Journalist/novelist, avid photographer, guitarist, songwriter, fisherman. Full-time book writer nowadays after stints at The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg.
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Articles by Ken Wells
Thousands Are Flocking to Maine to See the Elusive Puffin
Μake us preferred on Google STEUBEN, Maine—After a brisk 20-minute voyage through the wind-whipped, aquamarine chop of Pigeon Hill Bay, our quarry was in sight. Seen with the naked eye from the stern of our 40-foot tour boat, the dark blobs bobbing in the restless sea didn’t look like much. But through the high-power binoculars our guide passed out to the 23 passengers, the creatures revealed themselves in all their diminutive glory. Puffins.
Boudin
Description Praise Press Kit “Boudin is what the gods would eat if the gods were looking for the transcendent; a dish as satisfying to the soul as it is to the palate.” So writes Ken Wells, Louisiana native and boudin hound, in this lively travelogue through the aromatic precincts of the makers, sellers, and connoisseurs of what one noted Louisiana chef calls the world’s most versatile sausage. Sure, boudin is just pork, rice, veggies, and spices in a casing.
Opinion: A retro proposal to restore the public’s trust in media
If you want to fix the credibility of the media, bring back the assiduously agnostic newsroom. I say this as a semi-retired journalist who got my start by the generosity of editors who hired me on a hunch rather than any real qualifications. At 19, I started covering cops, courts and car wrecks for my community weekly newspaper in the drowsy bayou town of Houma, Louisiana.
Where Have All the American Revolutionary War Re-Enactors Gone?
Journal Reports: Retirement She Spent Four Decades as a Lawyer. Now, She Designs Closets—and Loves It. By Julie Halpert November 15, 2024 at 5:00 PM ET Sheila Sullivan Newsom left her job in search of something different. She found what she was looking for.
Special Report News Journal, Stock Market News
So, you've taken the plunge and joined the club of ink enthusiasts by getting your first tattoo. Congratulations! But now...
Secrets of Stock Price Prediction: ChatGPT Code Interpreter
Stock price prediction has always been a complex task, but the new ChatGPT Code Interpreter is making it simpler and more accessible. This innovative tool allows users to analyze complex data, visualize trends, and build predictive models using conversational instructions. By engaging with ChatGPT, you can examine historical stock price data, create Python code, execute it, and receive the results in real-time.
Stock Market Basics: 9 Tips for Beginners
The stock market can seem confusing and intimidating for beginners. Many people know that investing in stocks can be profitable, but understanding how the market works and why stock prices fluctuate can be challenging. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you get started. The stock market consists of all the stocks available for the public to buy and sell on various exchanges. Stocks, also known as equities, represent ownership in a public company.
Parenting in the Age of Social Media
Social media is a big part of our lives now. As parents, it’s important to see how it affects us and our kids. If we use social media wisely, we can show our kids the right way to use it and make sure our family’s online world is safe and good for everyone. width:886px;height:auto"/> One of the first steps in navigating social media is curating our feeds. Social media platforms show us content based on our interactions, which can sometimes make us feel inadequate or unhappy.
Book Corner: Louisiana Reads
Family Life, Stages January 31, 2024 Laissez les Bon Temp Rouler! Carnival season is upon us in Louisiana! Attend a parade, eat some king cake, then stop by the Library to check out a book about our great state! Youth Toddlers will love this board book about Louisiana animals! 1 Five Little Possums by Johnette Downing Five little possums are up in a tree making mischief and teasing Mr. Alligator. Will the possums make it home safely when Mr. Alligator gets upset?
Environmentalists Face Off Against Environmentalists Over Offshore Wind Projects
December 2, 2023 — Offshore wind turbines are pitting environmentalists against environmentalists—threatening to impede progress toward an ambitious U.S. goal for such projects. The Energy Department estimates offshore wind turbines could produce as much as 20% of regional power needs along the densely populated Eastern Seaboard from Florida to Maine by 2050.
Environmentalists face off against environmentalists over offshore wind projects
Offshore wind turbines are pitting environmentalists against environmentalists—threatening to impede progress toward an ambitious U.S. goal for such projects. The Energy Department estimates offshore wind turbines could produce as much as 20% of regional power needs along the densely populated Eastern Seaboard from Florida to Maine by 2050.
Artificial Intelligence(AI) role in health sector globally
You are here: Home » Health » Artificial Intelligence(AI) role in health sector globally Views: 3 Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a significant and transformative role in the health sector globally. It has the potential to revolutionize the way healthcare is delivered, improving patient outcomes, reducing costs, and enhancing overall efficiency.
