Readers of this column know that we have occasionally written about the popular and highly profitable commercial activity known here in Maine as yard sales. Yard sales come about when people realize their house is so stuffed with junk that they could barely move around in it. That condition eventually leads to storing this junk, […]

Some people, mainly old coots, think there’s nothing more entertaining than listening to other old coots complaining about how tough things were in their younger days, and how easy today’s spoiled brats have it. Whatever “it” is. If you think about it (not that “it,” another “it”), there are actually many more pleasant ways to […]

When it comes to welfare, Mainers have three different philosophies. Republicans believe giving taxpayer money to those in need to cover the costs of life’s necessities encourages dependency, engenders fraud and creates Democrats. To the extent such programs must exist, they should be oppressively monitored, severely limited in their coverage and expire faster than Carly […]

Let’s discuss Ethan Strimling’s sex life. But before we do, allow me to explain. Because this column is supposed to be a serious journalistic enterprise, I’m obligated to place the mayor of Portland’s amorous activities in some sort of context, thereby making it appear I’m engaged in the analysis of something more significant than sleazy […]

 Ever wonder why the history of Maine turned out the way it did? Why did Maine end up joining the Union in 1820 as our nation’s 23rd state, instead of getting in much earlier as one of the original 13, or in our case, it would have been the original 14? How did our sometimes […]

Several years ago, my wife and I and some friends had brunch with a Muslim man and his wife. I had questions for this guy, but he and his spouse had just had a baby, and that’s all they wanted to talk about. Diaper rash and 2 a.m. feedings dominated not only the conversation, but […]

Our seasons are so short here in Maine, that already the spring calendars are filling up with interesting events of interest. If you have Internet access (available at public libraries) take a minute and check out Maine Senior Guide, a source of information on everything from cleaning out clutter to social events of interest to […]

Leap Day, which happens every four years and is the main attraction of Leap Year, is coming up Feb. 29. While many may view the extra 24-hour period as just another winter day to overcome in the quest to reach the promised land of spring, the editorial staff at Current Publishing recently got to wondering […]

Let’s try to set aside all this anger, profanity, racism, sexism, misinformation and political posturing. In other words, let’s not discuss Paul LePage, governor, self-appointed education commissioner and giant bedbug infestation. Instead, let’s turn our attention to a matter of significance to every Maine taxpayer, namely how much money state government is wasting in trying […]