It’s been a crazy, hectic and somewhat emotional week. On the work front, I was dealing with back-to-back significant news stories that took up a lot of my energy and time. And -- Laura chipped a tooth while eating a salad (Exhibit 104 of why you should avoid salads). The ensuing emergency dental visit put … Continue reading Fear and Loathing in Biddeford
Category: BLOG POSTS
Commentary that has not been published elsewhere.
An Open Letter to Rep. Marc Malon: Transparency is needed and necessary
Dear Marc, I just read your recent “Cleaning Out the Notebook” piece that you posted on Facebook. Overall, this is a good and interesting piece; a valuable behind-the-scenes view for those of us not watching Augusta as closely as we should. Although I sometimes disagree with your positions, I do admire your tenacity and your … Continue reading An Open Letter to Rep. Marc Malon: Transparency is needed and necessary
Remembering ‘Vinny’
Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman and members of the city council set aside some time at the beginning of Tuesday’s council meeting to remember and honor one of the city’s most iconic Irish residents. Patrick “Vincent” Keely, a former city councilor and the owner of the Wonderbar, died on April 8 this year. He was 90. … Continue reading Remembering ‘Vinny’
Merchant is a dumbass; Grohman is not a “Nazi”
Despite what one downtown merchant in Biddeford is saying on Facebook, Mayor Marty Grohman – despite his pale skin tone, blonde hair and blue eyes – is not a member of the Aryan Nation. I’ll be kind and not call the merchant out by name -- but calling the mayor a “Nazi” for something he … Continue reading Merchant is a dumbass; Grohman is not a “Nazi”
Maine’s 2026 midterms pose a dilemma for both Republicans and Democrats
Okay, so now it's official. Former Gov. Paul LePage (Maine's own version of Donald Trump) has finally announced that he will seek the CD2 seat, now occupied by Democrat Jared Golden who won his last election in 2024 with a razor-thin majority. Will Golden try to hold his seat, or maybe buy a couple new … Continue reading Maine’s 2026 midterms pose a dilemma for both Republicans and Democrats
Blinded By the Light: A public-school teacher goes off the rails
As first reported this morning by the Maine Wire – a politically conservative media outlet -- a Waterville public teacher is now facing scrutiny and widespread backlash after making a post on social media that calls for people to physically harm President Donald Trump and his supporters. Notice how I chose my words carefully. Using … Continue reading Blinded By the Light: A public-school teacher goes off the rails
GLORY DAYS, oh they will pass you by
Yesterday was “Career Day” at the Biddeford Intermediate School, an annual event that gives third, fourth and fifth-graders an opportunity to explore various career fields. I was asked to be one of the many presenters, but I knew that I was in trouble as soon as I walked through the front-door, clutching a stack of … Continue reading GLORY DAYS, oh they will pass you by
Games Without Frontiers
Last night, I watched President Trump's address to Congress. For those of you complaining about the boorish behavior of some Democrats: 1.) You are right. Several members of Congress acted like six-year-olds in a playground. 2.) You have very short memories. Do you not remember Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene screaming at Biden; or when Rep. … Continue reading Games Without Frontiers
Godzilla, KFC and your last breath
Lots of people asked me today what I am doing to celebrate my birthday. The following is not made up or me trying to be funny, in fact just the opposite. I made brunch this morning for Laura and myself. We took a quick drive along a small part of southern Maine's coastline. Got home. … Continue reading Godzilla, KFC and your last breath
Voices Carry
I understand that tensions are high, and that feelings are raw on the national political stage, but I still think we can engage in robust discussion and debate without marginalizing millions of Americans who suffer daily with varying degrees of mental illness. Reading some of the social media commentary regarding the U.S. Senate confirmation hearings … Continue reading Voices Carry
NOTES TO CARL | LESSONS IN MEDIOCRITY 