If John Balentine’s goal is to get reaction to his columns in The Forecaster, well, to borrow a phrase from one of his two favorite 21st century presidents: Mission accomplished. The Northern Forecaster’s July 15 issue ran four letters and one full-length guest editorial that took aim at (and issue with) his expressed views on […]
Lakes Region Weekly opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Here’s Something: My Olympic frustrations abound
I’ve always loved the Olympics. I wanted to be an Olympian when I was younger. But of course that didn’t happen. My lack of stick-to-it-tiveness instead won out. But while I’ll never be an Olympian, I enjoy watching all the people who have stuck to their training regimens and catapulted themselves to the Olympic level. […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: A spectrum of septic systems, access
A recent “homeowner-style event” at my house, I’ll spare you the details, got me thinking about septic systems. I know, not exactly the most glamorous of topics, and perhaps if you are currently snacking, you want to read this piece later. But, like the title of the much beloved children’s book makes clear, everyone poops. […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Life Unwound: Practice inner and outer kindness
Someone recently asked me, “What do you worry about?” I worry that we will forget to be kind. At the end of his broadcast, Lester Holt urges, “Take care of yourselves and each other.” Sometimes I hear it as “Take care of eeee chuthur.” Sometimes I laugh. Then I realize that I worry about this […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: A greener future could be our lot in life
What a strange, strange summer! Several record-breaking heat waves followed by a downright chilly Fourth of July. Strange. Out west, roads are buckling and berries are literally cooking while still on the bush. Drought, health warnings, wildfires, crops dying. Climate change is no longer a looming threat. It’s here. According to Climate Central, “By 2050, […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Through My Lens: The Eid of the vaccinated
There is a different calendar Muslims around the globe are looking at this week. The Islamic lunar calendar, called the Hijri. We are in the month of Dhul-Hijja, which is the time of the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. The 10th of Dhul-Hijja, which is July 20, is the beginning of the celebration of […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Life Unwound: Appreciating life’s moments
I sit on gray stones at half-tide on Maine’s stunning rocky coast. Golden rays shine on blue water. The same sun greens the tree-lined shore. I read Mary Oliver’s poem, “Summer Day”: I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass, how to […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Replica of Columbus’ ship has no business on Maine’s shores
The Penobscot Maritime Heritage Association is hosting a festival of tall ships, and it is causing some waves. The issue is the late inclusion of a boat named Nao Santa Maria, a replica of one of the three ships sailed by Christopher Columbus. Initially, I wasn’t going to write about this because the organizers of […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Summer is ripe for supporting local farmland
Summer is really and truly here! The days are hot, the fireflies are out at night and our downtowns are ripe for a solid game of “license plate bingo.” Is there anything more glorious than summer in Maine? This summer seems a little bit extra. I don’t know about you, but lockdown made me really […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Through My Lens: Check with neighbors before setting off fireworks
Many Americans look forward to fireworks for celebratory moments, but before July 4 comes around, I start gathering my earplugs and prepare myself a place in the basement. I don’t usually have fun on the evening of July 4. The sounds and sights of the fireworks trigger post-traumatic stress disorder for those who lived in […]