The Head of the Charles, a Boston tradition and the world's largest two-day rowing event, is just two weeks away. The 44th annual regatta takes place Saturday, October 18 and Sunday, October 19. Learn more about the event, and explore a gallery of Head of the Charles photos.

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Photo courtesy of Larry Stritof.

I know we're all busy thinking about the upcoming presidential election, but there's something else you should take a look at before you head to your voting station on November 4: Question 1. Question 1, the Massachusetts State Income Tax Repeal, aims to end the current 5.3 percent income tax on wages, interest, dividends, and capital gains.

Proponents of the Initiative say:

• It will give more than $3,600 each to more than 3,000,000 Massachusetts workers each year.
• It will take $11 billion away from "Big Government" every year and give to the workers.
• This $11 billion a year will help create hundreds of thousands of new jobs in the state.
• It will force the Massachusetts legislature to cut the waste out of the state budget and get rid of government programs that don't work.
• It will make the legislature accountable to workers and taxpayers instead of others who might profit from high government spending.
• These changes will attract private, productive businesses and individuals, leading to more jobs and workers.

Opponents of the Initiative argue that:

• The proposal is reckless and will cost the Commonwealth more than $12 billion in revenues: 40 percent of the state budget.
• It will drive up local property taxes.
• It will put public safety at risk by reducing the number of fire fighters, police officers, and paramedics.
• Decrease funding for education, increasing class sizes and cutting after-school programs.
• Cut money for infrastructure improvements, which will lead to a serious deterioration in bridges and roads.
• It will limit health care access for seniors, people with disabilities, and working families and will increase waits in emergency rooms.

What do you think about Question 1?

If you haven't thoroughly booked your weekend already here's a bargain that might interest you. The Handel and Haydn Society Chorus and Period-Instrument Orchestra opens its 194th season this weekend with an all-Handel program entitled "Celebrate Handel!" featuring soprano Gillian Keith and conducted by Harry Christophers, the Society's new artistic director. And right now there's a special offer on: All remaining seats are just $15 or $25. Read more...

Want a pumpkin that'll last all season long? Check out this weekend's Great Glass Pumpkin Patch, an annual free event that features more than 1,000 hand blown glass pumpkins and gourds created by artists from the MIT Glass Lab. Friday evening get a sneak peek at the complete installation of glass pumpkins; Saturday purchase some to bring home. Prices start at $20 and go as high as $200 depending on the complexity and size of the pumpkin. Proceeds benefit the Glass Lab, where the MIT community can learn and practice the art of glassblowing. In case of rain, event will move to Sunday.

Preview: Friday, Sept. 26, 5 pm to 8 pm
Sale: Saturday, Sept. 27, 10 am to 3 pm
MIT's Kresge Oval, across from 77 Mass. Ave., Cambridge
(617) 253-5309
web.mit.edu/glasslab

Photo courtesy MIT Glass Lab