CURRENT LOCAL COVID STATS
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...
Vintage Girls Basketball # 1 Spring Season 2024 Camden Hills vs Oak Hills December 2005
Watch this Vintage Girls Basketball game, played in December 2005 at Camden Hills regional High School in Rockport. Playing for Coach Jay Carlsen’s Windjammers were Allie Parent, Kayla Gushee, Carley Holgerson, Charitian Richard, Marianne Croce, Kate Fetterman, Erkia Johnson, Georgia Smith, Molly Kwaitkowski, and Chelsea Labrie. Playing for the Oak Hill Raiders were Amber Provost, Emily Sabine, Ashley LaBree, Kristen Eaton, Casey Cupfer, Tabitha Tucci, and Katland Wells. The play-by-play announcer was Charlie Crockett, statistician Don Palmer, and sports videographer Penny Crockett.
Europe’s Latest Crisis: Farmers On Strike || Peter Zeihan
If you’ve seen the videos of tractors driving through city centers and spraying manure on government buildings, then you’re well aware of the farmer protests happening throughout Europe…but why are they protesting?
Images From Maine #178 || Peter Ralston
Lest you think that winter here doesn’t also have its gentler, more soul-nurturing side, I am sharing with you a “hug” I sent last year at this time. I hope that you enjoy it…again.
Much as I love winter here and usually go out of way to avoid leaving Maine, today I am again taking off for parts south for a week…and may possibly forgo my note to you next Sunday. In any event, all of us here wish you and yours all the best as well.
Maine Class B Boys State Championship Basketball game Oceanside vs Orono 3/1/2024
Watch this 2024 Maine Class B Boys Basketball State Championship game between the Mariners of Oceanside and the Red Riots of Orono. This game was played at the The Cross Insurance Center in Bangor on Friday 3/1/2024. The play-by-play announcer was Charlie Crockett and the sports videographer was Penny Crockett.
Maine Class B Girls State Basketball Championship Oceanside vs Old Town 3/1/2024
Watch this 2024 Maine Class B Girls Basketball State Championship game between the Mariners of Oceanside and the Coyotes of Old Town. This game was played at the The Cross Insurance Center in Bangor on Friday 3/1/2024. The play-by-play announcer was Charlie Crockett and the sports videographer was Penny Crockett.
Maine Class B Boys South Regional Final Oceanside vs Lincoln Academy 2/23/2024
Watch this 2024 Maine Class B Boys Basketball South Regional Final game between the Mariners of Oceanside and the Eagles of Lincoln Academy. This game was played at the Portland Expo on Friday 2/23/2024. The play-by-play announcer was Charlie Crockett and the sports videographer was Penny Crockett.
Class B Girls South Regional Basketball Final Oceanside vs Spruce Mt. 2/23/2024
Watch this 2024 Maine Class B Girls Basketball South Regional Final game between the Mariners of Oceanside and the Phoenix of Spruce Mt. This game was played at the Portland Expo on Friday 2/23/2024. The play-by-play announcer was Charlie Crockett and the sports videographer was Penny Crockett.
Maine Class A Girls Basketball 1/2 Finals Camden Hills vs Lawrence 2/21/2024
Watch this 2024 Maine Class A Girls Basketball Semi Final game between the Windjammers of Camden Hills and the Bulldogs of Lawrence. This game was played at the Augusta Civic Center on Wednesday 2/21/2024. The play-by-play announcer was Charlie Crockett, statistician Dave Ridley, and the sports videographer was Penny Crockett.
Maine Class A Boys Basketball 1/2 Finals Camden Hills vs Hampden 2/21/2024
Watch this 2024 Maine Class A Boys Basketball Semi Final game between the Windjammers of Camden Hills and the Broncos of Hampden Academy. This game was played at the Augusta Civic Center on Wednesday 2/21/2024. The play-by-play announcer was Charlie Crockett, statistician Dave Ridley, and the sports videographer was Penny Crockett.
