The Portland Daily Sun, Wednesday, December 15, 2010

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2010

A friend remembered

PORTLAND, ME

PORTLAND’S DAILY NEWSPAPER

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Non-citizen voting advocates regroup

See Maggie Knowles’ column on page 5

The etiquette of changing a sports bar TV

VOL. 2 NO. 224

BY DAVID CARKHUFF THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN

Trevorrow

Supporters of an initiative to allow Portland residents who are not United States citizens to vote in local elections are regrouping after a narrow loss at the polls on Nov. 2.

Supporters of “Question No. 4, a Charter Amendment” took heart in

gaining 11,256 “yes” votes, for 47.57 percent of the turnout. Now, there’s talk of coming back with another ballot measure.

“We’re in the very beginning stages of pursuing next steps to keep the issue moving forward. It failed with 47 percent of the vote, so it came really close,” said Anna Trevorrow, a

member of the Green Independent Party and elected member of the Portland Charter Commission.

The Charter Commission, which took up the question of an elected mayor in Portland, considered but rejected the idea of proposing voting rights for non-citizen residents of see INITIATIVE page 3

See Natalie Ladd’s column on page 6

Man’s best friend on film See the Events Calender, page 13

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‘Gifted’ local authors

LEFT: Crash Barry will read from his book, “Sex, Drugs and Blueberries” at Longfellow Books in Portland on Thursday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m.

RIGHT: Glenna Johnson Smith, author of “Old Maine Woman: Stories from the Coast to the County,” was a featured guest at Longfellow Boooks earlier this month. (COURTESY IMAGES)

Longfellow Books ‘wall of honor’ a holiday resource

BY CURTIS ROBINSON THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN

It’s a “wall of honor” for local authors, a great place to begin looking for holiday gift books, and this week the “Our Bestsellers” section at Longfellow Books was topped by “Old Maine Woman” and “City

By The Sea,” both by local authors — the

new Keith Richards book, for the record, was holding its own in fifth place.

But if the old wisdom is true and “sex sells,” we can look for Crash Barry’s “Sex, Drugs & Blueberries” to make a move from its 21st position soon, and in fact the stack was down to a single book see BOOKS page 3

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Walker to lead Stampede against Red Claws at Portland Expo

carlsonturnerbooks.com

See story in Sports, page 16

Page 2 — THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Family wants to know how teen snuck onto plane CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Family and friends of a North Carolina teen who stowed away in an airplane’s wheel well said Tuesday they want to know why airport security didn’t stop him from sneaking on and ultimately dying after he plunged several thousand feet.

They say they will be haunted by thoughts of 16-year-old Delvonte Tisdale’s death until they find out how he was able to sneak aboard a Boston-bound US Airways plane last month on the tarmac at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

“If Delvonte was able to get on a plane, what about a terrorist? Where was security?” the Rev. James Woodson, the family’s pastor, said Tuesday.

The Transportation Security Administration is investigating how the teenager was able to avoid security and climb into the wheel well of a Boeing 737. The agency on Tuesday declined to comment.

But in a statement, TSA spokeswoman Jonella Culmer said officials were working with the airport, which is responsible security around the airport’s grounds.

Like most airports, Charlotte is surrounded by a chainlink fence topped with strands of barbed wire. Passengers are sometimes randomly patted down by TSA agents or have to walk through fullbody scanners.

Lula Smith, Delvonte’s grandmother, said the family is having a hard time dealing with the boy’s death.

Tisdale’s severely damaged body was found Nov. 15 in Milton, Mass. Investigators said he fell out when the plane lowered its landing gear on the approach to Boston.

Experts say he was probably dead before the plane prepared to land.

At 20,000 feet, the air inside a wheel well can get thin and cold — sometimes dropping to more than 20 below zero.

John Hansman, a professor of aeronautics and astronautics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said a stowaway would have lost consciousness because of the lack of oxygen and extreme cold at that altitude.

“He was being held in the wheel well by the wheel itself, and when the landing gear extended, it was holding him up and it was no longer there and he simply fell out of the wheel well,” he said.

The Federal Aviation Administration said there have been 86 stowaway attempts.

Only 18 people survived. The last time someone tried it on a domestic flight was in 1972.

SAYWHAT...

“

Airplane travel is nature’s way of making you look like your passport photo.”

—Al Gore

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WH insists health law rollout unaffected WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House insisted Tuesday that the implementation of President Barack Obama’s landmark health care law will not be affected by a negative federal court ruling, and the Justice Department said it would appeal.

“There’s no practical impact at all as states move forward in implementing ... the law that Congress passed and the president signed,” White House press secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters.

Justice Department spokeswoman Tracy Schmaler said that, as expected, the department would appeal Monday’s ruling by U.S. District Judge Henry E.

Hudson in Virginia. Hudson declared that a central provision of the law — the requirement for nearly everyone to carry health insurance — was unconstitutional.

The ruling by the Republican-appointed judge in a high-profile lawsuit by Virginia’s Republican attorney general was a setback for the Obama administration, but not a surprise. Two other district court judges, both Democratic appointees, have found the law constitutional.

Obama administration officials noted that consultations with states on implementing the law were moving forward.

Later this week officials from 46 states

are coming to Washington to meet with the Health and Human Services Department to discuss setting up the state-based insurance marketplaces, called exchanges, required by the new law.

These include officials from many of the 20 states that are simultaneously suing to overturn the law in a fourth case which begins oral arguments Thursday in Florida. Many state officials have concluded that it’s better to participate in discussions on implementing the law than not, even if they don’t support it. Even so, Republican members of Congress seized on Hudson’s ruling to caution states against moving forward.

Holbrooke remembered as ‘giant’ of US diplomacy WASHINGTON (AP) — Few U.S. diplomats had the breadth, depth or length of service of Richard Holbrooke, who wrote part of the Pentagon Papers, was the architect of the 1995 Bosnia peace accords and served as President Barack Obama’s special envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Holbrooke’s unexpected death Monday at 69, following surgery for a tear in his aorta, marked the end of a storied career.

He served through defining eras in U.S. diplomacy, witnessing the end of European colonialism and the Cold War and the rise of international terrorism as the greatest threat to America.

Calling Holbrooke “a true giant of American foreign policy,” Obama paid homage to his crisis expert as “a truly unique figure who will be remembered for his tireless diplomacy, love of country and pursuit of peace.” Holbrooke deserves credit for much of the hard-won progress in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the president said.

Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Holbrooke’s presence would be especially missed this week as the Obama administration finishes its review of the Afghan war, expected Thurs-

In this Jan. 17 file photo, Richard Holbrooke, U.S. special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, listens to questions during an answers and questions session in Kabul, Afghanistan. Holbrooke, a longtime U.S. diplomat who wrote part of the Pentagon Papers, was the architect of the 1995 Bosnia peace plan and served as President Barack Obama’s special envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan, has died. He was 69. (AP Photo/ Musadeq Sadeq, File)

day. Mullen said Holbrooke helped write and “deeply believed in” the war strategy.

“That we have been making steady progress in this war is due in no small measure to Richard’s tireless efforts and

dedication,” Mullen said. “I know he would want our work to continue unabated. And I know we will all feel his bully presence in the room as we do so.”

Holbrooke served under every Democratic president since John F. Kennedy. He brought a lion’s appetite for difficult work, from Indochina and the Pacific to Europe, Africa and, in his last incarnation, South Asia.

Supremely self-confident, brash and instantly dismissive of critics, Holbrooke entered the foreign service in the early 1960s at the height of what critics called the State Department’s “pale, male and Yale” phase.

It was a time when the dictum of former Secretary of State Henry Stimson — “Gentlemen don’t read each other’s mail” — still rang through the corridors of Foggy Bottom, the State Department’s Washington neighborhood.

At the time of his death, Holbrooke — an Ivy League graduate of Brown University, not Yale — was serving a vastly different agency. The State Department in recent years has been led by an African-American man and three women, one of them African-American.

Police: Fla. gunman killed self at school meeting PANAMA CITY, Fla. (AP) — A gunman opened fire at a school board meeting Tuesday, sending the audience scrambling before he exchanged shots with a security guard and then killed himself, police said.

No one besides the gunman was injured.

Witnesses said the gunman walked up to a podium, spraypainted a red “V’’ with a circle around it before he began firing.

Bay District School board member Ginger Littleton said she hit the gunman in the arm with her purse when some of the people in the room were

ordered out.

“In my mind, that was the last attempt or opportunity to divert him,” she told The Associated Press.

The gunman got angry, turned around, and she fell to the floor. The man pointed the gun at her head and said, “You stupid b----” but he didn’t shoot her, she said. She’s not sure why.

“He had every opportunity to take me out,” she said.

Initially, officials thought that district security chief Mike Jones may have killed the gunman. But police Sgt. Jeff Becker said that after

authorities reviewed videotape of the shooting, investigators determined that the gunman, identified as Clay A. Duke, fatally shot himself after being hit by shots fired by Jones.

State records show Duke, 56, served four years in prison about a decade ago for aggravated stalking and other crimes.

Reporter Daniel Carson of the Panama City News Herald told his paper that he had noticed the man during the meeting and he didn’t appear agitated.

Leon Walters, who was also in attendance, said the gunman

was a heavy, disheveled man who walked along the side of the room to the podium.

Walters said the man pulled out a can of spray paint and drew a red circle on the wall with a mark through it. Carson and other witnesses described it as the letter “V.” The man then pulled out what looked like a pistol.

“What are you doing?” someone asked, Walters recalled.

“What’s going on?”

The gunman told everyone to leave “except these clowns behind the counter here,” referring to the school board members, Walters said.

THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Wednesday, December 15, 2010— Page 3

Three books span the spectrum, from naughty to nice BOOKS from page one

Tuesday afternoon — we can assume a restocking before Barry signs his book during a 7 p.m. Thursday event.

But those are only a few among dozens of local book offerings, ranging from kid’s books to cookbooks.

For the literary gift-giver, here’s a rundown from the wall:

“Old Maine Woman” Ever have that experience when older folks — say, your grandmother, for example — suddenly became really interesting?

Those old stories about ancient times were suddenly riveting — how does one move to a potato farm? Did people really order wives from Sears and Roebuck? What was it like during the WWII years?

Glenna Johnson Smith, born in 1920 in Ashville, Maine, offers plenty of those moments in this collection of mostly short stories “... from the coast to the County.”

“I am a product of rural Maine,” she writes in her introduction. “twenty-one years in Hancock County, the other sixty-nine in Aroostook. Although no two of us are alike, I’ve observed attitudes that seem typical of many country people, past and present.”

