In his Oct. 23 opinion piece, John Balentine writes that he supports Trump, enjoys his speeches, likes him and his business acumen (conveniently overlooking six bankruptcies), and appreciates his sense of humor, while being amused that liberals seem to take Trump’s jokes seriously (though Trump himself insists that whatever he says and writes is a […]
Forecaster Opinion
Posted inForecaster Opinion
Letter: Balentine condone’s Trump’s bullying and belittlement
John Balentine’s recent column chastises Trump for his use of profanity in a recent speech (Oct. 25). Oh, how far we have fallen that this is our new threshold for criticism. His slap on the wrist only goes so far as he writes, “I’m a Trump supporter and appreciate his sense of humor.” While I […]
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Superintendent’s Notebook: The joy of learning
The holiday season is upon us and there is no better time to reflect on the joys the year has brought and the upcoming festivities that await us with families and friends. One goal we strive for in RSU 5 is for all students to experience a joyful learning climate that is safe, nurturing and […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
The Universal Notebook: Health vs. insurance
My recent health crisis has left me feeling very ambivalent about health insurance. On the one hand, I could never have afforded the hundreds of thousands of dollars my insurance company paid out for my care. On the other, when my health care hit a snag it was usually because of the insurance company. I […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion
Life Unwound: We all face a Big Rock in life
I tried to explain Big Rock to my four grandkids, how what seemed towering now looks tiny. But the oldest, twin 9 year olds, don’t know metaphor or how views change with time. My younger siblings, neighborhood pals and I loved Big Rock, dumped our bikes at the base of this formation along the side […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Here’s Something: Despite naysayers, oil heat has advantages
Once again, the door is closing on warm weather here in Maine. In my house, that’s a figurative and literal occurrence as the door to the foundation-less front room, a former porch that was enclosed to create an additional living space, gets closed to save money on heating oil. I grew up in a home […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion
Letter: Balentine shouldn’t have scolded children
John Balentine wrote attacking children afraid for their future. (Oct. 4, “Climate-strikers fail to appreciate gains, elders”), Our society had an awakening 50 years ago to the environmental destruction industry and progress had wrought, with smog choking our cities and our lakes and rivers unusable, and we protested. In response, the Nixon administration created the […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion
Over Easy: A modest idea for a Nobel Peace Prize
I’ve had this recurring dream (actually a nightmare) in which I spent my last seconds on Earth trying gamely to open a package containing a drug prescribed to keep me alive until the next life beckons. But the lifesaver is safely ensconced in its plastic bubble attached with 11 other lifesaving pills on a gassed-up […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion
Letter: Nothing amusing about Balentine’s view of Trump
I read John Balentine’s flippant article about President Trump’s profanity with dismay. (Oct. 23, “Trump profanity is just plain B.S.”) John writes that he admires Trump’s “business acumen.” I find little to admire in someone who inherited hundreds of millions of dollars and yet went bankrupt six times. He likes Trump’s “unpredictability.” I believe that […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Forum: Advocate now to prevent young people’s use of vaping products
A new generation of tobacco products is addicting a new generation of users to tobacco and nicotine. More kids and young adults are using e-cigarettes, and they’re using them more often. As a mother of a young child, I have serious concerns about the use of these products and want to encourage others to get involved. […]