Seriously, could Biddeford become too hip? Don't laugh. It's now a question being asked in Somerville, Mass., another city that struggled to overcome negative stereotypes, according to a story from the Boston Globe. After almost three decades working the counter at Capone Foods in Somerville’s Union Square, Albert Capone has become a stranger in his own … Continue reading It’s hip to be square
Category: BLOG POSTS
Commentary that has not been published elsewhere.
Same as the old boss
Joanne Twomey: A "real" Democrat? Some things never change. Once again, we are on the verge of another election cycle in the fair city of Biddeford, where local political maneuvering is a blood sport. According to the City Clerk's office, some very familiar faces have taken out nomination papers for a variety of elected positions. But … Continue reading Same as the old boss
Mr. Holland’s Opus
Which Hollywood film better describes the city of Biddeford's ongoing struggle with issues such as "the creative economy," "cultural diversity" and elitism: Mr. Holland's Opus or Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome? In Thunderdome, a community barely surviving in a post-apocalyptic world is wary of strangers and outsiders. To avoid another global war, all disputes are settled by … Continue reading Mr. Holland’s Opus
Fool for the city
It's easy to forget the lessons of history. It's even easier to label others, take sides and compartmentalize ourselves within groups that match our own ideals, values or culture. This trend happens frequently in my hometown of Biddeford, one of Maine's most frequently maligned communities. In this town, there is a lot of talk about … Continue reading Fool for the city
You’re gonna have to serve somebody
Brace yourselves. I have an announcement to make. Although it's been nearly eight years since I left my Biddeford newspaper gig, there is hardly a week that goes by when someone doesn't stop me on the street, call me or otherwise seek some inside information or the latest scoop about my hometown's political structure. In … Continue reading You’re gonna have to serve somebody
Bury my heart
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." George Santayana A Facebook friend reminded me that it was 122 years ago today, on December 28,1890, that more than 300, unarmed native Americans were slaughtered in South Dakota by U.S. Forces. The dead included women and children, and this travesty is recanted in horrific … Continue reading Bury my heart
Thank you!
As our nation and people around the globe continue to grieve the loss of young lives, I offer a bit of good news and a ton of gratitude... Through the generosity of this blog's readers, several hundred dollars was raised this year (assuming all pledges are donated) to Santa's Cause, a non-profit organization in York … Continue reading Thank you!
Time out
We are all, it seems, struggling to come to terms with what happened yesterday in Newtown, Connecticut. As the awful news began to unfold, I urged friends and family members to pause and refrain from using this tragedy to further support political/policy agendas. I was unable, --am still unable --- to comprehend what happened. It … Continue reading Time out
Attitude of Gratitude
This 90-second video captures the essence of the many things I am thankful for as we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving!
Dear Mr. President
The letter I wrote to President Barack Obama on November 7, 2012: Dear Mr. President: First and foremost, please allow me to extend my most sincere congratulations on your hard-fought victory for a second term as our nation’s president. Before I proceed further, I think it is appropriate that I disclose I did not vote … Continue reading Dear Mr. President
NOTES TO CARL | LESSONS IN MEDIOCRITY 