The book, published by Maine-based Islandport Press, carries her observations in a style that is part letter from your more articulate great aunt and part rocking-chair reminiscing.

“City By The Sea” If you liked John R. Moon’s “Portland: Then and Now” book last year, just wait until you get a load of “City by the Sea.” In fact, even Moon sometimes admits to wishing he’d saved the previous title for the new book.

It’s a simple idea: Find vintage photos from Portland and then print them alongside contemporary images from the same vantage point, thus illustrating how much has changed. And, in a surprising number of instances, how little has changed.

Stir in some detailed, insightful commentary to act as a guide and you have a positively addicting outcome. If you are looking for a local-local gift from anyone with an interest in Portland history, then this volume has to make your list.

“Sex, Drugs & Blueberries” Fans of Crash Barry’s column in the monthly Bollard magazine probably already know that he’s wrapping up that adventure in the latest issue with “So Long Matinicus: The finale of an island memoir.”

But that milestone comes with publication of “Sex, Drugs & Blueberries,” or SDB. On the surface, it might seem this third selection from the Longfellow Books bestsellers is very different from the other two. For example, you could give either “Old Maine Woman” or “City By The Sea” to anyone on your holiday gift list and never worry.

But for Barry’s offering, well, caution is strongly advised.

The book, let’s call it a novel, opens with attempted use of cocaine that fails only when “Ben Franklin” the failed rocker snorts Oxycontin. Even for those familiar with the rural legend that Washington County was the birthplace of the nation’s oxy problem, it comes as a bit of a shock.

Welcome to a world of hard labor, where trucks have names and significant others lacking access to firearms will use a car to commit homicide.

Barry’s journalistic storytelling has always hinted that there was more after the break, and you sometimes wondered what the stories would be like without the threat of retaliation or libel lawyers. This tome keeps the same eye for detail while answering that question.

And if there’s the occasional shock of recognition, then so be it.

(Note: Crash Barry will be signing copies of his SDB at Longfellow at 7 p.m. Thursday.)

Ballot measure failed 53-47 percent, spurring talk of another try INITIATIVE from page one

Young Voters, the Maine People’s Alliance and other supporters for their work on educating the public, and suspected a similar effort could succeed.

“If we’re able to build more support with more coalitions in Portland and maybe start earlier and do broader community outreach and education, then I think we could pass it easily in 2012,” she said.

There’s no definitive plan to introduce a ballot measure in 2012, Trevorrow cautioned, saying it’s very early in the discussion phase.

Trevorrow also said non-citizen voting is not tied to an ongoing debate about the federal DREAM (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors) Act, a bill that would give undocumented youth who arrived in the U.S. before the age of 16 the opportunity to attain citizenship if they graduate from high school, are

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the city as another charter amendment. Ultimately, a citizen’s initiative put the question up for a vote.

“We’re thinking if we bring it up in another year or two it’s got a real shot to pass,” Trevorrow said.

Opponents said allowing noncitizens to vote would cheapen the meaning of citizenship and argue that if immigrants want to vote, they should become citizens. Supporters said it was only fair that immigrants who are not yet citizens be allowed to vote because they pay taxes, send their children to public schools and even serve in the military.

The measure would have allowed noncitizens to cast ballots in school board, city council and other local issues, but not on federal or statewide issues.

Trevorrow credited the League of

proven to have good moral character, and complete either two years of college or two years in the military. The DREAM Act passed in the U.S. House last week, and members of the Maine DREAM Act Coalition are lobbying for passage of the DREAM act in the Senate.

“I think it’s a separate issue,” Trevorrow said, noting she’s not involved in working on the DREAM Act. “For the legal resident issue, it’s something that’s much more close to home and something that can be implemented at the municipal level,” she said.

Trevorrow acknowledged, “When

new ideas are introduced, they don’t automatically pass the first time.”

Advocates for non-citizen voting have decided to start a group and plan to meet in January, Trevorrow said.

“We’re a population with a lot of immigrants and immigrant needs,” she said, explaining the impetus. Personally, she said, the issue resonates with her.

“Living downtown and being part of the peace community and the progressive community down here, I personally know a lot of immigrants and I recognize it’s a virtuous issue, it has kind of captivated me,” Trevorrow said.

Page 4 — THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Wednesday, December 15, 2010

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Can democracy cope?

For those who have read about or vaguely remember the stolid British tribe of Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain and the Blitz, which held out in its “finest hour,” last week brought a disgusting sight.

Mobs in Parliament Square set fire to the statue of 19th century statesman Lord Palmerston and urinated on the statue of Winston Churchill. Charlie Gilmour, son of Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour, was swinging by a rope from the Cenotaph that memorializes the 700,000 British dead of the Great War. At night, hundreds of these anarchists peeled off to appear on Regent Street as the RollsRoyce carrying the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of ––––– Cornwall, Camilla ParkerCreators Bowles, entered. The Rolls was Syndicate pounded with boots, bottles, sticks, fists and paintballs, as the mob howled “Tory scum!” and “Off with their heads!”

A sign was pushed through an open window into Camilla’s side. So precarious was the situation, Charles’ security detail was close to drawing guns to protect the first in line to the throne.

What was the mob protesting? Tuition increases

Pat Buchanan

see BUCHANAN page 5

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In Maine, let’s try ‘Made In America’ once again I want to see the words, “Made in America” again.

As a child, I remember riding in the “big truck” with my dad to Boise Cascade in Rumford. I used to watch the chips fall from dad’s truck into a giant black hole, and then imagine where each chip would go on its journey through the mill. Somewhere inside that mill, my grandfather was busy turning those chips into paper, something he had done his entire career.

When he retired, my grandfather had worked for Boise nearly four decades. Even after retirement, he could always be counted on to head in for the mill shutdowns to oversee the machine upgrades and maintenance. He took great pride in his work and the solid, middle class life he and my grandmother provided for their family of three.

Maine workers have always been the backbone of our economy, our way of life, and our culture. For generations, Maine people proudly sewed or branded the “Made in America” logo onto our hand-made products — prod-

Diane Russell ––––– Guest Column ucts that were sold locally, to other states, and to other countries.

Since 1887, Maine workers have always had their own committee in the State House, the Labor Committee. Most of the great worker protections our state has in place were debated here, things like minimum wage advancements, safety standards, workforce development, “the weekend,” and collective bargaining.

In the past two decades, major corporations have been buying public policies allowing them to ship American jobs — Maine jobs — overseas. Thanks to unregulated greed, there has been a global race to the bottom for American workers. And now, the first order of business for Maine

Republicans is to delete the Labor Committee from existence.

In short, the voice of working and middle class Mainers is no longer welcome in the State House.

The protections put in place by my grandfather’s generation have melted under the pressure from Corporate America, leaving millions of Americans jobless.

During great economic strife, politicians have always rolled up their sleeves to rebuild our country. This time, corporations are rolling up their sleeves to knock working and middle class Mainers down.

Now, for every available job nationally, there are five more people looking for work. When they voted in November, it was less about ideology and more about job creation. We all want a strong middle class life, to provide for our families, and to build a better life for our children.

The Labor Committee is the last line of defense for working Mainers — the last place where see RUSSELL page 5

THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Wednesday, December 15, 2010— Page 5

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Sad memories of a generous friend I am sitting here very sad that my friend Tom has passed away. He was one of the most incredibly genuine, kind, gentle, humble and unique people I have ever had the privilege to know. He was the person that you hoped to run into on a bad day for he always had a smile and wise word.

You always felt blessed to have been in his presence.

His generosity was unparalleled.

I can’t even tell you the number of times he called because he had found a painting or book or trinket at one of the several antique stores and garage sales he frequented that just reminded him of me. He was like this with everyone in his life — you were never far from his thoughts. At his funeral, someone said that Tom didn’t know any strangers; to know him was to be his friend.

He was a mentor to me. When we met nine years ago, we fell into a happy pattern of weekly coffee stops to discuss… well, everything. His infinite knowledge knew no boundaries. I told him that I wanted to be a famous writer and there wasn’t a doubt in his eye that it would happen. He believed

Maggie Knowles ––––– Use Your Outdoor Voice in me more than I did.

Over the past few years, life, as it often does, pulled me in a different direction and we seldom saw each other. I would receive voice mails from him commenting on pieces I had written or asking how my family was.

I assumed there would always be a tomorrow to catch up. I wish it took something less tragic than death to realize how true clichés are.

While listening to Tom’s friends stand up and share funny stories and moving feelings, I thought how nice it would be if we would always let the people in our lives know how we feel about them—not just when they are no longer here to listen. We spend a lot of time telling our kids how amazing they are, but for some reason with adults, we forget to pass

that message along.

There is a saying, “People will forget what you said or did, but they never forget how you make them feel.” What a gift to help someone feel wonderful about themselves! All of us have something special and glorious to offer. Take the time to see that in everyone.

We need to be better friends--compassionate, sincere and loving to all of the people that enhance our lives.

There is much more to being a friend than clicking “like” on Facebook. Call our aunt. Send your college roommate a card with a shared memory of junior year. Reach out and physically touch someone when you are talking to him or her — it may be the only time they are touched all day.

Smile at people when you pass them on the streets, especially those who don’t get many smiles shone their way.

Be a good listener. This is a dying art.

Look your friends in the eye when you talk with them. Turn off your phone, make eye contact and connect with them fully.

Use your words wisely. Don’t waste them on gossip, lies and cruelty (and,

yes, that includes screaming at your thighs). You only have so many breaths to use. Use them to express gratitude, love, compassion and kindness. If you feel a rush of love for your spouse, tell them. If your friend always brightens your day, let her know. Tell someone you have never met before you like their hair. I told a woman at the grocery store the other day that she looked beautiful. She burst into tears, “No one has ever told me that before.”

And don’t forget about yourself.

Start doing all of the things you are putting off until you have another baby or move or get remarried or get a raise or lose ten pounds or quit or retire.

I remember Tom saying, “If you want to make a million dollars, you have two choices: make a million things and sell them for a dollar each or one thing and sell it for a million.”

But he was quick to follow that with, “But remember, making a living is not the same as making a life.”

(Maggie Knowles is a columnist for The Portland Daily Sun. Her column appears Wednesdays.)

Not just Europe is grappling with burgeoning debt BUCHANAN from page 4

for students who pay less for college than the parents of American students. In Parliament, the ruling coalition’s 83-vote margin, after defections, was cut by three-fourths on the vote to raise the tuition fees.

And Europe is only at the beginning of this age of austerity.

Across the Irish Sea, the 50,000 protesters have departed from the General Post Office where the Rising of 1916 took place. But the government’s budget to meet the demands of the European Union for a bailout of Ireland passed in the Dail by just five votes, 82-77.

