Books have long provided what sociologists call third places — that is, hangouts that are neither work or home. Both bookstores and libraries fill the bill. These third places provide company and a sense of community. If you think that an hour of quiet reading isn’t a big draw, consider: One New York bar charges a $10 admission fee per reading session and has 270 people on its waiting list.
Alex Lear
A Maine native and Colby College graduate, Alex has been covering coastal communities since 2001. He lives in the Portland area with his wife Lauren, 4-year-old daughter Alaina, and 7-year-old bulldog Walter. He has released four CDs of original music and does occasional research work for Marvel Comics' collected editions.
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Posted inLetters, Opinion
Joel Olstein: Hamas weapons storage endangers civilians in Gaza
The Sun Journal has been reporting on the unfortunate plight of civilians In Gaza. Sadly, Hamas stores many of its weaponry in schools, hospitals and mosques. This strategy makes civilian loss of life inevitable. Very sad. Joel Olstein, Auburn
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Stan Tetenman: Suggested legislative priorities during short session
The legislature is beginning its short session next month. I suggest the following for their consideration. First, gun control: A red flag law, a limit on magazine capacities of five to 10 rounds, background checks for sale of all guns, a waiting period of perhaps three days. These measures wouldn’t prohibit someone from legally purchasing […]
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Cal Thomas: Ignorance and apathy
Deliberate ignorance and false teaching about events here and in the Middle East and China, along with the refusal of American media to pay serious attention to the connection between foreign donations and university policies and teaching, plays into the hands of those who do not wish America well.
Posted inLetters, Opinion
William Phillips: U.S. could learn from other countries’ traffic, gun control measures
I recently returned from a long trip to New Zealand and Australia. Aside from the tourism experience, which was great, we made some observations from which we feel our state and federal governments could learn. We drove a car in New Zealand, Australia, and its island of Tasmania. No one was speeding. There are traffic […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Philip Blampied: Amend state law to help ease Maine’s housing woes
A change in state law could open up hundreds, perhaps thousands of desperately needed new housing units in Maine. These units are the empty bedrooms in single family homes, particularly numerous in a state like Maine with an aging population and “empty nests.” These bedrooms could be rented out, but state law makes it unwise […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Marc Gosselin: The 19th victim
Many don’t understand depression — hearing voices, paranoia, psychosis, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or the fringes of extreme trauma. I do. And I know the agony and craziness that it entails. Thank goodness for me, the Veterans Administration was able to help. Apparently, the military faltered for the Lewiston shooter, Robert Card. I am in no […]