The Portlander Retort

It looks like a heat wave

2011-07-12T10:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the beginning of a major heat wave that has almost half of the eastern side of the US scrambling to either find the perfect beach spot or some air conditioning. The willfully summer weather that we've been having is fantastic, but the humidity is a killer.

All across the state folks are commenting on how summer is finally here, going to beaches to bake like a potato chip and laughing at their friends and family members who have to work in a climate controlled office as they are surely missing out.

Get out an enjoy this weather while it lasts, but do what you can to prevent that silly thing we call 'heat stroke.'

April Fools! The joke's on us...

2011-04-01T06:27:00.000-07:00

April Fool's Day is one of the best day of the year. It's filled with whoopie cushions, lots of tape and other senseless vandalism, all with none of the obligation to do something special for your family or thinking of the dread of some of our other holidays. Most of the jokes played are "no-harm, no-foul" and in the end are pretty darn funny.

Mother Nature is playing a cruel prank on us today with this no-joke April Fools Day snowstorm. And we were finally getting a break from all of the rough snow. Our spirits were starting to lift and we were starting to prepare for all the beauty that spring has to offer!

GFY Mother Nature. GFY.

I'm one of the (fairly) lucky ones who hasn't taken off my snow tires yet. I'm sure that many folks have taken theirs off and cities and towns have taken the plows off of their city trucks.

Luckily for the City of Portland, I've heard that their workers left the plows on the trucks and all 40 plow trucks were out clearing the streets this morning. Don't let this storm ruin your spirit - or heck - put a little more effort into your prank to get your coworker and reap the benefits of a heartfelt smile.

I smell a food fight comming along! What's the Big Whoop?

2011-02-16T09:41:00.000-08:00

Maine legislature is pushing for the Whoopie Pie to become the state's dessert. Frankly I don't have the slightest idea as to why. Pennsylvania wants it to be their state dessert, and with good reason, a number of sources trace the recipe to Amish country in Pennsylvania.

Maine has a state berry, the wild blueberry, and has assigned the quirky, albeit loved Moxie as it's official soft drink. Now with this said, in my opinion, it's almost a no-brainer as to what our official dessert should be - Blueberry Pie.

I mean sure Maine does hold some nostalgia for the Whoopie Pie, which does put these creamy, oozy, lardy confections in the state's running...but is that enough? Honestly I don't think that we should be holding this dessert on a silver platter when it's main ingredient is lard. Makes me squirm. Gross.

Maybe we should change it up altogether and suggest Chocolate Mousse as our State Dessert. At least then we'd have a little play on word action with our state animal, the Moose. Done deal.

Valentine's Day Hangover

2011-02-15T15:46:00.000-08:00

In 1976, two years before I was even born, Portland was first attacked by the Valentine's Day Bandit. Reporters in the Maine Sunday Telegram covered the story and no one had a clue as to who would do this.

My favorite year though would be in 1978, the year the hearts went up a day late with the statement "It's not just ONE day!"

For over 30 years the Valentine's Day Bandit has made his or her or even their way through (usually wintery messes) and posting these hearts throughout our lovely city overnight.

I happen to love this tradition, I hope it sticks around for at least 30 more years.

Hope your Valentine's recovery is a speedy one! Cheers.

I'm baaaccckkk!!

2011-01-17T19:35:00.000-08:00

Ok folks my last post to this blog was back in July and I'm here to explain why and also explain why I'm back and will be bigger than ever!

This summer I was in a rough patch in my life lets say, I was depressed, wasn't really thinking right and moved about 80 miles north of Portland. Being so far away it was extremely hard to try to maintain and keep up with the happenings and whatnot of Portland.

I missed it way too much and as of this past weekend I am officially back to the Portland area! I have missed writing this blog tremendously as I love the ins and outs of Portland and everything it has to offer.

Here are a few of my recent pics that I've taken while out and about Portland and don't forget to say hi - if you have an idea of something I should write about - yell at me will ya!? :)

Cheers.

