The Portland Daily Sun, Friday, November 26, 2010

Post-election, the Pine Tree shuffle

Shopping can wait: It’s football Friday

State Theatre goes all ’30s with ‘Wizard of Oz’ night

See Bob Higgins on page 4

See Sports, page 6

See the Events Calendar, page 13

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2010

VOL. 2 NO. 209

PORTLAND, ME

PORTLAND’S DAILY NEWSPAPER

699-5801

FREE

Black Friday arrives for Portland shoppers

LEFT: A pre-Black Friday shopper, Frank Hall of Rockland checks out Christmas CDs at Bull Moose in the Old Port Tuesday. He said he was in Bull Moose while his wife had her hair done at Watson & Worthley on Fore Street. ABOVE: A Santa Claus figurine peers from boughs of holly at Country Noel Christmas, Etc. on Exchange Street. What does a holiday-driven store do to prepare for Black Friday? “We just make sure all our merchandise is out and we just try to get as much sleep as we can on Thanksgiving,” said manager Sharon Lacey. Even thrift stores are trying to cash in on today’s legendary shopping day. For a story, see page 9. (DAVID CARKHUFF PHOTOS)

New parking rules face first holiday shopping test

BY CURTIS ROBINSON THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN

This week, we’ve been taking a look at parking in Portland.

We’ve covered the numbers, the boot and the changing payment options. Clearly, when you tackle an area that’s a $6 million-per-year city revenue generator, you’re going to find a lot to cover.

But today, “Black Friday,” we can remember another reason parking policy is important: we’re officially entering the Super Bowl of retail sales competitions. To belabor the football analogy, this will be our first season without a core defender: the ticket forgiveness program.

The program that waived the occasional parking ticket and was eliminated among a

rash of budget cuts.

The change, which kicked in July 1, is expected to bring another $500,000 into the city coffers. But we should remember that program was designed to accommodate shoppers – especially holiday shoppers — and help our downtown compete with the malls. It should be unsettling to see PARKING page 5

Battling Beatles events storm Portland

BY MATT DODGE THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN

Beatles fans beware, November 27th marks the night you’ll have to end 50-odd years of fence-sitting and finally confront your innermost conflict — are you really a Fab Four person or was it really mostly about John for you?

Saturday night sees two Beatles-related cover events in Portland, with One Longfellow Square hosting the John Lennon Song Project while Port

City Music Hall welcomes a host of local talent for the Spencer Albee & Friends eighth annual Beatles Night: Abbey Road.

The John Lennon Song Project is a touring act featuring folk/rock artists Rex Fowler of Aztec Two-Step and Tom Dean of Devonsquare.

Along with a roster of accomplished musicians, Fowler and Dean have produced Imagined, a tribute album that reimagines some of Lennon’s most iconic work — primarily from his

time with The Beatles — in 16 tracks, half of which are minimedley combining two Lennon standards.

The album was released on Oct. 9, which would have been Lennon’s 70th birthday.

“Cover bands are pretty rampant these days, especially with see BEATLES page 8 RIGHT: The Beatles pose with an American flag in a Paris photo studio prior to their first visit to the United States in January 1964. (AP PHOTO)

Page 2 — THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Friday, November 26, 2010

U.S. cracks down on fake pot WASHINGTON (AP) — Cracking down on fake pot, the government began emergency action Wednesday to outlaw five chemicals used in herbal blends to make synthetic marijuana. They’re sold in drug paraphernalia shops and on the Internet to a burgeoning market of teens and young adults.

The Drug Enforcement Administration responded to the latest designer drug fad by launching a 30-day process to put these chemicals in the same drug category as heroin and cocaine. The agency acted after receiving increasing numbers of bad reports — including seizures, hallucinations and dependency — from poison centers, hospitals and law enforcement.

It was the fastest action the agency could take to get these products off the legal market. DEA spokeswoman Barbara Carreno said makers of fake pot blends like “Spice,” ‘’K2,” ‘’Blaze,” and “Red X Dawn” label the mixtures as incense to try to hide their intended purpose.

Meantime, there were indications the producers were already moving to reformulate their products using chemicals not covered by the impending ban.

The fake pot — smokeable plant leaves coated with chemicals — has been the target of lawmakers and law enforcement around the country. At least 15 states have moved to regulate or ban one or more of the chemicals, as have some European and Scandinavian countries.

The man who created three of the chemicals as part of his governmentsponsored research nearly 20 years ago said, “They are dangerous and anyone who uses them is stupid.”

John W. Huffman, a retired organic chemistry researcher from Clemson University, said in a telephone interview from his Sylva, N.C., home, “They seem to be pretty toxic.”

He said the reported medical problems have included overdoses, cases of addiction and even suicide.

As of Sept. 27, the American Association of Poison Control Centers had reported receiving more than 1,500 calls from 48 states and the District of Columbia about products spiked with these drugs, the Drug Enforcement Administration said.

SAYWHAT...

“

Marijuana is like Coors beer. If you could buy the damn stuff at a Georgia filling station, you’d decide you wouldn’t want it.”

—Mitch Hedberg

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– DIGEST––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

3DAYFORECAST Thursday High: 42 Record: 63 (1931) Sunrise: 6:48 a.m.

Thursday night Low: 28 Record: 9 (2000) Sunset: 4:08 p.m.

MARKET

Friday High: 43 Low: 28 Sunrise: 6:49 a.m.

Sunset: 4:07 p.m.

Saturday High: 41 Low: 29

DOW JONES 150.91 to 11,187.28 NASDAQ 48.17 to 2,543.12 S&P 17.62 to 1,198.35

LOTTERY#’S DAILY NUMBERS Day 1-1-4 • 8-2-2-4

1,402 U.S. military deaths in Afghanistan.

THETIDES FRIDAY MORNING High: 1:46 a.m.

Low: 1:53 p.m.

FRIDAY EVENING High: 7:40 a.m.

Low: 8:20 p.m.

-courtesy of www.maineboats.com

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WORLD/NATION–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Pelosi’s new mission: Limit Obama deals with GOP WASHINGTON (AP) — Hers was the face on the grainy negative TV ads that helped defeat scores of Democrats. His agenda, re-election chances and legacy are on the line.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California, chosen after a messy family feud among Democrats to remain as their leader in the new Congress, and President Barack Obama share a keen interest in repairing their injured party after this month’s staggering losses.

But Pelosi’s mandate is diverging from the president’s at a critical time, with potentially damaging consequences for Obama’s ability to cut deals with Republicans in the new Congress.

Their partnership is strained after an election in which Pelosi and many Democrats feel the White House failed them by muddling the party’s message and being too slow to provide cover for incumbents who cast tough votes for Obama’s marquee initiatives.

Pelosi will lead Democrats “in pulling on the president’s shirttails to make sure that he doesn’t move from center-right to farright,” said Rep. Lynn Woolsey, D-Calif., a co-chair of the liberal Progressive Caucus in the House. “We think if he’d done less compromising in the last two years, there’s a good chance we’d have had a jobs bill that would have created real jobs, and then we wouldn’t even be worrying about having lost elections.”

Behind Democrats’ decision to keep Pelosi as their leader after historic losses lies intense concern among liberals who dominate the party’s ranks on Capitol Hill: They fear Obama will go too far in accommodating the GOP in the new era of divided government, and they see Pelosi as a counterweight.

She’s played that role before. When Democrats panicked after losing their Senate supermajority last winter, Pelosi rebuffed feelers by then-White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and others to settle for a smaller health care bill. She derided the approach as “kiddie care” and pushed forward with the sweeping overhaul she painstakingly steered through the House by a razor-thin margin.

A more recent example is Pelosi’s stated refusal to consider extending Bush-era income tax cuts for the highest brackets past their January expiration. Obama’s aides recently signaled he might be open to doing so temporarily if that were the only way of preserving the tax cuts for the middle class — a bargain the president had steadfastly resisted before the election.

In this March 23 file photo, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif. clutches a pen used by President Barack Obama to sign the health care bill, in the East Room of the White House in Washington. Pelosi, chosen after a messy family feud among Democrats to remain as their leader in the new Congress, and President Barack Obama share a keen interest in repairing their injured party after this month’s staggering losses. But Pelosi’s mandate is diverging from the president’s at a critical time, with potentially damaging consequences for Obama’s ability to cut deals with Republicans in the new Congress. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

Such a deal wouldn’t be acceptable to her or House Democrats, Pelosi told the president last week.

Pelosi “can provide that balance with the White House,” said Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md. House Democrats “want to make sure that they’ve got somebody at the table with the president, looking him eye-toeye and saying basically, ‘You’ve got some people who have been very, very loyal to you — not just progressives but moderates, too — and they truly believe that that’s not the right thing to do.’ “ The White House says Obama and Pelosi have uniform goals and a proven track record of working together, and insists they’re on the same page on important issues, particularly preserving the health care and financial regulation laws enacted this year against Republicans’ promised attempts to roll them back.

“The president and Speaker Pelosi have enjoyed a remarkably productive working relationship over the last two years, and he looks forward to continuing to work with her on an agenda to strengthen the economy, create jobs and move America forward,” said Josh Earnest, a White House spokesman.

The president isn’t going to be in a posi-

tion during the next two years to work exclusively with either Democrats or Republicans, his aides argue. His challenge will be determining — with input from Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, among others — what concessions he needs from the GOP to forge a good compromise, the aides say.

People close to Pelosi say she trusts the president — perhaps moreso than some of her allies in Congress do — to defend core Democratic principles in his dealings with the GOP. Some Democrats argue that Pelosi’s liberal streak might help the president in that context — a bad cop to Obama’s good cop.

“In his negotiations with the Republicans, (Obama) needs to be able to say, ‘Look, you say you’re not going to compromise, but I’ve got Nancy Pelosi over here who is very passionate about these issues, and I have to listen to what she’s saying,’” Cummings said.

It’s not likely to be a tidy process.

A band of centrist Democrats who last week failed to oust Pelosi in favor of a fresh, more moderate face for the party is ready to side with Republicans on key issues next year. They say they’re eager to work with Obama and the GOP on middle-of-the-road initiatives that are unlikely to be embraced

by Pelosi or her liberal allies.

“I’d like to think there’s an opportunity to do that,” said Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, a leader of the conservative “Blue Dog” Democrats.

The coalition, comprised mostly of Southerners who were once known as “Yellow Dog” Democrats, was born after the Republican takeover of 1994, when it was said they felt “choked blue” by their colleagues on the left.

In those days, Matheson noted, they worked with then-President Bill Clinton on welfare reform and balancing the budget — things that enraged liberals and led to angry accusations that the president was betraying his own party. Welfare is “an example of being honest brokers, working together to get things done, and that’s what Blue Dogs want to do.”

It’s not what Pelosi or many other Democrats have in mind.

Rep. Brian Higgins, D-N.Y., said Democrats learned from the last two years and their shellacking at the polls that “we need to be more aggressive with the White House. They were looking for what was acceptable and then moving toward that, instead of what was important, and moving toward that,” Higgins said. “We need to be true to our principles.”

Consultant to Otten in Maine governor’s race fined AUGUSTA (AP) — Maine’s campaign regulatory staff is recommending a $274 fine against a New Hampshire political consultant who worked on behalf of candidate Les Otten in last spring’s Maine Republican primary race.

The Kennebec Journal of Augusta says

the Maine ethics commission will consider the fine against Michael Dennehy for not following Maine law when he funded negative campaign calls against Paul LePage during the campaign. LePage ended up winning the seven-way primary and is now governor-elect.

The newspaper says Dennehy did not check with Otten before hiring a firm to make the negative calls. The ethics commission staff says Dennehy should have put a disclaimer on the calls to identify who paid for them and did not file a report to disclose the expense.

THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Friday, November 26, 2010— Page 3

Close-out Deal from

Light duty

• Dual Fuel Double Oven Range • Top is 5-burner gas with a 16,000 btu power burner • TWO self-cleaning ovens (bottom is convection!) top oven has a TOAST feature, a Warming setting as well as bake and broil!

was... $1,899

NOW ONLY $1,499 USA

E IN TH MADE

JDR8895BAS

Stainless Steel Only

$400 OFF

SALES • SERVICE

772-8436 845 Forest Avenue • PORTLAND Locally Owned & Operated Family Business Since 1984

James Rodney with East Brown Cow property management strings lights on a wreath at Port Bean on Commercial Street Tuesday. (DAVID CARKHUFF PHOTO)

Friendly Discount & Redemption Leader in Lowest Prices for the Last 5 Years!

922 Main St. Westbrook • 856-2779 • 591-7022

DeLay convicted in money laundering trial AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay — once one of the most powerful and feared Republicans in Congress — was convicted Wednesday on charges he illegally funneled corporate money to Texas candidates in 2002.

Jurors deliberated for 19 hours before returning guilty verdicts against DeLay on charges of money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

He faces up to life in prison on the money DeLay laundering charge.

After the verdicts were read, DeLay hugged his daughter, Danielle, and his wife, Christine. His lead attorney, Dick DeGuerin, said they planned to appeal the verdict.