This is “the budget of a puppet government ... doing what they have been told to do by the IMF, the EU Commission and the European Central Bank,” said Michael Noonan, the probable finance minister in a new government after coming elections.

Noonan said Dublin’s letters to the IMF and European Central Bank read as though the government had been “waterboarded” into signing them.

Irish rage at having to suffer to save Europe’s bondholders of Irish banks, the anarchy in England, riots in France to protest a rise in the retirement age to 62, the violence that wracked Greece, the precarious condition of Portugal and Spain, the anger of Germans at having to bail out their profligate EU partners — raise the question: Can Europe’s welfare states be downsized with-

out violence surging, governments falling and populists coming to power who will default on debts rather than force the masses that elected them to suffer to save the bank investors?

Can European democracy deal with the gathering storm?

Is not a national default and a collapse of banks across Europe inevitable? And could such a collapse be contained in Europe when America’s big banks are all transnational institutions?

And America is not without her own crises.

This weekend, The New York Times reported on affluent Nassau County on Long Island: “Now, with its bonds suddenly downgraded and a state oversight agency preparing to seize its checkbook and credit cards, Nassau is on the verge of a fullfledged fiscal crisis.”

California, Illinois, New Jersey and New York are facing historic deficits, as the stimulus money that enabled them to survive 2009 and 2010 runs out.

Illinois is facing a shortfall of $15 billion, a third of the state budget. California is being compared to Spain. A default by either could do to the credit rating of states what a default by Italy or Spain would do to the European Monetary Union.

Now the U.S. government is moving again in a direction opposite of where the people voted to go on Nov. 2.

The deficit is not shrinking, but growing. Even before the Barack Obama tax compromise — price tag $857 billion — the 2011 deficit is surging.

In November alone, the U.S. government spent

$150.4 billion more than it took in. For the first two months of FY 2011, which began Oct. 1, the feds spent $585.7 billion and took in $294.9 billion, a deficit for just one-sixth of the fiscal year of $290.8 billion.

Spending is approaching 200 percent of revenue.

Obama’s deficit for the first quarter of 2011 alone will be the same size as the largest annual deficit George W. Bush ever ran. Michael Fereli of JPMorgan Chase projects the 2011 deficit at $1.5 trillion, after $1.4 trillion in 2009 and $1.3 trillion in 2010.

And the bond markets are flashing warning signals.

After Obama’s tax deal was announced, U.S. government bond prices tanked. Some folks are getting out to get into stocks. Others think U.S. bonds just became a riskier investment.

U.S. cities and states and the U.S. government, as well as the governments of Europe, are facing a crisis of confidence. Can their elected politicians reassure investors who bought their bonds in good faith that those bonds are still worth what they cost?

Or should bondholders bail out before they are burned?

We may be entering a crisis of democratic capitalism.

(To find out more about Patrick Buchanan, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com.)

Labor Committee’s fate matters to average Mainers RUSSELL from page 4

they can have their voice heard. Removing this committee isn’t just a procedural issue — it’s the first shot fired in the war on the Middle Class — a shot fired by the very people who have allowed Corporate America to play Russian Roulette with our futures.

Today (Wednesday) the Rules Committee is meeting in Augusta to decide the fate of this longstanding committee. It is imperative Maine people rise up and call Republican leaders to let them know the State House belongs to the people of Maine, not the politicians of Maine. If the committee moves forward with the removal of the Labor Committee, I will join my Democratic colleagues to

stand up for the one committee dedicated to working class Mainers.

It’s time we all see the words, “Made In America” again.

(The author, a Democrat, is the state representative for District 120, which includes the Munjoy Hill and Bayside neighborhoods.)

Page 6 — THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Wednesday, December 15, 2010

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Changing a sports bar TV: Who’s being rude in this story?

Over the past several months, much of this column has been dedicated to proper restaurant behavior from both sides of the table.

On good days I’ve likened myself to the Amy Vanderbilt of hospitality “do’s and don’ts” and find myself indignant and irritated when seemingly obvious, unwritten rules are violated. Such things as asking for more bread and butter mid-meal, only to take it all home with one remaining soggy piece of penne…and then leaving a 10 percent gratuity as appreciation for the good service. Or the chef behind the line in an open kitchen loudly telling the dishwasher to check the rat traps in the basement because he saw two of the critters scampering about in the prep area that morning.

Or the owner who parks in the one open parking spot in the tiny attached lot, only to complain guest head count is down.

The list goes on and on, so imagine my complete surprise and chagrin when it was I who was found guilty of a courtesy-breaching incident.

In my defense, it all has to do with my love for the seventeen-time World Champion Boston Celtics and the

Natalie Ladd ––––– What It’s Like fact that New Guy has no respect for the NBA. None of it would have happened if we had been at his house eating painstakingly prepared snacks from Cooking Light and drinking Smithwick’s Irish Ale (which defeats the whole Cooking Light thing) while watching his big, mega-definition, crystal clear, manly-TV, like we do religiously for every Pat’s game and many reruns of Criminal Intent.

As our relationship progresses, I realize my desire to count the shiny beads of sweat on Shaq’s head while yelling, “No Means No!” at Kobe Bryant isn’t going to happen from his big, comfy couch. It’s not quite a deal breaker, and isn’t the most important thing I’ve had to compromise on, but it’s still a big, black X in his cons column. ...

My beloved Celtics aside, the

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night in question started out crappy because I lost our tickets to the soldout Grace Potter and the Nocturnals show at the State Theatre, and the guy at the Civic Center box office wouldn’t replace them even though I had my credit card statement indicating the specific purchase. It wasn’t the “policy” that irked me as much as his condescending demeanor (this would fall under the apathy category of the three sins of bad customer service), and the fact that I had to scramble to come up with something fun for us to do. To his credit, New Guy was good natured about it and we went out for drinks and to hear some live local music instead.

We started out at a haunt I like to hit when I need to breathe, relax, and be a bit pampered.

I’d mention it by name but do so quite often, and am certain my editor would send the place an invoice for advertising this time. I love it there because the bartenders dress like flight attendants, make intricate designs from lemon peels, and the menu features an $11.00 cheese plate that has little wedges of brie on pear slices, among other fresh berries and imported cheeses.

They are smart enough to employ a “bar back” (usually an apprentice who runs for ice, takes care of dirty dishes and glasses, and frees up the bartenders to provide great service) who was actually smiling. The place was brimming with dolled-up people in attendance for pre-holiday parties, pre-Magic of Christmas, pre-Santaland Diaries, and probably pre-Grace Potter. I was getting settled at the bar with an oversized dirty martini when I realized we were surrounded by well-positioned televisions, and the Celtics game was starting in two minutes.

My crappy evening just got better.

Needless to say, I asked the bar back to please switch the college basketball game to the Celtics channel, which he willingly did. At that same second I saw Rondo make a killer assist to Ray Allen, the guy next to me (not New Guy) said, “Do you realize I was watching that other game? What you just did was very rude of you. …”

To which I said, “I’m really sorry (and I meant it … I was shocked), but the Celtics are on and I didn’t realize you were watching that other game.”

At that same second I saw Rondo make a killer assist to Ray Allen, the guy next to me ... said, “Do you realize I was watching that other game? What you just did was very rude of you. …” To which I said, “I’m really sorry (and I meant it … I was shocked), but the Celtics are on and I didn’t realize you were watching that other game.”

To which he said, “It’s just the way things are done…you ask your neighbor in a bar if you want to switch the channel. You must not go out very much.”

The bar back kid was mortified and I immediately asked him to please switch it back for the gentleman sitting next to me, but by this time, the guy was gathering up his various dog-eared sports pages and moved to the other end of the bar in a dramatic huff. My guess is that the odds in Vegas weren’t going in his favor, or he too was having a crappy night.

Either way, I felt properly chastised, but have to ask myself, “Whose bad it was it”?

Should the bar back have told me dibs on that particular TV were already taken? Should the guy have sucked it up and watched celebratory glory that is the Celtics? Should we have moved to other seats? Should I have bought the guy a drink for my bad manners? Should he have bought me a drink because he was kind of nasty and I’m kind of cute?

It was a humbling experience.

As long as I’ve been around both sides of the bar tab, I am still learning new things as so much of what goes on is uncharted territory, sort of like the Wild West or the Internet. It may be time to gather up representatives from the Greater Portland Unofficial Restaurant Grapevine and write Hospitality Etiquette for Dummies, or perhaps invest in a wide screen TV of my own.

(Natalie Ladd is a Daily Sun contributor. Her column appears on Wednesday.)

Man guilty of hiring illegal immigrants PORTLAND (AP) — A 53-year-old New Hampshire man has pleaded guilty to employing illegal immigrants at several Dunkin’ Donuts stores that he managed in Maine.

George Valvanis of Atkinson pleaded guilty Monday in U.S. District Court in Portland to one count of engaging in a pattern of recruiting or hiring illegal immigrants and one count of

lying on an immigration document.

Federal prosecutors say between 2001 and 2009 Valvanis knowingly employed 18 illegal immigrants to work in several Portland-area Dunkin’ Donuts stores he managed.

He faces up to 5½ years in prison on the two charges. Sentencing is scheduled for April.

THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Wednesday, December 15, 2010— Page 7

Eagle habitat issues stymie wind farms APPLE VALLEY, Calif. (AP) — Fears that whirling wind turbines could slaughter protected golden eagles have halted progress on a key piece of the federal government’s push to increase renewable energy on public lands, stalling plans for billions of dollars in wind farm developments.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management suspended issuing wind permits on public land indefinitely this summer after wildlife officials invoked a decades-old law for protecting eagles, according to interviews and documents obtained by The Associated Press.

The restriction has stymied efforts to “fast-track” approvals for four of the seven most promising wind energy proposals in the nation, including all three in California.

Now, these and other projects appear unlikely to make the yearend deadline to potentially qualify for hundreds of millions of dollars in stimulus funds. If extensions aren’t granted in the lame duck session of Congress, the future of many of these plans could be in doubt. “(Companies) are waiting to know the criteria to get a permit,” said Larry LaPre, a wildlife biologist for BLM’s California desert district, of the companies hoping federal agencies will begin permitting again soon. LaPre said he expects it to be “at least a year or longer” before permitting resumes.

Golden eagles are the latest roadblock to establishing wind farms on federally owned land, already an expensive process plagued by years of bureaucratic delay. The projects also have been untracked by other wildlife issues, a sluggish economy and objections by defense and aviation authorities that wind turbines interfere with the country’s aged radar system.