Understanding Specifications When Purchasing Pipeline Materials
July 2022, Vol. 249, No. 7 Features By Chris Siok, Pipeline Section Manager, and Ken Wells, Assistant Civil Engineer, Burns McDonnell Pipeline design and construction projects are unique and complex, whether the project is underground, aerial or offshore, a single crossing replacement or an entirely new pipeline, 500 miles or 500 feet.
Our Turn: A path toward New Hampshire’s energy future
Energy costs NH residents a lot of money. The annual amount we pay for electricity and heating fuel for NH homes is $1.9 billion, more than $2,000 per NH adult. But that only accounts for part of our yearly energy bill. Our annual average energy bill goes up to $4,500 when we include transportation fuel, both for our private vehicles and to get all the goods and services we rely upon transported to us from around the world.
We Can and Must Repair the Damage This Pandemic Is Causing Our Students
Ken Wells is President/CEO of Cherish Our Children Inc. Children Inc. (COCI) is a nonprofit focusing on the needs of Houston students of incarcerated parents. Full profile → Rob Wisner is chairman of Cherish Our Children Inc. and a partner in the law firm of Crain, Caton & James. Cherish Our Children Inc. (COCI) is a nonprofit focusing on the needs of Houston students of incarcerated parents.
Louisiana Book Recommendations
Books to occupy your time by local Louisiana authors Getty We’ve already written a roundup of book suggestions by our Renaissance Publishing staff – which you can read here – to help you pass the time while we are all social distancing and staying at home. And like that article states, nothing helps pass the time like a good book. Because of our diverse group of publications, Renaissance Publishing often offers book suggestions in our different magazines.
Why the U.S. Power Grid's Days Are Numbered
Illustration by Jordy van den Nieuwendijk Illustration by Jordy van den Nieuwendijk There are 3,200 utilities that make up the U.S. electrical grid, the largest machine in the world.
Restoring Wetlands in Louisiana
Draglines work on a perimeter levee as part of the $36 million Lost Lake Marsh Creation and Hydrologic Restauration Project southwest of the port town of Houma, Louisiana. (Ken Wells) LOST LAKE, La.—A handsome stretch of marsh rises up in the distance, ringed by a levee just beginning to green up with spring foliage. To an untrained eye, this 1,100-plus-acre sprawl might seem unremarkable—except that it's brand new.
New Orleans, a City Known More for Its Gumbo Than Gigabytes, Is Becoming a Tech Hub
NEW ORLEANS — When DXC Technology, the Virginia-based global information technology giant, announced plans last year to build its latest "Digital Transformation Center," more than 30 cities threw their hats into the ring to host the facility. The lure: the project would create 2,000 high-paying tech jobs – averaging about $63,000 annually – over the next five years. The winner? A city more known for gumbo than gigabytes: New Orleans.
The New American Garden Is Edible
When Fred Meyer decided to re-landscape a third of an acre plot on his Iowa City property, he wanted something more than just trees, ornamental bushes and ground cover. “I created an edible forest,” says Mr. Meyer, explaining that, no, he won’t be dining on wood, leaves or grass.
More Buildings Are Going Green. Literally.
Most people, when they think of “green” buildings, take that to mean structures built with energy conservation in mind. But, increasingly, buildings are becoming literally green, as cities and companies around the world embrace biophilic design—the concept of surrounding buildings with nature, even on their upper floors, and bringing the outdoors indoors by including natural elements in their interior design.
Reinvent Yourself in the Age of Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship
With the cascade of new technologies and social changes, we are constantly challenged to spark creativity, drive innovation, and ensure sustainability. What are the remedies? How do we work with ourselves and others? The newest problems of the world find solutions in the oldest timeless practices like mindfulness, authenticity, and devotion- because everything connects.
How Brazil's Richest Man Lost $34.5 Billion
Photo illustration by 731; Photograph by Paulo Vitale/Abril Comunicações S.A. Photo illustration by 731; Photograph by Paulo Vitale/Abril Comunicações S.A. Behind this week’s cover Eike Batista stands at the center of a specially built...
Oil Barge Catches Fire Off Port Aransas, Two Missing
The U.S. Coast Guard reported Friday that the oil barge B255 caught fire early on Friday at a position about three miles off the harbor entrance at Port Aransas, Texas. The barge was under tow by the ATB tug Buster Bouchard at the time of the incident. Two of the tug's eight crewmembers are missing, and the USCG has not released information on whether any of the remaining crew sustained injuries.
Will Mother Nature Supply the Answer to the Threat of Rising Seas?
If you live on the Atlantic shoreline in Delaware's Delmarva Peninsula, northern Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, and segments of the New Jersey, Georgia and South Carolina coast, you sit in zones classified as "very high risk" for the predations of sea-level rise, according to a report by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
This giant battery is what’s been missing in the renewable-energy revolution
There’s the battery in your watch. There’s the battery in your mobile phone. And then there’s the battery at Green Mountain Power’s Stafford Hills solar farm in Rutland, Vt. The lithium-ion gargantuan is housed in two trailer-truck-size green metal containers. It sits atop a 10-acre former landfill and captures electricity from 7,722 nearby solar panels — enough to power 2,000 homes on a sunny day.