“This is an abuse of power. It’s a miscarriage of justice, and I still maintain that I am innocent. The criminalization of politics undermines our very system and I’m very disappointed in the outcome,” DeLay told reporters outside the courtroom. He remains free on bond, and his sentencing was

tentatively set to begin on Dec. 20.

Prosecutors said DeLay, who once held the No. 2 job in the House of Representatives and whose heavyhanded style earned him the nickname “the Hammer,” used his political action committee to illegally channel $190,000 in corporate donations into 2002 Texas legislative races through a money swap.

DeLay and his attorneys maintained the former Houston-area congressman did nothing wrong as no corporate funds went to Texas candidates and the money swap was legal.

The verdict came after a three-week trial in which prosecutors presented more than 30 witnesses and volumes of e-mails and other documents.

DeLay’s attorneys presented five witnesses.

Prosecutors said DeLay conspired with two associates, John Colyandro and Jim Ellis, to use his Texas-based PAC to send $190,000 in corporate money to an arm of the Washingtonbased Republican National Committee, or RNC. The RNC then sent the same amount to seven Texas House candidates. Under Texas law, corporate money can’t go directly to political campaigns.

Westbrook man killed while cutting down tree WESTBROOK (AP) — Police say a 55-year-old Maine man was killed by a 40-foot tree he was cutting down.

Westbrook Police Chief William Baker said John Larson was cutting a birch tree with a chain saw on some

family property at about 2 p.m. Tuesday when the tree snapped and hit him in the head. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Baker said police ruled the death accidental.

North Conway, NH 356-0401 Across from the Sunoco, in the TD Bank parking lot breakfast all day 6-2 • lunch @ 11:30

check out our daily specials, go to w w w. priscillasnh.com

DON’T SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP...

EAT. SHOP. EAT Eat Early. Shop Early.

Open at 6am Early riser specials m 6-8a starting at $2.99, Lunch specials starting at $6.95

Best Ser vice, Unbeatable Price, Most Convenient Stop for Shopping

WINE SPECIALS Yellow Tail & Linderman’s..................1.5 ml only 8.99++ Shutter Home White Zinfandel........1.5ml 2 for 12.00++ Franzia 5 Lt box..........................starting at only 11.49++ Kendall Jackson or Bogle Petite Sirah. . . . .only 10.49++

HOLIDAY DEALS Rolling Rock ........................18 pack bottles only 9.99++ Miller High Life ...............................18 pk. bottles 9.99++ Twisted Tea ............................6pk 6.49++ 12 pk. 11.99++ Shipyard Pumpkinhead ................................6 pk 6.99++ Bud, Miller and Coors .......................12 pk. cans 7.99++

SPECIALTY HOLIDAY BEERS & WINES WINES O’Reilly’s White Chocolate • O’Reilly’s Irish Cream • Eggnog Wine Chocolate • Raspberry BEERS Dogfish Head • Flying Dog • Shipyard Prelude • Gritty’s Red Claw Ale • Sierra Nevada Celebration • Samual Adams Winter Lager • Magic Hat Winter • Loose Cannon

Try any of our specialty Holiday Wines starting at

9.99++

Redemption Center – 6 Cents Everyday

Page 4 — THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Friday, November 26, 2010

––––––––––––– LETTERS TO THE EDITOR –––––––––––––

Leave it to city bureaucracy to overcomplicate parking fines Editor, Leave it to a city bureaucracy to mess up what small businesses already do well: taking credit and debit cards for transactions, both in person and online. Why do they insist on making it so hard for everyone — including themselves?

When it comes to paying parking tickets, the issue isn’t which credit card company charges what, nor is it to make a level playing field for each and every person who comes through the door to pay. It’s about a blended cost of the transaction, and efficiency.

For example, the city of Portland refuses to recognize savings when it comes to on-line payments.

They only care about passing on the $2.75 charge to someone else — despite it forcing more taxpayers to send in checks, which require more handling (opening envelopes, preparing and making deposits), and greater risk (bounced checks). The idea should be to make the transaction as simple as possible for both parties — which means less cost to process for the city, and an easy tender method for the “customer.”

And why give special consideration — or worry about being equitable — to cash payers when it’s how fewer and fewer transactions are being done, and when it’s less efficient to handle?

Maybe it’s because the city has a staff of lifers — people who will always be there, on the payroll, only to be eliminated if they do something truly egregious … perhaps they are viewed as a permanent part of the transaction cost and thus making the process efficient isn’t so important.

Who knows?? I can only tell you that they way they are doing things is far, far behind what is happening in the private sector, and that it is aggravating and costly to the taxpayer!

Peter Stoops President, U.S. Operations, PacSoft Inventory Management Specialists, Portland

We want your opinions We welcome your ideas and opinions on all topics and consider every signed letter for publication. Limit letters to 300 words and include your address and phone number. Longer letters will only be published as space allows and may be edited. Anonymous letters, letters without full names and generic letters will not be published.

Please send your letters to: THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, news@portlanddailysun.me.

Portland’s FREE DAILY Newspaper Curtis Robinson Editor David Carkhuff, Matt Dodge Reporters THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN is published Tuesday through Saturday by Portland News Club, LLC. Mark Guerringue, Adam Hirshan, Curtis Robinson Founders Offices: 61 St. Lawrence St. Portland, Maine 04101 (207) 699-5801 Website: www.portlanddailysun.me E-mail: news@portlanddailysun.me For advertising contact: (207) 699-5801 or ads@portlanddailysun.me Classifieds: (207) 699-5807 or classifieds@portlanddailysun.me CIRCULATION: 14,000 daily distributed Tuesday through Saturday FREE throughout Portland by Spofford News Company jspofford@maine.rr.com

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– COLUMN ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

A soft landing place, and the Pine Tree shuffle A lot of those in the halls of power in Augusta are polishing up the resume. The word is out on the street, with a deadline just a month or so off. Get your paperwork in order, you’re history.

With an undercurrent of living up to the promise of reducing the size of Maine government, Gov.elect Paul LePage raised the size of his transition team this week from a microscopic three individuals to a total of 30. They are handling the estimated 1,000-plus resumes that have come boiling across the desk of the Governor-in-waiting for one of the 150 high-paying state jobs that the gov appoints to office.

Those numbers sound a lot like what is happening out here on Main Street. A few months back, a tipster pointed out to me that Maine had roughly 40,000 unemployed, but the Maine Job Service only had about 4,200 jobs listed as available in the entire state.

If you are one of the folks that has had one of those jobs for years, never fear. Your resume will join countless others languishing in forgotten unevenly stacked piles, waiting for the inevitable economic turnaround.

Starting at the top, being charitable and all that for the holiday

Bob Higgins ––––– Daily Sun Columnist season, I can see that soon-former Governor John Baldacci will soon be looking for work. Although he is looking for a soft place to land, there are those from the other end of the political spectrum that want him tarred, feathered and dumped over the New Hampshire border in the dead of night.

The other option discussed among fellow co-conspirators was dousing him with lemon juice, finding the one remaining prickly cactus at the bottom of a cliff in Maine, and handing him the official “Wile E. Coyote” memorial anvil.

Perhaps all is not lost for JB. As I understand it, the employment potential for former governors is limitless. He’ll probably end up at a law firm here in Portland specializing in “Potential Business Markets” for a single customer.

Somebody has to see the limitless possibilities of the Dirigo Heath Program in other states, just in

case the “other” national plan fails or is repealed.

Dr. Dora Ann Mills, head of the Maine CDC could probably find a federal grant to study the insidious infectious nature of TEA party politics, and its alarmingly fast reproductive rate. Surely, there must be some kind of funding available through the Federal Centers for Disease Control that would fund a study, and quickly. Hey, 2012 isn’t that far away, and her results will have to be peer-reviewed.

At least two positions have potential nominees waiting in the wings. The departments of Conservation and Public Safety have both been mentioned by Paul LePage as departments that he has already chosen leaders for, but names have not been released as of press time.

Some mutterings and mumblings put Bill Beardsley in one of the slots, but that hasn’t been confirmed yet.

At least two lawyers have been appointed to the transition team, so we might be looking at a couple of nominees for Attorney General.

GOP lawyer Ann Robinson of the feisty firm of Preti-Flaherty here in Portland is one of the team co-chairs, see HIGGINS page 5

PARKING from page one

know that potential shoppers now have a half-million reminders that parking can sometimes be a challenge.

So, tomorrow, we will continue a more serious look at parking, but this is also a chance for me to renew the once-joking suggestion that we put the Parking Enforcement People (PEPs) in charge. Of everything.

Immediately.

That’s because in a world where government is failing us on all fronts — big oil companies foul our gulfs, scofflaws graffiti up our streets, health care reform goes from amazing to a maze, the Wall Street greedheads are back in bonusland — only parking enforcement seems to work nationwide, city to city, everywhere.

Ask anyone. Nobody (nobody.) doubts it’s the one aspect of our government that hums along with a dull human-less efficiency usually reserved for the better Keanu Reeves vehicles.

Of course, you likely have mixed emotions about the parking zealots. You might even refer to them as “Parking Nazis,” although to be fair when Hitler wanted you “booted” it was a whole different thing.

But, if that so-and-so who prowls our favorite parking spots ran the Interior Department, you think those Deepwater Horizon corners would have been cut? I always point out that if the parking guys ran the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Bernie Madoff scam goes on for maybe two months.

He’s three minutes late for his first filing, there’s gonna be a ticket. Three times, and he gets the boot.

Here’s the story that convinced me of this Great Truth, and it begins with a serious misunderstanding involving the Washington, D.C. PEPs. Some of them felt my sticking parking tickets into my glove box failed to meet the District’s legal definition of a good faith effort for payment. This situation manifested itself as a “Denver boot” on my beloved Honda.

It could be you know about The District.

Outside of Detroit, it’s likely the worst-run city in the USA. You can make a case that, dollar-for-dollar, it’s the worst run city in human history — and no matter how you feel about your city council — any city council — you have to realize that D.C. is largely run by the U.S. Congress. ‘Nuff said.

So I’m in Bootville, running a bit late for a meeting, and I’m calling a 1-800 number that’s clearly visible both on the boot and the large sticker/notice on my windshield. They answer on the second ring, look up my account by tag number, and ask if I’d like to pay in person or by credit card. They take a number, thank me politely, and say the boot will be

removed in 20 minutes.

None of the wild blathering about credit card convenience fees or such. Done.

––––– “Right,” I say. “Really, I have a Usually meeting. How long, and can I just pick it up tomorrow?”

Reserved “It could be sooner. But my program says 20 minutes at that location, sir.”

And at 14 minutes, a van skids to a stop, a NASCAR-trained pit crew leaps out, the sticker is gone, the boot is tossed into the truck and a guy with Windex has cleaned the sticky poster glue off my windshield.

They are a team. Their radio is on, the dispatchers calm and controlled — sounding for all the world like NASA countdown voices.

It’s one story among many. You show me a PEP problem, and I’ll show you where the “regular” government has taken back control.

Of course, given the complexity of our world, some training will be needed, but I’m guessing that PEPs are made, not born. If we can get some stimulus money, maybe some incentive cash, we can get this New World Order up and running in a few months.

Give those parking guys the power and we’re out of this recession in about two hours, exactly.

Naturally, this idea always brings out the most obvious downside: If we take the overly efficient parking guys and let them run everything else, who is gonna make sure the parking rules work?

Hey, would you rather have an economy or a parking space?

And, for replacements, and given my ongoing efforts to maybe get some slack on downtown parking times, I’m thinking we re-purpose whoever has been regulating Wall Street. Maybe the guys in charge of Ken Feinberg’s payment system in the Gulf of Mexico could take over — then we could just leave our cars for days and days.

Until then, we’re just going to muddle through, awaiting the first snow and the big tow trucks that will somehow run when everything else is shutting down.

When you wonder how the PEPs can somehow dig your car out of the blizzard, quickly tow it and dozens of others away, and do it all despite weather that would make a Yeti cringe, just remember how nice it could be to unleash them on Something Else.

Curtis Robinson

(Curtis Robinson is editor of The Portland Daily Sun and a recovering parking scofflaw. Attentive regular readers might also note that he is also a recovering cut-and-paste scoffeditor, who believes that “reduce, reuse, recycle” can apply to holiday weekend newspaper columns.)

Gov. Baldacci will be looking for a new job HIGGINS from page 4

but just this week Cumberland County DA Stepanie Anderson was added to the mix.

From an outsider’s point of view, reforming state systems seems simple. If your department is involved in handing out checks, get your resumé in order. If it is one of the few in the state that is actually generating revenue in excess of your budget, your job might be secure. Either way, come sometime after the first of the year, your desk better be packed and ready for the moving truck.

With turkey day just behind us, and Christmas not far away, the next few weeks will have a lot of politicos

dancing away their last few nights to the Blaine House boogie-woogie beat. Some may stay, some might move on to other things. We may even see a version of musical chairs, whereby potential applicants try to trip each other up to grab the last remaining state jobs available for a while.

