Since Obama was president, we’ve heard a lot about income inequality. It’s certainly a catchy, alliterative phrase. It likely started out in the mind of some economist or professor, trying to make a name. Obama and his allies used the term ad nauseam, and, unfortunately, the phrase has continued to be overused, to the point […]

Boot-heavy, after slipping through sleet in the parking lot, we trudged into a worthy-cause fundraising yoga class. I felt glad to show up for this organization, donate to the cause, give to the greater good. I should also mention that yogis had created a casual, yet heartfelt yoga “studio” in a trendy, now-closed mall department […]

We’ve all been in a situation where we’re trying to learn something new – maybe a new sport, a new skill or even a new language. And we all know that if the first thing we tell ourselves is, “I can’t possibly succeed at this,” then we probably won’t. At the Portland Public Schools we […]

Was John Balentine’s recent column (“Here’s Something: Poliquin right to fight ranked-choice result”) an audition for employment by Rep. Bruce Poliquin? As a registered 2nd Congressional District voter, I can assure him that I saw no indication ranked-choice voting was “chaotic” and “confusing.” Even Balentine, despite affirming Poliquin’s condemnation of RCV, said “I wouldn’t say […]

Does the mainstream press have a liberal bias? Yes, and so do most universities. That’s because the media and academia are filled with educated people interested in the pursuit of knowledge and the improvement of society. Part of being a discerning consumer of news and information is the ability to differentiate between reliable and biased […]

That grinding sound you hear is caused by Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins’ political gears gradually shifting her to the right. Collins has activated the ponderous position-changing machinery because there’s no longer any reason for her to pretend to be a centrist. There’ll be those who’ll claim the senator’s new-found attitude is meant to accommodate […]

Light is a symbol of hope, intelligence, beauty, and truth. At this time of year, streets, homes and yards are adorned with lights with candles lit in celebration of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the winter solstice. The lights are a remembrance that spring will soon follow the darkness of winter and of all that is […]

Congratulations to children’s singer-songwriter Rick Charette for his many years of attention and devotion to Maine children. Charette, 71, who was born in Westbrook and lives in Windham, in September announced his semi-retirement from performing regularly, a career that began almost four decades ago. Charette explained his stepping back from the performance circuit on his […]

‘Tis the season. Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, Solstice. Here in the depths of winter we find a bundle of major celebrations for many cultures and religions. This is not a coincidence. Growing up, our house was host to a mindful mix of faith, heritage and ecumenical celebration. Latkes with homemade applesauce had their place along with […]

John Balentine’s long-winded complaint about ranked-choice voting (“Here’s Something: Poliquin right to fight ranked-choice result”) misses the point: We the people believe elected officials should secure at least 50 percent of the vote. Which is why we voted to rank our choices when more than two are presented to us. He doesn’t like the outcome […]