A few days ago, the weeklong United Nations Climate Change Conference concluded in Glasgow, Scotland. Here’s the thing: Not a whole lot seems to have actually happened as a result. On the world stage, climate leaders preach the desperate need to switch to renewable energies; on the nightly news, we witness the horrific images of […]
American Journal Opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Life Unwound: Autopilot default prevents us from staying present
I walked into the funeral chapel at 4 o’clock to visit before the service at 5 for a longtime friend, Mary. I saw bright bouquets with heartfelt notes lining the walls. I felt the touch of Mary’s son Tim’s hug. The scent of lilies filled the room. I heard the family greet friends, some saying […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Forum: National carbon tax more efficient route to clean air
Though I have been in solar energy since 2007, I am making the surprising suggestion that public policy should no longer subsidize renewable energy. With some help from tax credits, solar and wind power have blossomed and now compete successfully with traditional power. As a climate solution, however, this is not enough. While renewable energy […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Through My Lens: Love thy new neighbors this Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is coming soon; plan to include your new neighbors. Soon Americans will crowd airports and roads, traveling in every direction to spend time with family members on Thanksgiving, cooking delicious food and catching up on stories and movies. This is one of my favorite holidays in the United States. I enjoy sharing the meal […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: True meaning of Christmas means more than ever
Turn on the news and odds are pretty good you are going to hear a story about the “supply-chain issues” facing our nation. Talk to anyone who’s ordered something that has to be shipped and odds are pretty good you’ll hear a first-hand account of what that really looks like. Right now, everything from new […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Here’s Something: Boos and Bravos
Welcome to another edition of Boos and Bravos, the occasional, quick-hit, catchall column of “Here’s Something,” where we heap praise or criticism on a range of current topics. BRAVO to Sen. Susan Collins on her 8,000th roll-call vote in the U.S. Senate, where she has served since January 1997. The Republican has honored Maine with […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Discovering nature can be very wild
Go condors! Did you hear the news? Two female California condors, a rare and endangered species, have just hatched chicks without any assistance from a male. I don’t mean they simply kept the nest warm. I mean they did the whole process, including conception, on their own, without a male. I find this mind-blowing. Parthenogenesis, […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Life Unwound: Wondering about wonders, big and small
I wonder a lot, wonder about all of us. Wonder if we get honest about what my grandson calls “COVID time.” Do we do things we used to do? Fly? Travel? Attend concerts? Visit friends in nursing homes or hospitals? Hmm. I’ve also wondered about that sourdough I used to buy. I wonder these COVID […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Through My Lens: New Mainers can celebrate Halloween in their own way
You know Halloween is coming when ghoulish skulls and scarecrows take their places on porches, in front or back yards, or hanging from a tree. When someone asked me a few years ago what my Halloween costume would be, I had no idea. Maybe a pirate, some suggested. A pirate? The first thing I thought […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Other cultures not suitable for costumes
Halloween is pretty much my favorite holiday. To start with, any celebration that involves chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate is automatically Grade A in my book. Then you add in costumes and parties and what’s not to love? Plus, although I realize there are some out there who choose not to celebrate (and that’s totally […]