One thing I’ve observed so far. Don’t forget the ’70s.

Polishing up your resume and looking for a state job might be just the thing, but the dancing you’re going to be doing is a lot of flash so far, with little substance.

Just like disco.

(Bob Higgins is a regular contributor to The Portland Daily Sun.)

PICTURES, CLOTHES, GLASSWARE,

50% OFF Back Room!

The

“GREAT JUNQUE” Shoppe

Alice

570 Brighton A ve.,Portlan d ,M E 04101 615-6295 C • 772-9156 H •W ed – Sat 11am -4pm

LINENS, LAMPS, SMALL FURNITURE,

CHAIRS, PICTURES, CLOTHES,

Boot incident illustrates that PEPs should run the world

CHAIRS, SMALL FURNITURE,

THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Friday, November 26, 2010— Page 5

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– STAFF OPINION ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Buckdancer’s Choice

Music Co. and School of Music Sp ecia lH olida y Sa le P ricin g

on ton s of item s sta rtin g on Frid a y,N ov.26 !

H u n d red s of G rea tSto ckin g Stu ffers!

G u ita r P a cka ges sta rtin g a t $ 99 Buy • Sell • Trade • Repair • Rentals • Lessons 248 St. John Street, Union Station Plaza Portland • 774-2219

Page 6 — THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Friday, November 26, 2010

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SPORTS –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Shopping can wait: It’s football Friday

BY RALPH D. RUSSO AP COLLEGE FOOTBALL WRITER

The Christmas shopping can wait. Instead of Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving should be called BCS Friday.

The top three teams in the country — No. 1 Oregon, No. 2 Auburn and No. 3 Boise State — face ranked conference foes in a triple-header bursting with BCS implications.

Auburn starts the football feast when it takes on No. 9 Alabama in the biggest Iron Bowl in years. A rivalry that never lacks for intensity and is usually heavy on intrigue is loaded with high stakes and subplots this season.

On the field, it’s the first time since 1994 that the Iron Bowl features two top-10 teams.

The last two seasons, it was Alabama trying to stay undefeated and Auburn trying to play spoiler.

Now, Auburn (11-0) is just a couple of wins away from playing in the BCS national championship game — and this Tide (9-2) team is still hoping to land a major bowl bid.

Then there’s Camgate.

The NCAA is looking into the recruitment of Auburn star quarterback Cam Newton after allegations by Mississippi State boosters that his father asked for money to send his son to play for that school.

As of now, Newton is expected to play. He’s the Southeastern Conference’s leading rusher, the nation’s second-most efficient passer and in just one year he’s made a case for being called the best quarterback in SEC history. Former Auburn coach Pat Dye, who coached Bo Jackson, has called Newton, “the best football player I ever saw.”

The Tide will provide his toughest test yet. Alabama has won 20 straight home games and leads the nation with 21 interceptions. Plus, coach Nick Saban and defensive coordinator Kirby Smart have some history of bottling up good running quarterbacks. Just ask Tim Tebow.

JOB STRESS? A CH IN G M USCLES? It’stim e to treatyou rself!

35.00 1 hou rm a ssage

$

Sw edish or D eep Tissue

M obilm assag e available • Gift Certificates Available • 6 Years E xperience

Nurturing Touch Massage Christine Herric, LMT • 939-2649 583 Forest Ave., Portland, ME (one block from Mr. Bagel) Ample, Free Parking

The SEC West race is already over. No matter what happens at Bryant-Denny Stadium, Auburn will play South Carolina in the league championship game the next week. A loss to Alabama, though, could open up a spot in the national championship game for another unbeaten team.

Not long after the Iron Bowl ends, Oregon (10-0) takes on No. 20 Arizona (7-3) in Eugene. The Ducks had a week off after their closest game of the season.

Heisman contender LaMichael James and the highscoring Ducks needed a little luck and some stellar defense to beat California 15-13.

The Wildcats’ defense looks just as good as the Bears’ on paper, and quarterback Nick Foles leads the top passing offense in the Pac-10.

By the time Boise State kicks off at No. 19 Nevada in the nightcap, the Broncos should know if they are still going to be stuck behind Oregon and Auburn in the BCS standings or if they have a real chance to put themselves in position to play for the national title on Jan. 10 in Glendale, Ariz.

The Broncos are second in the nation in total defense and scoring defense and first against the run. Nevada, with versatile quarterback Colin Kaepernick, is third in total offense and fourth in scoring and rushing. Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore also gets a chance to make one more highprofile push for the Heisman.

As for the presents, don’t worry, you can always shop online.

The picks: FRIDAY • No. 20 Arizona (plus 19½) at No. 1 Oregon Cal was just a speed bump for Ducks ... OREGON 48-21.

• No. 2 Auburn (plus 4½) at No. 9 Alabama Only the NCAA can stop Cam ... AUBURN 31-27.

• No. 3 Boise State (minus 14) at No. 19 Nevada A victory will likely get Broncos past TCU in BCS standings ... BOISE STATE 45-24.

• Colorado (plus 17) at No. 16 Nebraska Deep breaths, Bo. Find your happy place ... NEBRASKA 35-14.

PRIDE’S CORNER FLE A MA RK ET 33 Elmwood Ave, Westbrook Right off Rt. 302 at Pride’s Corner

pridescornerfleamarket.com

@#$%! The MALL The Best Black Friday Deals are at The Pride’s Corner Flea Market!

E Antiques E Collectibles E Books E Toys E DVDs E Gold & Silver Jewelry E Sports Cards E Records E Video Games E Fine Hand-Made Items

All vendor’s will be offering amazing one-time deals!

ch and mu more!

Open 9am til 4pm Friday Nov 26 and all weekend year round

This Oct. 16 file photo shows Auburn quarterback Cam Newton running against Arkansas in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Auburn, Ala., Newton’s status — and his prodigious talent — remains the primary topic surrounding No. 2 Auburn leading to the Iron Bowl against No. 9 Alabama. (AP Photo/Dave Martin, File) RIVALRY PICK • West Virginia (plus 2½) at Pittsburgh The Big East has to have a champion. It’s in the rules ...

WEST VIRGINIA 20-16.

SATURDAY • No. 4 TCU (minus 44) at New Mexico Horned Frogs could win by 100 and it probably won’t matter ... TCU 62-10.

• Northwestern (plus 23½) at No. 5 Wisconsin Badgers running game powered by best offensive line in country ... WISCONSIN 48-21.

• No. 6 LSU (plus 3½) at No. 12 Arkansas Razorbacks still thinking BCS, too ... ARKANSAS 28-21.

• Oregon State (plus 14) at No. 7 Stanford The Beavers have won seven of last nine meetings ...

STANFORD 41-17.

• Michigan (plus 17) at No. 8 Ohio State The Buckeyes go for seven straight against Wolverines ...

OHIO STATE 45-21.

• No. 14 Oklahoma (plus 2½) at No. 10 Oklahoma State Sooners win plus A&M win causes three-way tie in Big 12 South; BCS standings break it ... OKLAHOMA STATE 35-30.

• No. 11 Michigan State (minus 1) at Penn State Spartans have been living on edge ... PENN STATE 23-17.

• Virginia (plus 23½) at No. 13 Virginia Tech The Hokies have won six straight meetings ... VIRGINIA TECH 35-10.

• No. 15 Missouri (minus 24½) vs. Kansas at Kansas City, Mo. Tigers still alive in Big 12 North if Nebraska losses ...

MISSOURI 48-10 • No. 18 South Carolina (minus 3) at Clemson Tigers have not lost two straight to Gamecocks since 1970 ... SOUTH CAROLINA 31-23.

• No. 21 North Carolina State (minus 2½) at Maryland Wolfpack are victory away from first ACC title game ...

MARYLAND 28-21.

• Florida (plus 2½) at No. 22 Florida State Gators have never lost to ‘Noles under Urban Meyer ...

FLORIDA STATE 28-17.

• BYU (plus 9) at No. 23 Utah The last Holy War as Mountain West Conference rivals ...

UTAH 28-23.

• No. 24 Iowa (plus 15½) at Minnesota Floyd of Rosedale stays with Hawkeyes ... IOWA 42-14 UPSET SPECIAL • No. 22 Mississippi State (plus 2½) at Mississippi Home team has won six straight and 10 of 11 Egg Bowls ...

OLE MISS 28-24.

RIVALRY PICK • Notre Dame (no line) at Southern California QB Matt Barkley questionable; Trojans have won eight straight in series ... NOTRE DAME 31-24.

THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Friday, November 26, 2010— Page 7

SHOP THESE LOCAL BUSINESSES To advertise on this page talk to your ad rep or contact 207-699-5801 or ads@portlanddailysun.me PINS & NEEDLES

TATTOO & BODY PIERCING

259 St. Johns Street PORTLAND

774-8282

193 Main Street, Suite 104 BIDDEFORD

284-4828

www.pinsandneedlesportland.com

CARTCO M FG

Sm a ll Tra ile r Su pplie s

315 Portland Rd (Rt 100), Gray 657-2463 just 7.5 miles beyond Hannafords at Falmouth Crossing

Light Welding and Repairs • Brake Work Bearing Work • Lights & Wiring • Spring Work We offer the best prices around… and advice is always free!

VISA

AMEX DEBIT

Tues-Fri 9am-5pm • Sat 10am-2pm

MC DISC

The Bradley Foundation of Maine Miracle on 424 Main Street

HOPE

Serving Seniors over 55 and the Disabled

*pick up and delivery not included with free tune up.

“We want the privilege of serving you”

Open for sales to the general public.

Call for your scheduled appointment.

We meet your hours 7 days a week

Ac c e s s orie s in -s toc k a n d S p e c ia l Ord e r

207-838-5550 ahanson@ultimategunsandammo.com

The Best Place in Town to Take a Leak

WINTERIZATION SPECIALS •Tune-ups •Coolant flushes •Radiator Repairs 1129 Forest Ave., Portland • 207-797-3606

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR HEATING BILL

Buy One at Reg. Price, Get a Second

HALF-OFF!

Create a Comfortable & Safe Environment Authorized Floor Care Service Provider Since 1924

352 Warren Avenue, Portland, ME 04103 207-871-8610 • 1-888-358-3589

M U LLE R Heating & Plumbing

24 H R . B u r n er S er vice Licensed & Insured Installation Maintenance

Ultimate Guns and Ammo, Inc

Established 1948

DICK STEWART • MIKE CHARRON • 767-0092 1217 Congress St., Portland, ME 04102

• Energy efficient • Safe for children & pets • 80,000 hour element • Does not emit odors, fumes or effect humidity • Heats up to 1,000 sq. ft.

Fin a lly a Frie n d ly Gu n D e a le r in P ortla n d , M a in e Cla s s 3 L ic e n s e d

In -s toc k Gu n s

FULL AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES

Cooling Systems • Brakes • Exhaust Check Shocks • Struts • Tune-ups Engine State Inspection • Timing Belts Lights Valve Jobs • Engine Work Interstate Batteries • Towing Available

G U A RD I A N H EA TER

LOCATED AT EXIT 48 MOTOR SALES 140 RIVERSIDE ST., PORTLAND

P STARTING AT $88

PORTLAND AUTO RADIATOR

MAJOR & MINOR REPAIRS Auto Electronic Diagnosis

899-4844

Computers starting at only $75.00 includes Microsoft Office 2007 Professional Plus & Microsoft Antivirus

Westbrook, ME • 591-5237 Mon-Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

D & M AUTO REPAIR

FULL SERVICE AUTO DETAILING SERVING GREATER PORTLAND ACKAGES SINCE 2003

S p e c ia l Ord e r Gu n s

Computer Sales and Service

PLUS YOUR FIRST TUNE UP IS FREE!!

RICH BUFFINGTON’S SHINE N’ GO

Scarborough, ME 04074 Tel: 883.0148

ST

R O U D WAT E R

656 Stroudwater St. Westbrook

854-0415 AUTO “Over 35 years experience”

TIRE

VISIT US ON THE WEB

Since 1977

for SPECIAL OFFERS & DISCOUNT COUPONS!

200 Narragansett St. Gorham, ME 04038 • (207)839-2500 • FAX: (207)839-5330 33 Pleasant Hill Rd. Scarborough, ME 04074 • (207)883-0404 • FAX: (207)883-0005 495 Presumpscot St. Portland, ME 04103 • (207)842-2500 • FAX: (207)842 -2503 643 Main St. Springvale, ME 04083 • (207)324 -2500 • FAX: (207)324-4703 631 Elm St. Biddeford, ME 04005 • (207)284-2500 • FAX: (207)284 -2503

COMPLETE AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR FOREIGN & DOMESTIC

Visit our website: www.moodyscollision.com

www. stroudwaterauto.com

NG PTI NTS CE AC PATIE W NE

Mathieu’s Market For your convenience

We Now Accept EBT Cards, M/C, Visa and Discover.