Is Louisiana Really The Worst State in America?
To live in St. Bernard the first few months after Katrina required pioneering spirit – amenities like gas stations, grocery stores, barber shops and doctor's offices no longer existed unless you drove 50 miles to find them. Even the local Walmart got drowned. But on this particular day, Ricky, steering his blue Chevy van around storm-gouged potholes, hinted that something truly remarkable had happened – something that would at last make life bearable in his forlorn home place.
Crews battle two more blazes
LAKE COUNTY >> A structure fire Tuesday at Edge Water Resort on Soda Bay Road claimed one unit of a duplex cabin, along with an outbuilding. Crews from the Kelseyville Fire Protection District, supported by Lakeport and Cal Fire, were able to knock the blaze down quickly, limiting damage to the second unit of the duplex. Proximity to the lake and clean lawns helped contain the fire. Still, firefighters did have to endure some drama.
Riders ‘stoked’ about new skatepark
KELSEYVILLE >> Austin Mueller, 22, of Kelseyville, had only two words to say about the opening of the Kelseyville Skate Park Wednesday morning: “I’m stoked.” About three dozen skateboarders, scooter riders and BMX bikers joined several county officials to officially open the $300,000 facility, located next to the dirt bike area. “I’m an avid skater and I’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” Mueller said.
Volunteers needed in wake of fire
CLEARLAKE >> A local group is looking for a few — scratch that — a lot of good men and women to help the people left in need following the Clayton Fire that destroyed or damaged a large part of Lower Lake. In an effort to attract more workers, the non-profit group North Coast Opportunities (NCO) opened a temporary volunteer recruitment center Thursday at the Church of the Nazarene in Clearlake. It was expected to remain open through today.
Moose Lodge shuns ‘official’ designation to help evacuees
CLEARLAKE OAKS >> Once again the Moose Lodge has “gone rogue,” opening its doors as an unofficial shelter in its efforts to help survivors of the Clayton Fire that devastated Lower Lake. The lodge is one of four evacuation centers in the county and the only one not certified by the American Red Cross. That means the Moose Lodge receives no donations or money from the Red Cross or government agencies. The official shelters are in a mix of venues, from a high school and a church to a gambling casino.
Mexican consulate comes to Lake County
MIDDLETOWN >> For the first time ever, a foreign country opened a diplomatic mission in Lake County, if only for half a day. A small meeting room at Twin Pines Casino and Resort in Middletown served as an extension of the Mexican Consulate of San Francisco Thursday afternoon to expedite replacement of official documents lost by Mexican Nationals in the Clayton Fire.
Arson suspect’s Facebook posts do not hint at act
CLEARLAKE >> Who is Damin Pashilk, the 40-year-old Clearlake resident arrested for arson in connection with the Clayton Fire? Many Lake County residents who woke up Sunday to news of the Saturday night arrest were asking this question. While many pieces to this puzzle remain missing, some clues about Pashilk are found on one of several Facebook pages he maintained. His cover photo is a stylized representation of the neo-Nazi “SS” symbol.
Accused by CalFire, family files legal action
COBB >>Two homeowners at the center of a controversy over how last September’s deadly Valley Fire started have retained a high-powered law firm and have filed legal action against CalFire. The law firm filed a court motion Thursday demanding their clients, John and Cindy Pinch, be given access to evidence seized from their property during the investigation into the cause of the more than 76,000-acre blaze.
Electrical short, hot tub, sparked Valley Fire
MIDDLETOWN >> A sparking electrical connection to a hot tub is blamed for starting the third most destructive fire in the state’s history that swept through Lake, Napa and Sonoma counties last year. The tiny spark that caused the massive disaster came from an illegal and faulty outdoor electrical connection to a hot tub, setting nearby grass and leaves ablaze, according to CalFire investigators.
Electrical short, hot tub, sparked Valley Fire
MIDDLETOWN>> A sparking electrical connection to a hot tub is blamed for starting the third most destructive fire in the state’s history that swept through Lake, Napa and Sonoma counties last year. The tiny spark that caused the massive disaster came from an illegal and faulty outdoor electrical connection to a hot tub, setting nearby grass and leaves ablaze, according to CalFire investigators.
A day for the young
CLEARLAKE >> From BMXers and boarders to people in booths and bouncy houses, Saturday’s sixth annual Power to the Youth event featured attractions for kids of various age ranges, from tot to teen. “It’s fun for kids, especially since there’s not much to do around here (Clearlake),” said Jody Martinez of Clearlake. It was her third year at the event in Austin Park and it proved very useful to her since she picked up a Head Start application at the group’s booth.
