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Does Iran really Have a Nuclear Weapon?
Everyone is talking about Iran’s potential development of an active nuclear weapon. Before anyone gets too frightened at the prospect of this announcement, let me give you some food for thought.
Before we even touch on the technical stuff, we have to look the source of these announcements; which just so happens to be coming from ultranationalist members of parliament (you know, the MTGs of Iran). Now onto the real stuff. Building a functional uranium explosive device is no easy feat. It requires some seriously complex implosion tech, and don’t get me started on ensuring an accurate delivery of a nuclear explosion.
I’m still floating – so to speak – on the glory of my first day back out on RAVEN on Friday.
She’s running just fine and I had a wonderful new friend aboard with Penobscot Bay beneath us for a sumptuous long day. At times we didn’t have very much of Penobscot Bay under us as you can see in this picture of my makeshift docking technique at Isle au Haut, but when circumstances dictate, one does what one must.
I am going to simply allow a handful of images from the day speak for me….nothing particularly great, but still, a terrific start to getting out there where I so love to be.
Efforts to remove Camden dam are misplaced
The Montgomery Dam and its waterfall are a centerpiece to Camden’s beautiful and historic core along with the library, Harbor Park (designed by the world-famous Olmsted firm), and the amphitheater.
In 2017 voters allocated $50,000 for repairs to the dam. At the same time the Camden
Comprehensive Plan, endorsed and signed by the Select Board on behalf of the Town, included Montgomery Dam restoration in its suggested 10- year Capital Improvement Plan. Interestingly, the plan did not identify any problems along the Megunticook River.
But now Camden faces an imminent threat of losing Montgomery Dam because of grant requirements within the National Coastal Resiliency Program, a worthwhile endeavor designed to promote fish passage.
This resiliency program is administered by the Federal Fish and Wildlife Foundation, in collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Department of Defense and several private corporations.
Camden does not fit the grant requirements. In its attempt to meet them, the town parroted purposes of the grant, but without a sufficient statement of need.
Magic in a small city: Eastport
Eastport, established as a town in 1798 and incorporated as a city in 1893, is one of Maine’s more fascinating locales.
In this episode of Chasing Maine, Roger McCord travels back to Eastport to present a cross-section of Eastport by interviewing three very different people in the community.
Lack of attorneys keeps Maine parents waiting in child removal cases
Parents are supposed to have 10 to 14 days to respond to accusations, but instead are sometimes waiting weeks or months while their children are placed elsewhere.
My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it.
As I did at this time last year, I am treating myself to a bit of downtime…both in honor of Mother’s Day and giving myself some time aboard RAVEN to get her spiffed up for the season ahead. So, to that end I am recycling this “hug”…
Much Higher Interest Rates for Much, Much Longer. Or Maybe Not!
Who doesn’t love spending their morning trying to understand what the Federal Reserve is doing? Oh, no takers? Well, let’s at least look at inflation trends and where I expect interest rates to go.
Thanks to COVID-related supply chain disruptions, inflation has stabilized around 3% (instead of the Fed’s magic 2%). Those baby boomers are also part of the problem. As they age into retirement, capital availability is going to decline and the Fed’s going to have rethink their strategy.
The World Needs More Babies
Well, it looks like there’s something in the water in the US and it ain’t little blue pills. The recent US Census data shows a 40-year low in the birth rate – about 1.6 per woman.
With the birth rate well below the replacement level, there could be huge economic implications that follow. There are plenty of other countries facing similar demographic issues, so the US has plenty of case studies to read up on.
Best Photos? Peter Ralston VS AI!
Imagine the amazingly talented Maine photographer Peter Ralston being challenged by an AI program. Check out this interesting story.
Tik Tik Tik Tik TOK
A little over a year ago, we discussed a potential ban on TikTok in the US. Well, President Biden finally signed the “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act”, which would ban TikTok or force its parent company, ByteDance, to sell it.
You can bet that TikTok won’t go down without a fight, so we’ll probably still be talking about this a year from now…but that still leaves Mets/Facebook to worry about!
Jane’s Walk in Camden a Success
Camden’s “Jane’s Walk” visited four of the dam sites on Megunticook River, Saturday, May 4, 2024 — 2:00 p.m. The walk showed a dramatic waterfall at each site except at Montgomery Dam. There has been an ongoing debate about the future of these dams and their waterfalls. This walk was led by volunteer members of “Save the Dam Falls,” which is offering a counter-argument to the Town of Camden’s campaign to remove the dams, millponds, and waterfalls, particularly the spectacular Montgomery Falls at the head of the harbor.
