millionaire.

Calling All Island Artists

Founded by Sydna White over half a century ago, the All Island Art Show these days is known for finding new Vineyard artists — and rediscovering the diversity of art work that goes on here. Stroll around the Tabernacle in the Camp Grounds in Oak Bluffs on Monday, August 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and you will be inspired.

Democracy rules. Anyone attending can vote for the coveted audience choice award. And any artist aged 16 years or older with an Island address may enter.

Everyone loves a redemption story, but there is reason to believe Americans love them more than most other people.

One of the several notable ways that Americans are significantly different from people in other advanced countries, international polling has shown, is that they are far more likely to believe that individuals themselves, not the broader forces in society, determine their success in life.

Succeed or fail — it’s down to your personal mettle. It’s part and parcel of American individualism.