Linus

You can't write a more powerful opening graph than this.

SCARBOROUGH (Jan 19, 2006): Sue Kirk regularly skims the obits pages, looking for children whose family members have died. For each child she finds, she packs up a handmade blanket in the hopes of providing a small measure of comfort.

The flags are scared today

On my way into work this morning, i happened to notice several flags not flying today. A little too much wind i guess. At least its 45 degrees and not snowing out like they thought.

Warming

It might make it up to 50 degrees today!! Fill those lungs with the warm air and try to hold it in for the next 3 months.

What I'm watching - Country Boys -PBS

Filmed over three years (1999-2002), "Country Boys" tracks the dramatic stories of Chris and Cody from ages 15 to 18. With the same intimate cinematic technique and sound design that distinguished "The Farmer's Wife," Sutherland's new film bears witness to the two boys' struggles to overcome the poverty and family dysfunction of their childhoods in a quest for a brighter future.

Good stuff....everyone has a story if you have the patience and fortitiude to follow it. The best thing i've seen on TV in a long time- TK

Was Bode 'drunk' or 'wasted'...is there a difference ?

What's worse, the action or the promotion of the action? Its stupid when the media tries to make its own news out of news. Some good points on jpurnalistic integreity here. The power of the Press Release.

Cross country dogging

I'll have to try this with Shadow the next time we're in Millinocket.

Clip on Skis, Hitch Rover, and Go
By STEPHEN REGENOLD
Published: January 5, 2006
FOUR years ago Carin Offerman clipped on a pair of cross-country skis, tethered herself to her giant schnauzer, Raven, and braced for a ride that would change her life. Her 70-pound dog started running, and Ms. Offerman felt the line go tight as she rocketed down the snowy trail.

Toasty

The woodstove has been a wonderful addition to our heating system so far this year. As the winter rolls on, i'm getting better at gauging how much to put in to heep things nice and toasty (but not TOO hot). One of the tricks is to use smaller pieces of wood, split from existing logs. They start to burn faster and put out just enough heat to be comfortable. our oil bill has been saved so far by supplementing with wood...now the question is if we reorder/restock as we're just abouot half way through our cord with a lot of winter still left hear in maine. I've got to find better storage options next year...and get in on a bulk buy for next winter.

What I just read - Double Play

Robert Parker steps away from Spenser and takes a look at what it was like to be Jackie Robinson's shadow.

Hot or Not in 2006

Feeling good...in.
Staying in touch....in.
Meanies...out.

We'll see.

Twin Pines- A million dollar view...and they know it

Jeesh....these rates are crazy!! All i can say is that i hope Dan is getting a raise!

Parking

Paddy was driving down the street in a sweat because he had an important
meeting and couldn't find a parking place.
Looking up to heaven he said, "Lord take pity on me. If you find me a
parking place I will go to Mass every Sunday for the rest of me life and
give up me Irish Whiskey".
Miraculously, a parking place appeared.
Paddy looked up again and said, "Never mind, I found one."

What's next ? Schlitz ?

So when the heck did Pabst Blue Ribbon and Miller High Life beer come back into style ?? I was out at a bar a few days ago and some College aged guys came in and were downing them all night. maybe they were just a lot cheaper than the 30 plus other good beers they have on tap there ? it was strange.

Mom is staying with us for Christmas

Lot's of fun with the kids and all of us too.

Beatles - live, better than they could even do (back then)

Not sure if i posted this before...but these were the guys that i heard on the radio over the summer (Howard Stern) playing a live version of 'I am the walrus' in the studio. It was amazing. John, Paul, Ringo and George couldn't even pull it off back in the day.

Hopefully, these guys will find their way to Portland one of these days.

A Lexus for Christmas? It Happens

"Lexus now sells more vehicles in December than in any other month, and the campaign has spurred similar ads from rivals, including General Motors and Jaguar."

Big red bows anyone ?- TK

Bye Bye Johnny, Bye Bye

''It was a very tough decision, but New York came after me aggressively and that's what sealed the deal," Damon told Channel 4 last night. ''They showed they really wanted me. I tried with Boston, waiting for them to step up, but unfortunately they didn't and now I'm headed to New York

Do good search

Support your favorite charity or school whenever you search the Internet.

Millinocket Regional Hospital is listed...This clicks for you Lorena!

Darcy's Legacy Remembered

Darcy's Award-Winning Essay
This essay from Darcy's series of audio journal entries on living with ALS is titled "FALLING". It aired in June of 2004, and later won a national award from Public Radio News Directors Incorporated. Darcy Wakefield was a regular contributor to Maine Things Considered. She died this weekend after a two year battle with ALS. She was 35.

Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.®

The Writer's Almanac

Different

We got a little under a foot of snow on friday...guess what? there was no "milk and bread" frenzy at the supermarket, no media "December Blast 2005!!" 24x7 snow coverage...from locations across the state, there was no panic, no anxiety, no worries about what I'm going to do in the car for 3 hrs as i try to get home 15 miles away. It's december, it snowed, its going to snow again. move on.

I like it