Columnists
06/28/2026 · Skowhegan
The Breath Pause: Why Three Seconds Changes Everything
You already know to breathe deeply. Here's what actually happens when you do it right—and why most people are doing it wrong.
Why the Volta Is the Most Underrated Weapon in Poetry
Every great poem has a secret hinge—a moment where everything pivots. Learn to spot it, and you'll understand why some poems haunt you for years.
06/27/2026
The Dangerous Beauty of Quitting at the Right Moment
We're obsessed with persistence, but history's most interesting people knew something we've forgotten: sometimes the bravest thing you can do is stop.
06/27/2026
The Fed Just Admitted It Screwed Up the Math, and Nobody Noticed
Inflation data revisions reveal the central bank has been fighting a phantom — one that never existed at the scale they claimed. Here's why that matters for your wallet.
06/27/2026
The Silent Treatment Backfired—Now I Don't Know How to Stop
She gave him the cold shoulder to punish him. It worked. Too well. Now three weeks in, she can't figure out how to talk to him again without looking like the bad guy.
06/27/2026
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Announcements
View allMaineDOT Invites Public Input on Portland West Study at Upcoming Meetings
MaineDOT Invites Public Input on Portland West Study at Upcoming Meetings 9/10/2026 MaineDOT Invites Public Input on Portland West Study at Upcoming Meetings AUGUSTA – September 10, 2026 — The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) will host two public engagement opportunities this month as part of the Portland West Study, an initiative focused on addressing longstanding transportation challenges in South Portland, Scarborough, Westbrook, and Gorham. The study brings together local leaders, stakeholders, community members, and transportation partners to examine congestion, safety, and multimodal transportation needs that have affected the region for decades. Public input will be essential in helping shape the study’s direction and identify potential solutions. Community members are encouraged to attend one of the upcoming meetings to learn more about the study, meet the project team, share feedback, identify concerns and priorities, and help guide future analysis. Drop-in Open House Tuesday, September 22, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM Gorham Municipal Center – Shaw Gym 75 South Street, Gorham, Maine 04038 Virtual Public Meeting Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM The virtual meeting will begin with a short presentation by the project team, including interactive exercises, and a Q&A session. Please pre-register here
MaineDOT Invites Public Input on Machias Environmental Impact Statement Process
MaineDOT Invites Public Input on Machias Environmental Impact Statement Process MACHIAS – September 22, 2026 — The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) will host an in-person public hearing this month as part of the Machias Dike Bridge project regarding the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process. This will be the first formal public hearing of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process. The purpose of this hearing is to discuss the purpose and need for the project, alternatives being considered, potential environmental impacts, and for members of the public to ask questions and provide information that should be considered during the EIS process. In-Person Public Hearing Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 6:00pm Machias Memorial High School Gymnasium 1 Bulldog Lane, Machias, ME 04654 Virtual Public Meeting Presentation An on-demand virtual public meeting presentation will also be available at any time beginning September 23 through October 31, 2026, and will allow the public to submit online comments and questions. More information and access to the online virtual public meeting is available at https://mainedot.info/machias-dike
MaineDOT to Begin Demolition of Impacted Llewellyn Estes Bridge Spans
MaineDOT to Begin Demolition of Impacted Llewellyn Estes Bridge Spans OLD TOWN – October 8, 2026 — Starting October 13, the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) will begin demolition of the impacted spans of the new Llewellyn Estes Bridge over the Stillwater River. To safely complete this work, MaineDOT will periodically close the temporary bridge over the Stillwater River between 9AM and 3PM beginning Tuesday, October 13. These intermittent closures could continue into the week of October 19. Closure timing will depend on demolition operations, construction progress, weather conditions, and other site-specific factors.The work will include crews carefully separating the span from the pier and abutment, reducing it into smaller pieces, and lifting those pieces from the river for processing on land. This work will proceed slowly and carefully to protect workers and the public while minimizing damage to the pier and abutment.Temporary bridge closures are necessary because of the impacted span’s proximity to the temporary bridge and the large equipment needed to remove it. As removal work progresses downstream and farther from the temporary bridge, the need for closures will decrease. MaineDOT will use message boards to provide motorists with advance notice before temporary bridge closures occur.During closures, motorists traveling on Stillwater Avenue should follow the signed detour using Bennoch Road, North Main Street, and College Avenue to return to Stillwater Avenue. Motorists should allow extra travel time, expect delays, and use caution while traveling through the detour area and near the work zone.MaineDOT appreciates the patience and understanding of the traveling public while this work is completed. Project updates, frequently asked questions, the complete memo from the assessment team, and previously released information are available on MaineDOT’s Old Town Stillwater Avenue Bridge Replacement webpage.
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