Groceries - Snacks - Beverages 424 Main St. Westbrook

Open 365 Days A Year Mon.-Thurs. 6am-7pm; Fri. 6am-8pm; Sat. 7am-8pm; Sun 8am-5pm

Page 8 — THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Friday, November 26, 2010

HARBOR FISH MARKET

The John Lennon Song Project will take the stage Saturday at One Longfellow Square. (COURTESY PHOTO)

www.harborfish.com • 775-0251

Covers can be tricky

9 Custom House Wharf • Portland “While They Last”

MEDIUM FILLETS

BEATLES from page one

FRESH FANCY

HADDOCK ALL $ NATURAL

4.99

lb.

SUNDAYS 9am-3pm

Free Range Fish & Lobster 450 Commercial Street, Portland Open 7 days/wk • 7am-6pm

Port City Music Hall hosts Beatles Night.

• Damariscotta Oysters 1.00 •Shucked Oysters 6.99 cup • Fresh Premium Haddock 3.99 lb From the boat to your plate, our fish is great!

NO HASSLE PARKING

be a lucrative business for musicians, as long as they have the chops. “You can create your nut by doing a cover band, but it has to be done well,” he said.

Clark said Saturday’s band certainly fits that description.

“Fowler and Dean are both veteran musicians who were performing when Lennon was alive and they grew up with that music.

Meanwhile, local rock/pop impresario Spencer Albee (Rustic Overtones, Space Versus Speed) will take to Port City Music Hall with a talented group of local see COVERS page 12

Three Sons Lobster and Fish

www.freerangefish.com • 774-8469

• Fresh Picked Lobster Meat 24.99 lb

all the accessibility now because of the Internet, it’s not so age specific anymore,” said John Clarke, assistant manager of One Longfellow Square.

“I think at this time everything is multi-generational, so 20-yearold people know who Steely Dan, The Beatles, and The Band are because it’s all accessible, and it’s great music,” he said.

The venue has had several such tribute acts come through, including The Band Band, who return Jan. 8, and local cover Steely Dan cover act Deely Stan.

Clark said cover projects can

207-761-0825 Fresh Chowders Hot & Ready to go!!!

•Lobster Bisque •Haddock Chowder •Clam Chowder Also, check out our large selection of refrigerated all natural hurricane chowder.

SOFT SHELLS ARE IN! Soft Shell Lobster Chix.........$4.79/lb Soft Shell Lobster Halves...$5.79/lb Soft Shell Lobster Quarters...$4.99/lb Soft Shell Lobster Selects. .$6.79/lb Hard Shells starting @ $5.75/lb

WE ALSO CARRY: Live Maine Steamers & Mussels, Live Rock Crabs & Crabmeat, Live Maine Oysters, Haddock Fillet, Lobster Tails, Fresh-Picked Lobstermeat, Jumbo Shrimp & more!

SPECIAL OF THE WEEK:

Wholesale Lobsters to the Public!

Fresh Haddock $4.99/lb.

72 Commercial Street - Maine Wharf (between Ri-Ra’s and Dry Dock) Open Mon thru Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 9am-6pm Check our website for prices, specials & promotions www.threesonslobsterandfish.com Check us out on

If It’s Live, We Can Cook It! Come on down & look for the dancing lobster!

Fine Italian Cheeses cut and wrapped on the premises.

Reggiano Parmesan and Pecorino Romano freshly grated Extra Virgin Olive Oil 3 liter tin $15.99, 1 liter bottle $5.99 Anna Pasta product of Italy 99¢ lb.

30 shapes and sizes San Marzano brand tomatoes 28 oz. can $1.99

For The Holidays....

Castagne (chestnuts from Italy) Bacala (salted cod)

45 India Street, Portland, ME 207-775-1854 • 207-774-9046 Open Mon-Fri 8am to 5:30 pm • Sat. 8am to 5pm

THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Friday, November 26, 2010— Page 9

Thrift stores seek a share of Black Friday blitz NEW YORK (AP) — Secondhand stores are trying to muscle in on the Black Friday blitz this year.

Thrift and consignment shops are betting that people who have bought more used things for themselves since the Great Recession will buy used gifts this year. They’re copying other retailers with gift certificates, elaborate window displays and early-morning specials.

For the first time, some Salvation Army resale shops will be open at 6 a.m., touting 75 percent-off early-bird specials on the traditional kickoff of holiday shopping.

“People didn’t consider us an option for Christmas gifts, but the stigma is wearing off,” says Salvation Army’s Major Henri Graciani, who manages 10 stores in the San Diego area that will be opening early.

Goodwill Industries Inc. recently opened its first temporary Christmas shops to increase its presence during the busiest shopping period of the year. The two stores, in Tacoma, Wash., area shopping centers, carry holiday furnishings, decorations and gifts. They’ll be shuttered Jan. 2. A rise in store vacancies since the Great Recession has allowed retailers to temporarily enter or ramp up in certain markets without making a big financial investment.

At Goodwill, which operates 2,500 stores, sales rose about 10 percent each of the last two years. The National Association of Resale & Thrift Shops, the industry trade association, predicts a big increase in holiday sales this year.

Merchandise varies at secondhand shops. Most inventory is used and slightly used items donated by individuals. Some goods are new and still in their packages, overruns from manufacturers or suppliers.

Returns usually aren’t accepted at secondhand shops, so Goodwill is pro-

Stan Williams, author of “The Find: The Housing Works Book of Decorating,” and a blog called elegantthrifter. blogspot.com, advises secondhand shoppers to tell their loved ones where they bought the gift, maybe even brag a little about the special find.

“There’s always a story behind each gift,” he says.

Maine economy picking up, projections suggest

In this Oct. 28 photo, Sue Butler (left), of Bonney Lake, Wash., and her daughter, Debi Lund (right), push shopping carts full of holiday merchandise as they shop at a stand-alone “Holiday Shoppe” store, operated by Goodwill Industries International Inc., in Tacoma, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

moting gift certificates this year. So is Housing Works, a 50-store chain in the New York City area.

Roundabout, an upscale consignment shop with four stores in New York and Connecticut, will wrap gifts this year, owner Laurie Perren says. She says she’s seeing more interest from wealthy buyers. Perren has saved the best designer bags and accessories for Black Friday. She’s also been more aggressive in urging regular customers who sell on consignment to bring in evening wear and other holiday fare.

“This is a sign of the times,” John Long, a retail strategist at Kurt Salmon Associates, says of the economy. “It’s also a reflection that while consumers themselves are really looking for value, they’re not abandoning the brands that they traditionally bought. They’re finding a great brand at a discounted price at a thrift shop.”

Renewed interest in glass ball ornaments and other traditional holiday

decorations also is helping these merchants. Resale shops often get goods that have been in households for years. secondhand items also appeal to people who are passionate about the environment because thrift-shop goods have been recycled.

Longtime thrift-shop devotee Ruth Handel, 46, from Mar Vista, Calif., says she’ll be buying vintage jewelry and crystal glasses as gifts.

“I am not going to buy clothing like a used blouse, unless it’s something like a vintage apron from the 1950s,” she says.

AUGUSTA (AP) — Improved state budget estimates combined with falling unemployment rates suggest that Maine’s long-suffering economy is beginning to lurch out of the doldrums, but a few caveats are also being issued.

A nonpartisan state panel of tax and economic experts on Tuesday gave its blessing to significantly improved revenue projections, which suggest that Maine’s $1 billion-plus budget gap may not be that big after all.

The Revenue Forecasting Committee endorsed figures that shrink the shortfall through the next two-year budget cycle by more than $470 million, which could ease prospects of more deep budget cuts. The figures will be included in a report due Dec. 1.

The healthier revenues stem from improved forecasts of individual income taxes and corporate profitability, said Grant Pennoyer, director of the Office of Fiscal and Program Review and member of the forecasting committee.

DAILY CROSSWORD TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

by Lynn Johnston

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Recognizing how quickly you tire of a person who doesn’t treat you the way you like to be treated, you’ll make an effort to treat others in the manner they prefer. This requires some research.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21).

You have many options, which can be quite distracting. Therefore, you need to put stronger boundaries in place to keep you focused on your chosen track.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19).

You’ll try something new. You may be shocked at how good you are at this and amazed by how easy it is for you.

In fact, it comes so naturally to you that you’ll wonder whether you’ve done it in another life.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). It will be effortless for you to communicate well. Situations you would have avoided before are now easily handled.

It’s like someone wrote you a script and all you have to do is repeat the lines.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You will shine in an intellectual setting. And when it’s time to show your talent, you’ll get applause that others will envy. This is, overall, a very productive and exciting day.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (Nov. 26).

You’ll love the meaningful connections you make with others this year. January brings fulfilling work. There’s an important realization in February that causes you to change your course.

You’ll purchase a new car or some other big-ticket item in June. August brings uplifting new people into your realm. Leo and Aquarius people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 8, 32, 35, 11 and 17.

by Paul Gilligan

By Holiday Mathis her.

Pooch Café For Better or Worse LIO

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Remember when you first fell for a certain love?

There was something that lured you in, but you didn’t know what it was or why you felt the way you did. Well, you’re doing the same thing to someone else now.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You have a strong sense of direction and purpose. That is to say, you know where you want to go and why. Even so, you’ll enter a territory that can’t be logically mapped out. None of the usual rules will apply.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You want to make a difference, and you know that you can. The confidence will propel you forward. It’s a good feeling, knowing that the world is a better place because of what you put into it.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). It would be unreasonable to chase a person and expect that person not to run away. It’s animal instinct you’re dealing with, and humans can be basic in that regard. So stop chasing and start luring.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You’ll learn a tool that you can put to use right away. You’ll up your game, and that’s fun, even if you’re technically doing something that happens to be related to work.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Brainy conversations will be enjoyable, helping you either to open your mind or sharpen your arguments -- or both. But you should be aware that the way to a person’s heart is not through his or her brain.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You are crazy about your love, and you want this person all to yourself. This might be the kind of fact you keep to yourself, though. You wouldn’t want anyone to feel that you are trying to control him or

by Aaron Johnson

HOROSCOPE

by Chad Carpenter

Solution and tips at www.sudoku.com

TUNDRA WT Duck

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 thru 9.

by Mark Tatulli

Page 10 — THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Friday, November 26, 2010

ACROSS 1 Inn 6 Commotion 10 Cut coupons 14 Picture 15 Jug 16 Top-notch 17 Brink; threshold 18 Enter; pass into 20 Jr. naval rank 21 Unwanted plant 23 Suit of metal 24 Pen __; pseudonym 25 Like fancy lingerie 27 Constantly 30 Type style 31 Passing craze 34 Canoe or skiff 35 __-frutti 36 Historical period 37 Natural; simple 41 “Ready, __, go!”

42 Cowboy event 43 Orange peel 44 Before

45 Rams’ mates 46 Part of a week 48 Coolidge and Ripken 49 Dog biter 50 Upper room 53 “Heart and __”; piano duet 54 Tavern drink 57 Fraternal 60 Dark yellow 62 “See if I __!”

63 __ vera 64 Stories 65 Raced 66 Manipulative type 67 Put forth effort

1 2 3 4 5 6

DOWN Bee colony Sign of the future Paving substances Hen’s product Wiggle room Cone-shaped dwelling

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 19 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 35 38 39

Was in the red Lair Gold or copper Transport Rich soil Vanished __ thin air Equal Stratagem 13th letters Intl. military alliance State-run game “Nay” voter Treat badly One who prefers no companions Use unwisely Solders Smelly Amphitheater Papa Ocean wave patterns Give a sermon Long, doleful cry

40 Opera solo 46 Respiratory illness 47 __ to; connect with 48 Referred to 49 Entrance hall 50 Fundamentals 51 Pitfall 52 __ off; fled

53 54 55 56

Wild plum Capable Malicious look Once, to Shakespeare 58 __ de cologne 59 Monogram for Mr. Stevenson 61 To the __; fully

Yesterday’s Answer

THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Friday, November 26, 2010— Page 11

––––––– ALMANAC ––––––– Today is Friday, Nov. 26, the 330th day of 2010. There are 35 days left in the year.

Today’s Highlight in History: On Nov. 26, 1950, China entered the Korean War, launching a counteroffensive against soldiers from the United Nations, the U.S. and South Korea.

On this date: In 1789, this was a day of thanksgiving set aside by President George Washington to observe the adoption of the Constitution of the United States.

In 1825, the first college social fraternity, the Kappa Alpha Society, was formed at Union College in Schenectady, N.Y. In 1842, the founders of the University of Notre Dame arrived at the school’s presentday site near South Bend, Ind. In 1910, two dozen young women were killed when fire broke out at a muslin factory in Newark, N.J. In 1933, a judge in New York decided the James Joyce book “Ulysses” was not obscene and could be published in the United States.

In 1943, during World War II, the HMT Rohna, a British transport ship carrying American soldiers, was hit by a German missile off Algeria; 1,138 men were killed.

In 1949, India adopted a constitution as a republic within the British Commonwealth.

In 1965, France launched its first satellite, sending a 92-pound capsule into orbit.

