Maine Calling

It's the time of year when we all are itching to plant in the garden.

Tech experts answer computer, tablet, home-networking, smartphone and not-so-smart phone questions. And find out what to do if you're running Windows XP now that Microsoft will no longer support it. Learn which operating system is right for you and the latest on cyber security.

The city of Portland has been at the center of the storm over the issue of panhandling, but other Maine communities are also grappling with it and discussing whether to put limits on people soliciting money from passers-by. In Portland, a ban on panhandling from median strips was ruled unconstitutional earlier this year and now the city is appealing tha

It's veto day in Augusta and political pundits participate in a discussion about the Maine legislature; an update on the primary races in Maine's Second Congressional District. Also, the latest political wranglings in Augusta could impact the race for governor.

What are the options available to high school seniors as they approach graduation day and get ready to life after school? Career paths, college deferral, college entrance, gap years, military enlistment and all of the other choices graduating seniors are wrestling with.

What we know and what we're learning about diagnosing and treating Parkinson's Disease.

What does it mean to be mindful?

Winter is finally on the way out and it's time to assess what the long, cold weather did to our homes and property. What should be at the top of our to-do lists regarding getting your house ready for the warmer months ahead. Is now the time to paint, plant and purge? Tips and ideas for working around the home.

Home births, c-sections and an update on our understanding of childbirth. Learn about different options for mother and baby during pregnancy and childbirth. Learn about issues that arise during a delivery, whether at home or in the hospital, and what new moms and dads can do to make such a momentous day as safe and comfortable as possible.

What is it about our state that attracts so many top notch authors who specialize in stories of murder, mystery and mayhem? Learn about the craft of writing a good suspense or crime novel and try to solve the mystery of writing a good who-done-it.

The latest on the debate over charter schools in Maine. Leaders of the charter school movement, and the head of the teacher's union discuss the difference between virtual and physical charter schools and what new learning options should be offered to Maine students.

The University of Maine system comes up with a controversial plan to cope with a $36-million budget gap. The proposals put forth by campus presidents to close the gap have stirred heated debate, particularly at at the university of southern Maine, which is trying to find savings of more than $13-million.

One of the region's largest operations, Oakhurst dairy, has been sold to a national farmer-owned co-op. Maine Farmers who lost their contracts with processors decided to team up and create their own company called Moo Milk, that's putting Maine product on store shelves.

It's a perennial question - studied by scholars through the ages. What makes us laugh? You can break down a joke into a formula, but mixing the ingredients back together isn't always so simple, and may or may not work. Learn the art of making people laugh, from a couple experts. Hear how they approach humor, both standup and improv.

On April 7, people in Quebec will elect a new government, and for the first time in a while, the question of independence from Canada is part of the debate. It's been a raucous campaign, with polls shifting by the week. Learn what's going on and what's at stake as Quebec voters get ready to head for the polls.