It’s the end of a decade, you may look back but I’m looking forward

As we approach the end of the year and the decade, there are lots of movie and TV best of and top 10 lists out there.  I’m going to pass on creating my own and instead focus on what’s coming up that I’m looking forward to, mostly but not all coming with the New Year.

Today I'll mention the big one still to come in December.  Soon I'll be back with thoughts on what's exciting in the new year.  The December event is perhaps the least accessible if you’re not already a Dr. Who fan.   BBC America is showing three specials starting this Saturday (12/19).  If you’re already a Dr. Who fan, you probably know this, if you’re not, here is the home page take a look and see if you're interested.   

Even if you’re not, enjoy this holiday card from the Dr J

If you are a fan, then you’re probably as excited as I am about these specials.  They represent the final work of David Tennant as the Dr.  It’s not often a “genre” show like Dr. Who gets an actor better known as the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Hamlet to be its star for several years.  But all good things must end and beginning in 2010 there will be a new Dr.  (If you’re not a fan and you are still reading, a bit of history – the way that this show has survived for 50 years is that the Dr can regenerate, but when he does he takes on a different form – hence a new actor can come in and play the role.  Also part of the regeneration is the Dr. takes on a new personality, again making it feasible to have different interpretations of the same character.)

At play in the kitchen

Since I’ve been unemployed I’ve had a chance to play in the kitchen more than I used to. Baking bread used to be something to try someday… well 5 months ago, someday came. Since then I’ve tried several different kinds of bread.

In my experimenting, I’ve focused on two different methods; one is from the book (and website) Artisanal Bread in Five Minutes a Day and the second involved purchasing a sourdough starter from King Arthur Flour and learning different ways to use Stanley. (Yes, I named my starter Stanley – for those unfamiliar, keeping sourdough starter is like having a pet so we named it.)

Both have been fun and rewarding, and by rewarding I mean providing family and friends with lots of good bread. The five minutes a day approach is great if you want good bread on a regular basis and don’t have a lot of time. Making sourdough at home is a more of a commitment, both to your starter and to finding recipes and procedures that work for you.

Today’s bread was “Duonyte's No-Knead Sourdough Bread”. I’ve tried this recipe before and it comes out great. I modify it a bit by using half wheat flour and half bread flour. I also prefer doing it on a baking stone instead of in a Dutch oven. However, when making that switch, I keep a broiler pan in the oven and add a cup of hot water when adding the dough. (This keeps the oven moist and makes for a crisp crust.)

Let me know in the comments section if you try it or have any questions.

TV updates

V premiers this Tuesday on ABC (watch the first nine minutes of the pilot here: http://www.tvguide.com/News/Watch-Minutes-ABCs-1011206.aspx). I loved the original miniseries and have great expectations for the new version!

Scrubs returns on Dec 1 with two episodes, Better off Ted returns the following week to share the hour. (Remember this is a reengineered scrubs taking place in the medical school with Turk and Dr. Cox as the only two returning full time cast members – however, all the other regulars have agreed to make some appearances.)

NBC has ordered 6 additional episodes of Chuck – meaning they plan on it returning early next year instead of next March as originally scheduled. YAY!

Finally, this week we got our first look at trailers for 2 eagerly awaited Winter shows (the two MOST eagerly awaited shows) LOST and 24 – The LOST trailer was a complete non event (watch it here: http://popwatch.ew.com/2009/10/30/lost-season-6/) no new footage at all. Of course without telling us anything it did remind us how much we miss the show and how much we’re anticipating the final season. The 24 trailer (watch it here: http://www.tvguide.com/News/24-Bauer-York-1011345.aspx) does include scenes from the new season, or as we refer to it Jack’s next day from hell – this time he’s in NY and trying to retire so he can spend time with his daughter and granddaughter – I’m sure you can figure out how well that works out.

As always, let me know what you think in the comments section.

