They say the last few weeks was like reliving the late 1970s, but don’t believe the hype. Yes, we have a weak Democrat in the White House, gasoline shortages and concerns over rising inflation. But there is a big difference between then and now: employment. “Help wanted” signs are everywhere, which was certainly not the […]
American Journal Opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: The gift that keeps on giving
Every so often, especially while doing chores, I like to let my mind wander and indulge in fantasy “what if” scenarios. Nothing radical. I tend to revisit the familiar question of “If money were suddenly no object, what would I do?” I’d be lying if I didn’t confess there are some straight-up selfish indulgences. I […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Life Unwound: You are companioned
Years ago, in the raw days after shoulder repair surgery, carefully dosing the opioid Dilaudid for pain, I slept, tried to sleep. I tossed this way, miserable in this position, pillows just so in the leather recliner suggested by the surgeon. I turned that way, wincing in that position, propped with cushions as the physical […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Forum: Future of recycling construction debris in Maine grim, needs closer look
With the introduction of LD 1639, “An Act To Protect the Health and Welfare of Maine Communities and Reduce Harmful Solid Waste,” the future of construction and demolition debris (CDD) recycling in Maine has been brought to the forefront, and that future is grim. To focus just on “out-of-state” CDD waste, as LD 1639 does, […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Through My Lens: Maine should welcome more refugees
President Biden last week raised the cap on refugees coming to the United States to 62,500 over the next six months. While the decision fulfills the United States’ important humanitarian mission, the resettlement of refugees also provides significant economic benefits to places in our country whose population is aging. Maine is a good example. Its […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Getting in tune with animal cultures
We in our society have been having a lot of really interesting conversations of late. At the core of some of the most important is the notion of “cultural competency.” According to the American Psychological Association, cultural competency may be “loosely defined as the ability to understand, appreciate and interact with people from cultures or […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Here’s Something: Portland’s Evergreen Cemetery reflects Maine unity
Last month’s news reports of vandalism at the sprawling and majestic Evergreen Cemetery in Portland’s Deering neighborhood struck a chord with me. I haven’t seen an update to the initial April 2 reports of 150 toppled and damaged gravestones, but Portland Police said eyewitnesses saw teenagers running from the area, and that sounds about right […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Life Unwound: What brings you alive?
Move more. Stress less. Eat good food. Great advice for living long and well. Then add the nourishment of what you love, of following your bliss, as mythologist Joseph Campbell urged. Don Doane (my dad called him Donny), the professional trombone player who had suffered a stroke years before, called Dad and said, “I read […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Grammatically speaking
I was raised by a strict grammarian. If, for example, at the dinner table I were to ask “Could you please pass me the salt?,” my mother would dutifully hand the salt over to just beyond my grasp, then return it to its original space and reply, “Why, yes. I could.” With a smile no […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: A nickname honoring everything left behind in Armenia
Every family has its favorites. In mine, there is Uncle Armen. Call to mind Alan Arkin. In any movie, ever, but let’s say “Little Miss Sunshine” because that’s my favorite. OK, got it? Great. That’s my Uncle Armen. Seriously, they could be identical twins, and the voice and accent? Same. Which isn’t really shocking given […]