Thursday, September 17, 2009

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"

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

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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Tuesday, September 15, 2009

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 :)





Thursday, September 10, 2009

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