2024 Maine Class B Boys Basketball 1/2 Final Oceanside vs. Medomak Valley 2/20/24
Watch this 2024 Maine Class B Boys Basketball Semi Final game between the Mariners of Oceanside and the Panthers of Medomak Valley. This game was played at the Portland Expo on Tuesday 2/20/2024. The play-by-play announcer was Charlie Crockett and the sports videographer was Penny Crockett.
Maine Class B Girls 1/2 Final Basketball : Oceanside vs Lake Region 2/20/24
Watch this Maine Class B Girls Basketball Semi Final game between the Mariners of Oceanside and the Lakers of Lake Region. This game was played at the Portland Expo on Tuesday 2/20/2024. The play-by-play announcer was Charlie Crockett and the sports videographer was Penny Crockett.
2024 Girls Class B Semi Final Medomak Valley vs Spruce Mt. 2/20/2024
Watch this Maine Class B Girls Basketball Semi Final game between the Panthers of Medomak Valley and the Phoenix of Spruce Mountain. This game was played at the Portland Expo on Tuesday 2/20/2024. The play-by-play announcer was Charlei Crockett and the sports videographer was Penny Crockett.
Crocuses Out and Spring is Happening at Camden Library!
In Camden, the start of spring is marked by the crocuses blooming at the Camden Library,
This spring is no different and lots going on at the library.
Nigeria, After America || Peter Zeihan
Despite civil unrest, Nigeria has retained a semblance of stability through a rotational presidency among ethnic groups that ensures representation and prevents disintegration. On the economic side, corruption within the oil industry has led to a mismanagement of oil resources and underproduction.
With global energy dynamics shifting and geopolitical instability on the rise, there’s an emerging opportunity for the Nigerians. If Nigeria can overcome the internal struggles, their strategic positioning and military strength could help them become a significant player in the region; this could even evolve into partnerships with Western powers seeking energy stability.
Images from Maine || Peter Ralston
You may recall from my last “hug from Maine” that back in mid-January the coast of Maine was ravaged by two historically destructive storms and astronomical high tides. Damage assessment has painted a grim portrait of the consequences of the back-to-back events and it’s not a pretty picture. Millions upon millions of dollars in damages are going to have an intensely negative impact here, especially upon our working waterfronts in the fishing villages along the coast and out on the islands as they begin to gear up for our community-sustaining fishing season.
To that end, today I would humbly like to share with you a link to the Island Institute’s efforts to help those businesses and communities that give the coast its legendary and unique character. Put bluntly, an operative working waterfront is what keeps these towns going and these terribly impactive storms have imperiled the very life’s blood of our coastal communities.
Camden Hills Girls vs. Skowhegan Class A Basketball 1/4 Finals 2/16/24
Watch this Maine Class A Girls 1/4 Final game between the Windjammers of Camden Hills and the River Hawks of Skowhegan. This game was played Friday 2/16/24 at the Augusta Civic Center. The Maine Coast TV broadcast crew includes Charlie Crockett, Dave Ridley and Penny Crockett.
2024 Stand up and cheer #3
Watch this third episode of “Stand Up and Cheer” 2024 for Tournament Preview and News for Midcoast Maine high schools. In this episode of “Stand Up and Cheer”, long-time Midcoast sports broadcaster and Midcoast Sports Hall of Fame Inductee, Charlie Crockett, will fill you in on the basketball tournament results fo the 1/4 Finals and the game times for the 1/2 Finals basketball teams from Camden Hills, Lincoln Academy, Medomak Valley and Oceanside. In upcoming episodes, we will have the latest game results, exciting game play highlights, updated brackets and game time schedules. We also will be posting full length replays of the tournament games as well as more “Vintage Basketball ” games, featuring exciting midcoast high school basketball games from 1990’s to the 2020’s.
The United Kingdom, After America || Peter Zeihan
The UK never quite came to terms with the end of its empire. Once the Brits joined the EU, they latched onto Europe for everything they needed and skipped over the transition that all the other imperial powers went through. So, they were already outdated, but had a crutch to rely on; then Brexit hit and it left the UK stumbling and fumbling.
With the UK’s future up in the air, there’s really only two paths forward. First, they could seek out new trade deals globally, but they’ll have to find some new non-imperialistic tactics to do so. Second, they could swallow their pride and nestle up under the Americans’ wings.
