Finally, there are a few voices in the wilderness, calling out the nearly hysterical reaction to the COVID-19 virus. Thanks to Edgar Allen Beem for being one of them (“Will the panic be worse than the virus?” 3/18/20) While it is imperative that we take intelligent precautions in dealing with this new strain, the extreme […]
Forecaster opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Here’s Something: Viral reaction ‘at the point of absurdity’
People’s true nature comes out during times of trial. And while COVID-19 is bringing out the best in some, it’s bringing out the worst in others. The same is true for state governments. Many are forcing their residents to shelter in place with threats of fines and imprisonment for those who want to go for […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
The Universal Notebook: The curse of the Mook and the GOAT
As we hunker down and hope not to get sick, one of the things I miss the most about life as usual is sports. Sports, perhaps because they are not important in and of themselves, generally provide a welcome diversion from troubled times. Not now. New England sports fans, of course, have just suffered, along […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion
Mainewhile: Just hanging in there is helping
Well, hello out there. How is everybody holding up in this current situation? I hope you are all warm, dry and safe, with enough to eat and extra toilet paper at the ready. We are all hanging in there at my house. This is all such uncharted territory for us! I mean, OK, not entirely […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion
Over Easy: Late night at the laundromat
A while back our clothes dryer died after who knows how many years, or decades, of faithful service. We thus found ourselves in a time warp back to those days of youth, before kids and jobs and possessions and insurance. Back then we lived more in the moment, dealing with whatever came up right then […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Here’s Something: Put your freedom to good use – stay home
Why do we have such a hard time sitting still? I have family members, unable to stay inside another minute, who are going on unnecessary trips. They’re visiting public places such as the mall, post office, grocery store and even an accountant’s office when they don’t really need to. I’m guilty of the same unnecessary […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
The Universal Notebook: Biden can’t become president fast enough
All of the Democratic presidential primary candidates had issues, but I was surprised when, in the end, I settled on Joe Biden, Good Old Joe. And what it came down to was a desire for normalcy. I know Joe has said and done some stupid things, but I found that in the end I did […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion
Forum: Reflections on social distancing
I have no idea how to survive social isolation, or “social distancing,” as the euphemism goes. As a lifelong extrovert, I need to be around people. Without friends, I feel dead. Lots of websites, even my grandson, are telling me how to wash my hands. But nobody is telling me how to survive social distancing. […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Superintendent’s Notebook: Social distancing critical to keep everyone safe
The new coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is evolving rapidly, and the Portland Public Schools has closed all its facilities until March 30. We are transitioning to remote learning and have arranged for the distribution of school meals. I’m writing here now with another important message: It’s critical for families and students to also do their part […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion
Mainewhile: It’s OK, we can do this together
Well. Here we are. Smack dab in the middle of some never-before-seen situations. Schools are closed for a few weeks, colleges are closed and moving online, several of my favorite places to go for a coffee have shut down, heck – Broadway has closed. Broadway! As much as we all know it is for the […]