The delays are occurring despite a target set by Congress in 2005 that directed the Interior Department to approve about 5 million homes worth of renewable energy on public lands by 2015. Since then, only two of the more than 250 currently proposed wind projects have been approved and neither has been built, records and interviews show.

The four fast-track projects in jeopardy of losing stimulus funds due to eagle issues would alone generate about 416 megawatts of clean energy, enough to power roughly a half million U.S. homes during peak usage.

There are presently 28 wind farms operating on public lands, which make up about 13 percent of the U.S.

In this Nov. 8 photo, the sun peeks through a Joshua tree at a site proposed for wind turbines to generate electricity, in the Mojave Desert near the town of Apple Valley, Calif.

Fears that whirling wind turbines could slaughter protected golden eagles have halted progress on a key piece of the federal government’s push to increase renewable energy on public lands, stalling plans for billions of dollars in wind farm developments.

(AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

land surface, although records show that more than 800 have been proposed in recent decades.

The vast majority of public lands regulated by the BLM are in western states, where all current onshore wind farms approved or in planning stages will be located. Offshore wind farms, like those proposed off the New England coast, are regulated by a different federal agency.

“It’s a broad challenge to us as a country,” said Nathanael Greene, renewable energy policy director at the National Resources Defense Council. “How do we rapidly deploy the renewable energy technologies and transmission infrastructures to stave off catastrophic climate change and local and regional air pollution that comes with burning fossil fuels? Even the best sited projects have impacts on the landscape.”

The July eagle memo obtained by the AP directed BLM staff not to approve any more permits until companies submit protection plans.

Federal officials said they do not know when permitting will resume nor whether the stimulus deadline will be met.

Wind companies estimate the eagle rules are holding up $68 billion in investment, and they complain that they are stalled because the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has yet to finalize permit requirements.

Maine-New Hampshire bridge to reopen after temporary repairs PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (AP) — Memorial Bridge between Portsmouth and Kittery, Maine, will reopen within three weeks after a $30,000 repair, New Hampshire officials said Tuesday. On the same day, a task force lowered its estimate for replacing the bridge and repairing and maintaining two others by $120 million over three decades.

New Hampshire Transportation Commissioner George Campbell said cost of the temporary repairs to Memorial Bridge will be split by the two states, enabling the 87-year-old span to remain open.

Memorial Bridge carries U.S. 1 traffic over the Piscataqua River, which separates Maine and New Hampshire.

It was closed to cars and trucks last Thursday after an inspection revealed deterioration of a pair of metal gusset plates, which hold bridge beams together.

Neither state wanted to sink a great deal of money into Memorial Bridge, which is due to be dismantled 18 months from now. But the repair costs were lower than expected, Campbell said.

For the time being, motor vehicle traffic continues to be diverted onto two

other bridges between Portsmouth and Kittery: the I-95 bridge and the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge.

Meanwhile, the task force looking for ways to fund the replacement of Memorial Bridge, rehabilitation of Sara Mildred Long Bridge and maintenance of the I-95 bridge had more good news.

Total cost over the next 30 years will be about $500 million, compared to estimates as recently as two weeks ago of $620 million, Chairman Dana Connors said after the task force meeting in Portland, Maine.

One of the recommendations calls for creation of a reserve fund that will receive contributions from both states and draw interest until it’s needed for bridge work, he said. Interest on the account, as well as revised inflation rates, account for most of the $120 million in savings, Connors said.

Each state will contribute $1.7 million each year to the reserve fund, said Maine Transportation Commissioner David Cole. The Maine Turnpike Authority is helping out by paying half of Maine’s annual contribution to the reserve fund, as well as the bulk Maine’s share of the Sara Mildred Long rehabilitation costs, he said.

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Page 8 — THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Fed cites unemployment in sticking with bond plan WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve said Tuesday it will maintain the pace of its $600 billion Treasury bond-buying program because the economy is still too weak to bring down high unemployment.

The Fed’s bond purchases are intended to lower long-term interest rates, lift stock prices and encourage spending. Its decision not to increase its purchases rattled bond investors, who fear a tax-cut plan in Congress could fuel enough growth to drive up interest rates.

Chris Rupkey, an economist at Bank of TokyoMitsubishi UFJ, said investors worry the Fed’s bond-buying plan won’t achieve its goal of reducing long-term rates. Those rates have been rising as investors have raised expectations for growth and inflation, especially as a tax-cut plan takes shape in Congress.

“Maybe bond buyers wanted to hear the Fed say it’s not working, so we will buy more,” Rupkey said of the bond purchases.

Fed policymakers said they’ll continue to monitor the program. They left open the option of buying more bonds if the economy weakens, or fewer if it strengthens more than expected.

After the Fed issued its statement, Treasury prices sank, pushing their yields higher. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note jumped to 3.46 percent, its highest level since May and well above the 3.28 percent it traded at late Monday. The yield on the 10-year note helps set rates on many kinds of loans including mortgages. Higher rates could slow, and potentially derail, the economy’s progress.

They could also weigh on the stock market. Stock prices lost some of their gains after the Fed issued its statement. The Dow Jones industrial average closed up about 48 points. Broader market averages posted slighter gains.

Critics contend that the Fed’s bond-purchase program would do little to help the economy and could hurt it by fueling inflation and speculative buying in assets like stocks.

Peak time for the post office Letter carrier John Methot makes his rounds on Deering Street Monday. Methot said local postal workers are feeling the push with a surge in packages. The U.S. Postal Service expects to deliver nearly 3 billion cards and letters over the holidays and there are more than 3 billion holiday stamps available to handle the volume, according to local Postal Service officials. This year, a snowman and the words “Happy Holidays” will appear in the upper right-hand corner of greeting cards and letters mailed during the month of December.

During this holiday season, the Postal Service also expects: • 97 million customers to visit a Post Office; and • 30 million pounds of mail to be delivered to overseas military installations, including Iraq and war zones in Afghanistan.

The busiest mailing day is set for Monday, Dec. 20. More than 800 million cards, letters and packages are expected to be mailed on that day alone, compared to 559 million on a typical day. Wednesday, Dec. 22, will be the busiest delivery day. (DAVID CARKHUFF PHOTO)

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Applications withdrawn for Maine LNG terminal CALAIS (AP) — Two companies are withdrawing their permit applications seeking to build a $1 billion liquefied natural gas terminal in far eastern Maine.

Calais LNG Project Co. and Calais Pipeline Co. said Tuesday they’ve informed environmental regulators they’re withdrawing from the project, but said they intend to refile applications at a later date.

Ian Emery of Calais LNG said he believes eastern Maine would be well on its way to having an LNG terminal if not for the turbulent capital markets.

The Board of Environmental Protection in September extended Calais LNG’s filing deadline to give it more time to line up funding after a Goldman Sachs affiliate withdrew from the project.

Calais LNG’s proposal called for construction of a $1 billion terminal, a 20-mile natural gas pipeline, pier and two storage tanks.

THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Wednesday, December 15, 2010— Page 9

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WHAT’S IN A NAME? –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Others! helping those from here and from far, far away

BY MATT DODGE THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN

The Monument Square coffeeshop traces its singular and emphatic name to a telegraph sent by the founder of the Salvation Army to his officers during the holiday season.

As frugal as he was charitable, General William Booth kept the message short and to the point as telegraphs charged by the word.

“So what was the one word that motivated the Salvation Army to carry on for 145 years to become best known charity 120 countries around world?

Was it God? Love?” asked Brad McCurtain.

“It was ‘Others’. Life is not about me, it’s not about you, it’s about helping others,” said McCurtain, owner of Others! who has adopted Booth’s Christmas greeting as his guiding ethos in the coffee shop endeavour.

“Our mission is in our name. We try to leverage money that comes through here to help as many as we can through Fair Trade coffee and tea and try to have a direct relationship with the growers and farmers,” said McCurtain.

Fair Trade, a program begun by Westerners which grew in popularity during the 1990’s, aims to pays coffee growers a fair price for their product regardless of market fluctuations.

“Fair Trade means taking the commodity price out of coffee, and agreeing to pay a minimum price,” he said. “As the market price rise, prices rise, but they can’t fall below a certain level.”

McCurtain said the Fair Trade program in especially important when it comes to coffee and the typically improvised people who grow it. “Coffee and oil are the two most actively traded commodities in the world, but oil comes from the richest countries and coffee from the most impoverished ones,” McCurtain said.

“It’s a crop that provides assistance for the farmers, but it’s not enough to really feed their families,” McCurtain said, but it’s a fact that didn’t really hit home until he took his first trip to Guatemala in 2008.

“It changed my life to see people living in homes with dirt floors, I didn’t think people could still live that way in the 21st century,” he said.

So McCuratin teamed up with a Minnesota-

Others! is a coffeeshop in Monument Square owned by Brad McCurtain, who borrowed the name from a letter written by the founder of the Salvation Army, who kept it short and sweet in a Christmas message to his officers, remind them of the importance of helping others. The coffeeshop follows much the same ethos, sourcing their Fair Trade coffee directly from farmers in Guatemala and Kenya, and hiring those in need to work the retail location. (MATT DODGE PHOTO)

based social services group and helped six farmers to form a coffee-growing co-operative out of Antigua, Guatemala. “We’re buying all their output, I now think there are about 30 farmers in the co-op, we’ve grown as they’ve grown, it’s been a wonderful relationship,” he said.

Bill to include heavier truck limits in Vermont, Maine PORTLAND (AP) — The U.S. Senate is poised to consider extending a pilot program allowing heavier trucks to keep on rolling on federal highways in Maine and Vermont.

Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Patrick Leahy of Vermont said Tuesday that they persuaded the Appropriations Committee to include a one-year extension in the Senate spending bill.

Supporters of the program that allows

trucks weighing up to 100,000 pounds to use federal highways say it promotes safety by keeping heavy trucks off secondary roads. The program is scheduled to expire on Dec. 18, so the weight limit would go back down to 80,000 pounds.

The provision was missing from a federal spending bill approved by the House last week. Collins and Leahy say the Senate bill comes up for debate this week.

PUC says FairPoint meeting broadband goal PORTLAND, (AP) — The Maine Public Utilities Commission says FairPoint Communications is on target to provide high-speed Internet access to 83 percent of its Maine customers by the end of the year.

As a result, the commission said Tuesday it won’t open an investigation into whether FairPoint is complying with its broadband commitment.

The three-member commission held a daylong session Monday focused on

FairPoint’s progress in achieving its goal of expanding broadband coverage in the state.

As a condition of FairPoint’s being allowed to buy Verizon’s northern New England telephone operations in 2008, the PUC ruled the company must make broadband available to 83 percent of its Maine customers by the end of the year, 85 percent by mid2012 and 87 percent within five years of the purchase.

