The Portland Daily Sun, Wednesday, November 30, 2011

ly Dai Deal

$

30 for a $60 voucher

good for 5 personalized, custom-designed 2012 wall calendars 100 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101

50% OFF

Internet Offer Only! VISIT PORTLANDDAILYSUN.ME FOR THIS AND OTHER GRE AT OFFERS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2011

VOL. 3 NO. 212

PORTLAND, ME

PORTLAND’S DAILY NEWSPAPER

699-5801

FREE

Toilet water soils Man stabbed the Green Hand to death on Forest

BY MATTHEW ARCO THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN

A 47-year-old Portland man died Monday night after being stabbed in the chest inside his Forest Avenue apartment, police said.

Carlos Ramos was pronounced dead at the Maine Medical Center sometime after police responded to his apartment for a report of a stabbing, officials said. Police wouldn't say Tuesday afternoon whether the stabbing was a homicide or if Ramos' wound was self inflicted or accidental. "(It's) an ongoing investigation," Acting Chief Michael Sauschuck said through e-mail.

Officers were called to Ramos' apartment at 991 Forest Ave. at about 7:15 p.m. Monday. Neighbors say he lived in apartment 4 with his girlfriend. "(The) two of them were good people," said Ben Tomarchio, who lives in one of the nearby apartments located behind a row of Forest Avenue businesses. see STABBED page 3

Bayside deal still moving forward

BY CASEY CONLEY THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN

Michelle Souliere, owner of the Arts District bookstore, the Green Hand, holds a book damaged by a water leak from an upstairs toilet.

(DAVID CARKHUFF PHOTO)

Book shop soaked by leak — Business, page 6

Developers of a new 1-million-square-foot development planned for Bayside released new details about the project yesterday and said construction would likely begin next spring.

Miami-based development firm Federated Companies made the announcements yesterday morning in a press release, even though the firm has not yet closed the seven interconnected parcels spread see BAYSIDE page 15

Wreaths Across America events

Santa and children

A sweet addition

OccupyMaine’s new offer

See News Briefs on page 3

See Maggie Knowles on page 5

See Natalie Ladd’s column on page 7

See the story on page 15

Page 22 — — THE THE PORTLAND PORTLAND DAILY DAILY SUN, SUN, Wednesday, Wednesday, November November 30, 30, 2011 2011 Page

Drought reveals secrets of the deep MARTINS MILL, Texas (NY Times) — For more than three years, the lake on Jack Mewbourn’s ranch held a secret at its murky bottom: A 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

His grandson was the first one to notice the top of the car peeking out of the water.

It wasn’t luck. It was drought.

The water level in the seven-acre lake has dropped about five feet from a lack of rain. On a recent Saturday, Mewbourn, a longtime rancher in this rural unincorporated community about 90 minutes southeast of Dallas, took a boat to the middle of the lake with two of his grandsons.

They confirmed that the small object they thought at first might be a barrel was indeed a car. Mewbourn called a local constable, and with the help of a diver and a tow truck, the vehicle was slowly dragged out. Inside, still buckled into the driver’s seat, were the remains of Brenda Kay Oliver, who had been missing since July 2008. Oliver’s relatives said she had never recovered from the trauma of her 19-year-old son’s suicide.

He had drowned himself in a nearby lake. The authorities believe Oliver, 55, took her own life by driving her car into Mewbourn’s lake.

The historic drought that has devastated crops and forced millions of Texans in small towns and large cities to abide by mandatory water restrictions has had at least one benefit: As lake levels have dropped around the state, objects of all kinds that had been submerged for years, decades and even centuries are being revealed.

Some of the discovered items are common debris like computer monitors, tires and sunken boats. But much of it has attracted the attention of historians, anthropologists, criminal investigators and, in one case, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Long-submerged marble tombstones from the 1880s have become visible in the receding waters of Lake Buchanan in Central Texas.

Near the Texas-Louisiana border, the grave sites from an early 19th-century cemetery have turned up at one drought-stricken lake.