What a great response and wonderful event with 70 people and one osprey chirping up above us in a tree. He was rooting us on!
Japan Beefing up their Naval Aviation
The Japanese Navy is getting a face lift with the conversion of the Izumo-class destroyers into small supercarriers capable of holding F-35s (compliments of the US).
This marks Japan’s return to full-scale naval aviation and is a reflection of the overall strategic shift in Japan’s military posture. With regional affairs growing more dicey by the day (ahem, China), Japan is straightening out its military posture and looking to play a more assertive role.
Can RFK Jr. Alter The the 2024 Presidential Election?
RFK II has a presidential name, but I don’t think he’ll be finding himself in that position this go around. However, he does have the opportunity to cause some problems for Trump in the process.
Donald Trump has created enough challenges for himself by dividing the Republican party and alienating independents, but RFK Jr. might be able to add one more challenge to Trump’s campaign. We all know the conspiracy theorist wackadoos love Trump, but RFK Jr. is catching the eyes of some of the crazies.
Are Russians Going to Start Shipping Via Arctic Circle?
By Peter Zeihan As the ice begins to melt in the Arctic, will the Russians be able to establish a shipping route to the north? While establishing a northern sea route is possible, it won't be the gold mine its been made out to be. There are several factors that make...
Empower Your Young Musician: Songwriting Workshop with Alice Limoges
THOMASTON – Calling all parents of budding musicians! Give your tween/teen the opportunity to unlock their creative potential at the upcoming songwriting workshop presented by acclaimed local singer/songwriter Alice Limoges. Taking place on Saturday, May 11th from...
#6 Vintage Basketball 2024 Spring Session Boys Basketball Camden Hills vs Belfast December 2005
Watch this 2005 Vintage Boys Basketball game between the Windjammers of Camden Hills and the Lions of Belfast. This game was played at Camden Hills Regional High School in Rockport in December of 2005. Before the game, Charlie Crockett interviewed Sue Wootton. Playing for Coach Jeff Hart’s Windjammers were Paul Campbell, Christian Pieri, Cameron Puls, Jared Mitchell, Gordon Fischer, Noah Burke, Dave Bryant, Jake Feener, Paul Draper, and Jamie Caswell. Playing for Coach Terry Kenniston were Jake Arthurs, Ben Felton, Matt Benjamin, Yates Murphy, Colin Kennedy, and John Higgins. The announcers were Charlie Crockett and Don Palmer, and the sports videographer was Penny Crockett .
Russian Hypersonic Missiles: Unstoppable or Skeet Practice for Ukraine
Today, we’re talking about the “unstoppable” hypersonic missiles that the Russians have been hyping up over the past few years.
The hypersonics in question are the Kinzhal and Zircon, which are indeed some advanced missiles. However, we’ve already seen instances of these being intercepted with existing defense systems, such as the US Patriot. There are also several other factors that help deconstruct this Russian lie.
Europeans May Have Figured Out That RUssia’s War Plans Don’t End in Ukraine!
It looks like the Europeans may have figured out that Russia’s war plans don’t end in Ukraine, so more and more countries are beginning to send aid to the Ukrainians. The Americans, however, are still working through flawed economics and political considerations. BUT…
DAMS, WATERFALLS, AND MILLPONDS IN DOWNTOWN CAMDEN: THE TREASURES OF THE MEGUNTICOOK RIVER. Join Us for Jane’s Walk.
The Megunticook River is a very short, very steep stream in Camden, Maine. At one time there were ten or more active mills and dam sites on the stream. The town of Camden was settled and grew on the Megunticook River because of the water power of the Megunticook for...
Russia’s War Machine Reaching Twilight
While Moscow has plenty of old equipment to churn through in its attempt to drag Kyiv back into its orbit, the same cannot be said for its ability to place more bodies on front lines. Russia’s post-soviet demography was already a mess before the war. Combined with hundreds of thousands of casualties due to the war, and estimates of up to a million fighting age men who have slipped out of the country, and Russia is facing a grim inversion of its WWII challenges: while it may have plenty of (aging, derelict) equipment with which to wage war on its neighbors, young men are becoming much harder to find and even harder to replace…
Camden Maine Knowlton Dam Is Also Threatened With Demolition
In the effort to save Camden’s Montgomery Dam, it is often overlooked that the Knowlton Street Dam, a half mile upstream, has also been recommended for demolition in the Interfluve report that’s being used to justify removing the Montgomery Dam.