With a successful co-op underway in South America, McCurtain traveled to Kenya in 2009 and 2010 to source more Fair Trade and organic coffee and tea, which was introduced to Kenya by British colonists.

“The biggest challenge in Kenya was getting farmers to come around to growing organically,” said McCurtain. “Coffee and cotton are the two most heavily pesticided crops in world.”

McCurtain said the pesticides used to treat coffee crops in Kenya are often unlabeled or difficult for workers to read, and present serious health risks, especially to women of child-bearing age. “They’ve been severely restricted or banned in U.S. but they are still used on most of the world’s coffee,” he said.

“We’re trying to build long-term relationships with farmers and show them that coffee can be grown organically,” said McCurtain, who is teaming up with the Salvation Army to create a Fair Trade coffee sourced from Kenya.

But Others! doesn’t just focus on the cash crops coming out of some of the world’s poorest regions.

The shop sells beaded necklaces, and bags made by women from both South America and Africa.

Enlisting the help of Nancy Lawrence from neighboring retail space Portmanteau, which specializes in making handbags from unusual materials, McCurtain filmed Lawrence turning an old coffee sack into a tote bag.

On a trip to Africa, McCurtain showed the video to a group of former prostitutes, who set to work reproducing Lawrence’s popular design and shipping the final products to the Portland coffeeshop to be sold.

In five-and-a-half years in business, McCurtain has always tried to consider how to spread the wealth to those who most need it.

“I try to see how far we can leverage a dollar in terms of helping people. Everyone who works here comes in unemployed, I try to hire special needs people, recovering alcoholics, single moms, and more recently, college students who couldn’t find work in their field and have loans — we try to find people where we can make a difference,” he said.

“Every time you come in to buy something, you get a ballot to change the world,” said McCurtain.

DAILY CROSSWORD TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

by Lynn Johnston

by Paul Gilligan

By Holiday Mathis SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21).

There’s a fine line between impressing people and servicing them. Formalities will only distance you from the people you want to get to know. Give them what they want and you’ll all be happy.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21).

Charge less, and you’ll get more attention. Even so, you must charge what the work and the product are really worth, or others won’t see the value in what you offer.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19).

You have fans. They are people who reach out to you even when you are too busy to respond in kind. Treat those people well. It will take some effort to find the time, but find it anyway.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). If you can differentiate between what you know and what you don’t, and if you can let your words and deeds reflect this understanding, then you are among the most educated people in the world.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Too much attention to detail will bog you down. The deadline, however, will push you into hyper-time-warp speed. Suddenly only the most important stuff gets done.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (Dec. 15).

You have so many excellent ideas and inspired dreams that have yet to be realized. You’re beginning to wonder if you’ll ever be understood in your own time. Well, you will be, and January gives you the proof you’ve longed for.

April is your chance to work hard and win someone over. July brings a bold adventure. Gemini and Cancer people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 3, 40, 11, 22 and 18.

Pooch Café For Better or Worse LIO

ARIES (March 21-April 19). When you’re strong, you put yourself out there and get knocked around. That’s the way of the warrior. If you hang back, you might still get hurt, but it won’t be in a way you can be proud of.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You will see the way someone does it and think, “I could do better.” Perhaps it’s the truth. Probably it is. But you’ll never know until you actually attempt to do it.

This is much advised.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Your mentors, parents, governors and spiritual leaders are not always as helpful as you want them to be. You reach out, wanting comfort and wisdom. What you get sometimes has more to do with their interest than yours.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). When you look back at last month, it is easy for you to see how things worked out for the best, even though it wasn’t exactly what you wanted at the time.

This month will continue the trend.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Dreaming your dreams is a lovely pastime, and it benefits you to spend a good deal of time in your escapist fantasy. However, actually pursuing your dream -- that’s what makes life worth living.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Life is a bit like a social networking website. You can get a glimpse of things from the outside, but in order to see the whole profile of each member, you have to join the community.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Authenticity matters to you. You don’t want to believe a person’s story just because it’s the story you wanted to hear. You want to believe it because it’s really true.

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, Wednesday, December 15, 2010

ACROSS 1 Absorbent drying cloth 6 Cain’s brother 10 Boys 14 Unattached 15 “I __ a Parade” 16 Border on 17 Cemetery sites 18 Foot digits 19 __ up on; try to learn quickly 20 Car lot fellow 22 Evergreen tree 24 Lion’s cry 25 Bawled out 26 “Money __ grow on trees” 29 Rowed 30 Shade tree 31 Makes airtight 33 Warsaw natives 37 Arm or leg 39 Passenger 41 Move aimlessly 42 Faithful 44 Varnish ingredient

46 Buzzing insect 47 Deadbeat 49 Underground chamber 51 Wrecked 54 Large party 55 __ out; made smooth 56 Meringue’s quality 60 Swamp reptile, for short 61 Seaweed 63 VCR tape 64 __ up; relieve pressure 65 Honk the horn 66 Raring to go 67 Recolored 68 Custard ingredients 69 Slumbered

1 2

DOWN Touches lightly Widemouthed, earthenware stewpot

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 21 23

25 26 27 28 29 32 34 35

Sheep’s coat Goes into Textbook divisions Church table Timely benefit Adam’s wife Inferior Medium-sized retriever Approximately Ignoramus Spirited horse Alma __; one’s former school Abbr. in the title of some high school names First, second, third and home “The Farmer in the __” Mixture TV show award More mature Went public with Part of the ear At any time

36 Seldom __; rare 38 Level; even 40 Implement for preparing potatoes 43 Theater section 45 Hometowners 48 Knock out 50 Like lesser sins 51 Chopped finely

52 Fine display 53 Bullwinkle, for one 54 Official decrees 56 Very interested 57 On __; nervous 58 Ooze 59 Categorize 62 Cabin piece

Yesterday’s Answer

THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Wednesday, December 15, 2010— Page 11

––––––– ALMANAC ––––––– Today is Wednesday, Dec. 15, the 349th day of 2010. There are 16 days left in the year.

Today’s Highlight in History: On Dec. 15, 1791, the Bill of Rights went into effect following ratification by Virginia.

On this date: In 1890, Sioux Indian Chief Sitting Bull and 11 other tribe members were killed in Grand River, S.D. during a confrontation with Indian police.

In 1938, groundbreaking for the Jefferson Memorial took place in Washington, D.C. with President Franklin D. Roosevelt taking part in the ceremony.

In 1939, the motion picture “Gone With the Wind” had its world premiere in Atlanta.

In 1944, a single-engine plane carrying bandleader Glenn Miller, a major in the U.S. Army Air Forces, disappeared over the English Channel while en route to Paris. American forces invaded Mindoro Island in the Philippines.

In 1960, Teflon-coated skillets first went on sale, at Macy’s flagship store in New York City.

In 1961, former Nazi official Adolf Eichmann was sentenced to death by an Israeli court.

In 1964, Canada’s House of Commons approved dropping the “Red Ensign” flag in favor of a new design.

In 1965, two U.S. manned spacecraft, Gemini 6A and Gemini 7, maneuvered to within 10 feet of each other while in orbit.

In 1979, the deposed Shah of Iran left the United States for Panama, the same day the International Court of Justice in The Hague issued a provisional order for Iran to release all its American hostages.

One year ago: The Washington, D.C. City Council voted to legalize same-sex marriage. Boeing’s new 787 jetliner went on its long-delayed first test flight, lifting off from Paine Field in Everett, Wash. Evangelist Oral Roberts died in Newport Beach, Calif. at age 91.

Today’s Birthdays: Actor-comedian Tim Conway is 77. Singer Cindy Birdsong (The Supremes) is 71. Rock musician Dave Clark (The Dave Clark Five) is 68. Rock musician Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge) is 64. Actor Don Johnson is 61. Actress Melanie Chartoff is 60. Movie director Julie Taymor is 58.

Movie director Alex Cox is 56. Actor Justin Ross is 56. Rock musician Paul Simonon (The Clash) is 55. Political strategist Donna Brazile is 51. Country singer Doug Phelps (Brother Phelps; Kentucky Headhunters) is 50. Movie producer-director Reginald Hudlin is 49. Actress Helen Slater is 47. Actress Molly Price is 45. Actor Michael Shanks is 40. Actor Stuart Townsend is 38. Figure skater Surya Bonaly is 37. “Crowd-hyper” Kito Trawick is 33. Actor Adam Brody is 31.

Actor George O. Gore II is 28. Actress Stefania Owen (TV: “Running Wilde”) is 13.

WEDNESDAY PRIME TIME Dial

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DAILY CROSSWORD

BY WAYNE ROBERT WILLIAMS

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Yesterday’s Answer

THE

Page 12 — THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Wednesday, December 15, 2010

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS • CALL 699-5807

Furniture

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.

NEW microsuede recliner beige color must sell asking $199 call 396-5661

Autos

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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, third floor, extras. $725/mo Dr. Finkelstein (207)772-5575.

PORTLAND- 3 bedroom ranch, peaceful street, efficient, new deck/ roof, $1300/mo plus utilities. (207)615-3466.

PORTLAND- Woodford’s area. 1 bedroom heated. Newly installed oak floor, just painted. $675/mo. (207)773-1814.

For Rent-Commercial

For Sale 2 large chandeliers, 6' tall, 45 lights with crystals. Asking $2,500 each, 603-466-3383.

DEADLINE for classifieds is noon the day prior to publication

For Sale This advertising space available.

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Help Wanted SALEBAAN Motors, 235 St John St, Portland, (207)541-9088. Mechanic wanted, 10 years experience needed, well paying job $14-20/hr.

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

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Roommate Wanted SCARBOROUGH- Room for rent in luxury home. Private bath, cable, shared kitchen, parking. $450/mo. (207)883-1087.

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out their mothers.

Dear Annie: I have been married for 25 years and have come to realize that I am in a verbally abusive relationship.

My wife talks down to me, minimizes my feelings and does not make any effort to acknowledge things I say. She is always right.

I have been in counseling for two years and have reached the point where I need to leave the marriage. But I am hesitant to do so because I fear what my wife will say about me to people in our small community. She can be very vindictive. I am extremely unhappy and don’t know how to get out.

Please help. -- New York Dear N.Y.: You are smart to recognize that your wife could make this difficult. However, we hope you won’t let that deter you from doing what is necessary for your mental health. Talk to your therapist about how best to proceed, and then contact an attorney with experience in helping abuse victims.

Dear Annie: I read the letter from “Needing Advice,” whose boss is having an affair with a female co-worker. I am sick of hearing about gossiping workers who get upset at the person who is having an affair. I would like to highlight several important points.

