One unfortunate aspect of these busy times, as many of us recognize, is the inability of groups and organizations to sustain their memberships and continue to implement their goals and objectives. Openly recognizing that problem is the Winterport Woman’s Club, wrote Tammy Higgins, which has… Read More
What’s my favorite Web site? That’s an easy question with two answers. You can call it www.bangornews.com or www.bangordailynews.com Either address will get you there. The exciting news for today is that our obituary archive for the last few years, which was off-line for a… Read More
The Wild West, or what was left of it, still beckoned Mainers a century ago. Since before the Civil War, their brothers, sisters, cousins, uncles and aunts had been packing up and moving there by the thousands in search of the good life. Some had returned, their curiosity… Read More
In theaters THE DUCHESS, directed by Saul Dibb, written by Dibb, Jeffrey Hatcher and Anders Thomas Jensen, 105 minutes, rated PG-13. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i… Read More
“What’s this?” my wife said. She held up a shiny, speckled red ball about the size of an acorn. Me being the amateur naturalist and science fictionist in the house, and everybody else being merely curious, she expected I’d have an answer, or at least… Read More
Now that most Democrats and even some Republicans are calling for more regulation of Wall Street’s investment and banking industries, it seems fair to recall Sen. John McCain’s ethics violation early in his Senate career during an era of banking regulation. McCain’s violation then concerned his attempts to… Read More
I am writing to rebut the misinformation and pseudo-science that is being circulated by two prominent nongovernmental organizations that oppose the Lily Bay development proposed by Plum Creek. Their assertions are that the proposed development would eliminate critical lynx habitat and compromise the viability of lynx in the… Read More
Cartoonist Wiley Miller’s “Non Sequitur” offering in the Thursday morning newspaper was nothing if not timely. It showed two grizzled prisoners, both in chains, languishing in a dark, dank dungeon. One, seated on the floor, is simply chained to a wall. The other is chained… Read More
“Just don’t look!” seems to be the advice from the so-called “financial experts” as the Dow keeps tumbling. Don’t look at that quarterly 401(k) statement that beckons from the bottom of the discarded mail pile. Don’t watch too much news because it will only serve… Read More
Amanda is a kind-hearted, social teenager who enjoys playing games and going to church. All of her favorite activities would be more enjoyable for her if she had a family to do them with. She is funny and easy to spend time with. She likes… Read More
The Penobscot Valley Ski Club’s 38th annual Ski and Snowboard Equipment Sale will be held 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Bangor Parks and Recreation Building on Main Street. Sally Burke reports that “new and used equipment, including cross-country and downhill skis, boots,… Read More
Much has been said about insulation, alternative heating systems, etc. But the essential problem is “thermal comfort.” We tend to think of temperature alone as the condition dictating comfort, but air velocity, clothing, activity, mean radiant temperature and relative humidity also contribute to thermal comfort. The most overrated… Read More
Many of the tools we use today are cordless. What a revolution we have lived through over the past 20 years regarding these tools. My first cordless tool was a Makita 9.6-volt cordless drill. It was a like a gift from God, when you consider… Read More
Dark-haired, 20-year old Katherine Buckley had decided to wear her white blouse with a blue serge jacket and skirt that night. But it didn’t really matter. What she ordered for dinner didn’t matter, either. She might as well have rung up a big bill and… Read More
Perhaps it’s time to rethink pink. I’m not [a] colorist (or stylist, for that matter). Some of my best friends are pink. They’re even pinker on those first few bikini-weather days in Maine. But when it comes to the marketing blitz that has become Breast… Read More
Red Flannel Hash even sounds warm. A few weeks ago someone wrote to ask if anyone had a recipe for it and I thought, I know how to make that! An image of an old-fashioned New England boiled dinner floated before my mind’s eye. Corned beef and white… Read More
I don’t know what a “motherboard” is. But I know I need a new one. For $300. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) {… Read More
At a time when there seems to be nothing but rough seas roiling around us economically, it’s not a bad moment to let Emily Dickinson remind us, “There is no Frigate like a Book/ To take us Lands away.” I would add, there is no port like a… Read More
Typically in October, as you look west coming into Ellsworth on Main Street, you see the banks of the Union River turned muddy yellow with the fall foliage of Norway maples, a thriving population of non-native invasive trees, escapees from local yards. The scene always makes me feel… Read More
“American Gangster” Blu-ray: Denzel Washington is real-life crime boss Frank Lucas, who from 1968 to 1975 built a drug empire in Harlem that rivaled anything built by his competition – the mob, with whom he eventually got into bed, and Harlem rival Nicky Barnes (Cuba Gooding Jr.), with… Read More
