It may have been a presumptuous and reprehensible stunt, but perhaps we should be grateful to Michaele and Tareq Salahi for talking their way into a presidential dinner last week. The incident emphasizes the need for better presidential security. Self-important bluster and the right kind of clothes got them within an arm’s length of President […]

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke is due to be interviewed Thursday by the Senate Banking Committee concerning his likely reappointment as head of the central bank. Although his reappointment is not in doubt, he will face criticism of the Fed’s role in the financial crisis. Some of his critics are determined to scale back […]

Thumbs up to Roberta Wentworth, and the massage therapists with whom she works, for offering an alternative therapy program for clients of CSI, Inc. Learning to be comfortable with being touched after a traumatic experience or finding comfort in the therapy can lead to peace of mind, which is among the agency’s main goals. Thumbs […]

The high season for shopping has arrived, except for those who are skilled at such acquisition. They are likely to have already reached the end of their gifting lists ”“ unless they have an inkling we’re in for some last-minute mark-downs. Today is Black Friday, so called because free-spending shoppers are typically expected to wipe […]

The search for the right sentiments for Thanksgiving has been pursued by every president since Lincoln. Ever since, presidential proclamations have praised God for the blessings of the day, but they also illustrate that each Thanksgiving day is different, as well as part of a continuing tradition. Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation in 1863 took note of […]

A report on breast cancer screening aroused controversy last week by attempting to set clear guidelines based on potential risks and benefits. The task force report was quickly caught up in the politics now swirling around health care, but women and doctors should consider this guidance despite the uproar against it. The report advised that […]

Every year as Thanksgiving approaches, it is inspiring and encouraging to follow the efforts of the many individuals and groups who labor to ensure that the holiday will be a bountiful one for those in need. As before, churches, pantries and others this year are working hard to gather provisions and set places around holiday […]

Thumbs down to the inability of the City of Biddeford and its firefighters union to come to an agreement on a new contract. In tough times, some cuts will have to be made in municipal spending ”“ even for those who put their lives on the line when they’re on the job ”“ so increases […]

Some investments by Bernard Madoff unexpectedly paid off last weekend, when an auction of the swindler’s personal property sold for about $1 million ”“ twice what was expected. A blue satin New York Mets baseball jacket with “MADOFF” stitched across the back fetched a bid of $14,500, and a New Jersey man bought a monogrammed […]

General Motors lost $1.2 million in its third quarter, results that were much better than expected for the ailing carmaker. After declaring bankruptcy and accepting more than $50 billion in U.S. aid, the company’s losses seem almost under control. This week the new General Motors reported that revenues were up 21 percent for the quarter […]