Peak of the Eclipse Rockport Harbor
On Monday we enjoyed the eclipse from an overlook above the harbor. Here we only experienced about 90% occlusion, but it was a gloriously warm and cloudless day. More than anything, the few peak umbral moments yet again reminded me how infinitesimal we truly are. Nature, as ever, is the greatest teacher of all…when we slow down and open ourselves to her. On a far less reflective note, we are girding ourselves for the coming season and are already feeling a bit overwhelmed even as we count our blessings given the myriad projects and opportunities right off our bow. I want to hit pause, though, for a moment to offer you – our extended family – heartfelt thanks…gratitude and appreciation that could not derive from any deeper in my me.
Ohio’s Plastics Industry’s Juicy Secret
For most of America, the shale sector looks fairly similar – traditional oil production produces natural gas as a byproduct, which is flared off until infrastructure is put in place to harness it. However, the Marcellus and Utica fields in Ohio primarily produce natural gas that is used for fuel across the central and eastern US. This is a bigger deal than it seems. If the tri-state area of Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania were a country, it would produce more natural gas than any countries save Russia and the United States itself.
Delicious Alewives
Alewives are mostly used for lobster bait. But according to The Washington Post, given the flavor …
#5 Vintage Basketball 2024 Spring Session Girls Basketball Camden-Rockport vs Belfast 12/21/1998
Watch this Vintage Girls Basketball game, played on December 21, 1998 at Camden-Rockport High School in Camden. Playing for Coach Jay Carlsen’s Windjammers were Anna Somo, Sarah Dailey, Megan Cressler, Becca Neville, Megan Bedford, Tony-Lynn Robbins, Jen Dickey, Laurem Withey, Nicole Auspline, and Karinna Russo. Starying for the Belfast Lions were Erin Herbig, Amy Flood, Amanda Brown, Jamie Marden, Amy Potvan, Liz Kelly Shawna Curtis, and Katie Lahaye. The Play-by-play broadcaster was Charlie Crockett, ststistician Don Palmer, and spots videographer Penny Crcokett. If anyone recalls who was in the Windjammer “Spirit Creature” suit for that game, please mention the name in the comments.
Washington County libraries are preparing for the future
When Sharon Kiley Mack walked into a library for the first time as a little girl, she wept at the sight of so many books.More than six decades later, Mack again found herself weeping at her local library in Machias. But this time it was because she couldn’t enter.
Maine’s firefighters rarely fight fires. Instead they’re answering medical calls.
In 2022, just 4.5 percent of calls that came into Maine fire departments were for fires. Seventy percent were for medical assistance.
For years, fire departments around the state have struggled to hire enough staff and volunteers to handle an increasing number of calls.
But in many places, those calls are no longer to fight fires — instead, departments are spending most of their time responding to medical emergencies.
Putin’s offensive capability will be gone ‘within a decade’ || Peter Zeihan
Here’s my Frontline interview with Times Radio from last week. We discussed the war in Ukraine and global security, specifically looking at what could unfold in Russia due to this conflict.
“Putin is running out of time and allies as the west doubles down on shutting Russia out of the global economy and corruption erodes his military gains in Ukraine.”
Images from Maine #180 || Peter Ralston
Slowly, slowly we trend into spring and thank our lucky stars for that. Here’s another little selection for you… of Maine, from Maine.
It’s eerily quiet along the coast now. Hereabouts we’re taking the present historic challenges extremely seriously but we know that this too shall pass and our streets and harbors will once again bustle when the current storm clears. How we look forward to seeing you back here then!
Vintage Boys Basketball # 4 Spring Season 2024 Camden-Rockport vs Rockland February 1996
Watch this 1996 Vintage Boys Basketball game between the Windjammers of Camden-Rockport and the Tigers of Rockland. This game was played at Camden-Rockport High School in Camden in February of 1996, the last game of the regular season and Parents’ Night. The players were introduced by Jon Duke, who also conducted an interview with Coach Hart. Starting for Coach Jeff Hart’s Windjammers were Jim Wilson, Jon Moro, Tory King, Tim Marden, Nate Neville, Clint Beveridge, Jeremy Marden, Zach Rogers, Max Leighton, and Nick Callannan. Starting for Coach Terrio’s Tigers were TJ Storey, Travis Reynolds, Jeremiah Labree, Matt Breen, Tolman, and Williams. The play-by-play announcer was Charlie Crockett, statistician Don Palmer, and sports videographer Penny Crockett .
Portland Stage Presents “Play Me a Story” Children’s Theater Event at Watts Hall Community Arts in Thomaston
[Thomaston] - Get ready for a morning filled with magic and excitement as Portland Stage presents "Play Me a Story" at Watts Hall Community Arts in Thomaston on Saturday, April 13th, from 10:00 am to 11:15 am.This captivating event kicks off at 10:00 am with a...