In 1973, President Richard Nixon’s personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, told a federal court that she’d accidentally caused part of the 18-1/2-minute gap in a key Watergate tape.

In 2008, teams of heavily armed gunmen stormed luxury hotels, a popular tourist attraction and a crowded train station in Mumbai, India, leaving at least 166 people dead in a rampage lasting some 60 hours.

One year ago: An investigation ordered

by Ireland’s government found that Roman Catholic Church leaders in Dublin had spent decades sheltering child-abusing priests from the law and that most fellow clerics turned a blind eye.

Today’s Birthdays: Actress Ellen Albertini Dow is 92. Impressionist Rich Little is 72. Singer Tina Turner is 71. Singer Jean Terrell is 66. Pop musician John McVie is 65. Actress Marianne Muellerleile is 62.

Actor Scott Jacoby is 54. Actress Jamie Rose is 51. Country singer Linda Davis is 48. Blues singer-musician Bernard Allison is 45. Country singer-musician Steve Grisaffe is 45. Actress Kristin Bauer is 37.

Actor Peter Facinelli is 37. Actress Tammy Lynn Michaels Etheridge is 36. Actress Maia Campbell is 34. Country singer Joe Nichols is 34. Contemporary Christian musicians Anthony and Randy Armstrong (Red) are 32.

Actress Jessica Bowman is 30. Pop singer Natasha Bedingfield is 29. Rock musician Ben Wysocki is 26.

FRIDAY PRIME TIME 8:00

Dial 5 6

CTN 5 Profiles WCSH

7

WPFO

8

WMTW

10

MPBN

11

WENH

8:30

9:00

The Build

Drexel Int

NOVEMBER 26, 2010 9:30 Bike TV

10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 Penny Dreadful’s Shilly Shockers

School Pride “Bring Movie: ››› “Enchanted” (2007, Fantasy) Amy AdBack the Arts!” Restoring ams. Live action/animated. A princess from a fairyan arts school. (N) tale world lands in the Big Apple. Å TV’s Funniest Holiday Moments: A Paley Center News 13 on FOX (N) for Media Special Holiday TV moments; Jane Lynch hosts. (N) (In Stereo) (PA) Å Movie: ››› “Happy Feet” (2006) Voices of Elijah 20/20 President Obama Wood. Animated. An emperor penguin expresses andMichelle Obama. (N) himself through tap-dancing. (In Stereo) (In Stereo) Å Washing- Maine McLaughlin Inside Need to Know (N) (In ton Week Watch Group (N) Washing- Stereo) Å (N) Å ton Å The President’s Pho- Great Performances “Sondheim! The Birthday tographer: Fifty Years Concert” Salute to composer Stephen Sondheim.

Inside the Oval Office (N) (In Stereo) Å Smallville “Ambush” The Supernatural Sam is Entourage TMZ (N) (In General and Lucy Lane mysteriously freed from “Play’n With Stereo) Å visit. Å his cage in hell. Å Fire” CSI: NY A suspect men- Blue Bloods “Samaritan” Blue Bloods “Privilege” tions Mac’s father. (In The Reagans debate Diplomatic immunity proStereo) Å vigilantism. Å tects a suspect.

Monk (In Stereo) Å Monk (In Stereo) Å Curb Earl

News Tonight Show With Jay Leno Frasier (In According Stereo) Å to Jim Å News 8 Nightline WMTW at (N) Å 11 (N) Charlie Rose (N) (In Stereo) Å Independent Lens Mountaintop-removal coal mine. Å Extra (N) Punk’d (In (In Stereo) Stereo) Å Å WGME Late Show News 13 at With David 11:00 Letterman OurMaine Star Trek

12

WPXT

13

WGME

17

WPME

24

DISC Deadliest Catch Å

Swamp Loggers (N)

25

FAM “A Boy-Charlie”

Movie: ››› “Snoopy, Come Home” (1972)

26

USA Movie: ››› “Elf” (2003) Will Ferrell. Å

Movie: ›› “Semi-Pro” (2008) Will Ferrell.

27

NESN Red Sox Classics

Daily

Pro Foot.

28

CSNE NBA Basketball: Raptors at Celtics

Celtics

SportsNet Sports

30

ESPN College Football Arizona at Oregon. (Live)

College Football Boise State at Nevada. (Live)

31

ESPN2 NBA Basketball

33

ION

Criminal Minds Å

Swamp Loggers Å

Deadliest Catch Å The 700 Club Å Daily

Daily Dancers

NBA Basketball Golden State Warriors at Memphis Grizzlies.

Criminal Minds Å

Suite/Deck Shake it

Criminal Minds Å

Criminal Minds Cults.

34

DISN I’m-Band

Shake it

Shake it

35

TOON Movie: “Firebreather” (2010)

Titan

King of Hill King of Hill Fam. Guy

Fam. Guy

36

NICK Victorious (N) Å

Chris

Lopez

Lopez

37

MSNBC Vegas Undercover

38

CNN Michael J. Fox

40

CNBC Millions

My Wife

Vegas Undercover Larry King Live (N)

Suite/Deck Suite/Deck Suite/Deck Lopez

Vegas Undercover

Anderson Cooper 360 (N) Å

Movie: ›››‡ “Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room”

41

FNC

The O’Reilly Factor (N) Hannity (N)

43

TNT

››› “Air Force One”

44

LIFE Movie: “Beauty Shop”

46

TLC

What Not to Wear

George

Vegas Undercover Remington Under Fire

Greta Van Susteren

The O’Reilly Factor

Movie: ›››‡ “Michael Clayton” (2007) George Clooney.

Movie: ››‡ “No Reservations” (2007) Å What Not to Wear (N)

3 Kings

“Sister Act 2: Back”

Homemade Millionaire What Not to Wear

47

AMC Movie: ››‡ “Deep Blue Sea” (1999)

48

HGTV Hits & Misses

Hunters

49

TRAV Ghost Adventures

Ghost Adventures (N)

Ghost Adventures

Ghost Adventures

50

A&E Criminal Minds Å

Criminal Minds Å

Criminal Minds Å

Criminal Minds Å

52

Hunters

The Walking Dead

“Deep Blue Sea”

Hunters

Hunters

BRAVO Movie: ››› “Ocean’s Twelve” (2004) George Clooney. Å

Hunters

Hunters

Movie: ››› “Ocean’s Twelve”

55

HALL Movie: ›› “A Family Thanksgiving” (2010)

Movie: “Moonlight and Mistletoe” (2008) Å

56

SYFY WWE Friday Night SmackDown! (N) Å

Sanctuary “Breach”

“You Only Live Twice”

57

ANIM Life “Primates” Å

Life “Plants” Å

Life Primates. Å

Life “Primates”

58

HIST Modern Marvels Å

Modern Marvels (N)

Top Gear Å

Gangland “Hell House”

60

BET

61

COM Jeff Dunham: Insanity

62 67 68 76

FX

Movie: ››› “Love & Basketball” ››› “Kung Fu Panda”

TVLND Raymond TBS

Raymond

Movie: ›› “Get Rich or Die Tryin’” (2005) Walter Alza Å

Jeff Dunham Christmas The Comedy Central Roast Å

Sons of Anarchy Raymond

Raymond

Raymond

Ways Die

1,000 Ways to Die

Movie: ›››› “The Wizard of Oz” (1939)

SPIKE 1,000 Ways to Die

Ways Die

OXY Movie: ›››› “Titanic” (1997, Drama) Å

146

TCM Movie: ›››‡ “The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly” (1967) Å

BY WAYNE ROBERT WILLIAMS

Raymond

Raymond

The Office The Office Glory Daze

78

DAILY CROSSWORD

Comedy

Movie: ›› “Alvin and the Chipmunks” (2007) Raymond

Ways Die

Ways Die

Movie: ›››› “Titanic” (1997, Drama) Å

ACROSS 1 Particular bias 6 Trade association 11 First Chief Justice of the Supreme Court 14 Edmonton team member 15 MacDowell of “Groundhog Day” 16 Gardner of movies 17 Cause of a business union?

20 Yoko’s maiden name 21 Italian explorer 22 Playwright Albee 23 Also 24 “The Virginian” writer Wister 25 Biblical mount 28 Deposited 29 Energy 32 Aired again 33 Matched collections 34 Draw breath 35 Intuitive reading?

38 Thor’s father

“Days of Heaven” Å

39 Thailand’s neighbor 40 Opening bit 41 Bread for a Reuben 42 “Rambling Rose” star Laura 43 Deep knee bends 44 Computer command 45 Name of 12 popes 46 Italian journalist Fallaci 49 Slope by a loch 50 Eden woman 53 Leave the red behind?

56 Director Ang 57 Makes a hole 58 Diameter halves 59 Oak’s cousin 60 Create a chasm 61 Fashion 1 2 3 4

DOWN NYC district Sphinx, mostly Too Earn as profit

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 18 19 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 33

Winged flyer Highlanders Commandment word President McKinley’s wife Similarly Transferred, as property Internet programming language State with certainty Word after Scotland Churlish one Part of BYOB Jumbo shrimp Expletives Latticework for vines Thin-voiced Bandleader Shaw Allow to board Nina’s sister ship Chris of tennis Mexican money Trapper’s device

34 36 37 42 43

“Peanuts” kid Granary adjunct Cordials Vienna’s river Thailand’s last name?

44 Portuguese saint 45 Commonplace writing 46 Get an eyeful of

47 48 49 50 51

Scottish dance Tidbit Engendered Whirl of water Netting of the bride 52 Clinton’s canal 54 To’s companion 55 Rebellion leader Turner

Yesterday’s Answer

Page 12 — THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Friday, November 26, 2010

Separate events on Saturday offer a fix of Beatles music COVERS rom page 8

musicians and a full string section to tackle The Beatles’ 1969 classic Abbey Road in it’s entirety.

The night also opens with a “A Hard Day’s Night” played in its entirety by Jeff Beam and Kurt Baker.

This is Albee’s eighth such undertaking, having migrated the venture from The Big Easy to The Asylum and now Port City.

The event’s cast has undergone some dramatic changes over the years as well. Originally made up of whatever band Albee was playing with at the time, from As Fast As to Rocktopus, this time Albee is calling on a larger cast, including a full string section, to do the Beatles classic justice.

“The first few years we just played Beatles song, but we got into playing whole albums three or four years in,” said Albee, whose Beatles Night has already done cover shows of “The White Album,” “Magical Mystery Tour,” “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and “Revolver.”

A bit of Beatlemania in Portland Spencer Albee & Friends eighth annual Beatles Night: Abbey Road starts at 8 p.m. on Saturday.

Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door, and $25 for V.I.P. seating.

Imagined: The John Lennon Song Project begins at 8 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $27.

In fact, Albee has already tackled Abbey Road years before, but the musician said he wanted to do the album justice by enlisting a full string section to faithfully recreate the Abbey Road sound.

“We did a good job [the first time], but now we can really kind of realize it now that we have this network of wonderful, classically trained musicians with pop ears,” he said.

“This whole thing is a labor of love,” said Albee,

who ranks Abbey Road as his all-time favorite Beatles album from which he said he’s drawn a lot of inspiration over his career in music.

“There’s a live feel about that album, even when it’s in its highest points of production, there is a rock band under there, where with like, Sgt. Pepper’s, they are just losing their minds in the studio,” Albee said.

But Albee said the album presents some unique challenges, the biggest being the album’s 11-track b-side, essentially a mega-medley that calls for a continuous performance.

“The medley at the end just keeps going and going, to do that live is a real trick, but once we hit that b-side, we wont stop until it’s over,” said Albee.

Albee’s band will include Rustic Overtones alum Jon Roods on bass, Dominic Lavoie and Charles Gagne (The Lucid), Sean Morin (The Cambiata), members of Albee’s School Spirit Mafia, including Jamie Colpoys and the full string section, with whom Albee has played as a member of Rustic Overtones.

THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN CLASSIFIEDS Animals CHIHUAHUA puppies, health and temperament guaranteed, devoted little pets. $500.

(603)539-7572.

Announcement

Autos

Autos

Autos

Help Wanted

COIN SHOW

1999 Mazda 626 LX, manual, black, sticker 6/11, new tires, 135,000 miles. $2200.

(207)714-0860.

BUYING all unwanted metals. $800 for large loads. Cars, trucks, heavy equipment. Free removal. (207)776-3051.

FREE metal removal. Cash for large loads. Cash for cars up to $500. (207)615-6092.

HANDYPERSON- Homeowner seeking reliable individual to help with chores every other week. Heavy lifting, leaves from gutters, mulch in spring and odd jobs, etc. Rates negotiable.

(207)781-4103.

Fourth Saturday of the month!

American Legion Hall, Post 35, 413 Broadway, South Portland.

8-2pm. FMI (802)266-8179.

For Rent

ANNIE’S MAILBOX Dear Annie: Both of my parents are in their mid-80s. My father has become rather frail, but won’t admit it, and my mother requires a walker to get around.

Over the past 30 years, they have had several lovely dogs.