1. They were hired to work. Period.

2. It’s none of their business if someone is having an affair.

3. They have no right to force their moral judgments on others.

As someone who has owned his own company and been on the board of directors of another, I am only interested in one thing: the success of the company and the production of a quality product. If an extramarital affair or gossip starts to affect the work, then I will take action -- not the employees. If they don’t like my rules, they are free to seek other employment. -- Bob

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

SELLING a queen pillowtop mattress set- never used $135 must sell. 396-5661.

Real Estate Furniture

ANNIE’S MAILBOX Dear Annie: My two daughters-in-law, “Dolly and Cynthia,” have been arguing for the past nine years. These women are in their 30s and act like teenagers. They had a shouting match at a grandchild’s birthday party and last week fought publicly in the church parking lot.

Dolly lies continually, and Cynthia shouts out four-letter words in front of the kids. I told Dolly we will not be able to do any holiday get-togethers if this situation is not resolved.

Since she is older than Cynthia and some of this is her fault, I wanted her to apologize to her sister-in-law. She promised to do so, but hasn’t. My son insists the parking lot scene was not Dolly’s fault, even though he didn’t witness it.

I despair that this will go on forever. I have suggested counseling, but Cynthia has no interest in fixing this. She doesn’t trust Dolly and wants nothing to do with her. And Dolly has been very cruel to Cynthia’s 8-year-old daughter, accusing her of ignoring her 5-year-old cousin. After the argument at the church, Dolly’s blood pressure skyrocketed and she had to go to the emergency room. This whole thing is going to make everyone ill. Cynthia tries to avoid Dolly, but Dolly can’t stop herself and it always ends badly. I had two Thanksgiving dinners and don’t want two Christmas celebrations.

The grandchildren do not get to spend time together. What’s a grandma to do? -- Wish They’d Grow Up Dear Wish: We think Cynthia has a temper, but Dolly is the main culprit -- not because she is older, but because she lies, is cruel to an 8-year-old and insists on provoking her sisterin-law. We think she needs professional help. You cannot fix this without their cooperation, so we urge you to stay out of it or you’ll risk your relationship with both of them. Invite everyone for family occasions, or let them host separate ones.

If they fight in your home, ask them to leave. If you want the cousins to get together, have them come to your house with-

PLUSH queen mattress set- in wrapper unopened $240 call 899-8853.

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

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

by Scott Stantis

ARE YOU READY FOR A CHANGE? Enjoy the quality of life found in the Mt. Washington Valley while working in a progressive hospital that matches advanced medical technology with a compassionate approach to patient care.

Join our team and see what a difference you can make!

In addition to competitive salaries, we offer an excellent benefits package that includes health/dental, generous paid time off, matching savings plan, educational assistance and employee fitness program. We have the following openings:

• Medical Coder- Full-Time. Exp. With E/M, Emergency Medicine and Outpatient coding preferred. Knowledge of Anatomy & Physiology & Medical Terminology pref. CCS or CPC or equivalent credential pref.

• OR- RN- Full-Time 40 HR/WK with Rotating Call; OR Experience, minimum 1 yr. preferred; ACLS, BLS & PALS with 3 months.

• Housekeeper- Part-Time. Wed-Sun 2:30-7pm at Merriman House.

Routine cleaning of patient rooms.

• Rehab Services- Per Diem. Min Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy, prev inpatient exp pref. Wknd & wkday coverage.

• Controller- Full-Time. Resp. for all financial reporting, GL maintenance, A/P, A/R, Charge Master & external reporting. Degree in Accounting, pref. CPA, plus 5 yrs full financial reporting required. Must have exp in: Electronic Accounting Applications (pref CPSI); cost based reimbursement; accounting for payroll & benefits w/working knowledge of regulatory requirements; 3rd party & regulatory payors w/familiarity with regulations & contract compliance; demonstrated supervisory exp. A completed Application is required to apply for all positions Website: www.memorialhospitalnh.org.

Contact: Human Resources, Memorial Hospital, an EOE PO Box 5001, No. Conway, NH 03860.

Phone: (603)356-5461 • Fax: (603)356-9121

The Daily Sun Classifieds “Can you send me prices for display ads in the Sun... I am really happy with the results from the Sun classifieds and I want to expand... I have tried the other papers... zero replies... nothing even comes close to The Sun...”

— An advertiser who gets results using the Sun’s classifieds.

To place a classified call 699-5807

THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Wednesday, December 15, 2010— Page 13

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

Wednesday, Dec. 15 Author Neil Rolde at Portland Public Library noon to 1 p.m. Neil Rolde, author of “Maine in the World,” at Portland Public Library, Rines Auditorium. “Author Neil Rolde has once again crafted a book of Maine history that draws in and satisfies the reader. He tells of Mainers who are well recorded in historical works and of some whose names are less familiar, each of whom left a distinct mark far outside the state’s boundaries. Rolde begins with the legendary Gluskabe (Glooskap), the creator of the Wabanaki native peoples. Lore has it that he roamed great distances from the Northeast. Rolde includes the stories of poets, politicians, missionaries, an engineer, a knight, an opera singer, a pirate, a Hollywood director, and a ten-year-old diplomat named Samantha Smith. The book is arranged chronologically and includes contemporary examples of those who have made an impact far from the Pine Tree Sate. It also includes a bibliography and is well indexed. Maine Antique Digest, January 2010.”

Riverton Elementary School learning exhibition 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Students enrolled in the new afterschool academic and enrichment program at Riverton Elementary School will present a learning exhibition for their parents and other community members in the school’s media center. The event will feature performances by the program’s guitar, a cappella and drama clubs. Students involved in other after-school activities such as nature exploration and story writing also will present their work.

“The Portland Public Schools has partnered with LearningWorks to launch the after-school program as part of Riverton’s $3.4 million school improvement grant. Children attend the free program for two to three hours each school day. Run by eight certified teachers, the program provides active, hands-on learning activities to complement regular school work. The after-school program will continue through early June.” This program is funded with federal stimulus. www2.portlandschools.org

Mad Horse founding members Walt Dunlap, Deborah Hall, Cynthia Barnett perform in the Mad Horse Christmas Radio Show, starting Monday, Dec. 20 in South Portland. (COURTESY IMAGE)

at 519 Congress St. hosts a lecture; bring your lunch; desserts and refreshments provided. Open house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; talk Portland Public Health at noon. Speaking will be historian Dr. Charles P.M. Division focus group Outwin on ”Boom Town, to discuss local environmental Party Town: Frolics on the health issues Southern Shores of Casco 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Portland Bay, 1760-1775.” “The Public Health Division seeks Portgoodly people of Falmouth land residents 18 years and older is Casco Bay, during its to participate in a focus group to boom years of 1760 through discuss local environmental health 1775, flush with cash, knew issues. Sites will be accessible by how to party ... and neither public transportation. Participants inclement weather nor dour will be compensated $25 for their moralist opprobrium could time. If interested, please call 874long prevent them from 8787. www.portlandmaine.gov/ doing so!! From the scruffy hhs/showart.asp?contentID=997 rum-shops of Fiddle Lane and the gracious homes Portland Schools concert of Upper Middle Street, schedule to Ring’s popular inn and 6 p.m. The Portland Public Schools tavern at Black Point, and will hold concerts at the following perhaps even further afield, times and places to showcase the Falmouth’s denizens, rich work of student musicians: Dec. and poor, found opportu15, 6 p.m., Lincoln Middle School; nities to feast, dance, and Dec. 16, 6 p.m., Moore Middle celebrate.” http://mcmaSchool; Dec. 16, 7 p.m., Deering Beautifully animated and featuring the voices of Christopher art.blogspot.com/2010/11/ High School; Dec. 20, 6 p.m., King Plummer, the late Lynn Redgrave, and Isabella Rossellini, “My mcma-december-events.

Middle School. All concerts are Dog Tulip” is a bittersweet retrospective account of author J. html free and open to the public.

R. Ackerley’s 16-year relationship with his adopted Alsatian bitch, Tulip. This film is showing this weekend at the Portland Executive Committee Running With Scissors Museum of Art. (COURTESY PHOTO) of ecomaine comedy troupe 4 p.m. A meeting schedule 7 p.m. Running With Scissors — has been issued by ecomaine, a nonprofit, municipallystandup and improv comedy showcase. With over 35 years owned and operated recycling and solid waste disposal of collective improv comedy experience, Running With facility. Executive Committee: Thursday, Dec. 16 at 4 Scissors is Maine’s premier improv comedy group. In the p.m.; Recycling Committee: Wednesday, Jan. 5 at 4 p.m.; style of “Whose Line?” Rachel Flehinger, Dennis Hunt, Tom Finance Committee: Tuesday, Jan. 18 at 4 p.m.; Full Board Walsh, and Tuck Tucker create a hilarious new show from Meeting: Thursday, Jan. 20 at 4 p.m. Board and Committee each audience’s input. Perfect for corporate events, private meetings of ecomaine are open to the public and are held at parties, or a night on the town, Now on the third Wednesday the waste-to-energy plant at 64 Blueberry Road, Portland. of each month at Mayo Street Arts. $7. http://mayostreeBusiness After Hours with the chamber tarts.org/calendar 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Business After Hours. Join the Portland ‘The Gift Of The Magi’ Regional Chamber of Commerce for an event at the Wynd7 p.m. “The Gift Of The Magi” an original musical set in ham Hotel in South Portland with networking, great food, 1940s Maine. Dec 7-23, Tues. and Wed. at 7 p.m., Saturday cash bar, door prizes and the big 50/50 drawing. Donations at 2 p.m. Added shows, Thursday, Dec. 23 at 2 and 7 p.m. of canned/dry goods or new unwrapped toys to support the $15-$22. Old Port Playhouse, 19 Temple St. 773-0333. oldSalvation Army are appreciated. portplayhouse.com

Merry Madness

Thursday, Dec. 16 Maine Charitable Mechanic Association lecture 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Maine Charitable Mechanic Association

5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Shop ’til you drop with the Portland Downtown District’s Merry Madness promotion in downtown Portland. Participating stores offer free refreshments and remain open until 10 p.m. The kickoff begins at the Eastland Park Hotel with music, food, and fun from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. A free shut-

tle bus takes you throughout downtown from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.portlandmaine.com.

