It's strange to say, but I miss those dangerously cold, extended deep freezes that could last for days on end. They were exhilarating and part of what made Minnesota a unique place to live. It's nice to be home for an extended stretch. I don't travel that much for work, but the last 10 days have been particularly hectic. Ga. I went to Maine to speak at a public forum on superstores organized by the city of Brunswick.
Local businesses take on the big chains.
Wal-Mart and other big chain retailers are now moving aggressively into Maine. They've targeted several mid-coast communities. Organized opposition has emerged in several of these towns and is beginning to make some headway. In Belfast, for instance, residents successfully urged the city to adopt a moratorium on all new retail development, allowing more time to study the impact of these big stores. But Wal-Mart has also found support among some residents.