Separate is not equal

Election day is Tuesday, while I have an opinion on all the items on the ballot (I know, you’re all shocked) the most important item is Proposition 1 – The fact that no state has yet upheld the right of all people to marry is a disgrace to our country. If you are in Maine, please vote and vote no on 1.

Health Care and Marriage Equality

Both of these issues are getting a lot of play here in Maine. Health Care maybe even more so than in the rest of the country due to the importance of our Republican Senators’ (Snow and Collins) potential support of a Democratic bill. Marriage Equality because after being the first state to pass legislation allowing gay marriage that was NOT court mandated, an election fight is underway as opponents try and pass a people’s veto to repeal the legislation. I’ve written about both issues separately, today I want to talk about what they have in common.

The answer to what they have in common comes from the following two part question: Who do you identify with and who can you identify with? You might think about your family, your church, your group of friends, your school, your town, your country. Another way of asking this is how do you define your pack? Years ago, Hillary Clinton wrote about it taking a village, but again, what is a village? How are we defining our community? Regardless of how we answer today, the two issues represent part of the struggle to get to the point where we extend the definition of our reference group to all individuals.

As we developed, we started to learn to get past thinking only about ourselves. It has been noted by many that the path of our growth as a society has been our ability to identify with larger and larger groups. First it was our family, then our tribe, then our village and so on. Now we no longer fear every stranger that comes down the road; however, there is still more progress to be made.

The civil rights movement can be viewed as extending our view of the group we identify with to people of all races. Seeing a larger group as deserving of the same legal protections and rights that some already had. The battle for gay rights (and gay marriage) is a continuation of that struggle to yet another segment of the population. As we come to recognize that ultimately the key group we belong to is mankind we realize that everyone deserves the same protections and rights.

As with recognizing that all individuals deserve the right to marry, we must recognize that all individuals deserve access to health care. Again, the definition of ourselves as being part of the group of all individuals is key. It leads to recognition of the shared responsibility to take care of each other. Keep this in mind as the debate rages on in Washington. The discussion should only be about the details, the goal of affordable access to care for everyone must be taken as a given.

As always I encourage you to share your comments below.

Fall TV 2009 – An Update

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times (OK, not original but I always wanted to start out a post that way). A month into the season we’ve seen the best of times: shows already getting full season pickups (The Middle, Modern Family and Cougar Town among others) and the worst of times: a show cancelled after two episodes (The Beautiful Live) and a show cancelled even before it aired (Southland). I can’t help but mention that the two cancelled shows were not on my recommended list while the three renewed shows were :)


In general I’ve been happy with my picks. Of the returning shows Big Bang Theory is having a break out year – if you haven’t tried it yet, please do. Also off to particularly good starts among the returning shows are How I Met Your Mother, Castle and the Mentalist (but remember to take these for what they are, pure fun escapism - don’t look for realism in any of them).

Most of the rest of the returning shows on my list are still keepers. However there are two I’m having issues with: Dollhouse is an interesting experiment but after a season plus it still has issues. The plots and characters are inconsistent. The best episode of the series is the one never aired on TV (Epilogue that was shot in case the series was cancelled last year and is available only on the DVD). Given the plunging ratings, this experiment might be over soon. Heroes has been problematic since the second season – once again we were told this is the year it comes back but I’m not sure that’s true. On the plus side is Robert Knepper (T-bag from Prison Break): both a good actor and interesting character. I’m just not sure that he is enough to balance our some of the tired plot lines of the other characters.

Among the new shows, I am in love with Glee and Flash Forward – definitely keepers! Glee is just pure fun and Flash Forward has been more intriguing (and better acted) than expected. I’m still watching most of my other picks, but two have already been dropped: Accidentally on Purpose - I watched one episode and it was just horrible, according to the ratings and reviews most people seem to agree with me so it will probably not be on much longer. The other one I never even got started on, The Forgotten. I just couldn’t seem to find time to add another crime show to my list. Unwatched but still waiting for me on the DVR is The Good Wife: Getting good reviews (and a full season pick-up) I’m still intrigued, I just haven’t gotten around to watching yet but I will soon.