In the spring of 2001, my son was recruited by a Wall Street investment firm. I naturally think my son is brilliant, but I remember being puzzled at the time. He had never taken an economics course and had never showed any interest in business. He was a… Read More
ClickBack participants this week took on the 2nd District congressional race and the Palin-Biden debate. Look for new questions in Tuesday’s editorial column, or post your own at bangordailynews.com. Is John Frary a worthy alternative to Mike Michaud? googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
My life is about to change 150 degrees Fahrenheit. I’m exchanging the scorching deserts of southern Arizona for the frigid, polar desert of Antarctica. From temperatures in the triple digits, I’ll soon be back in the subzero climate of the South Pole. The word “extremism”… Read More
Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Amanda L. Gray has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio. Gray is the daughter of Wallace Gray of Main Street, and Martha Gray of Grant Road, both of Corinth. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
Air Force Airman Daniel P. Duplessis has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio. Duplessi is the son of Richard and Mary Duplessis of Caribou Road, Presque Isle. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
Reserved tickets for two same-day events with St. Joseph Hospital Auxiliary as host and sponsored by Ed and Mary Clift, are available at Patrick’s Hallmark in the Broadway Shopping Center and Helen’s at the St. Joseph Hospital Gift Shop, both in Bangor, or by calling Marie Demaso at… Read More
In theaters In addition to the week’s most recommended new release, “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist,” two other movies opened in area theaters this week, and here’s what they have in common. Each is about as satisfying as one of those mystery grab bags offered… Read More
I’m lovin’ “The Locator.” I’m not sure how I ever missed this one before, but Troy Dunn is amazing in WeTV’s reality show, which links long-lost family members and friends. I don’t know how he does it (I’m sure they don’t show the unsuccessful cases),… Read More
At the age of 22, Christian Cuff was living under the 59th Street Bridge in Manhattan. He had 200 bucks and a guitar to his name. Ostensibly in New York City to try to make a break as a songwriter, he discovered things didn’t quite work out as… Read More
The headline “Plum Creek told: Take it or leave it”(BDN, Oct. 2) gives the feel of a plucky ultimatum that puts a massive corporation in its place. But the content of the article, in contrast, exudes capitulation. Despite changes to the proposal to develop enormous swaths in the… Read More
The 22nd annual Eastport Chamber of Commerce Salmon Dinner, which was scheduled for Sept. 7, “had to be canceled because of extreme weather conditions,” explained Eleanor Norton of Eastport. However, “a group of citizens from the Chamber of Commerce and Christ Episcopal Church decided to… Read More
Many seniors live with the fear of falling, which can be almost as dangerous as falling itself – just in a different way. Those who develop this fear often limit their activities, resulting in physical de-conditioning, making the risk of falling even greater. It is… Read More
While visiting friends on Deer Isle recently, we were having a congenial lunch on a porch overlooking Eggemoggin Reach, the body of water spanned by the bridge to Deer Isle. Suddenly, a small flock of white-winged crossbills flew in. They landed in the top of… Read More
There has been a growing controversy over a proposed new law called the Employee Free Choice Act, or EFCA, also known as the “card check” bill. This bill was passed by the House of Representatives in March 2007, and has since been stalled in the Senate. Read More
I’m not real sure what emotions O.J. Simpson is feeling right now; but I bet triskaidekaphobia is one of them. Triskaidekaphobia is the fear – some say irrational fear – of the number 13. I doubt O.J. thinks it’s irrational. After all, it was 13 years to the… Read More
BANGOR – Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Johnathan Smith has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Smith is the brother of Melissa Smith of Bangor. In 2005, the airman graduated from Bangor High School. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
A Bangor woman found herself in hot water Monday night after she was pulled over for speeding in Eddington. Not only did she provide police a fake name, she also was found to be driving without a valid driver’s license, according to Deputy Daren Mason… Read More
Cherryfield Academy is a “nonprofit organization dedicated to the restoration of the Academy building,” wrote Nancy Willey in announcing Cherryfield Academy’s Harvest Festival. That event is 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at the academy, and features activities for folks of all ages. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
Raising the Bah It’s Bah’s World, we just live in it. Bah’s Bakehouse and Stella’s in Castine, both owned by the talented and charming Bah Macomber, has launched a spiffy new Web site, designed by Tirranna LLC. On www.bahsworld.com plugged-in foodies can view videos of… Read More
You may cross me off your Christmas list for saying this, but most of us have not been a whole lot more responsible about the future of our country’s economic health than the idiots on Wall Street. This thought occurred to me as I was… Read More
