Did you know that the first recorded use of the “+” and the “-” and the “=” signs, the basic symbols for arithmetic, first entered into common usage in the 1500s? Before that, those ideas were written out as words. And, get this, in 1518 there was an outbreak of “the dancing plague” where people […]
Lakes Region Weekly opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Musings on ownership vs. stewardship of land
Land. Land has been much on my mind of late. There is a lot of joy in taking on this old and quirky home, lots of weirdness too as I change things I know my mother would resent me changing. Mostly, though, it is a lot of work. This house is big on “character,” low […]
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Posted inLakes Region Weekly
From Augusta: New Legislature is in session
The 132nd Legislature was officially been sworn in Dec. 4 and began its work on Jan. 8. I will be serving a second term on the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee. Most of our early session days will be spent referring bills to Joint Standing Committees for public hearings and ultimately recommendations to the full […]
Posted inLakes Region Weekly
Letter: Raymond citizens group concerned about short-term rentals
Over the last 20 years and according to the last three census reports, the number of housing units being occupied by families has decreased with respect to total units in the town of Raymond from 64% to 60%. As this trend continues, it is easy to see how daily life in residential zones will be […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Reading, nature can lead to increased sense of community
In so many ways, Maine is just one big town. If you are boarding the bus in Boston, the odds are actually pretty good that you will know a few of your fellow passengers – and if you run into someone from Maine while traveling the globe, there’s a bond. I think this sense of […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: The wondrous world of libraries, hearts of our communities
Ah, the fresh, clean start to a brand new year. So much promise, so much potential. I am setting aside the “traditional” resolutions this year and focusing instead on this idea: What is out there already that I want to pay attention to and be a part of? First on my list: Libraries. Man, I […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Social Security Fairness Act a great start to 2025
The new year is upon us. Farewell, 2024 and… welcome 2025? Sure, why not? Let’s hope for the best and ring in this new year with much joy and celebration. After all, who knows, it might just be the best year yet. None of us can see the future. As the late, and truly great, […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Tap into something real and serve one another
Hello, hello, hello and Yuletide greetings to all. Last week, I gave myself the present of writing down some notes, a quick sketch if you will, of my ideal community. I had more to say – so I am keeping that rolling right through the holiday season up to the end of the year. OK, […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: A rough draft of how life should be
Here we are in mid-December. Everyone doing OK? I hope all of you are getting an ample supply of cookies, eggnog and merriment. I have decided to give myself the gift of using this space to sketch out my ideal community. Right here, in black and white, the way I wish life would be. Now, […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Instead of consumerism, try this Icelandic gift tradition
Sometimes things we think of as “usual” are not. This is how I have felt in the wake of the “I’m sorry, what now?” questions and comments, received following my mention that my family has adopted the Icelandic tradition of books on Christmas Eve in lieu of big gifts under the tree. To be honest, […]