No, that’s not “Clarence the Angel” of It’s a Wonderful Life fame. The Clarence in this title is much less inspiring—a humbug, really. I’m thinking of Clarence Darrow, dogmatic defender of atheists. As Christians this time of year absorb another spate of snipes at their revered holy day, they might pause to remember Darrow. Clarence Darrow (1857-1938) […]

I was talking to my friend Charlie on the phone last night, and he said he had to go eat dinner. He mentioned he was pretty hungry because he had forgotten to eat lunch. Forgotten to eat lunch? There’s a phrase I have never used in my life. Usually, while I am eating lunch, I […]

Kids dressed in fur—is what I, and many other animal lovers call our much-loved pets. They jump for joy to greet us when we enter the door. They snuggle with us, play with us, and give unconditional affection to us. Dogs protect us and our homes—cats not so much. Humans form bonds with furry and […]

During this time of year especially, you come across a lot of predictions about the future, some positive and some negative.  In Maine, some economists and forecasters are predicting that our economy won’t grow much at all over the next ten years due largely to workforce constraints. There are many concerns cited.  Our growing companies are […]

“Look, Charlie Brown, we all know Christmas is a big commercial racket.” — Linus Every year my family eagerly awaits the annual broadcast of the classic 1965 Peanuts special, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” This timeless masterpiece by Charles Schulz remains so popular that the networks salivate over the rights to it, despite the strong, explicitly Christian […]

“Elections have consequences, Mr. President.” Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer reminded President Trump of that fact when they met to discuss border security.  He warned the president that politics in Washington will change as control of the House passes to the Democrats and his party’s Senate minority can stop many bills there. Trump had enjoyed […]

It was Herb who kicked things off at the world dilemma think tank at the philosophy counter in the Mule Barn truck stop. Herb is like Nature itself. He abhors a vacuum, too. “Well,” Herb said, “it’s about that time again.” Three heads swiveled to look at him. “New Year’s resolutions … you know.” Three […]