Trinket and Fern Merry Madness event 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Trinket and Fern will be open for Merry Madness, the Portland Downtown District’s Christmas promotion The shop at 172 Middle St. will be hosting a trunk show with Maggi Blue of Dye Lot Collective, www.dyelotcollective.com. “Maggi makes colorful, gorgeous glass pendants and ornaments. We will have refreshments and special sales on holiday ornaments and trim. Also come see our 12 Days of Christmas holiday window displays! The artist made shadow boxes are being sold/raffled to benefit the Ronald McDonald House!” http://trinketandfern.com/

Mary Reid Kelley video screening 6 p.m. The Institute of Contemporary Art at Maine College of Art will screen “You Make Me Iliad” and “Sadie, the Saddest Sadist” by Mary Reid Kelley. Reid Kelley uses painting, video, animation and performance as vehicles to examine the construction of historical war narratives culled from archive-based research. Her dialogues are written in a style that evokes epic poetry and is saturated with puns, rhyme, and wordplay that result in an exploration of the political and symbolic weight of language. The artist received her MFA from Yale University and recently had her first solo exhibition at the Fredericks & Freiser Gallery in New York.

The screening is free and open to the public.

Film screening: ‘Gasland’ at SPACE 7:30 p.m. “The largest domestic natural gas drilling boom in history has swept across the United States. The Halliburton-developed drilling technology of “fracking” or hydraulic fracturing has unlocked a “Saudia Arabia of natural gas” just beneath us. But is fracking safe? When filmmaker Josh Fox is asked to lease his land for drilling, he embarks on a cross-country odyssey uncovering a trail of secrets, lies and contamination. A recently drilled nearby Pennsylvania town reports that residents are able to light their drinking water on fire. This is just one of the many absurd and astonishing revelations of a new country called ‘Gasland.’ Part verite travelogue, part expose, part mystery, part bluegrass banjo meltdown, part showdown.” $7/$5 for SPACE members, all ages.

Red Claws fans help Good Shepherd Food Bank 7 p.m. The Red Claws will join with presenting sponsor Quirk Chevrolet to collect donations for the Good Shepherd Food Bank during the team’s second annual Food Drive. Fans are encouraged to bring canned or other nonperishable food items to the Red Claws game, where they will be collected in a pickup truck provided by Quirk in front of the arena. Volunteers from Good Shepherd will be on hand to collect the food items, and everyone making a donation will be entered to win prizes provided

by Quirk Chevrolet and the Red Claws. Tickets for these and all Red Claws home games and can be purchased online at www.maineredclaws.com see next page

Page 14 — THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Wednesday, December 15, 2010

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

from preceding page

Friday, Dec. 17 Lincoln Middle School farming forums 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sixth graders at Lincoln Middle School in Portland will host forums with farmers from diverse backgrounds at the school, located at 522 Stevens Ave. One forum will take place in the school library, and another will be held simultaneously in Room 209. “Panelists include Lincoln parents, staff members, new Mainers from Somalia and Sudan and other community members. Some work on farms, while others raise honey bees or grow medicinal plants in their backyards. The forum is part of a cross-cultural unit of study based on the novel, ‘Seedfolks’ by Paul Fleischman. The novel takes place in a forgotten part of Cleveland where garbage, rats and violence have taken over. The characters come from various backgrounds and ethnic groups, but each has faced adversity. They slowly get to know each other by transforming a vacant lot into a garden, and a real community is born.” www2.portlandschools.org

Holiday Revels Open House at the Falmouth Memorial Library 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Holiday Revels Open House at the Falmouth Memorial Library takes place. Enjoy storytelling with Jodi Fein, music by Ralph Warnock, refreshments and good cheer. Free and open to the community. Bring the family!

Sponsored by the Friends and Trustees of the Falmouth Memorial Library. www.falmouth.lib.me.us. 781-2351.

Christmas concert at the SoPo Nazarene Church 6:30 p.m. Christmas concert at the South Portland Nazarene Church, Ernie Grant and the Joy Group sponsoring the event, 525 Highland Ave., South Portland. Featuring Voices of Grace (Leo Mathieu, Deb Sirois and Ed Beecher); Todd and Katie Daley; Bob Porter; Rebecca Darling; the Youth Group; Cathy Crothers and Diane Saito; Terri Sires; and Jim Gerry (Sound). Free admission.

‘My Dog Tulip’ at Movies at the Museum 6:30 p.m. “My Dog Tulip” at Portland Museum of Art as part of the Movies at the Museum series. Friday, Dec. 17, at 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 18, at 2 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 19, at 2 p.m.; also Sunday, Dec. 26, 2 p.m.; and Sunday, Jan. 2, 2 p.m. “Beautifully animated and featuring the voices of Christopher Plummer, the late Lynn Redgrave, and Isabella Rossellini, My Dog Tulip is a bittersweet retrospective account of author J. R. Ackerley’s 16-year relationship with his adopted Alsatian, Tulip. A profound and subtle meditation on the strangeness that lies at the heart of all relationships, My Dog Tulip was written, directed, and animated by award-winning filmmakers Paul and Sandra Fierlinger and is the first animated feature ever to be entirely hand drawn and painted utilizing paperless computer technology.

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: from Christmas to Hannukah to the Solstice. We also examine the “Star of Bethlehem.” Assuming it was a natural event, what might it have been? A supernova; a planetary conjunction or some other celestial event.

Southworth Planetarium, 96 Falmouth St., Portland. Also Dec. 18-19. Check times at 780-4249. www.usm.maine. edu/planet

Saturday, Dec. 18 Kennel Shop in Scarborough Christmas party 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Kennel Shop in Scarborough is hosting a Christmas party from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are collecting donations for the Animal Welfare Society shelter residents. For more information, www.animalwelfaresociety.org or call 985-3244.

Pet adoptions at Pet Smart in Biddeford 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Animal Welfare Society canines available for adoption will be on hand at Pet Smart in Biddeford from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to get their photo taken with Santa and to spread good cheer. For more information, www.animalwelfaresociety.org or call 985-3244.

Pet photos at Pet Smart in Biddeford 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pet Smart in Biddeford will host the Animal Welfare Society for photos of your pet with Santa; $5 from the sale of each photo goes directly to the Animal Welfare Society. Sunday also. For more information, www. animalwelfaresociety.org or call 985-3244.

Portland Green Independent Committee Annual Meeting, community potluck at Meg Perry 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Portland Green Independent Committee Annual Meeting takes place at the Meg Perry Center, 644 Congress St. “Solstice/Yule celebration and potluck (open to the public), where we’ll converse plan and warm each other in

the spirit of the season.” Potluck from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

N.C. Wyeth by Sy Epstein 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Gallery talk at the Portland Museum of Art. Join Museum Docent Sy Epstein for a gallery talk about artist N.C. Wyeth. Free with museum admission. www.portlandmuseum.org

‘The Gift Of The Magi’ 2 p.m. “The Gift Of The Magi” an original musical set in 1940s Maine. Dec 7-23, Tues. and Wed. at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. Added shows, Thursday, Dec. 23 at 2 and 7 p.m. $15-$22. Old Port Playhouse, 19 Temple St., Portland. 7730333. oldportplayhouse.com

Peaks Island authors open house 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. “For the Love of Peaks — Island Portraits & Stories: A Collection” by Fran Houston and “A Glimpse of Old Peaks Island: Through Rose-Colored Glasses” by Alice Boyce, Eunice Curran, Ellin Gallant, Reta Morrill and Joyce O’Brien. Both books embody rich histories and photographs. The Inn on Peaks, 33 Island Ave, will host the authors. “Featuring wonderful music by Ronda Dale and Kevin Attra. A check will be presented to Peaks Island Tax and Fuel Assistance for 10 percent of the gross sold-out first printing sales of ‘For the Love of Peaks’ to keep someone warm this winter! Please FMI contact fran_houston@hotmail.com, other info at www.fortheloveofpeaks.com, http://www.facebook.com/fortheloveofpeaks, www.aglimpseofoldpeaksisland.com, www.myspace.com/ wheeedoggieband, www.cascobaylines.com.”

Annual Portland Harbor Boat Parade of Lights 4:30 p.m. The boat leaves at 4:30 p.m. and the parade begins at 4:45 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children (5-9) and a majority of the proceeds will be going to Sail Maine, to learn more about Sail Maine you can visit their website at www.sailmaine.org. Tickets are on sale now at Casco Bay Lines, for questions about tickets please contact Caitlin Gildart at 774-7871, ext. 105 or e-mail at caityb@cascobaylines.com. To register your boat in the parade please call Chris Kean at 408-7525 or e-mail at boatparadeoflights@gmail.com

Home for Christmas at Anthony’s 7 p.m. Many of Anthony’s Alumni singing a wide selection of Christmas songs and standards. Special six-course Christmas dinner, $39.95 and 1/2 price for children under 10. www.anthonysdinnertheater.com

‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ 8 p.m. “It’s A Wonderful Life,” the holiday classic. Dec. 2-19, Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. $15-$22. Old Port Playhouse, 19 Temple St., Portland. 773-0333. oldportplayhouse.com

Christmas with Renaissance Voices 8 p.m. Christmas with Renaissance Voices at The Cathedral Church of St. Luke, 143 State St. $15 at the door; $12 in advance at Starbird Music in Portland, Longfellow Books in Portland or Books Etc. in Falmouth; $5 for students with a valid student ID. Renaissance Voices is a 21-voice, auditioned, a cappella chorus based in Portland, Maine. We specialize in music from the medieval period through the 17th century, but our performances regularly feature more contemporary work, including premieres of pieces by both new and established composers. Concerts also feature short readings that complement the themes of the musical selections. www. renaissancevoices.org/repertoire.html

Sunday, Dec. 19 Skate for the Salvation Army Toy Drive 1.20 p.m. Family Ice Center, Falmouth. A family filled Christmas event — Christmas tree lighting, a skate show, Santa and lots of skating fun. “This is a tremendous way for the family to get involved to help the less fortunate in the Portland community. Helping a child this year is easy, simply bring a toy when you come to the Family Ice Center in Falmouth and donate it to the Salvation Army which will make sure it goes to a needy child this Christmas.” All skate hire fees ($5 per person) for the Public Skate Session will also be donated to the Salvation Army. Family Ice Center Falmouth, 20 Hat Trick Drive Falmouth.

Service of Lessons and Carols in OOB 4 p.m. St. Augustine of Canterbury Anglican Church will hold a traditional Service of Lessons and Carols based on the program of King’s College Chapel in England. The service is open to all, is free, and will be followed by a reception. Everyone is invited to this celebration service which contains passages from Holy Scripture and traditional music. St. Augustine of Canterbury Anglican Church worships at Cathedral Pines Chapel at 156 Saco Ave. in Old Orchard Beach. The Rev. Jeffrey W. Monroe is Vicar. For additional information contact 799-5141. see next page

THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Wednesday, December 15, 2010— Page 15

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from preceding page

‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ 2 p.m. “It’s A Wonderful Life,” the holiday classic.

