In medieval times, kings had court jesters who could give them serious warnings or advice, candy-coated with humor. America may now have its own court jester: Jon Stewart on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show.” Perhaps he’s worth our attention, even when it concerns a subject as difficult as the Gaza War. Israel exists in a […]

Tina and I recently went to TJ Maxx to buy underwear. She picked out hers, I picked out mine, and we went to the counter. I told the young woman behind the register that we were buying “unmentionables.” She didn’t smile. We got home, and I discovered that my four pairs of underwear had no […]

There’s a dear friend in my life, a publicist, a man I’ll call “T” who has very famous clients, a good man, smart, well connected. We chat via email just to say hello, for him to give me some great inside dish, and for us to get caught up on wuzzup with our respective lives. […]

During a time when our state is facing a significant workforce shortage and an aging population, we cannot afford to allow unnecessary barriers and criticisms to get in the way of people who want to contribute to our economy. In 2019, a 10-year economic development plan for Maine highlighting our workforce challenges estimated the state […]

Four months ago, I began a new position as community navigator at The Gathering Place, a day shelter in Brunswick. My first impression of this welcoming environment was one of compassion and giving. The staff and volunteers had nurtured a safe, secure social atmosphere that was inclusive of all people. I had not known that […]