About two years ago, Grow Smart Maine released the Brookings Institution report “Charting Maine’s Future.” GrowSmart is a statewide organization of 5,200 Maine people who reflect the full range of Maine’s political perspectives: rural and urban, north and south, rich and struggling, liberals and conservatives. We have two… Read More
A Bangor man whom police had dealt with several times on Sunday was arrested that afternoon after he got into a fight on Third Street, according to Bangor police. Officers responded to a report of a fight at 1:40 p.m. and arrested Joseph Bolt, 25,… Read More
Literacy Volunteers of Bangor executive director Mary Marin Lyon asks you to consider this problem: “Living in a community where you do not understand the language, and cannot read the written word.” Then Lyon asks you to imagine yourself as part of the solution to… Read More
The fact is, most of us need to work. No matter where we work, thermostats are likely to be turned down this winter to keep fuel budgets in check. No doubt we’ll experience cold hands. Time to plan ahead and think about wearing mitts, at work and at… Read More
On Sept. 5, the European Space Agency’s Rosetta deep-space probe flew past an asteroid located in the asteroid belt orbiting between Mars and Jupiter. The probe passed within 500 miles of the asteroid that is located 250 million miles from Earth. Images will be sent… Read More
Q. When I was a kid, I made money by mowing lawns and shoveling snow. Now that I’m old enough to want to hire some kid to do the same for me, my wife says we can’t, that we have to hire professional services with their own insurance,… Read More
The schemes have been around for half a dozen years, in various flavors. Their targets, as always, are unwary consumers. They masquerade as some of our historically reliable financial institutions – banks. They operate in the manner of most online phishing scams: an e-mail arrives,… Read More
Whatever consumes the media between now and November, one significant note was struck already this year, when attuned voters heard about the defiance of two independents, who refused to play by the party rules, and ran for the U.S. Senate in Maine. “Coordinated campaigns” aside,… Read More
Over the last few months I have been knocking on doors, attending community forums and listening to my neighbors. I believe this is something all candidates for public office should be doing if they want to give voters of their districts the ability to meet the candidates they… Read More
I was standing in a field watching my son’s soccer game one Saturday morning when I looked up and saw a military cargo jet, so big and gray it might as well have been a whale, cutting across the sky in a slow, deliberate arc. You could not… Read More
The annual auction to benefit the Maine Discovery Museum, one of Bangor’s major downtown attractions, also serves as a major fundraiser for the organization that appeals to visitors of all ages from near and far. As preparations are under way for the sixth annual event… Read More
The Androscoggin County town of Turner was first called Sylvester, Sylvestertown and Sylvester Canada – and with good reason. The land was first granted to Capt. Joseph Sylvester and his company for service in the expedition against Canada in 1690, though it was decades before… Read More
Was Bangor experiencing a “drouth” a century ago this summer – a liquor drought that is? A Bangor Daily News reporter, who doubtlessly had visited more than a few of the seamy watering places on Exchange Street and other nearby avenues where the drinking crowd gathered, tried to… Read More
In theaters NICK AND NORAH’S INFINITE PLAYLIST, directed by Peter Sollett, written by Lorene Scafaria, 90 minutes, rated PG-13. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length;… Read More
Last weekend, when the government of China boasted how its astronauts had begun a long-awaited space mission that would feature the first space walk by Chinese astronauts, the report on the Web site of China’s official news agency, Xinhua, aired hours before their rocket ship had even left… Read More
A word of praise for the often maligned Land Use Regulation Commission: Thank you, commissioners, for a job thoughtfully, responsibly, courageously and well done, and within the law. And thanks, too, to the staff and consultant team who have helped us all through this long, hard slog. Read More
I figured back in May that this was going to be an interesting season of guiding. My fishing clients include physicians, investment bankers, owners of large and small companies, lawyers and other professionals. I was sure there would be plenty of economic anxiety, but the really hot topic… Read More
There appears to be a conflict afoot in Greenville, where the town fathers are sick and tired of hungry, naked diners in search of a free meal dashing into the great Moosehead Lake in full view of tourists and locals alike. I can’t say I… Read More
Kaylee enjoys the same things many girls her age enjoy – playing with her Barbie dolls, eating ice cream and listening to music. She spends her free time reading, playing with dolls and dancing in her room. She likes to play dress-up and has quite a knack for… Read More
Early-bird registration has been extended to Wednesday, Oct. 8, for those interested in attending the Blaine House Conference on Volunteerism, reports Rochelle Runge. The conference, “Blueprint for the Future: Stronger Communities Through Service,” is 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, at the University… Read More