Vampire Diaries has been another pleasant surprise. I was on the fence before it started but am enjoying it. Not on a level with some of the others but it is fun (I get a particular kick out of the meta comments when cast characters talk about the Twilight series). Community and Hank have been disappointing but I’m sticking with them for now. Community because it has moments of amusement and Hank because I’ll let ABC decide for me (being the only one of the four new Wednesday night ABC comedies not to be renewed is a sign it may not be long for this world).

Let me know what you think of the TV season so far by posting a comment.

Mary you will be missed

From entertaining us as children to helping make us better adults, you were one of the good guys.

The CNN obituary (linked below) had a great quote of hers:
"We've learned that it will take more than one generation to bring about change," Travers once said. "The fight for civil rights has developed into a broader concern for human rights, and that encompasses a great many people and countries. Those of us who live in a democracy have a responsibility to be the voice for those whose voices are stilled."

An important reminder of the responsibility we all have to help make things better. Mary, I hope somewhere it’s now your turn to frolic in the autumn mist…

Mary Travers of folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary dead at 72 - CNN.com: "Mary Travers of folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary dead at 72"

It's my 20th anniversary tomorrow; everyone should have the right to reach this milestone! Vote No on 1

For those of you not in Maine, Proposition 1 is an attempt to repeal the Marriage Equality law (“An Act to End Discrimination in Civil Marriage and Affirm Religious Freedom”) that was passed by the legislature this spring. Voting NO on 1 preserves the law.


Twenty years ago I was able to marry the love of my life. Everyone should have that right

 Vote No on 1 | Protect Maine Equality

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Another few seconds of my alloted 15 minutes of fame

I attended a town council meeting and my comments were carried in the local paper:

Cost up to $4M for improvements planned next year on Route 88 in Cumberland | The Forecaster

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Shelter dogs learn new tricks

Those of you who know Martha and me know Sheba, our faithful companion and trusty sidekick :)

Sheba is a shelter dog we brought home seven years ago.  We've never looked back and never thought twice about adopting a shelter dog!

Watch this fun video that helps sing their praises :)

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Fall 2009 TV Recommendations

I enjoy TV. For the past few years I’ve been sharing my recommendations of what new shows to watch with my friends. One of the goals of this blog is to make those recommendations more widely available.


Below is my viewing schedule for the fall. The premiere dates are in parenthesis next to the title and new shows that I'll be sampling are in bold.  (For a better view of the schedule, click on the image.  You'll then need to use your browser's back button to return to the blog.)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
If you need even more information (or want a second opinion), TV Guide has a special site set up with lots more info: http://www.tvguide.com/special/fall-preview/


The new shows I'm most excited about are V, Flash Forward and Community. The ones that made the list that I'm most on the fence about include The Forgotten and The Good Wife.

For me, the biggest TV event of the year begins mid-season when we start to work our way to the conclusion of LOST. Until then I'll try not to think too much about the Island and what it means :)

In case you're curious, I did find things to watch during the summer:
Defying Gravity
Eureka
Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D List
Kings
Leverage
Merlin
Rescue Me
Royal Pains
Torchwood
Warehouse 13

In addition to LOST, other midseason shows to look forward to include returning favorites along with some new ones:
24
Better off Ted
Chuck
Day One
Human Target
Scrubs

And of course always on my list are:
Colbert Report
Daily Show
Good Eats

Happy viewing :)

Portland (Maine) Area Restaurants

This is not an exhaustive list, just some of my favorites.