The last one, “Rex,” passed away last summer. I believe lack of exercise and a poor diet contributed much to his declining health. Rather than make sure Rex got regular walks, my father allowed the dog to forget his house training. Although Dad did his best to “clean up,” the accumulation left in the carpets created an overwhelming stench.

My housebound mother became so embarrassed that she stopped receiving visitors. My father gradually lost his sense of smell and taste and, to this day, does not believe anything was wrong with the situation.

Rex’s passing was a relief to me. He was a big dog in a small house and posed a danger of tripping or toppling my mother, who is very unsteady. Also, without a large dog, it would be easier for them to move into an assisted-living arrangement should the need arise.

Unfortunately, I’ve learned that my father wants to adopt a puppy. This sounds totally irresponsible to me and once again puts my mother in harm’s way. And, it’s not at all fair to the dog. Talking to my father is like talking to Attila the Hun in a bad mood. What can I do? -- Dogged Out Dear Dogged: Talk to your mother. Ask her how she feels about having a puppy underfoot. If she doesn’t want a dog, she must tell your father quite firmly that it’s completely out of the question. If she will not do this and your father acquires an animal and is unable to properly care for it, call the local humane society.

Dear Annie: My father has worked hard his entire life and has a lot to show for it. He served 30 years in the military

and retired with many honors. Over the years, he has become very savvy with his finances and created quite a nest egg for himself. I respect and admire him deeply.

I am in my early 20s. I graduated from college, found a wonderful career with a good salary and live very modestly.

The problem is, my father refuses to allow me to pay for anything when we go out, whether it’s dining at a restaurant or going grocery shopping. This makes my younger brother and me uncomfortable. We have repeatedly tried to take my father out to dinner for special occasions and birthdays, but he always grabs the check.

When I tell him how much this bothers me, he brushes it off and says I should be saving my money. How can I show my father that I have reached a point where he does not have to pay for me every time we go out? -- Confused Dear Confused: Stop trying. It makes your father happy to treat you. It is a testament to his parenting skills that you and your brother are eager to show how self-supporting you are, but he isn’t going to let you. Instead, treat him to other things -- tickets to join you for a play or concert, or a home-cooked meal at your apartment. He’ll be delighted.

Dear Annie: This is for “Confused,” whose fiance objects to her hyphenating her name after marriage.

I kept my last name when I married 13 years ago for the same reason she stated -- I would have felt I was losing a part of me. My husband was extremely supportive.

If the man you choose to marry does not respect your choice, it will be only the first of many “losing a part of me” experiences. She should take the time to understand his reasoning and then decide if he’s the right man to marry. -- Glad I Kept My Last Name

Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please e-mail your questions to: anniesmailbox@comcast.net, or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 5777 W. Century Blvd., Ste. 700, Los Angeles, CA 90045.

Prickly City

by Scott Stantis

MAGNAVOX tv- 27” screen, $115. Boxes of assorted household items, $50 for all.

(207)934-1709.

PORTLAND, 570 Brighton Ave: 1 bdrm, living room, dining room Kit and bath. $685/mo plus heat & utlit. 2nd floor, plenty of parking (207)807-1004.

PORTLAND- West End- 1 bedroom Victorian, nice building, thrid floor, extras. $695/mo Dr. Finkelstein (207)772-5575.

SCARBOROUGH 4 bedroom heated $1400/mo. Call John at (207)797-2891.

For Sale 3PC King pillowtop mattress set new in plastic with warranty $205 call 396-5661.

Real Estate PEAKS Island- 71 Luther St. 1880’s Greek Revival, 4 bedroom, 2 bath, $389,000. Owner broker. (207)766-2293.

Roommate Wanted SCARBOROUGH- Room for rent in luxury home. Private bath, cable, shared kitchen, parking. $500/mo includes all.

(207)883-1087.

Services DUMP RUNS We haul anything to the dump. Basement, attic, garage cleanouts.

Insured www.thedumpguy.com (207)450-5858.

CHERRY Sleighbed king sz with new mattress set only $450 call 899-8853.

MASTER Electrician since 1972.

Repairs- whole house, rewiring, trouble shooting, fire damage, code violations, electric, water heater repairs commercial refrigeration. Fuses to breakers, generators.

Mark @ (207)774-3116.

HDMI cable. 6 foot, gold con nectors, brand new. $10.00.

207-772-1661

RUBBISH Runners- All types of trash. Complete disposal service. (207)615-6092.

ABSOLUTE bargain new full mattress set w/frame $179 call 396-5661.

Posture support queen mattress all new $130 call 899-8853.

Wanted

POTTERY Barn Style leather sofa- never used worth $1199 take $475 call 899-8853.

LAND- Buildable house lot in South Portland. Scarborough, Westbrook or Gorham (207)523-0495.

RECLINER new microsuedelight brown $179 call 396-5661.

Wanted To Buy

TORO electric power snow shovel, new in box, $75.

934-7230.

I buy broken or unwanted laptops. Cash today. Up to $100 for newer units. (207)233-5381.

CLASSIFIEDS • CALL 699-5807 DOLLAR-A-DAY CLASSIFIEDS: Ads must be 15 words or less and run a minimum of 5 consecutive days. Ads that run less than 5 days or nonconsecutive days are $2 per day. Ads over 15 words add 10¢ per word per day. PREMIUMS: First word caps no charge. Additional caps 10¢ per word per day.

Centered bold heading: 9 pt. caps 40¢ per line, per day (2 lines maximum) TYPOS: Check your ad the first day of publication. Sorry, we will not issue credit after an ad has run once. DEADLINES: noon, one business day prior to the day of publication. PAYMENT: All private party ads must be pre-paid. We accept checks, Visa and Mastercard credit cards and, of course, cash. There is a $10 minimum order for credit cards. CORRESPONDENCE: To place your ad call our offices 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 699-5807; or send a check or money order with ad copy to The Conway Daily Sun, P.O. Box 1940, North Conway, NH 03860. OTHER RATES: For information about classified display ads please call 699-5807.

THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Friday, November 26, 2010— Page 13

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– EVENTS CALENDAR–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Friday, Nov. 26 The Art of December at Maine Historical Society 10 a.m. The Art of December: Original Holiday Cards by Maine Artists from the Mildred Burrage Collection. Open to the public: Nov. 17, 2010 through Jan. 3, 2011, at Maine Historical Society, 489 Congress St., Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.; “The Art of December: Original Holiday Cards by Maine Artists from the Mildred Burrage Collection displays a selection of holiday cards that demonstrate the wide range of artists who called Maine home and further exemplifies the personal connections of Mildred Burrage, whose love for the holidays may be seen throughout her collection. The Mildred Burrage Collection, donated to the society in 2005, illustrates the personal life and professional career of Mildred Giddings Burrage (1890-1983) through correspondence, ephemera, photographs and writings. The collection demonstrates the relationships Mildred shared with Maine and American artists and craftsmen, museum curators, cultural institutions and personal friends. This collection includes an assortment of holiday cards, including many handmade works by nationally known artists, especially during the period of the 1960s and 70s when Ms. Burrage’s influence in the Maine crafts movement was at its peak.”

Join the Maine Historical Society on Dec. 3 for the First Friday Art Walk and opening reception. Refreshments will be served. The Art of December is on display in the Earle G. Shettleworth Jr. Lecture Hall. www.mainehistory.org

Down East Ski Club Ski Sale

land’s Downtown District event and is sponsored by MEMIC, Dunkin Donuts, WHOM, Mainetoday.com, WPXT and WPME. www.portlandmaine.com

Custom House Wharf Tree Lighting 6 p.m. First annual Custom House Wharf Tree Lighting at the Porthole Restaurant, 6 p.m. on the deck, warm festive drink specials, music, and appetizer specials.

Dinner and show packages with tickets to the Comedy Connection. www.mainecomedy.com, www.facebook.com Portland Comedy Connection.

‘Kings of Pastry’ screening at the Portland Museum of Art 6:30 p.m. “Kings of Pastry” at Movies at the Museum, Portland Museum of Art. “Imagine a scene never before witnessed: 16 French pastry chefs gathered in Lyon for three intense days of mixing, piping, and sculpting everything from delicate chocolates to six-foot sugar sculptures in hopes of being declared by President Nicolas Sarkozy one of the best. This is the prestigious Meilleurs Ouvriers de France competition (Best Craftsmen in France).

The blue, white, and red striped collar worn on the jackets of the winners is more than the ultimate recognition for every pastry chef — it is a dream and an obsession.

Filmmakers secured exclusive access to shoot this epic, never-before-filmed test of France’s finest artisans. The film follows chef Jacquy Pfeiffer, co-founder of Chicago’s French Pastry School, as he journeys back to his childhood home of Alsace to practice for the contest.” Friday, Nov. 26, 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 27, 2 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 28, 2 p.m. NR

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Down East Ski Club Ski Sale, ‘Adam and Eve and What REALLY Nov. 26 and 27, at the Portland Expo Building Happened in the Garden of Eden’ on Park Avenue. Doors open at 8 a.m. and the 8 p.m. “Adam & Eve... And What REALLY sale goes till 5 p.m. “For many, standing in line Happened In The Garden Of Eden” has waiting for the sale to open is a tradition, but only three shows left at with over over 10,000 pieces of ski equipment: the Old Port Playhouse. boots, skis, snowboards, bindings, helmets, “Come experience a clothing and poles, great deals can be found hysterical musical battle all day long. The general public may bring their of the [first] sexes this ski related items to enter into the sale Friday, Friday and Saturday at the day after Thanksgiving, from noon to 6 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. There is a $1 registration fee per item, and 15 percent commission is charged if the In this 1939 file photo originally released by Warner Bros., Judy Garland portrays Dorothy in a scene from p.m. All seats are $15. item is sold. All unsold equipment must be “The Wizard of Oz.” The State Theatre will feature this classic movie at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3. (AP Photo/ Jeffrey Caron (pictured) plays the snake, keeper picked up Sunday by noon. Items not picked Warner Bros., file) of the forbidden apple while Michael J. Tobin up by noon Sunday become property of Down year we’ve expanded our First Class to offer more seating in and Janelle Doak Mosey star as the first couple. Don’t miss East Ski Club.” our 2 beautifully refurbished cars. In these cars, everyone will this very funny musical — call 773-0333 for tickets.” Old Port Home for the Holidays Craft Show at SHS receive a special gift.” Ticket prices range from $25 for coach Playhouse, 19 Temple St. oldportplayhouse.com 10 a.m. The Society of Southern Maine Craftsmen presents to $40 for First Class for the Nov. 26 train. Ticket prices for this Kymara and Milo Rock at Geno’s this two-day craft show at Scarborough High School. The event include a $4 service fee applied to all purchases (online, 8:30 p.m. Kennebunkport promoters Kymara and Milo society has been promoting handcrafts and providing sales phone and in person). Be ready to board 15 minutes prior to Rock, co-owners of Kymara 21st Century Happenings opportunities for Maine craftspeople since 1968. It has the train’s departure! The Polar Express leaves right on time. are bringing their music, art, performance and multimesponsored Stone Soup Artisans cooperative retail stores https://tickets.porttix.com/public/show.asp dia events from New York City to Southern Maine. After since 1988. Times for the show are Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 Free horse and wagon rides a successful run at New York City’s historic Chelsea p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.societyofsouth4 p.m. Horse & Wagon Rides, Friday through Sundays in Hotel, the first in a series of Happenings will take place ernmainecraftsmen.org or 883-1031 Monument Square, Nov. 26 to Dec. 19, Fridays (4-8 p.m.), at Geno’s Rock Club, 625 Congress St. In what promises Portland Public Library Annual Open House Saturdays (2-6 p.m.), Sundays (1-5 p.m.). Free rides to be an extravaganza, Kymara and Milo Rock’s “Black 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Portland Public Library Annual throughout enchanting downtown so you can enjoy the Friday Happening” will feature local rock bands and Open House will take place during the Holiday Tree Lightlights and sounds of the holiday season. Pick up and drop performers along with artistic talent and music some of ing in Monument Square. Events are open to the public off every half hour in Monument Square.

New York City’s legendary Underground Art Scene. Local and include: Library Open House, refreshments provided headliners Clubber Lang celebrate the release of their Annual Christmas tree lighting

by Friends of the Portland Public Library and music, pronew CD “You Will Never Be Defeated” along with Heart 5:30 p.m.

Come see the spectacular lighting of the tree grams throughout the library. Help the Sam L. Cohen Shaped Rock and the explosive Burlesque performance at this annual tradition in Portland. Portland’s holiday Children’s Library celebrate Montgomery the Moose’s duo of Atomic Trash. Vj Foo is creating a multi media season kicks off in Monument Square with the annual 25th Birthday. Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance Book blend of visual and musical performance. Lord Byron, Tree Lighting Ceremony presented by MEMIC Insurance Sale (noon to 6 p.m.), meet your favorite Maine authors local celebrity and performance artist will be the m/c for Company.