SAYWHAT...

“

I want to be uniquely Texas.”

—Rick Perry

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

THEMARKET

3DAYFORECAST Today High: 56 Record: 66 (1933) Sunrise: 6:53 a.m.

Tomorrow High: 50 Low: 28 Sunrise: 6:54 a.m.

Sunset: 4:05 p.m.

DOW JONES 32.62 to 11,555.63

Tonight Low: 35 Record: -6 (1875) Sunset: 4:06 p.m.

Friday High: 47 Low: 30

S&P 2.64 to 1,195.19

NASDAQ 11.83 to 2,515.51

TODAY’SJOKE

THETIDES

“My toughest year was my freshman year. You’re new.

I couldn’t get one date, not one date, the entire freshman year...I spent that whole year — well, they call it ‘stalking’ now, but, you know, don’t put labels on my love” — David Alan Grier

MORNING High: 2:33 a.m.

Low: 8:31 a.m.

EVENING High: 2:45 p.m.

Low: 9:09 p.m.

-courtesy of www. maineboats.com

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

Iranian protesters storm British Embassy in Tehran LONDON (NY TIMES) — Iranian protesters screaming “death to England” stormed the vast British embassy compound and a diplomatic residence in Tehran on Tuesday, torched at least one vehicle, tore down the Union Jack, ransacked offices and briefly held six staff members captive during an officially approved protest of economic sanctions against Iran’s suspect nuclear energy program.

The assault, reported by Iranian news services and broadcast on Iranian television, ended after several hours and constituted the most serious breach between Britain and Iran in more than 20 years.

The images evoked memories of the siege of the American Embassy following the Iranian revolution of 1979.

Britain’s Foreign Secretary, William Hague, expressed outrage. He said that Britain held Iran’s government responsible and promised “other, further and serious consequences.”

Mr. Hague said in a statement that both British compounds had been stormed by “several hundred people, putting the safety of our diplomats and their families at risk and causing extensive damage to our property.” All British staff were accounted for, he said, without making direct reference to the six who had been briefly held. The status of some local staff remained unclear.

The United States and European Union also rushed to condemn the assault, and the United Nations Security Council issued a statement calling upon Iranian authorities

to protect foreign diplomats and embassy property and to “respect fully their international obligations in this regard.”

President Obama, speaking about the assault during a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands at the White House, said he was “deeply concerned” that Iranian authorities had permitted it to happen. “For rioters essentially to be able to overrun the embassy and set it on fire is an indication that the Iranian government is not taking its international obligations seriously,” Mr. Obama said.

Iranian news agencies said about 50 protesters invaded the offices of the enormous walled compound housing the British Embassy and its mani-

cured grounds, situated in a busy neighborhood in the heart of Tehran, while thousands of student protesters rallied outside, and that 200 to 300 others got into a British diplomatic residence facility a few miles north of the embassy, called Qolhak Garden. The residence facility also houses a school.

Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency said police officers freed six British staff members who had been surrounded by the Qolhak Garden protesters and that 12 of those protesters were later arrested.

After the mayhem was brought under control by Iranian police and security officers, Iran’s Foreign Ministry expressed “regret” over the assault, Agence FrancePresse reported from Tehran.

Cain reassessing candidacy American Airlines parent amid new allegations files for bankruptcy (NY TIMES) — Herman Cain told members of his campaign staff on Tuesday that he was reassessing whether to proceed with his presidential campaign, an aide confirmed, a day after an Atlanta woman disclosed details of what she said was a 13-year affair with him.

In a morning conference call with his advisers, Mr. Cain said that he would make a decision in the coming days about whether to stay in the race after his campaign was rocked by another round of allegations about his sexual conduct.

The call, which was first reported by National Review, came as Mr. Cain was heading to Michigan for a campaign stop on Tuesday evening. He

said that he was discussing the future of his campaign with his family and was considering his options.

