Charlie and Penny Crockett

Post-COVID China: Will the Economy Bump or Slump?

As countries across the globe peeled back COVID restrictions, many of those economies saw huge (and much-needed) bumps. With China approaching six months since lifting its lockdown, the question on everyone’s mind is why hasn’t the world’s second-largest economy seen an economic bump?

I won’t hold my breath, and the Chinese shouldn’t, either. There is simply too much going on in the Chinese system for reopening to fix everything magically. Between countries pulling their manufacturing needs from China in favor of reshoring, a growing anti-China sentiment, and a terminal demographic situation…China isn’t looking so hot.

Gelato Alert! in Rockport

We welcome Rockport’s newest addition, Freya’s Gelato and Sorbet and Crepes!

Freya’s gelato flavors rotate frequently according to season and ingredient availability. Freya’s gelato is made with milk and cream sourced from Maine farms and includes fresh local ingredients when available.

Dear Friends: Images From Maine #148 — Peter Ralston

Last summer I was out on Vinalhaven in the course of one of our Raven trips when I spied this old propellor lying amidst all the other stuff that inevitably accumulates on working wharves.

I was instantly drawn to it…love at first sight. Perhaps it’s the patina that comes with oxidization, surely the dents, dings and holes have a lot to do with it, but all-in-all, I could feel the many years of hard use it had endured.

I was very pleased by this latest instance of an image and a host of stories finding me and I made a few exposures…but then I was faced by a moral dilemma.

The Ukrainian Counter-Offensive Is Upon Us

There are three main assaults to follow: one of strategic importance and the others being a mix of strategic and emotional significance.

Of Ukrainian Dams and Damn Trolls: A Reflection by Peter Zeihan

By Peter Zeihan A deep dive into the Kakhovka Dam that was destroyed by the Russians. Who probably did what and why. Also an interesting discussion of what has been happening with Russian Internet trolls. https://youtu.be/XlrUkIRCSWI

Thomaston Green (former Maine State Prison Property) and Voter Supression

Why would people be interested in a small town election? Because in Thomaston, Maine, there is a case of voter suppression and deafness on the part of the Select Board to the demands made by the community at a recent Public Hearing on June 1.

Ethanol Free Gas Available in All of Maine.

Maine has long been the home of many lawn mowers, chain saws, outboard motors, jet skis, snow mobiles, automobiles and other gas powered devices. In the southern part of Maine it has been illegal to sell ethanol free gas except for airplanes and race cars. This law...

Going Places 2023 : Toppers Rhum Distillery St. Maarten

In this 2023 episode of Going Places with Charlie & Penny, we visit a top tourist destination in St. Maarten – Topper’s Rhum Distillery Tour. Learn all about rum distilling and bottling and all the various specialty rhums ( French spelling) that Topper makes. In upcoming episodes, we will have more from the friendly island, St. Maarten.

Ukraine War Q&A Series: Why Worry About Ukraine’s Agriculture Exports?

Ukraine’s preferred route for its bulk wheat and maize exports has always been water—specifically via the Black Sea. Now you’re probably thinking, “Even with seaborne export routes being blocked by Russia, can’t Ukraine just send stuff by rail to neighboring countries?” Theoretically, yes, but there are a few problems.

Ukraine War Q&A Series: Why Does Russia Have Oil Supply Issues?

Like CA or NY, most Russian oil is produced in one area, refined in another, and then needs to be shipped to its final destination. For the Russians, thousands of miles separate each of those steps. To complicate this supply chain even further, most of this stuff must be trucked into Ukraine since the Kerch Strait Bridge rail capabilities are gone.