Renee

ASS-U-ME

2010-06-02T21:17:00.000-07:00

I need to ask everyone a question. If you saw someone being victimized in the middle of the city, what would YOU do? Would you stare? Would you try to intervene? Would you walk by as if it's not even happening?

There has been a lot of buzz recently in Portland about violence. Eric Benson was killed by a stranger right in Monument Square last week. Domestic violence on street corners and unruly patrons in the Old Port.

I was physically abused as a child, sexually abused as a teen and even more so as an adult. Sadly, because of my personal trauma, I suffer from PTSD among other things. If I saw someone hurting a mother who had children with her lets say, I would see red. I would start shaking, crying and want to go rip the attacker a new rear end. But obviously, that's NOT the right thing to do! Not even close!

When I was a teen, I had a friend who was being abused by her boyfriend. I understood what she was going through, and was there to support her. She said that she left the guy. A few weeks later he started a fight with her in front of me, so I took the phone and went into the bathroom to call the police. He was arrested, and she was upset with me for calling for help. I felt like I had betrayed her by seeking safety, for the both of us. A few days later, her boyfriend was released from jail. The very day he got out, my friend had a black eye.

His excuse for giving it to her? She didn't stop me from calling the police on him a few nights previous. I had intervened and since she knew what I was doing and she didn't try to stop me, she got "what she deserved."

Every scenario, every abuser, and every victim are different. I don't think there is a "right" way to handle situations such as this. If you see someone on the street being pushed around (or worse) by someone else, call 911 ASAP! Please don't walk by and assume that someone else has called already! You never know, you could be saving a life.

Because we all know what it means to assume - it makes an "ASS" out of "U" and "ME."

Loosing the true spirit of Memorial Day?

2010-05-29T17:58:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 and was first observed on May 30, the same year, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. In 1880, the day was observed by all northern states, but not recognized by the southern states until the holiday was changed from just honoring those who fought in the Civil War, to American's who had died fighting in any war, after World War 1.

I believe that over the years, Memorial Day's meaning and spirit has faded from public consciousness. By hearing most of my friends over the past couple of days, I'm getting the feeling that America is more concerned with having a three day "holiday" weekend than honoring those who have fallen. I just want to yell at them! "Don't you realize that we owe those dead men more than we could ever repay?!"

It makes me sad when I think about how many graves of our fallen are left forgotten or neglected. I think it should be a requirement of our schools and businesses to adopt some of these graves of our soldiers to bring back some of the meaning of this "holiday" that gives you your free day off from work. Memorial Day shouldn't be considered a holiday. It should be a day of mourning, because of what the day represents, it should make every other day of the year a holiday, a day of celebration.

By passing the National Holiday Act of 1971 - the Act that ensured a three day weekend for this federal acknowledgment - Congress has contributed to our nonchalant observance of Memorial Day. The only step that I've seen in an attempt to revive some of the solemn spirit back to Memorial Day is "Moment of Remembrance", a memorandum from Bill Clinton, which encourages everyone to spend at least a minute at exactly 3pm, in honor of our veterans.

Portland is having a Memorial Day parade at 10:30 on Monday morning, ending in a Memorial Ceremony. South Portland is having a parade at the same time followed by a wreath laying ceremony at noon at Bug Light. Remember our fallen, for all that they have done for our great country.

We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.

- Moina Michael

A Return Of A Portland Treasure

2010-05-26T18:30:00.000-07:00

In early 2006 Portland lost the State Theatre. The buzz around town today is that this beloved Portland landmark will be returning to us. Two concert promoters, "The Bowery Presents" and "Higher Ground Presents" have announced today that they have signed a deal with Stone Coast Properties to reopen the State Theatre in Portland. The group expects to book about 80 shows a year, starting this fall, with a wide range of live performers.