Every year, once Labor Day hits, we all get serious about winter. Of course, everyone and anyone involved in heating or energy is right out straight this year. This is especially true with energy auditors. They are running from house to house with their imaging cameras and blower… Read More
We can learn a lot about our society from watching “Lost.” This isn’t because “Lost” is some sort of deep, philosophical work. On the contrary, “Lost” is ridiculously shallow. It’s also ridiculously entertaining, and its shallowness is at least part of the reason. When “Lost”… Read More
He hadn’t been in a fight since we left Bangor. We thought he had finally turned his life – and his wayward habits – around. Then, out of the blue, he comes home one night, bloodied and battered. Looking way worse for the wear. Crying… Read More
There probably cannot be a more fitting topic for a column called “Notes from the Deep End” than this one. The column was conceived as a weekly piece offering advice for times when life throws us into the deep end, practically and emotionally. Well, both deep-end experiences occurred… Read More
Why is there always a breeze when one is trying to maneuver giant, lightweight pieces of cloth? So it was when the first big frost threatened in mid-September when I decided to haul out the row covers to protect the vegetables and flowers. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
I could have bought him a beer (two). I should have bought him a beer (two). But no. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++)… Read More
A few weeks ago when we featured good old baked beans in this column as an economical alternative for supper, Peggy Drinkwater in Greenbush was inspired to send along a recipe she likes that uses baked beans. Chuck Wagon Beans will remind you a little bit of chili… Read More
“Dawn of the Dead (2004)” Blu-ray: Zack Snyder’s excellent, often darkly hilarious remake of George Romero’s 1978 horror classic is exactly the movie it should it have been. It respects the first film, it builds upon what was there, it takes elements of the story and makes them… Read More
As some of you know, this was a dismal year for raspberries. We picked a few handfuls of the earliest berries while working in the garden, but then, as the main crop matured, the rains came. Ripe raspberries, red and purple, turned to moldy mush overnight. Read More
This week, ClickBack asked readers to consider the bailout, Sarah Palin and the recent presidential debate. Here are some of the comments. Go to bangordailynews.com and pull down the Opinion menu and look for ClickBack to participate. Look for more questions on Tuesday. Will the… Read More
Imagine the courthouse doors slamming shut. If current budget goals are imposed on the court system, a number of courthouses around the state may be closed for good. At those courthouses that survive, shortages of clerks and other staff will reduce the ability to resolve the variety of… Read More
I know right away that Karl Hoffman is a good guy because of how happy his animals are. When we pull into the driveway of his Arizona ranch, two of his horses come out to greet us like giant, overgrown housecats. They stick their noses into the car… Read More
A Bangor man who recently sold drugs to undercover agents of the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency was seen walking down a Bangor street on Tuesday and arrested by Bangor police. Walter Wilhelm II, 53, who lists his address as the Bangor Homeless Shelter, was part… Read More
The public is invited to the Eastern Maine Community College annual Autumn Shindig, a scholarship fundraiser and auction, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at Spectacular Event Center on Griffin Road in Bangor. Elizabeth Clayton of EMCC wrote this is a “denim preferred, flannel optional” event,… Read More
Losing three members of a five-piece band has at least one upshot – the remaining two musicians can sell the van. Justin Wiley and Joshua Francis from the Portland-based electro-rock duo Dreamosaic did just that earlier this year. “It makes for an extremely mobile situation,”… Read More
Retro is everywhere, and now it’s creeping onto our television screens with more frequency. It used to be that Nick At Night was where you’d find reruns of your old favorites, but it seems that reruns are out and redos are in. They’ve already brought… Read More
On DVD TAXI TO THE DARK SIDE, written and directed by Alex Gibney, 106 minutes, rated R. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) {… Read More
Maureen O’Brien has been named news director for TV stations WLBZ 2 in Bangor and WCSH 6 in Portland. Before coming to Gannett’s Maine stations in September 2003, she served as executive producer at WPTZ-TV in Burlington, Vt. She was a newscast and special projects producer at WGME-TV… Read More
Nearly 10 years have elapsed since first we heard the name Plum Creek here in the Moosehead Region. During that time, we have all come to learn much about the workings of the corporate machine, regulatory agencies and land use policy, as well as of the will of… Read More
I have been an enrolled Republican all my adult life. I cast my first presidential vote for Ike Eisenhower in 1952. The upcoming election is the most important I have ever seen. The administration of George W. Bush and the Republican Party has been the worst in the… Read More
A Bangor woman who was arrested for driving under the influence Monday night apparently became belligerent and assaulted two Penobscot County Jail deputies. “She was uncooperative from the start,” Bangor police Sgt. Bob Bishop said Tuesday. “She tried to escape from the booking room.” googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
