“Peak foliage” is an elusive target here in New England. You can track previous years, watch the swinging temperatures and doggedly follow the state’s own Maine Fall Foliage Conditions website, but the moment the leaves hit their wildest, Fruity-Pebbles-iest crescendo can come and go in a single weekend. When things…

2020 was a weird year — or, if not weird, then definitely different. In some ways, this difference was actually good (see: an overdue national conversation about police violence and white supremacy; the impeachment and subsequent voting-out of a terrible president). …

Learn how to stop eating it like an amateur and start schussing like a star Skiing, once seen as a sport enjoyed exclusively by the rich, has evolved into a popular pastime with a much broader fanbase, welcoming the rich, semi-rich, and kids in school programs that get them hooked…

Published 13 January 2020 Today my family had very constructive discussions on the future of my grandson and his family. My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan’s desire to create a new life as a young family. Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time…

Or: Another nerd yelling “You can’t do that in Star Wars!”

Narrative experiments, classics revisited, genre fun and lots of comics. — Last year I read 19 books. This year I read 60. That’s more than a book a week, which is surprising — probably to me more than anyone else. Last year, when I realized I had averaged more than a book a month, I felt like giving myself a big…

in which two old friends discuss three beers from Atlantic Brewing Co. Jake: Atlantic Brewing Company was started in Bar Harbor in 1991 — “on the eve of the microbrewing revolution,” according to their website. Travis: BAH-HAHBAH DUDE, RIGHT BUCKY? J: I know, right? Have you spent much time in…

in which two old friends discuss three ciders from Angry Orchard Jake: Are you a cider fan? Travis: Love me some apple juice, ever since I was a young buck. Now, all adult like, the fact that it’s also an adult beverage is nothing short of fantastic. I’ve tried some…

in which two old friends discuss three shandies from Traveler Beer Co. Jake: Before we even crack things open — shandy. Shandies. Shandygaffs, according to Wikipedia. You familiar with the style? Travis: Yes. It was first introduced to me years ago by a “Brittishmen” fellow, he mixed a Smirnoff Ice…