“This is cause for reassessment,” Mr. Cain said, according to one participant on the call who spoke on condition of anonymity. “During the summer we had to make some reassessments based on our financial situation. We were able to hang in there.”

Mr. Cain denied the accusations from the Atlanta woman, Ginger White. But he acknowledged that the latest report of sexual misconduct might be more difficult to overcome. He said that he had not lost his enthusiasm to run, but suggested it was a distraction that could be difficult to recover from.

(NY TIMES) — The AMR Corporation, the parent company of American Airlines, said on Tuesday that it had filed for bankruptcy protection in an effort to reduce labor costs and shed a heavy debt burden.

AMR was the last of the major legacy airline companies in the United States to file for Chapter 11.

Analysts said that its reluctance to do so earlier had left it less nimble than many of its competitors.

The company says it intends to operate normally throughout the bankruptcy process, as previous airlines have done, and does not expect the restructuring to affect American’s flight schedule or frequent flier programs.

“Our board decided that it was necessary to take this step now to restore the company’s profitability, operating flexibility and financial strength,” Thomas W. Horton, who was named the company’s chairman and chief executive on Tuesday, said in a statement.

Mr. Horton, formerly the company’s president, is succeeding Gerald Arpey, who is retiring.

One of AMR’s chief goals in bankruptcy will be to lower its labor costs.

The company had been in contract talks with its unions until the negotiations stalled earlier this month when the pilots’ union refused to send a proposal to its members for a vote.

PUBLIC NOTICE If the owner or lienholder of a 2000 Honda Odyssey, VIN 2HKRL186XYH617644 does not retrieve the vehicle and pay all reasonable charges for towing, storage and repair within 14 days of this notice, ownership of the vehicle will pass to the owner of T & J Towing.

Please contact T & J Towing at 207-773-2122.

SPECIAL - 99¢ Egg & Cheese Breakfast Sandwich w/ Coffee purchase 24 MONUMENT SQUARE | 699-5577

THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Wednesday, November 30, 2011— Page 3

D

y ail

D

eal

Internet Offers Only!

50% OFF 30 for a 60 voucher $

$

good for 5 personalized, custom designed 2012 wall calendars 100 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101

VISIT PORTL A NDDA ILYSUN.ME FOR THIS A ND OTHER GRE AT OFFERS

CO

NW

AY

$

30 buys you a $60 Voucher XPRESS COPY 100 Fore St., Portland, ME 04101

BER LAC

$

30 buys you a $60 Voucher

LIN

ON

XPRESS COPY 100 Fore St., Portland, ME 04101

IA

Visit

LACONIADAILYSUN.COM To Sign Up For Upcoming Deals At about 7:15 p.m.

Monday, Portland police officers were called to Carlos Ramos’ apartment at 991 Forest Ave., shown here Tuesday afternoon.

Ramos later was pronounced dead at the Maine Medical Center, dead from stab wounds.

Police are still investigating his death. (CASEY CONLEY PHOTO)

Neighbors said police have responded to the apartment on multiple occasions STABBING from page one

He said that the couple were known to drink and prone to fighting. Neighbors said police have responded to the apartment on multiple occasions in reference to fights, though they couldn't recall the last time police were called to the apartment.

"He was a hell of a nice guy," said Tomarchio, adding that he would talk to Ramos on a daily basis.

Neighbors say the girlfriend left

“We’ve done several interviews and we don’t have anyone under arrest.” — Lt. Gary Rogers, Portland Police Department with officers the night of the stabbing, though police said Tuesday that there had been no arrests.

"We've done several interviews and we don't have anyone under arrest," said Lt. Gary Rogers, a police spokesman, declining to comment further.

Tomarchio said Ramos is originally

from Florida and that he lived in the apartment building on Forest Avenue for at least two years.

If the death is ruled a homicide, it would be the city's second of the year.

In August, Allen MacLean died of a single gunshot wound to the chest, according to officials. MacLean died

on a Congress Street sidewalk after police say he was shot behind an apartment building at 4 Massachusetts Ave. No arrests have been made in the shooting.