It is expected to go full force in renovations from electrical right down to the entire theatre being reseated. The revival of this venue has been long awaited. I'm sure that I am one of very many who is extremely excited to see the State back to life! Honestly I think it would be fitting for the State to re-open on the date of it's original opening, November 8th (1929). What a statement that would be, "I'm back Portland, and I'm back to stay!"

Visit www.statetheatreportland.com now and often for the most recent updates.

End Of The Road

2010-05-26T09:01:00.000-07:00

I have yet to force myself to Monument Square, since the death of 24 year old Eric Benson. Who, happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Early Sunday he was walking in the Monument Square area accompanied by an unnamed female companion. Apparently words were made by three passerby men to the woman, then from there, it just got out of control. One punch to Eric Benson's head and he was dead.

Police have implied that the fact that Eric Benson and his female companion didn't know their attackers, should be more of a comfort to the people of Portland. Since the arrest of William Googins (the puncher), has been made we should all feel safe walking the streets of Portland.

Honestly, that just doesn't make any sense! Actually, the fact that they didn't know their attackers makes me feel all the more uneasy! What if that woman had been walking alone? Would they have still talked to her in the manner they did in those wee hours of Sunday morning? The thought of "what if" just makes my stomach turn.

Actually, the thought that this has happened, period, makes my stomach turn.

I hope William Googins gets everything he deserves. My thoughts go out to the family and friends of Eric Benson. Even more so to the unnamed woman who had to witness his death that night. I have no idea who you are or even what your name is, but I think of you.

When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little--but not too long
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared
Miss me--but let me go.
For this is a journey that we all must take
And each must go alone. It's all a part of the Master's plan
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.

Author - Unknown

Running from Cover!

2010-05-25T18:14:00.000-07:00

Portland is flooded with music abound. Talent of all sorts, music of all types. I'm the type of gal that can listen to almost anything. I've become a huge sucker for a good local band. Just like anything else though, the music scene is filled with politics. John and I spend a lot of time talking about the efforts he and his previous Portland based band "Sandbag" (not to be confused with the current local hip-hop group with the same name) to get to the point where they were opening for Anthrax.

The one type of band that I just can't bring myself to enjoy though, is a cover band. No matter how well the songs are covered, I've already heard it a thousand times by the original band that sang it and wore out the radio stations. You will never be famous and have millions of screaming fans. I mean really, give me a break. The only place I feel its ok to hear a cover band is at a wedding reception - other than that - get a song writer and lets hear it.

Lost Cause Desperados at Geno's April 23, 2010
Photo © 2010 Ren Michele Photography

Sense of Community...

2010-05-03T10:07:00.000-07:00

Our truck breaks down, quite a bit these days it seems. But I've gotten to enjoy it really. Especially if it's out for the count on a Monday morning when I have to get into Portland. It's almost as if being out there on my little bus trip gives me a sense of being connected to the community of Portland/South Portland. I get to hear people talk about the city, their lives, or even what they feel about what was on the news today. Part of me wishes I knew how to feel so connected in ways other than hopping on the public transportation system.

Did you know that having a "Sense of Community" helps with the overall life within that community? Residents living in areas where they share this sense with others are more likely to feel safe and decreases their fear of crime. They are more likely to vote, recycle and engage in pro social activities like volunteering.

Today I overheard one man telling another that he was 90. YES 90!! This man was walking around with only the assistance of a cane, even after a hip replacement. Man he must have been healthier than a horse because he surely did not look to be his age!

I saw another man, of about the same age, and although I didn't hear him speak a word, he was wearing a small gold hoop in his left ear and I had to smile. Man if only my Grandpa wore an earring like that! I'd be bragging to all of my friends! "Look at me with the cool Grandpa!"

Lastly, I saw a great deed. A cab pulled over on the area for the buses to stop on Congress Street, the cab driver got out to help a man of similar age to my previous two out of the car. The man was having a really hard time walking and he did not have anything, such as a cane, to assist him. The cab driver proceeded to walk the man across Congress Street so the man could get across safely. Who ever you are, Mr. Cab driver for ABC Taxi, on or around 11:30 this afternoon, you made me smile today.