Mayor Nick Mavodones leads this annual train the Rines Auditorium. Books will be available for purthe evening. In the true spirit of a Happening, other local dition that features entertainment for the whole family. chase and signing. www.portlandlibrary.com performers are spontaneously participating. InternationThe ceremony includes performances from the Maine The Polar Express starts its holiday run ally recognized Ante Art Superstars Milo Rock and FerState Ballet and Rick Charette and the Bubblegum Band, nando Carpaneda have created a controversial video set and of course, a special guest arrives by Portland Fire at the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad to original music. Legendary Punk Rock Superstar Jayne Truck. Following the entertainment, 9-year-old Make4 p.m. The Polar Express will come to life again when the County’s art can be viewed as a prelude to her March A-Wish child, Cameron Tufts from New Gloucester will Maine Narrow Gauge train departs its Portland depot for a Happening at Geno’s. The music and culture of the NY light the tree. Over the past three years, Cameron has journey to the “North Pole,” Nov. 26 to Dec. 23. Train cars punk art band, Agitpop, CBGB’s regulars will be crebattled leukemia and had to put his childhood on hold will be specially decorated by members of the Maine Inteated as an art installation for the event. A newly created and avoid public places while receiving treatments. Over rior Design Association. “Holiday decorations along the machine art piece by underground artist and member 1,500 sparkling LED lights were donated by Efficiency train’s route will fit the Polar Express story as they light up of the Hottentots, Vector is being unveiled. 21 plus, $5 Maine, and staff and equipment donations from Keely the night. Individually decorated cars will add to the magic admission at the door. Sponsored by Punk Globe MagaCrane Company and Shaw Bros. Construction Comof the experience as you listen to the enchanting story read zine and Shipyard Brewery. The Happenings are celpany made it possible for the tree to be transported for over our sound system. Guests on board will meet the conebrating the planned 2011 opening of “Jayne County’s the ceremony. The Portland Public library is open until ductor, have hot chocolate and cookies (may not be suitable Museum of Sex! Art! Music” to be located at The North 6 p.m. with their annual open house and complimenfor patrons with food allergies), sing carols and listen to the Dam Mill, Biddeford. tary refreshments. The Tree Lighting is a rain or shine magical story. During the ride, Santa will greet the children event.

The Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is a Portwhile helpers make sure each child receives a special bell. This see next page

Page 14 — THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Friday, November 26, 2010

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– EVENTS CALENDAR––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– from preceding page

Saturday, Nov. 27 The Hudson River School at PMA 1 p.m. The Hudson River School: Romantic Idealism in Landscape Art by David Karraker. Join a docent in the Portland Museum of Art for casual and informative discussions.

Great Hall and galleries. www.portlandmuseum.org

Holiday Tours of the Longfellow House 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Music in the House: Holiday Tours of the Longfellow House Accompanied by Seasonal Music on the Chickering Piano. Join the group to hear the newly restored Chickering piano in the Longfellow House. Holiday house tours will feature special musical accompaniment provided by pianist David Maxwell. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow purchased the Chickering square grand piano in 1843 and it became one of his prized possessions. Holiday house tours will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Also offered on Saturdays Dec. 4, Dec. 11 and Dec. 18.

Tours offered as well: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. noon-5 p.m. (last tour leaves at 4 p.m.). Museum Shop Holiday Bazaar, Nov. 27 to Dec. 31 in the Lecture Hall, Mon.Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. noon-5 p.m. Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. www.hwlongfellow.org

Maine State Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’ 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The Maine State Ballet again brings the classic holiday story of Clara, the Nutcracker Prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy to Merrill Auditorium. Maine State Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker, with the live musical accompaniment by the Maine State Ballet Orchestra conducted

by Karla Kelley, is a perennial favorite of Portland’s holiday season. Now through Dec. 5. https://tickets.porttix.com/ public/show_events_list.asp

‘Adam and Eve and What REALLY Happened in the Garden of Eden’ 8 p.m. “Adam and Eve and What REALLY Happened in the Garden of Eden.” Old Port Playhouse, 19 Temple St., Nov. 11-28. Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. $15-$22. Box Office, 773-0333, http:// oldportplayhouse.com

Deering-Portland benefit dance 8 p.m. to midnight. A benefit dance to raise money for the athletic programs at Deering and Portland high schools will be held at the Italian Heritage Center, 40 Westland Ave. Portland. The dance will feature the popular band Color Blind, which includes three Portland High grads, plus a 50-50 raffle and other prizes. Anyone age 21 and older is welcome. Tickets are $15 each. To purchase tickets or for more information, please contact Lisa Sprague 797-6803 or Melissa Green 797-9530 or melissagreen@maine.rr.com

Okbari with Bellydance performance

by Josie Conte at Mayo Street 8 p.m. A rare performance by legendary Portland bellydancer Josie Conte. Conte pioneered the Bellydance “movement” in Portland. The Okbari Middle Eastern Ensemble presents music from the richly varied contemporary and historic cultural traditions of the Middle East including Ottoman Turkish Classical compositions, rural Turkish folk and devotional songs, Arabic classical and folk music, and dance music from the Armenian and Turkish immigrant diasporas. Mayo Street Arts, 10 Mayo St. Time: Admission: $10. http://mayostreetarts.org.

Sunday, Nov. 28 Kirkin of the Tartan at Conway, N.H. church 9:30 a.m. In anticipation of the Feast Day of St. Andrew, Patron Saint of Scotland, St. Margaret of Scotland will include the Kirkin of the Tartan in the Sunday service. St. Margaret of Scotland worships on Sundays at 85 Pleasant St. in Conway, N.H. The Rev. Jeffrey Monroe is Rector. The service recounts the days when the wearing of the Tartan was restricted by the English during the English-Scot wars.

The service dates back to WWII when there was concern that Americans were not joining the war effort on behalf of Britain. The Rev. Peter Marshall, then Chaplain of the USA Senate, attempted to instill pride in their homeland among Scots living in the USA. The Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan ceremony was created by Rev. Marshall and held in churches across the USA. Later the ceremony was held in churches in Nova Scotia, and gained wide popularity until the first International Gathering of the Clans in Nova Scotia in 1979. The Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan is often found in Anglican, Protestant and Roman Catholic services. Those with Scottish, Irish or English heritage, or have association with organizations are encouraged to attend and wear their Tartans in celebration of the day. The service will include special prayers and bagpipe music and will follow the traditional service of the Book of Common Prayer which came to the US Church

through the Church of Scotland. This Sunday is also the First Sunday in Advent, the beginning of the Church Year.

For additional information call (603) 447-2404.

Lucid Stage Flea Market 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lucid Stage, a new arts venue on Baxter Boulevard, will feature live music, food, raffle prizes and lots of flea market treasures. This is a fundraiser for Lucid Stage.

“Got an old bookshelf hanging around? Did your aunt give you a hideous scarf for your birthday? Cleaning out your silverware drawer? If you have items or baked goods to donate to the Flea Market, or would like to volunteer to help at this event, please contact Liz at Liz@LucidStage.com or call 899-3993.”

‘Adam and Eve and What REALLY Happened in the Garden of Eden’ 2 p.m. “Adam and Eve and What REALLY Happened in the Garden of Eden.” A hilarious musical “battle of the first sexes” at the Old Port Playhouse, 19 Temple St., Nov. 11-28. Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. $15-$22. Box Office, 773-0333, http:// oldportplayhouse.com

Tree-lighting ceremony at the Children’s Museum 3:30 p.m. The holidays are coming. Join the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine for a special tree-lighting ceremony inside the museum. “We’ll sip hot chocolate and make ornaments to hang on the tree!” www.kitetails.org/

New Gloucester Tree Lighting 4:30 p.m. The annual New Gloucester Tree Lighting will take place t the Town Hall on Route 231. Lighting of “Tiny Timber.” Music by Gray-New Gloucester High School Chorus. Library Open House with refreshments. History Barn Open House with photo exhibit. Master of ceremonies is Kevin Fowler. Join family, friends and neighbors for a great start to the holidays.

Monday, Nov. 29 Homeless Outreach and Mobile Engagement Team project benefit at Bayside Bowl 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. At the end of the month, Bayside Bowl will host a fundraiser for the Homeless Outreach and Mobile Engagement (HOME) Team project. Bowlers can enjoy a night of great fun, great food and great music knowing that five percent of the night’s sales will support a great cause.

Launched this summer, the HOME Team led by Milestone Foundation in partnership with the city, health care providers and the Portland’s Downtown District, provides real time street intervention with individuals who are engaging in disruptive behaviors that are often the result of psychosocial stressors associated with poverty, homelessness, substance abuse and mental illness. Street outreach workers help guide homeless individuals and people living on the streets to appropriate social services, and by providing proactive intervention services, the HOME Team is often able to avoid the need for more intensive and expensive interventions by police, emergency medical services and hospital emergency room services. Street intervention outreach workers will respond to calls from members of the public, business and property owners who are seeking assistance and are concerned about people living on the streets that are in distress. For more information about the HOME Team or the Milestone Foundation, visit www.milestonefoundation.org or call 207-775-4790. To make reservations at Bayside Bowl, visit www.baysidebowl.com or call 791-2695.

Bayside Bowl, 58 Alder St.

East Deering Crime Watch discussion 6 p.m. City Councilor Cheryl Leeman and representatives from the Portland Police Department will host a public meeting with the East Deering Neighborhood to discuss Crime Watch initiatives. The meeting was originally scheduled for Nov. 8 but was rescheduled due to power outages.

Presumpscot Elementary School, 69 Presumpscot St.

35th anniversary of the release of ‘Jaws’ 6 p.m. The Fun Box Monster Emporium is pleased to be celebrating the 35th anniversary of the release of “Jaws,” with Portland’s own Fritzy Cohen, aka. Fritzy Jane Courtney. Not only will you be watching the movie with the character who uttered one of the most important lines of the movie: “Are you going to clear the beaches?” but it will be shown in the exact same location it premiered 35 years ago — Geno’s, previously the Fine Arts Theater, was where Fritzy got to see the movie for the first time in 1975. www. wehatetshirts.com

Town meeting on kids abusing prescription and over-the-counter medicine 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The city of Portland Public Health Division, Portland Public Schools and Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America will bring together parents, educators, retailers, law enforcement officials, healthcare professionals and others for a town hall meeting to discuss

solutions for teens abusing prescription and over-the-counter medicine. King Middle School cafeteria, 92 Deering Ave. “According to the 2009 Monitoring the Future Survey, the preeminent national study on teen substance abuse, prescription drug abuse has increased by 20 percent since 2002 among those ages 12 and older. In 2009 in Cumberland County, 10.9 percent of high school students and 6.9 percent of seventh and eighth graders reported using a prescription drug not prescribed to them one or more times during the past 30 days, according to the Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey (MIYHS).” Ronni Katz, For more information about this event, contact Ronni Katz at 756-8116 or visit the city’s public health Facebook page.

Tuesday, Nov. 30 Cumberland County 250th Anniversary Celebration noon. In the Rotunda of the Cumberland County Courthouse, the public can come help celebrate the creation of Cumberland and Lincoln counties, 250 years ago, on Nov. 4, 1760. There will be a light lunch, a short program and live music by “North of Nashville.” Organizers will have some interesting historical presentations, proclamations from the governor and other elected officials, as well as guests dressed in period garb, with a special appearance by “Royal Governor Pownall.” www.cumberlandcounty.org/ or on Facebook

‘The Affordable Care Act and Opportunities for Improving Health Care’ 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. “The Affordable Care Act and Opportunities for Improving Health Care,” hosted by the Maine Aligning Forces for Quality initiative. 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., reception with T. R. Reid, author and reporter, NPR and PBS; 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Hanley Leadership Recognition Dinner, Holiday Inn by the Bay, 88 Spring St. Admission: Part I: The Affordable Care Act and Opportunities for Improving Healthcare — $25; Part II: Hanley Leadership Dinner and Awards — $75; Full Event (Parts I & II) — $ 85. Registration and a light lunch will be available between noon and 1 p.m. Please register

by Nov 17. Key speakers: Reid; Robert Berenson, M.D.; senior fellow with the Urban Institute; Anne F. Weiss, M.P.P.. team director and senior program officer, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Quality/Equality Health Care Team. www.mainequalitycounts.org

Cancer Community Center Bereavement Support Group 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Cancer Community Center is beginning an eight-week Bereavement Support Group for anyone who has lost a loved one to cancer. The group will meet every Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. through Jan. 4 at the Cancer Community Center located at 778 Main St. (Route 1) in South Portland. The Bereavement Support Group welcomes new participants on Tuesday, Nov. 23 and Nov. 30. The group will be closed to newcomers thereafter to ensure a feeling of connection and support from others who are grieving. All support and networking groups at the Cancer Community Center are led by trained facilitators. Support groups can help a person maintain social contact and form lasting friendships while processing hard feelings. As one participant and Portland resident said, “Being a part of this group has been a positive part of my recovery. I never feel pressured to share my feelings of grief, but am always encouraged. It’s good to talk to someone who’s walked in my shoes.” “If you think joining a Bereavement Support Group might be good for you and would like more information, please call the Cancer Community Center at 774-2200 or simply join us on Tuesday, Nov. 23 at 6 p.m. Come to talk or come to listen. There is no official referral needed or intake process required. All groups are offered at no charge.” Visit www.CancerCommunityCenter.org or call 774-2200 to learn more.