Officials asked Tuesday that anyone with information regarding the stabbing to contact the Portland Police Department at 874-8533 or text an anonymous tip from a mobile phone using keyword "GOTCHA" plus the message to 274637 (CRIMES).

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– NEWS BRIEFS –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Wreaths Across America convoy due to arrive in Portland on Sunday DAILY SUN STAFF REPORTS On Sunday, Dec. 4 the city of Portland will welcome the annual Wreaths Across America convoy as it heads south for its annual wreath laying ceremony at the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., city officials reported. As a result, Ocean Avenue from Walton Street to Payson Park, Read Street and Canco Road will be closed to traffic while the motorcade travels to and from Cheverus High School. The motorcade will last from approximately 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

First conceived in 1992 by Morrill Worcester, president of the Worcester Wreath Company in Harrison, the project has grown to include the delivery of more than 20,000 wreaths to the Arlington National Cemetery and other sites. Portland Police Officer Kevin Haley whose brother William Haley is buried at Arlington is credited with building strong com-

munity support for the effort, the city reported.

The Wreaths Across America Convoy will be coming through Freeport on Sunday as well. The approximate time it will be coming through Freeport is between 3:30 p.m. and 4 p.m., the city reported.

For details, visit http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

Falmouth councilors vote to preserve bus service, remain in transit district Falmouth town councilors voted this week to remain in the Greater Portland Transit District, meaning residents will continue to have access to METRO buses for at least another year, according to published reports.

The Portland Press Herald reported that town councilors voted 5-2 to keep the bus service, which costs taxpayers about $117,000 per year. The council voted after hearing from nearly two dozen bus supporters and a handful of

opponents.

The paper reported that ridership on the Falmouth Flyer bus has increased since the route began in

2008. Currently, the Flyer makes 13 round trips between Falmouth and Portland and carries about 22 riders per bus, the paper reported.

BUY AMERICAN FULLY INTEGRATED CONTROLS!

STAINLESS STEEL! * Jet Clean Plus With Tough Scrub * Premium Dark Duragard Ylon Racks * Fully Integrated Controls * NSF Certified Sanitize Option

MODEL #MDB6769AWS MSRP $649

THE E IN

MAD

DISHWASHER SALE $ 200 OFF!

USA $ LEY,

FIND

OH

YOU PAY ONLY

43721 FREE LOCAL DELIVERY

146 Rand Road, Portland LIMITED OFFER! (Exit 47 off I-95) CALL TODAY 772-8436

Page 4 — THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Wednesday, November 30, 2011

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

Germany cuts off its nose “Lords of Finance,” Liaquat Ahamed’s magisterial 2009 history of the events that led first to the Great Depression and then to the Second World War, is, necessarily, a book about policy mistakes. Central bankers and Treasury secretaries, presidents and prime ministers: all of them are locked into their own economic and political orthodoxies. Each is certain that his is the only sensible course of action.

Crippled by their blinders, they consistently make economic choices that appear to us, nearly a century later, to be insane but to them seemed completely sensible.

Perhaps the worst of the policy errors during the post-World War I period was the insistence of the Allies that Germany pay war reparations — reparations that went far beyond anything that the defeated Germans could afford. As the victors, the Allies felt that it was only ––––– fair for Germany to pay for the The New York terrible war it had waged, and they didn’t much care about Times whether such payments would cripple the German economy.

Which, of course, they did; by the early 1930s, the country was effectively bankrupt. And the Allies’ unrelenting demand for reparations bred immense resentment among the German people. There is not much doubt that this combination of public anger and economic distress helped facilitate the rise of Adolf Hitler.

Today, it is Germany that is making policy moves that seem insane. Locked into their modern-day orthodoxies, German politicians look at Greece with something akin to contempt. Aid to Greece — aid that is given grudgingly, when it is given at all — must be accompanied by severe austerity measures, the Germans believe, because the Greeks need to learn how to live within their means, the way Germans do.