555 (Portland) - Possibly the best restaurant in the Portland area, expensive but worth it. Don't be scared by the lobster macaroni and cheese, its incredible. Consider ordering a portion for that table as an appetizer. Reservations a must, if you are planning your trip consider making them a few weeks in advance. http://fivefifty-five.com/


Front Room (Portland) - On Munjoy Hill, fun and lively. Medium priced. They don't take reservations so there can be a wait on a summer night. Not a problem if the weather is nice as it’s a beautiful neighborhood to walk around. They are good about telling you when to be back. http://www.thefrontroomrestaurant.com/


Bar Lola (Portland) - Across the street and a block down from the Front Room, they do take reservations. Their menu is set up as five small courses. Consider the self designed tasting menu (you pick one from each category for a set price) or if you're feeling adventurous, they will pick for you (they call it the "feed me" option).  http://www.barlola.net/


Flatbread Pizza (Portland) - Moderately priced family friendly restaurant right in the heart of the Old Port (next to the ferry terminal). The menu is exactly what you would guess. The large brick oven in the middle of the dining room proves to you your pizza is made fresh and served hot. http://www.flatbreadcompany.com/2007Home.htm


O'Naturals (Falmouth) - Inexpensive sandwich and salad place. All natural and fresh ingredients. 
http://www.onaturals.com/


Pon's Thai - (Portland and South Portland) - Good Thai food. Portland location is right in the Arts district close to the Art Museum.  http://www.thaitastemaine.com/


Foreside Tavern (Falmouth) - One of our favorite local places, it has something for everyone. Bar food to sandwiches to formal entrees to kid’s meal, everyone can find something to enjoy. Try the sweat potato fries. Casual and a full range of prices, also great for a drink and a snack. Family friendly and a bar, what more can you ask for?  http://www.theforesidetavern.com/


Royal River Inn (Yarmouth) - Come for the view and enjoy the food. A little pricey but set right on the royal river (in the middle of a marina). Reservations suggested. http://royalrivergrillhouse.com/


Days Lobster Pound (Freeport) - Located on Route 1 1/2 mile north of exit 17, great place for lobster rolls, precooked and live lobster. Some picnic tables out back but for us the real joy is picking up everything you need for a lobster dinner and bringing it home. No work, great taste, great bargain. (For ocean front lobster shacks, see below.)  (no web site)


Thai Garden Restaurant (Freeport) - Looking for something different after a day of shopping in Freeport? This local Thai restaurant has great moderately priced food in a casual atmosphere.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&view=text&hl=en&gl=us&q=Thai+Garden+Restaurant+Freeport+Maine&ie=UTF8&sll=43.840852,-70.120510&sspn=0.042725,0.045724&latlng=43823050,-70139561,6832938008149215969&ei=9W46SuTqJZ7uMuj6qfUD&cd=1


Gritty McDuff’s, Freeport’s Original Brewpub (Freeport) - Good beer and food.
http://www.freeportusa.com/freeportmember080.html


Harraseeket Inn (Freeport) - Right in downtown Freeport, formal dinning at its finest. Expensive but worth it if you're looking for a treat. http://www.freeportusa.com/freeportmember088.html


Haeraseeket Lobster Shack (Freeport) - Right on the water in South Freeport, the quintessential Maine lobster experience. Be prepared to wait to park, then wait to order. ttp://www.freeportusa.com/freeportmember081.html


Henry and Marty's (Brunswick) - Nice restaurant, good food, reservations suggested on weekends. http://www.henryandmarty.com/


Sea Dog Brewary (Topsham (right across the bridge from Brunswick) and South Portland) - Local brewpub, good beer, good food. http://www.seadogbrewing.com/


Lobster Shack at Two Lights (Cape Elizabeth) - If your visiting Cape Elizabeth's parks and beaches you must have lunch here. Spectacular views, fresh lobster and fries - what could be bad? http://lobstershacktwolights.com/

Welcome

Hi!

My plan is to use this space to share interesting information and observations.  Some initial posts will focus on the new fall TV season and information on visiting Portland Maine.  This is existing material, so there will be several posts over the next few days.  Any and all comments welcome.

Thanks,

Mitch