I think maybe I'll take the bus every Monday, whether the truck is fixed or not!

Photo © 2010 Ren Michele Photography

Today's Protest in Portland

2010-05-01T15:41:00.000-07:00

May 1st is typically a day set aside for people to rally for Immigration Reform. But today, protesters in Portland said that they were motivated by Arizona's recent passage of a law cracking down on illegal immigration. The new Arizona law requires immigrants to carry their alien registration documents at all times and requires police to question people if there is reason to suspect they are in the United States illegally. Protesters say it will lead to discrimination and racial profiling.

Honestly, in my opinion, Illegal is Illegal and if you are living and/or working in this Country illegally, well then, we need to understand that this is a crime and those folks to indeed need to be reprimanded for it. Honestly I'm glad that ONE of our great States has woken up and smelled the darn coffee!! We need to start protecting jobs for our own people here in America who needs to feed their children. We need to open up yet another inexpensive place to live for a legal family who needs a cheaper rent.

I really don't know what was/is going through the minds of those protesters here in Portland today. I hope at least ONE of them will step up to the plate here and possibly shed some light on me.

Maine Man

2010-04-28T19:55:00.000-07:00

Meet Rhett & Link, not from Portland, Maine, I confess that they are actually from North Carolina. BUT, they have made a hilarious video titled "Maine Man" that I think you all should watch!

Rhett & Link call themselves “Internetainers” and if you see some of their work I believe you will soon discover the meaning of this word! What I find most fascinating about them is that they write, shoot, edit and produce almost all of their videos!

Please view "Maine Man" by Rhett & Link here and also check out their website at http://rhettandlink.com/ then become their Facebook fan at http://www.facebook.com/RhettAndLink#!/RhettAndLink?v=info

Well?? What are you waiting for?! Go laugh your arse off!! :D And thanks to my friend Kelly for showing me this awesome video!

Introducing the "Portlander Retort!!"

2010-04-28T10:35:00.000-07:00

I love to write, what can I say? Most people that know me well, know that I am pretty opinionated on most anything, unless I truly know nothing of the subject at hand. And if I don't know - well then you better believe that I will do some research of my own and give you my feedback in a way that is surely my own.

I love news, gossip, the coming trends, and frankly I think that my 1 1/2 year old is tired of hearing about what Mom thinks about the ladies who want to walk topless down Congress Street. Heck if I had the you-know-whats (or even the body) to go out and walk with those ladies you better believe I would. As a matter of fact, this topic is EXACTLY the reason I started this blog. I was on Facebook earlier today and a local news station posted about how another topless march is being held in Maine on Friday. It's being led by a student of the University of Maine at Farmington. It went on to mention how a religious speaker said that he was upset that this was promoting Gay Rights as well, and he thought that the University had a lot to do with this.

I replied to this post via a Facebook comment stating that this guy needed to go fly a kite. And in response to another comment posted previous to mine, I stated that if she didn't want her kids to see this event that she needed to put her children in her bubble and move on. Just because she has her kids walking on a public street and another woman is walking down the very same public street topless (which is is LEGAL, BTW), doesn't mean that she gets to try to control that woman by saying that she shouldn't walk down the street because her child will be traumatized somehow by it.

This is America folks. I know a few good soldiers that put their lives on the line to protect the little things in life that most of us don't even realize...I mean...unless they were gone. So why that woman felt the need to whine about what someone else is doing, is by far beyond me.

Just so you all are aware. Not even three minutes after I posted my comment, the news station that posted it in the first place, deleted it. Why post it if you don't want others to comment? Just because they don't have the same views as yours that means their comment is insignificant?

Give me a break!! Welcome to "Portlander Retort"!!! Come along for the ride!

PS - In case you are at all interested, the Facebook post by the news station, as I said, has been deleted. But the actual article on their website, however, is not. Here is the link. http://www.wgme.com/newsroom/top_stories/videos/iframe_vid_3328.shtml