And Spring arose on the garden fair, Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere; And each flower and herb on Earth’s dark breast rose from the dreams of its wintry rest. — Percy Bysshe Shelley And what are those gossamer, green, new leaves and tufts of pink on the farther shore but dreams realized? Not […]

The water shimmers on a spring morning on Wadleigh Pond in Lyman. (RACHEL LOVEJOY PHOTO)

We’ve all heard horror stories of medical care gone awry. Then there’s the occasional antidote ”“ the feel-good scenario that transports one to an earlier time. Here’s one such story. Last week, I was fighting off a head cold, when a cough settled firmly in my chest. Although I was out and about, I was […]

I have been serving as a state senator for almost six months now, and already the experience has been one of the most powerful of my life. But all too often, some legislators view the issues before them in a way that is too abstract and too centered around what happens here in the Statehouse. […]

Thumbs up to Randy White for his work in compiling the history of more than 100 old family cemeteries in Sanford and Springvale. White’s own research, and a collection of work from other historians before him, has resulted in an exhibit called “Family Cemeteries of Sanford and Springvale” at Sanford Springvale Historical Museum. The exhibit […]

Last week, perhaps the biggest policy war in the country was quietly settled with the outright defeat of one side: The Democrats. Despite President Obama, their standard-bearer and their apparent control of the Senate, the Democrats lost their struggle with the Republicans over whether to reduce the deficit by spending cuts or higher taxes on […]

Maine joined a dozen other states earlier this week in urging Congress to overturn the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision via constitutional amendment. Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission was decided by the high court in 2010, and said that political speech of corporations cannot be limited on the basis of a corporation being a […]

Here’s what’s frustrating about answering nature’s call in a public restroom: It’s always a crapshoot. Whoa! Zing! But seriously, folks. I got to thinking about this at a Chinese buffet. At this point, the less specifics I divulge, the better off we’ll all be. What should have happened, in a good and just world, is […]

For those of us who are omnivores, there are some questions we rarely consider: How do we decide which animals to kill and eat, and which to cuddle? How do we justify breeding and feeding certain animals for mass slaughter while standing back in shock at the prospect of making a meal out of others? […]

The University of Maine System is taking heat for its recent decision to cut faculty and staff in the face of budget cuts, rather than use some of its reserve funds to offset the loss. UMS officials are saying their $177 million of “unrestricted net assets” is needed for emergencies, capital projects and unexpected expenses. […]