We celebrate Arab American Heritage Month this month by recognizing the Arab Americans who are making a difference in our communities. Our state of Maine has a growing and thriving number of Arabic-speaking communities, most of which can be found in Augusta, Westbrook and Portland. Of the 22 countries in the Arab League, most of […]
American Journal Opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Forum: SMCC celebrates 75 years of transforming lives
In his words, Brian Tarbox was an indifferent student who didn’t have much faith in his academic abilities in high school. As he approached graduation in 1969, he had no idea what he was going to do. His outlook – indeed, his life – took an about-face when a friend told him that Southern Maine […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: An apology would go a long way
At our house, the radio is often on in the background, especially out in the barn. I like to listen and catch up on the news as I go about the chores. This past weekend, there was a really interesting piece airing about the art of the apology. I don’t know if it is COVID […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Here’s Something: Maine should connect with clean energy
On this Earth Day weekend, Mainers should take a moment to study the New England Clean Energy Connect corridor project for themselves. If they do so, they’ll realize that it’s a boon for the state, region and Mother Nature herself. They’ll also quickly realize that Maine environmentalist groups are being shortsighted and ridiculous by continuing […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Life Unwound: How do we reflect on ourselves and others?
It’s like this. You walk to the mirror feeling like yourself, your True Self, from the inside. Not 18, though maybe 18 if certain music is playing or certain memories woke up with you. But you, smiling you. You feel life moving in you. You stare in the mirror and your view of yourself flips. […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Through My Lens: Black mental health and the Derek Chauvin trial
The televised trial of Derek Chauvin is yet another mental anguish for the Black men in this country. The videos played during the court proceedings included George Floyd’s last minutes of his life as he struggled under Chauvin’s knee. Every Black American that gathered the courage to watch this trial felt the traumatizing fear and […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Should 16-year-olds vote?
Usually when I write my thoughts here to share with you I live up to the “Opinion” title of the section. I come in with an experience, or a memory, or an idea, and I mold it and shape it until at the end: ta-da! There it is, my formed little notion. This week is […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: High school sports should be open to all kids
I did not play sports in school. In fact, I hated them. I was the kid who always dropped the ball; I was the one picked last. So it is odd for me to do what I am about to do: advocate passionately for more inclusive school sports teams with opportunities for all to play. […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Here’s Something: View virus stats with a raised eyebrow
During coronavirus, Mainers have been inundated with statistics of every kind. We hear them every day, in every way, often with a sense of alarm by newscasters that are quoting the Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention, which logs the data. We hear the latest death count, confirmed case count, probable case count, hospitalizations […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Through My Lens: Observing Ramadan during a pandemic is challenging
The countdown has begun for Muslims throughout the world. Ramadan, which is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, is coming in April. The exact day to begin fasting is decided by the sighting of the crescent moon. Prophet Mohamed was quoted as saying, “Fast after you have seen (the crescent moon) and end the […]