Rocky was a horror show of fire
LAKE COUNTY>> Named after the road where it started — although it could have referred to fictional movie boxer Rocky Balboa — the Rocky Fire was indeed a fighter, easily punching through nearly 70,000 acres of brush and timber, including millions of oak and pine trees. It also destroyed 43 houses.
Bunk House boutique boosts spirits, economy
This is the third of several articles over the next few weeks profiling Middletown businesses, including how they are faring in the aftermath of the devastating Valley Fire last September. MIDDLETOWN >> It’s name seems to imply it’s a flop house for cowboys but the Bunk House is a Lake County-strong boutique that offers a unique shopping experience for both locals and tourists.
2 Women Traders celebrates 5 years
This is the second of several articles over the next few weeks profiling Middletown businesses, including how they are faring in the aftermath of the devastating Valley Fire last September. MIDDLETOWN >> Lower Lake resident Rita Caroni loves the sense of community in Middletown so much that she opened a boutique shop here in 2011 with her partner in business and life, Dayle Marshall. “She’s the artist and I’m the business person,” Caroni said.
It’s good being green at Middletown shop
This is the first of several articles over the next few weeks profiling Middletown businesses, including how they are faring in the aftermath of the devastating Valley Fire last September. MIDDLETOWN >> At Organic Home Lifestyle, it’s not easy being green but it’s good, especially for the environment and economy.
Cleanup complications
This is the final article in a three-part series covering Sulphur Bank Mercury Mine Superfund site. Clearlake Oaks >> Complicating the cleanup of the Sulphur Bank Mercury Mine Superfund site are two legal disputes: one over who will pay for the cleanup and the second over whether it is feasible or even possible to clean up the heavy metal from the lake and its accompanying ecosystem.
No borders for boarders at Kelseyville park
No, we’re not talking about an exotic food truck lunch menu. The sushi, taco and hubba are among the skateboarding features designed into the Kelseyville Skate Park, scheduled to open around Aug. 1, according to Brian Powers, project supervisor with the Lake County Public Services Department. So, what exactly are these skate park features with the food-sounding names? “I wish I could tell you,” Powers said Monday, laughing. “I’m an old guy and it’s all foreign to me.
Health warnings, history of Sulphur Bank
This is the second in a three-part series of articles covering Sulphur Bank Mercury Mine Superfund site. Clearlake Oaks >> The highest concentrations of mercury were found in the tissue of fish caught in the Oaks Arm of the lake, near the Sulphur Bank Mercury Mine. A health advisory regarding the consumption of fish from Clear Lake, issued in May 1986, recommended eating fish to one per week.
Small fire prompts big fears
CLEARLAKE >> A small fire caused big concerns for local firefighters and residents along part of Arrowhead Road in the Clearlake Park area of Clearlake Monday afternoon. Firefighters responded shortly after noon to a report of a wildland fire with power lines down at Arrowhead Road and Ukiah Street.
Wild West Day wows Upper Lake
UPPER LAKE >> Two weekends ago, Diana Schmidt of Lakeport was a pirate at the Lake Renaissance Festival in Lower Lake. Last Saturday, she was a respectable lady at Wild West Day in Upper Lake. That’s Lake County for you. One weekend you’re pillaging and pirating and the next weekend, you’re prim and proper at an Old West social. Schmidt, dressed in full, late 1800s-era attire, was one of about 2,000 people at the 24th annual Wild West Day parade and celebration.
No dozing at Lower Lake Daze
LOWER LAKE >> It’s called the Lower Lake Daze Parade but if it was up to the crowd — especially the children — it might be re-named the Goofy Gonzo Volunteer Fire Brigade Parade of Mayhem. That’s because year after year, the Keystone Kops of local volunteer firefighters steal the show with their antics that usually end up with a lot of people getting wet and loving it.
Renaissance Faire a taste of old Europe
LOWER LAKE >> Any woman who had romantic notions about Renaissance European fashion probably had them dashed after watching a demonstration of 16th century clothing by a Scottish lass called Lady Lark at last weekend’s eighth annual Lake Renaissance Festival. That’s because Renaissance ladies, especially from the colder climes of Scotland and England, had on more layers than a wedding cake. Some of the clothing even contained steel and whale bones.
Troubled bridges over local waters
LAKE COUNTY >> During last winter’s storms, thousands of motorists crossed bridges over troubled waters without realizing that many of the local highway bridges themselves are troubled. Three recent reports show that Lake County has a high percentage of deficient and obsolete highway bridges compared to other counties in California, including three bridges built in 1930, one in 1916 and the oldest in 1908.
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