Deep Impact managed just what its name implies.The spacecraft collided with a comet, throwing brilliant debris into space.Crashing a spaceship might not seem like a big deal. After all, most of the science of space exploration involves not crashing. But in this case, the results were spectacular.NASA scientists managed to launch an 820-pound washing-machine-sized science […]

July Fourth proved a deadly holiday on Maine’s highways. Six deaths were recorded for the three-day weekend, despite increased traffic enforcement by state police.Ultimately, the police can do only so much. Most accidents happen because drivers make poor choices.According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speed-related and alcohol-related crashes account for most of the […]

Bath Iron Works must consider doing whatever is necessary to stay competitive as the Navy continues its quest for the next generation of warships.That has meant layoffs and the elimination of the third shift at BIW. And apparently, elsewhere it might mean hiring illegal aliens.While BIW is doing what it can to control costs, its […]

Today’s the day.The preparation, the news conference and the political fights will culminate today as the defenders of Maine’s three military bases slated for closure or consolidation make their case before the Base Realignment and Closure Commission.There’s reason to be hopeful. And reason to be concerned.Information on the BRAC Web site suggests that the commission […]

Maine probably dodged a bullet – no, make that a cruise missile – earlier this year when the Pentagon dropped plans to switch all DD(X) destroyer production to one shipyard.The ships are currently made at BIW in Bath and Ingalls in Pascagoula, Miss. The Navy argues, rather persuasively, that concentrating the work in one shipyard […]

Here’s a belated bravo to Bates College for winning a top ranking in The Princeton Review’s newest guide, “Colleges with a Conscience: 81 Great Schools with Outstanding Community Involvement.”The rating shows the determination of the college to be part of its home community. It shows the wisdom of its students in recognizing that real-world experience […]

Suggesting that as Maine goes, so might the nation, Gov. John Baldacci earlier this week inked a bill aimed at encouraging the use of solar energy.Kudos to him, and the Legislature, for that.The bill allows rebates of up to $1,250 for solar hot water systems, and up to $6,400 for a solar home power system. […]

Maine’s smokers are naturally upset that the state has decided to balance its budget on their backs. But, smokers should also be reminded that the rest of society ends up spending considerably more on their habit.Early last month, the state passed an increase in its cigarette tax, from $1 to $2 per pack, to help […]

By John J. Tkacik Jr.,The Heritage Foundation It’s a heck of an offer. In an 11th-hour bid to buy Unocal, China’s state-run CNOOC Ltd. recently offered $19.6 billion, cash, for America’s ninth-largest oil company.That’s a lot of yuan in anybody’s book. For CNOOC, it’s downright staggering. If accepted, the deal would put the Chinese oil […]

Jason MarstonLee St. HilaireBryant DonovanTroy EllisChad GarwoodAll students at Winthrop High School.All members of the Winthrop Ramblers football squad.All committed suicide in the last two years.Suicide is not painless. Not in the decision-making, in the doing or in the aftermath.Friends and families of these young men, and those of Glenn Hayford – another Winthrop football […]