Dec. 2-19, Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. $15-$22. Old Port Playhouse, 19 Temple St., Portland. 773-0333. oldportplayhouse.com

Solstice Dawning at the Planetarium 7 p.m. “Solstice Dawning,” celestial poetry evening.

“We celebrate the winter solstice with poetry! The Southworth Planetarium offers an evening of verse, prose and the Universe. During this event, local writers recite poetical works about the cosmos, nature, love, and much more. This year’s ‘Solstice The cast of “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” performs this Sunday and Monday Dawning’ theme is light and dark. Admission by night at the Old Port Playhouse at 7:30 p.m. Timepiece productions will also donation.” Call 780-4249 to reserve your space. present Truman Capote’s “A Christmas Memory” the same evening. Cost is ‘Solstice Dawning’ Celestial Poetry Evening $12/$10. Box Office 773-0333. Old Port Playhouse, 19 Temple St. Portland. old7 p.m. Celebrate the Winter Solstice with poetry portplayhouse.com. (COURTESY IMAGE) and stars. The USM Southworth Planetarium offers an evening of verse, prose and the Universe down Blue Christmas Service in the star dome theatre. Three celestial poetry evenings 6:30 p.m. Hope.Gate.Way. (on the ground floor of the each year. During this year’s final celestial poetry evening, Gateway parking garage, just beyond the Eastland Park local writers recite poetical works about the universe, Hotel, at 185 High St. “While the world is rejoicing, for nature, love the stars and much more. The theme of this some, the days leading to Christmas can be filled with pain year’s “Solstice Dawning” is light and dark. To reserve your and sadness. Loss of a spouse, child, or parent… a broken space for an event or for more information, send a reply or relationship … job loss or financial insecurity… seasonal call 780-4249. depression — these can make the holiday season a difficult time for many. On the longest night of the year, we invite ‘A Child’s Christmas In Wales’ all who wish to come together for a time of quiet, meditaand ‘A Christmas Memory’ tive worship: to acknowledge their pain, to be assured that 7:30 p.m. “A Child’s Christmas In Wales” and Truman they are not alone, and to find time and space to reflect and Capote’s “A Christmas Memory” performed by Timepiece find comfort.” www.hopegateway.com. or www.newlightTheatre Co., Sun. and Mon., Dec. 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. portland.org $10-$12. Old Port Playhouse, 19 Temple St., Portland.

773-0333. oldportplayhouse.com

Monday, Dec. 20 Mad Horse’s take on ‘A Christmas Carol’ 7 p.m. Mad Horse Theatre Company offers a production of “A Christmas Carol” that will not be soon forgotten. Founding company members, current members, and some very special guests will join forces for a revival of the Mad Horse Christmas Radio Show — a madcap depiction of the effort to produce a radio play of “A Christmas Carol.” “Featuring hilarious performances and the merriest of holiday songs, this show brings you behind the scenes of an old-fashioned radio program, where nothing ever goes quite as planned.

Mad Horse performed this show many years ago, and is bringing it back for a whole new audience to enjoy. This event is a benefit to support Mad Horse’s 25th Anniversary Season.” Performances run Dec. 20 through 23, 7 p.m., at the theater’s new home in the Hutchins School, 24 Mosher St., South Portland. “So whether you’ve been waxing nostalgic for the old Christmas Show, or you want to start a new holiday tradition, please join us for an evening full of fun, holiday spirit, and tasty seasonal treats served before and after the show.” For more information, call 730-2389, or visit www.madhorse.com.

Mid-winter’s Eve at Stonehenge 7 p.m. For the first time, Professor Patrick Peoples will present his summer Stonehenge program on the night before the winter solstice, at Southworth Planetarium. ”Professor Peoples conducts a tour of Stonehenge, one of the ancient world’s most famous structures. What was its purpose? Who built it? How was it used as an astronomical observatory? Astronomers believe that Stonehenge’s designers might have used it as an eclipse prediction device. As we’ll have a total lunar eclipse on the solstice, what better time is there to attend a Stonehenge lecture!” Admission by donation.

A Child’s Christmas In Wales’ and ‘A Christmas Memory’ 7:30 p.m. “A Child’s Christmas In Wales” and Truman Capote’s “A Christmas Memory” performed by Timepiece Theatre Co., Sun. and Mon., Dec. 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. $10-$12. Old Port Playhouse, 19 Temple St., Portland.

773-0333. oldportplayhouse.com

Tuesday, Dec. 21 College of The Atlantic Holiday Open House 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. College of The Atlantic, Bar Harbor, Holiday Open House: Share holiday sweets and son with the island community at COA’s annual holiday party, with music from the MDI High School Choir in the Leslie C. Brewer Great Hall inside The Turrets, COA south entrance. Contact Lyn Berzinis at 288-5015, lberzinis@coa.edu, or 801-5625.

Gong Meditation on the solstice

7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. In the early morning of Dec. 21 there will be a total eclipse of the Full Moon. That evening will be the exact moment of Winter Solstice. “To better attune to these solar and lunar energies, Dragonfly Taijiquan will be hosting a ‘Gong Meditation’ that evening at its studio in Portland, at 222 St John Street, Suite 240. “Gongs are ancient instruments used for thousands of years to promote healing, balance and intuition. Come, relax, and experience the sounds of gongs, singing bowls and other sound meditation instruments in a musical improvisation by Todd Glacy of Saco River Yoga. On this day of the Winter Solstice and Full Moon, be immersed in the primordial, resonant, healing, sacred, vibratory sounds of the gong. Bring a pillow, mat or blanket to lie on, or a meditation cushion.” There is a suggested donation of $10 to $15. Advance registration is encouraged. FMI or to register contact: 761-2142 or dragonflytaiji@roadrunner.com.

‘The Gift Of The Magi’ 7 p.m. “The Gift Of The Magi” an original musical set in 1940s Maine. Dec 7-23, Tues. and Wed. at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. Added shows, Thursday, Dec. 23 at 2 and 7 p.m. $15-$22. Old Port Playhouse, 19 Temple St., Portland. 7730333. oldportplayhouse.com

Total Lunar Eclipse Viewing 12:45 a.m. to 4 a.m. There will be a total lunar eclipse on Dec. 21 (in the early morning hours). The Southworth Planetarium is open for the Lunar Eclipse. “We’ll open our doors for the seething throng at 12:45 a.m. (Yes, 12:45 in the morning!) We’ll have a tedious, indefensibly long eclipse lecture at 1 a.m. Viewing begins at 1:30 a.m. (Weather permitting, of course.) Free and open to the public. ... Provided the skies are clear (or at least partly cloudy), we will observe the Full Moon moves into Earth’s shadow cone, During its passage, we’ll watch our planet’s curved shadow proceed across the lunar facade until the Moon is completely immersed. During this immersion, a phase called “totality,” the Moon generally appears reddish, not dark, because Earth’s upper atmosphere will direct the red portion of the Sun’s light into the shadow and therefore onto the eclipsed moon.”

Wednesday, Dec. 22 ‘The Gift Of The Magi’ 7 p.m. “The Gift Of The Magi” an original musical set in 1940s Maine. Dec 7-23, Tues. and Wed. at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. Added shows, Thursday, Dec. 23 at 2 and 7 p.m. $15-$22. Old Port Playhouse, 19 Temple St., Portland. 7730333. oldportplayhouse.com

Secret Lives of Comedians 7:30 p.m. Secret Lives of Comedians at Lucid Stage, 29 Baxter Boulevard, Portland. Produced by Cloud Morris and Brian Brinegar, this monthly series features stand-up comedy, sketch comedy, “surprised guests” and other disturbing delights! Musical guest Pete Witham. $10. www. lucidstage.com/

Page 16 — THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Wednesday, December 15, 2010

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Walker to lead Stampede against Red Claws DAILY SUN STAFF REPORT The Idaho Stampede will make their first East Coast appearance with their new acquisition, three-time NBA All-Star Antoine Walker, against the Maine Red Claws on Thursday, Dec. 16 and Sunday, Dec. 19, the NBA Development League teams reported.

Walker, a veteran of 12 NBA seasons, has career averages of 17.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 893 games (707 starts).

The long-time Celtic made All-Star game appearances in 1998, 2002 and 2003, starting alongside Michael Jordan in the 2002 game in Philadelphia.

Walker has played for the Boston Celtics (seven-plus seasons), Dallas Mavericks (one season), Atlanta Hawks (part of one season), Miami Heat (two seasons) and Minnesota Timberwolves (one season). His last stint in the NBA was in 2007-08 with the T’Wolves, playing 46 games (1 start). Walker averaged 13.3 points per game with the Miami Heat in 2005-06 when the club won its first-ever NBA Championship.

Thursday the Red Claws host Idaho at 7 p.m., on Friday the Red Claws are at Springfield for a 7 p.m. game, and then they’re back home for a 5 p.m. game Sunday.

The Maine Red Claws are the NBA D-League affiliate of the Boston Celtics and Charlotte Bobcats. The team plays its home games at the Portland Expo.

A weekend sweep at the hands of the Erie BayHawks dropped the Maine Red Claws to 3-6.

Antoine Walker admires his former jersey while joking with Celtics rookie Al Jefferson during a Hawks-Celtics game at the FleetCenter on Jan. 14, 2005. Walker will appear with the NBA Development League’s Idaho Stampede at the Portland Expo this week. (AP FILE PHOTO)

Join the conversation

Shaq ‘doing better,’ hoping to play WALTHAM, Mass. (AP) — Shaquille O’Neal says he’s optimistic that he will be ready for Wednesday night’s game at Madison Square Garden against Amare Stoudemire and the New York Knicks.

O’Neal said before practice on Tuesday that he’s “doing better.”

Celtics coach Doc Rivers said that he would see how O’Neal comes

www.portlanddailysun.me

through practice before deciding whether to play him. The Knicks have won eight straight and are just four games behind the 19-4 Celtics in the Atlantic Division.

O’Neal has missed the last two games with the calf injury. He worked on in the weight room on Tuesday but did not take part in the team’s practice.

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Crackers, mascot for the Portland Pirates, made an appearance at the Maine Mall Monday to assist in the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign. Pictured with Crackers (from left to right) are Salvation Army volunteers John and Carol Mosley, Maine humorist Tim Sample, Crusher (Maine Red Claws basketball mascot) and Slugger (Portland Sea Dogs baseball mascot). The Pirates complete a stretch of four straight games on the road when they return to Manchester to face the Monarchs on Friday for a 7 p.m. start. On Saturday at 7 p.m., the Pirates are home facing the Monarchs. Five County Credit Union provides a free Pirates T-shirt to the first 2,500 fans.

(COURTESY PHOTO)