My least favorite words in the Somali language are “deg deg.” They mean “breaking news.” Anytime I see this, I worry for my family and old friends. The words made their way to me Oct. 29, another dark day for the people of Mogadishu as twin bombings killed over 100, including a friend. I called […]
American Journal Opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Meaningful gun reform, school reform daunting but doable
Another school, this time in Maine, has now had to endure a day of trauma and anxiety as they were forced into lockdown due to the threat of violence. Thankfully, no one was hurt. I am grateful to everyone who worked so selflessly to keep the kids safe. Mostly though, I am just so angry […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Let go of the Thanksgiving lie and learn the real story
You can take the snow-topped Swiss Alps, the azure seas of the French Riviera, the wide-open vistas of the African veldt. For my money, there is nowhere on Earth prettier than Maine in September and October. Nowhere. I am so very thankful that this is my home. Which is most appropriate given that Thanksgiving is […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Life Unwound: Seeking stillness within the whirlwind of activity
Many beautiful quotes invite us into stillness. T.S. Eliot offers this: “At the still point of the turning world. … at the still point, there the dance is, … Except for the point, the still point, There would be no dance, and there is only the dance.” What is the still point? And the dance? […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Sustainably Speaking: As holiday shopping begins, consider the planet
Growing up in rural Argentina, our family hardly ever went shopping. My father had been raised in the same solid brick house where my six siblings and I grew up. The land around it was forested with eucalyptus, willow and poplar. To the east, wheat and sunflower fields bloomed in the spring. From our open […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Through My Lens: Connect immigrants to northern Maine and solve problems
Attracting more refugees to small towns in Maine can be the answer to addressing the labor shortage and shrinking population in the northern part of the state. It is possible. At the moment I don’t see this conversation happening on the platforms Maine immigrants use, but we need to start talking now about connecting Maine’s […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Sweaters give us more than seasonal warmth
Ah, fall! My favorite time of year for sure. Hot apple cider, pumpkin pie … and sweaters. The worse the nightly news, the more comfort I take in pulling on a cozy sweater as I either head out to face the day, or settle in for the evening. Here’s the thing about sweaters: They are […]
Posted inAmerican Journal
Letter: Moninski dedicated to a thriving community
I’m supporting Jess Moninski for City Council in Ward 2. I have always been inspired by her dedication to public service and her commitment to our community. I want my daughter to always have the autonomy to make healthy choices that are right for her. As we’ve seen women’s rights stripped away, it is more […]
Posted inAmerican Journal
Letter: Ellis fights for the little guy
I owned a manufacturing business in Gorham from 1993-2018. I’m still very active in the surrounding communities. Today I write this as witness to the outstanding character and moral fiber of Chuck Ellis, a Westbrook candidate for the Maine House of Representatives. Chuck fights for the little guy. He always does the right thing for […]
Posted inAmerican Journal
Letter: Moninski has rare trait in politics – she listens
I have known Jess Moninski for more than a decade in her roles as a nonprofit leader, community volunteer, school board member and work colleague, and wholeheartedly support her in her bid for Ward 2 city councilor. She is thoughtful and well-spoken, and has the unusual attribute of someone in political life: She is an […]