Wednesday, Dec. 1 Portland Ovations presents ‘Wired’ 10:30 a.m. Portland Ovations presents a play about the alarming rise of cyber-bullying, “Wired,” written by Betty Quan. The performance, intended for school groups, is at the Westbrook Performing Arts Center located at 471 Stroudwater St. in Westbrook. This presentation is the second of Ovations’ School-Time Performance series that offers educational programming in support of Maine’s curriculum guidelines.

Gingerbread house workshops 2 p.m. Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine presents a family tradition. “Create your own sweet masterpiece; we’ll supply instruction, materials, hot cocoa and a sturdy preconstructed house. Ages 3 and up. $30/house for museum members and $35/house plus admission for non-members.” FMI: www.kitetails.org see next page

THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Friday, November 26, 2010— Page 15

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– EVENTS CALENDAR––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– from preceding page

Santa, sit on his lap, and have your photo taken with him.

Afterwards, Santa will make a guest appearance in the play Santa’s Reindeer Revue. Cost is $7/photo for members and $8/photo plus admission for non-members. Sign up at the front desk upon arrival.” http://www.kitetails.org

World AIDS Day event at Frannie Peabody Center 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Join friends, family, current and former staff and supporters at the Frannie Peabody Center at 30 Danforth St. on World AIDS Day as members gather to remember and reflect on the past 25 years of the epidemic, honor those who’ve come before and officially open the center’s new headquarters. RSVP at www.peabodycenter. org or to ecorley@peabodycenter.org.

First Friday Art Walk 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Art galleries and stores in downtown Portland will be open. Enter free and enjoy refreshments at participating businesses. Visit www.portlandarts.org

Lucid Stage Art Walk and Art Auction

Knitting Night at Lucid Stage 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays twice a month (Dec. 1 and 15, Jan. 5 and 19) the public can visit this cozy space, Lucid Stage at 29 Baxter Blvd., to sit and knit or just drink tea and listen to live fiddle music. www.hopehoffman.org.

‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ at Old Port Playhouse 7 p.m. Pay what you can preview, Wednesday and Thursday. “It’s A Wonderful Life,” the beloved American holiday classic comes to life as a live 1940s-era radio broadcast, directed by Whitney Smith, at Old Port Playhouse. “The saga of George Bailey, the Everyman from the small town of Bedford Falls, whose dreams of escape and adventure have been quashed by family obligation and civic duty, whose guardian angel has to descent on Christmas Eve to save him from despair and to remind him—by showing him what the world would have been like had he never been born—that his has been, after all, a wonderful life!” It runs Dec. 3-19. Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. $15-$22. Box Office, 773-0333, http://oldportplayhouse.com

ABOVE: The Rat Pack Christmas Show is Saturday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m. at Anthony’s Dinner Theater. Visit www.anthonysdinnertheater.com for details. BELOW: The Maine State Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” this weekend and next. (COURTESY IMAGES)

Thursday, Dec. 2 Victoria Mansion Holiday Gala 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. “Don’t miss the Mansion’s most elegant and spectacular event of the year. Get an early look at two floors of period rooms transformed by local designers with dazzling decorations inspired by this year’s theme: The Twelve Days of Christmas. Fabulous food and drink provided. Tickets are $50/person, all proceeds to benefit the restoration and operation of Victoria Mansion.” Call 7724841, ext. 10 for reservations.

Middle school students, parents invited to an information night about high school choices 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Middle school students and their parents are invited to an information night about high school choices in the Portland Public Schools at Lyman Moore Middle School, 171 Auburn St. Portland Superintendent James C. Morse, Sr. will welcome families and provide an overview of the district’s high school program. The principals of Casco Bay High School, Deering High School, Portland High School and Portland Arts and Technology High School (PATHS) will describe their schools’ academic and extracurricular offerings, schedules and other unique characteristics. The principals also will answer questions from parents and students. Students in the Portland Public Schools are allowed to choose between Casco Bay, Deering and Portland High, space permitting. All high school students in the district may take courses at PATHS. Eighth graders may arrange to visit each of the high schools and to shadow a student. The deadline for choosing a high school is Jan. 31, 2011.

‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ at Old Port Playhouse 7 p.m. Pay what you can preview. “It’s A Wonderful Life,” the beloved American holiday classic comes to life as a live 1940s-era radio broadcast, directed by Whitney Smith, at Old Port Playhouse. The production runs Dec. 3-19. Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. $15-$22. Box Office, 773-0333, http://oldportplayhouse.com

Flights of Fantasy at The Green Hand 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. First Friday Art Walk opening of Flights of Fantasy, whimsical artwork by David Stoddard, at The Green Hand Bookshop, 661 Congress St. This exhibit will be on display through the month of December, until Jan. 5. The whimsical artwork of Portland artist Stoddard features wizards, faeries and dragons, as well as robots, vampires and mad scientists. Throw in a healthy dose of steampunk and there’s something for everyone.

Stoddard works in a variety of mediums, including watercolor, acrylic and colored pencil. Additional super-fun December First Friday Bonus: “Those of you who had the chance to swing through November’s First Friday may remember hearing the mysterious surf stylings of The Watchers. Rumor is, they will be setting up and swinging again during part of the evening!!! Santa hats and some sort of Christmas madness may be involved. ... PLUS: KittyWitch Perfumery will be on hand with their delicious handcrafted essential oil scents in case you are looking for an irresistible stocking stuffer for yourself or someone special!.” Contact Michelle Souliere at450-6695 or michelle.souliere@gmail.com

Lighting of the Copper Beech Tree at the PMA

‘The World of Sholom Aleichem’ 7:30 p.m. Acorn Productions, a nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing and developing the performing arts in Southern Maine, begins a new holiday tradition for the Jewish community in Southern Maine with a production of “The World of Sholom Aleichem,” by Arnold Perl, which performs from Dec. 2 to 19. The play is directed by veteran actor Harlan Baker, and features a cast of local actors, including members of the Acorn Shakespeare Ensemble, students from the Acorn Acting Academy, and several guest artists. The play is a collection of three short plays depicting life in Eastern Europe Jewish communities in the early part of the twentieth century. Mendele the bookseller is the narrator who links the three one-act plays together. Performances take place Thursdays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m. in the Acorn Studio Theater, a small, black-box theater in the Dana Warp Mill, 90 Bridge St. in Westbrook. Note that in observance of the Jewish Sabbath, there are no performances on Friday night. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 students and seniors, and may be purchased by calling 854-0065 or visiting www.acorn-productions.org.

5 p.m. to 8 p.m. First Friday Art Walk and Art Auction at Lucid Stage on Baxter Boulevard. Art Walk featuring Arthur Fink’s “Lucid Stage Renovations” and silent bidding auction. The art auction is a fundraiser for Lucid Stage. All of the donated pieces will be available for silent bidding in the theater from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 1, 2 and 3. On Friday, Dec. 3, Lucid will be open from 5-8 p.m. for First Friday Art Walk. Live bidding will start at 8 p.m. at the highest recorded bid from the silent auction. This enables folks to participate whether or not they can attend the live auction.

Artwork in the auction will include pieces from: Jobani Cohen; Creative Trails; Kathleen Daughan; Neill EwingWegmann; Arthur Fink; Elizabeth Fraser; Ed King; Carol McMahon; David Marshall; Margery Niblock; Julie Vohs; and Gail Wartell.

Friday, Dec. 3 China, Japan and Korea: Perspectives on East Asia 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. China, Japan and Korea: Perspectives on East Asia, a one-day conference presented by the Maine Humanities Council, will take place at Thornton Academy in Saco. Primary presenters will include Brad Babson, former World Bank employee and expert on contemporary issues in North and South Korea; Tom Conlan, Asian Studies professor at Bowdoin College and Japanese historian; Brad Dearden, Geography professor at UMF and Jai Zhao, History professor at USM and specialist in Chinese history and culture. The day will also include several break-out sessions to enable deeper conversation about specific topics.

“This is very timely and important, especially in Maine,” noted Martina Duncan, assistant director of the Maine Humanities Council. “Programs such as these give us a deeper understanding of ourselves, our communities and our global cultures.” The Maine Humanities Council offers several public programs throughout the year. To register for this, or any of the other programs the Maine Humanities Council offers, please visit www.mainehumanities.org or call 773.5051.

Photos with Santa at the Children’s Museum 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine. “Santa wants to know your holiday wishes! Meet

5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Portland Museum of Art presents a night of winter activities. “Come to our wintery First Friday family night at the museum. Art activities, family-friendly performers, and holiday lights get everyone in the spirit at this annual museum tradition. Join us for special performances in our auditorium, milk and cookies in our Café. Performances

by Deering High School Handbell Choir, Cool Yule Swing Music with Lex and Joe, and Longfellow School Choral Group will fill the Great Hall with lovely sounds. The finale: a candlelit walk to a spectacular Copper Beech Tree lighting ceremony.” 5 p.m. to 5:20 p.m.: Deering High School Handbell Choir; Café, 5 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.: Art-making, Cookies, and milk; Great Hall Performances, 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.: Cool Yule Swing Music with Lex and Joe; 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Longfellow School Choral Group; 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.: Cool Yule Swing Music with Lex and Joe; auditorium, 5:45 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.: Deering High School Handbell Choir; outside under The Copper Beech Tree, 6:45 p.m.: Maine Gay Men’s Chorus; 7 p.m.: the lighting ceremony: countdown to tree lighting sing-a-long. All children must be accompanied by an adult. www.portlandmuseum.org

Goodwill’s Art for Everyone: Collection of donated art 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Join Goodwill for its fifth bi-annual art sale featuring drawings, oils, pastels, posters, prints and watercolors donated to Goodwill stores. “All artwork will be affordably priced just in time for the holidays. Come see the incredible pieces of art community members donate on a regular basis and learn about Goodwill’s job training and support services in the Portland community.” Part of First Friday Art Walk. 353 Cumberland Ave. Free. 774-6323. www.goodwillnne.org

Maine College of Art holiday sale 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. MECA will once again hold its annual holiday sale in the Porteous Building at 522 Congress S. in the heart of the Arts District. “The much anticipated holiday sale provides an opportunity for MECA students, alumni, faculty and staff to sell affordable handmade arts, crafts and gifts for the holiday season. The college also opens the doors of the department studios to allow shoppers to meet local artists, get a behind-the-scenes look at the art-making process, take tours and watch demonstrations.” Admission is free. FMI: www.meca. edu/holidaysale see next page

Page 16 — THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Friday, November 26, 2010

––––––– EVENTS –––––– from preceding page

1930s Night at the State Theatre 5 p.m. (Friday, Dec. 3 continued) The State Theatre presents a screening of “The Wizard of Oz” at 7 p.m. Over A Cardboard Sea will set the mood with a pre-show performance of classic vaudeville tunes. An old-timey photo booth, Shirley Temples at the bar, and Depression-level ticket prices complete the transformation. $5. “The State Theater revisits its glorious beginnings as it transforms itself back into a 1930s Movie House with a screening of The Wizard of Oz.” Dark Side Of The Rainbow, a mash-up of the movie the “Wizard Of Oz” and Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side Of The Moon,” is at 10 p.m. Tickets are $5 and on sale at any Bull Moose store. www.statetheatreportland.com

USM School of Music Scholarship Gala 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. This year marks the 20th anniversary celebration of the University of Southern Maine School of Music’s Scholarship Gala at the Abromson Education Center, USM Portland. The evening highlights the talent of USM School of Music students, entertains hundreds of guests and raises more than $60,000 for USM music scholarships. Reservations are required. Tickets cost $90 per person ($40 deductible per person) or $900 for reserved Table for 10 ($400 deductible per table). Purchase tickets by calling 7805003, or emailing brackett@ usm.maine.edu. Additional gala information can be found at www.usm.maine. edu/music/holiday10/Gala_ Home.html.

Society for East End Arts Holiday Art Sale 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Also Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

East End Community School Center, 195 North Street, Portland. Free admission; light food available in PTO Café. www.SEAportland.org

Season of Light at the Planetarium 7 p.m. Season of Light: Southworth Planetarium’s annual holiday show that explores the astronomy and history of the holiday season. 96 Falmouth St., Portland. Also Dec. 4-5.

Check times at 780-4249. www.usm.maine.edu/planet

‘A Christmas Carol’ 7 p.m. “A Christmas Carol” at Portland Stage. Times vary. Dec. 3 through Dec. 24. Portland Stage, 25A Forest Ave. www.portlandstage.org. 774-0465

Toys for Tots fundraiser 7 p.m. Toys for Tots fundraiser, Friday and Saturday, Alumni Band Concert, Biddeford Middle School, Hill Street Extension, Biddeford.