Members of a fundraising committee at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bangor invite you to attend a benefit spaghetti supper from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at St. Mary’s Parish Center at All Saints School on Ohio Street in Bangor. The event is… Read More
I had a great month for vireos in September, seeing four species in my yard. Other birders saw yet another vireo species at the Fields Pond Audubon Center – a vireo never seen there before and the 133rd bird species found there. Vireos are interesting… Read More
You may have heard on TV or read in the newspaper lately that most animal shelters are at capacity, and that there are just not enough loving homes to ease the burden. It is heartbreaking. But did you know that seniors and pets are a… Read More
In the story Chicken Little, an acorn falls on the chicken’s head and leads him to declare: “The sky is falling.” With the convergence of a $700 billion bailout in the works at the federal level, unemployment rising and a Maine winter fast approaching with $4-a-gallon heating oil,… Read More
I did a Web search for the world’s dullest person – I wanted to let him or her know that this past Friday they lost their title. There actually is a Web site that corrected my errant thinking by stating the obvious. See, once the dullest person in… Read More
Two fundraisers are planned to benefit 1-year-old Isiah Washburn of Newport, the son of Jennie Ireland and Josh Washburn, who has been diagnosed with Hurler syndrome. According to Isiah’s Web site, “This disease is very rare, incurable and fatal without immediate treatment.” googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
Oktoberfest on MDI Throw your beer stein into the dishwasher, get your liederhosen dry-cleaned, and whet your appetite for some Wiener schnitzel; the 13th annual Acadia’s Oktoberfest Celebration is set for Saturday, Oct. 11, at Smuggler’s Den Campground on Mount Desert Island. Twenty three brew… Read More
A Portland friend recently sent me a letter he has submitted to The New York Times: “Re: the blandishments of Messrs. Paulson and Bernanke to the Senate Banking Committee, I am struck by the irony that when the [expletive] hits the fan in the financial markets, we are… Read More
United States taxpayers have assumed responsibility for over $5 trillion in home mortgages as a result of the federal takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. A broader bailout of the financial industry is pending, after a series of collapses that would have been unthinkable just weeks ago. Read More
As today is the 70th anniversary of the Munich Conference, it is worth noting that President George Bush and Sen. John McCain have introduced this event as an instructional tool in our presidential election year. Munich’s most celebrated lesson, of course, is that Neville Chamberlain mistakenly chose to… Read More
Womancare-Aegis Association of Dover-Foxcroft volunteer program coordinator Ginger Hutchins reports its annual walk and race to end domestic abuse begins with registration and breakfast at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Piscataquis Community Middle School on Blaine Avenue in Guilford. It features a family walk… Read More
When the Wednesday Spinners get together, as they have since 1975, they are participating in Maine’s fiber economy, a farm-based industry, with roots in the rock, that raises fiber animals such as sheep and alpacas, and produces yarn spun from the fleece of those animals. They are women… Read More
Our topic comes from an issue brought to our attention just last week from someone in the Millinocket area. It’s worth noting that our consumer did a lot of things right, including noting several written tip-offs, in order not to become a victim. The case… Read More
On a daily basis in summer I stand on the back deck looking over my backyard. For the most part, except for those nasty dandelions, it is well groomed and up to the standards of my neighborhood. Dandelions: I can’t keep ahead of them; the more I knock… Read More
The major political parties’ conventions are over. Hoopla notwithstanding, 80 percent of Americans still believe our nation is on the wrong track; and for good reason – people are hurting. The experts tell us that the nation’s decline is inevitable. I don’t know about you,… Read More
Before I share my thoughts about Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and her role as Sen. John McCain’s running mate, I need to tell you how Dustin and I once made an offer on a house. Dustin was house-hunting in another city while I was in Florida with the… Read More
Considering that a study reported this summer in the Bangor Daily News indicates the annual cancer rate for Washington County is above the Maine average, the free conference “There is Hope Here in Washington County” should be a “must-attend” event for many people. Tami Dinsmore… Read More
If you were an up-and-coming young man in Bangor a century ago, chances are you were looking for an exclusive club to boost your social standing. The Conduskeag Canoe and Country Club was a good bet. Of course, not just anybody could get into the club. It was… Read More
The family histories are 929s, and the town histories are 974s. Knowing that will help you navigate facilities such as Bangor Public Library and Maine State Library in Augusta. But Special Collections at the University of Maine’s Fogler Library in Orono has its own numbering… Read More