W i n t e r g u i d e 2 0 1 8 3 1 Clockwise from top left: dangerousminds.net; zenbooth.myshopify.com; Robert Taylor (Bobolink) on Flickr; adobe Important call? Avoiding a coworker? Screaming into the void? The Zen Booth promises complete privacy at work. The California-based com- pany designs soundproof phone booths where employees can seek solace during the work day. “Scientific research has discovered that constant noise plays a large part in raising stress levels,” Zen Booth claims. “The possibility of ducking into a quiet room when needed is invaluable.” Notice shades of the “orgone accumulators” developed by Rangeley scientist Wil- helm Reich in the 1940s? Reich claimed his invention would concentrate “orgone,” a cura- tive spiritual life force, in its occupant. The accumulators enjoyed some public attention, and Reich even sent one to his friend Albert Einstein for review. However, Einstein and the FDA judged the orgone accumulators a farce and Reich’s invention was banned, accord- ing to Wikipedia. Orgone but not forgotten. Students at UMaine have found relief during exams in the form of four-legged friends. A trio of therapy dogs spent a day at the Fogler Library to dish out canine comfort for those in need of a distraction. Shelburne the golden retriever, Jade the goldendoodle, and May-Bee the papil- lon were the star attractions, and the ef- fort was well received among the students, according to Bangor Daily News. But so- cial media bared its teeth: “In my day, we got a kick in the ass!” says one poster. “We’re cultivating gen- erations of spineless wimps,” writes another. In Portland, Maine College of Art recently hosted a session for art stu- dents with a group of fe- line friends. Starting the celebrations early! In honor of Maine’s upcoming bicentennial in 2020, driv- ers across our state can now show off their pride with a Maine Bicentennial Commem- orative License Plate. The novelty plates, $25, feature a five-pointed star and a Dirigo ban- ner. Proceeds will benefit the bicentennial ini- tiative, so investing in a license plate now will boost celebrations later. Not that celebrating the bicentennial of the Missouri Compromise should be an unconsidered act… Support pets We’ve Seen This Before Reluctant to leave the comfort of your home? Instacart, the na- tion’s largest on-demand gro- cery delivery service, recently launched in Portland. The app allows you to order groceries, which will then be picked up by a personal shopper and deliv- ered to your home for a small delivery fee. Think of it like Uber for your milk and frozen pizza. “The delivery area will cover over 98,000 households and in- clude popular local stores like Shaw’s, Petco, and CVS,” says Instacart Communications exec Andrea Toch. Couch Potato Convenience Store