Benjamin Franklin had the right idea, though he stopped short. Among the certain things in this life, rudeness must surely rank alongside death and taxes. A case in point is the notice that a city friend received with her property tax bill. The bulletin, entitled “Winter Storm Information,” offered this bit of advice: “Do not […]

It’s been happening for some time now, this slow and day-lengthening trek across the sky. And as though it happened overnight, the sun is bidding this part of the world farewell later each day and from a different place considerably farther west than it did just a few weeks ago. Late-afternoon shadows are once again […]

The free-agent signing period is here for the National Football League, and the New England Patriots have a significant decision to make regarding slot receiver Wes Welker: Give him more money or let him sign with another team. We hope the Patriots make the right decision and re-sign Welker. He is a key spark plug […]

A tiny percentage of Earth’s human inhabitants enjoy certain advantages that the rest of us do not. Supermodels, elite athletes and monarchs, particularly those whose fiefdoms sit atop large reserves of fossil fuels, are all beneficiaries of this state of affairs. More irritating examples are those seemingly pre-destined for lives of ease and privilege despite […]

Thumbs up to Rep. Anne-Marie Mastraccio, D-Sanford, for sponsoring LD 662 along with area school resource officers. The bill would address penalties for sexting, the practice of sending nude or semi-nude photos of one’s self via cellphone, and would particularly focus on one issue: Currently, young people who send photos of themselves to each other […]

The governor and Republican leadership have been making headlines over the past few weeks for threatening vetoes and a state government shutdown. As a Mainer who is proud of our state’s reputation for a tough work ethic and can-do attitude, I find their remarks frustrating. We were elected by our constituents to represent and work […]

A few months ago, I helped a municipality deal with a U.S. government agency that wanted to buy services from the town. My experience revealed a lot about why the federal budget is out of control. The amount of the contract was less than $200,000, but I dealt with five federal officials for about two […]

As Biddeford prepares to implement its new curbside recycling program July 1, there are a few loose ends to tie up, and one of those is addressing the apartment buildings that have been getting free city waste pickup. The current approach to apartment building waste pickup is rather convoluted and unclear, thanks to a variety […]

The following diary entry was discovered near the body of Wally Wigglebottoms, who died suddenly outside a local movie theater in a puddle of congealed popcorn butter. Found stuffed into his trousers, next to a half-eaten box of Milk Duds and a pocket guide to South American tree frogs, the scribblings contained therein detail a […]

Part I of the media circus surrounding the alleged Kennebunk prostitution business is nearly over, but Part II ”“ if it goes to trial ”“ promises to garner even more attention than the first. A jury at York County Superior Court in Alfred found Mark Strong Sr. guilty of 13 charges Wednesday, including 12 counts […]