Faith is necessary when you face a blank computer screen wondering what the next word should be.
Forecaster opinion
Posted inForecaster Opinion
Mainewhile: A shout-out for getting it right
The mind reels at the staggering display of inhumanity towards others playing out right now. What’s even more astounding is that you probably have to stop and ask yourself: to which situation am I referring. There are, sadly, so many options. I could be speaking about U.S. troops being forced to abandon our Kurdish allies […]
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Posted inForecaster Opinion
Superintendent’s Notebook: Behavioral health continuum helps all students
This is the second of four monthly columns I’m dedicating to discussing four new initiatives in the Portland Public Schools’ 2019-2020 budget that embody our Portland Promise goals: Equity, Whole Student, Achievement and People. This month, my focus is on our initiative to create a robust behavioral health continuum. This work is connected to our […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
The Universal Notebook: Defending the newsroom
While I was in the hospital these last few months my dog died and my editor left over a disagreement with the publisher. Rudy was a sweet, gentle soul (about whom more in another column), but he outlived his prognosis by two years, so his death was not unexpected. Editor Mo Mehlsak’s departure, after 15 […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Here’s Something: Gimme a political break
I just got back from a weeklong vacation. And, I’m happy to say, I feel much better. The monotony of daily life – eating the same food, working the same job, seeing the same scenery and basically doing the same things day after day – gets old. Taking a break from it all was refreshing. […]
Posted inCoastal Journal, Forecaster Opinion
Coastal History: Columbus Day was just another excuse for a party
The Bath landfill was closed this Monday in observance of Columbus Day, according to the sign on the gate. Apparently they didn’t get the message that Maine’s government has chosen to get rid of Columbus Day and replace it with Indigenous People’s Day (or “The Holiday Formerly Known as Columbus Day,” as I call it.) […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Here’s Something: A.T.+20: Lessons from the Trail
Twenty years ago this week I finished hiking the Appalachian Trail. It’s been my proudest accomplishment, and I think about it all the time. People who read this column on a regular basis have likely picked up on a few of my recurring themes – perseverance and hard work. The lessons I learned on the […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Politics & Other Mistakes: Sweet illusions
Betsy Sweet has spent her career as a lobbyist, so she’s used to advancing unrealistic ideas. In the Sweet universe, it doesn’t necessarily have to make sense. It just has to be warm and fuzzy. Speaking of fuzzy, before she ran for governor in 2018, Sweet had a side gig offering customers contact with their […]
Posted inThe Forecaster
Politics & Other Mistakes: Sweet illusions
Unlike her chief opponent for the nomination, there’s no question where Sweet stands. Or rather, floats. Because sometimes her positions are as otherworldly as the realm of the departed.
Posted inCoastal Journal
Letter: Nixon for Select Board
I know that he will work hard, listen openly, and best of all, in my opinion, Matthew will be open to discussing new ideas and ways of doing business that will ultimately make Topsham a better place to work and to live.