Lately, I find myself being annoyed by little things, a lot of them so trivial it’s embarrassing. The big issues are too overwhelming; I’m like a minnow in the ocean. Take saving the Euro. Here’s what I know about European money: they use too many coins. Thick, heavy coins that weigh your pockets down and […]

The doldrums of winter have fallen upon those of us who create the art found at the many outdoor festivals that occur from May to December in New England. Unless you are a snowbird who has the luxury of spending six months in the south or west, where art is feted all year round, circumstances […]

Both Falmouth and Cumberland have discussed a possible quiet zone implementation to come with the Downeaster’s new trains each day. Some residents have questioned how trains not blowing their whistles might affect safety for people who use the tracks recreationally. The improvements to the rail line made for the Downeaster have changed the nature of […]

For all of the “misinformation” Wayne Davis claims to find in Patrick Rael’s Nov. 14 letter regarding Amtrak’s proposed Brunswick layover facility, he agrees on two points: only in April were plans to locate the facility in Brunswick made public, and the original Downeaster plan provided only two trains per day to Brunswick. If more […]

Scarborough recently rejected a ban on consumer fireworks, so that effective Jan. 1 it will be legal for residents to set off fireworks between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. 365 days a year. This is in direct violation of the existing noise ordinance, which states that “loud, offensive noises are prohibited” that “annoy, disturb, injure […]

Upon reflecting about what the holiday season is all about, I would like to thank the businesses that have supported Greely High School’s Employment for Education program. We have students in the life skills program who will not go the traditional route of college after high school. To support these students’ transitions, area businesses were […]

I’m writing to tell Sandi Amorello (No Sugar Added: “Buy local ( I dare you)”) that she has the concept of “buy local” all wrong. Sales girls aren’t supposed to keep shops open late for people who show up late. Making threats to small business is not the way to support them. Buying local is […]

Seeing Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris” a few weeks ago reminded me what I like so much about Woody Allen. He’s an existentialist. His imagination and humor are rooted in reality. I’ve never cared at all for sci-fi, fantasy or horror in books or movies, but Allen’s shifting of time, sending contemporary characters back to […]

One of the reasons I moved to Maine was because it has coastline. It also has Portland, with a wonderful arts community and fabulous array of restaurants and shops. Particularly the shops in the Old Port. Fancy little boutiques, quaint bookstores and toy shops with finely crafted treasures. When I first visited Portland, it was […]