Bike Helmet Ads, North End Barber And Sex Toys Given Away in Boston

Who knew?

Graphic advertisements for wearing bicycle helmets got a lot of people talking.

"Not so sure a helmet will prevent a bloody face. It's a weak ad campaign that won't change whether someone wears a helmet or not."

"The graphic smoking ads received the same lukewarm, wimpish response. Tobacco kills in ghastly ways and bicyclists in accidents get very badly injured; stop pulling the punches."

And, this, from a bicycle store owner.

"Too often I witness people who are barely visible, riding in the dark in dark clothing wearing no helmet and using no lights, just relying on a feeble front and or rear reflector. It's a recipe for disaster."

When we asked if Boston should block a sex toy giveaway program at City Hall, the responses came at a fast, furious pace.

"As long as Trojan staff steer clear of children than I dont see what the problem is. Its actually harmless if you compare it to a free candy car or soda...."

"City Hall should be the first ones in line for the freebees. Maybe they'd lighten up a little bit. Perfect example of why Mumbles needs to go. Stop preventing this city from being the best it can be!"

"Sex toy parties occur like Tuperware parties. It's a vibrator. Not a 18" double ended dildo. People need to lighten up a little bit. Especially City Hall! It's 2012, not 1950."

"So it's okay for schools to give out condoms to teens without the parents knowledge, okay to have a parade to celebrate gay sexuality but no toys for the ladies and no chicken sandwich for you!!!! God I love this city!!"

Last, but not least, Therese liked a story about Boston Barber Company on Salem Street.

"This is what makes the North End, The North End! The life long North Enders who stay and build here - are what keep the neighborhood with the flavor/style it has always been known and loved for! And are overlooked so often....."