WW&F Railway Volunteer Recruitment Day Rescheduled to Saturday April 13
The Wiscasset, Waterville and Farmington Railway is entering its 35th year in preservation. Since 1989, the preserved Railway has grown from an ambitious dream and a single building on Cross Road in Alna, to one of the nation’s foremost heritage Railways: a reconstruction of the narrow gauge railroad which served the Sheepscot Valley until 1933.
All of this work has been achieved through the generous labor of our volunteers. They are the ones who have taken the dream and turned it into reality. Today’s WW&F Railway, much like the railway of 100 years ago, is a unique conveyance to vibrant attractions, like SeaLyon Farm and Midcoast Conservancy’s Trout Brook Preserve. We’re looking for volunteers of all ages, skills, and interests to join us in continuing our quest to ‘Rebuild Maine History’.
Vintage Girls Basketball # 3 Spring Season 2024 Camden Hills vs Waterville 2007
Watch this Vintage Girls Basketball game, played in 2007 at Camden Hills Regional High School in Rockport. Playing for Coach Jay Carlsen’s Windjammers were Allie Parent, Kayla Gushee, Kate Fetterman, Erika Johnson, Kala Carleton, Kristin Tedford, and Chelsea Labree. Playing for Coach Ted Reoux’s Purple Panthers were Stephanie Whitten, Sarah Given, Morgan Frame, Paige Gardiner, Elizabeth Bell, and Jen Nale . The play-by-play announcer was Charlie Crockett, statistician Don Palmer, and sports videographer Penny Crockett.
Why Are Cat’s Eyes Slits?
Perhaps it’s because they never want to miss seeing a fleeing mouse? Or a tasty treat? Or something better…?
More Than Hon Hon Hon: What Are the French Up to in Ukraine? || Peter Zeihan
There’s been recent discussions by French President Macron regarding deploying French troops to Ukraine. Is this really going to happen and why would they do this? Given France’s nationalist stance, stable demographics, and the evolving European…
Vintage Boys Basketball # 2 Spring Season 2024 Camden-Rockport vs Winslow January 1999
Watch this 1996 Vintage Boys Basketball game between the Windjammers of Camden Hills and the Black Raiders of Winslow. this game was played at Camden-Rockpot High School in Camden in January of 1996. The players were introduced by student president Tim Brown. Starting for the Coach Jeff Hart’s Windjammers were Jim Wilson, Jon Moro, Tory King, Tim Marden, Nate Neville, Zak McIntyre, Ben Spooner, Tyler Smith, Ven Marshall, Brian Fitzpatrick, DW Poole, and Nick Learnard. Starting forCoach Thurston’s Black Raiders were Todd Carter, Patrick Bard, Ty Hathworth, Josh Pliska, Nate Kurion, Ryan Caldwell, and Nate Sheward.
The Ukraine War Goes Seaborn || Peter Zeihan
The Ukrainians have made some huge strides in the maritime theater and have poked some eyebrow raising holes in Russia’s naval capabilities.
The first thing of note is the sinking of a Russian patrol vessel by Ukrainian Jetski based drones. This drone strike took place farther east than other attacks, bringing Russian detection capabilities into question.
The second incident was the sinking of a Russian landing ship. This further hampers Russia’s ability to reinforce Crimea and shows just how vulnerable Russian naval assets might be.
‘I got stuck with 30 to 40 hogs’: Meat producers frustrated by slaughterhouse backlogs
John Carter’s family has been farming in Bethel since 1791. His business, Middle Intervale Farm, brings roughly 200 head of livestock to market every year, and sells beef, lamb, eggs and produce throughout the state.
During the pandemic, as large processing plants closed, demand for the farm’s beef went up — but the availability of spots at the local slaughterhouse went down.
“I definitely got cut back,” Carter said, meaning he had to keep animals, and pay to feed them, for a longer period. “I got stuck with thirty to forty hogs. That sucked.”
Images from Maine #179 – March || Peter Ralston
First, my apologies for missing two weeks of these “hugs from Maine.” I was away traveling and I must admit that it was great to thaw out a bit.
As ever, the very best part of going away was coming home…to Maine. Having said that, it’s March which means wildly varying temps and weather conditions. We all know that this is the eve of our Mud Season, the one time of year here for which I cannot think of a single person who has much of an appetite.
Ukraine Drone Strike Hits Refining Complex Deep in Russia || Peter Zeihan
Ukraine has been ramping up drone strikes and they just successfully hit another refining complex in Russia. The strike on the Nizhny Novgorod complex triggered a major fire and caused significant damage to storage units as well as other refining equipment. The...