For months, Germany has strongly supported the European Central Bank’s unwillingness to do the one thing that might have stemmed the euro crisis: buy and guarantee large amounts of distressed sovereign debt. When I asked Martin Wolf, The Financial Times columnist whose crisis coverage has been indispensible, why the E.C.B. was reluctant to act, he theorized that it “accepts the German view that monetizing government debt is inherently immoral.” As a result, though, what should have been a small crisis centering on Greek debt has

Joe Nocera

see NOCERA page 5

Portland’s FREE DAILY Newspaper David Carkhuff, Editor Casey Conley, City Editor Matthew Arco, Reporter THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN is published Tuesday through Saturday by Portland News Club, LLC. Mark Guerringue, Adam Hirshan, Curtis Robinson Founders Offices: 181 State Street, Portland ME 04101 (207) 699-5801 Founding Editor Curtis Robinson Website: www.portlanddailysun.me E-mail: news@portlanddailysun.me For advertising contact: (207) 699-5801 or ads@portlanddailysun.me Classifieds: (207) 699-5807 or classifieds@portlanddailysun.me CIRCULATION: 15,100 daily distributed Tuesday through Saturday FREE throughout Portland by Jeff Spofford, jspofford@maine.rr.com

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

The life reports Part II A few weeks ago, I asked people over 70 to send me “Life Reports” — essays about their own lives and what they’d done poorly and well. They make for fascinating and addictive reading, and I’ve tried to extract a few general life lessons: Divide your life into chapters. The unhappiest of my correspondents saw time as an unbroken flow, with themselves as corks bobbing on top of it. A man named Neil lamented that he had been “an Eeyore not a Tigger; a pessimist, not an optimist; an aimless grasshopper, not a purposeful ant; a dreamer, not a doer; a nomad, not a settler; a voyager, not an adventurer; a spectator, not an actor, player or participant.” He concluded: “Neil never amounted to anything.”

The happier ones divided time into (somewhat artificial) phases. They wrote things like: There were six crucial decisions in my life. Then they organized their lives around those pivot points. By seeing time as something divisible into chunks, they could more easily stop and selfappraise. They had more control over their fate.

Beware rumination. There were many long, detailed essays by people who are experts at selfexamination. They could finely

David Brooks ––––– The New York Times calibrate each passing emotion.

But these people often did not lead the happiest or most fulfilling lives. It’s not only that they were driven to introspection by bad events. Through self-obsession, they seemed to reinforce the very emotions, thoughts and habits they were trying to escape.

Many of the most impressive people, on the other hand, were strategic self-deceivers. When something bad was done to them, they forgot it, forgave it or were grateful for it. When it comes to self-narratives, honesty may not be the best policy.

You can’t control other people.

David Leshan made an observation that was echoed by many: “It took me twenty years of my fifty-year marriage to discover how unwise it was to attempt to remake my wife. ... I learned also that neither could I remake my friends or students.”

On the other hand, some of the most inspiring stories were about stepparents who came

into families and wisely bided their time, accepting slights and insults until they were gradually accepted by their new children.

Lean toward risk. It’s trite, but apparently true. Many more seniors regret the risks they didn’t take than regret the ones they did.

Measure people by their growth rate, not by their talents. The best essays were by people who made steady progress each decade.

Regina Titus grew up shy and sheltered on Long Island. She took demeaning clerical jobs, working with people who treated her poorly. Her first husband died after six months of marriage and her second committed suicide.

But she just kept growing. At 56, studying nights and weekends, she obtained a college degree, cum laude, from Marymount Manhattan College. She moved to Wilmington, Del., works as a docent, studies opera, hikes, volunteers and does a thousand other things. She acknowledges, “I did not have the joy of holding my baby in my arms. I did not have a long and happy marriage.”

But hers is a story of relentless self-expansion. I wonder how we can measure that capacity. see BROOKS page 5

THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Wednesday, November 30, 2011— Page 5

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– OPINION –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

How Santa can influence our Christmas rituals At this time last year I was on some high horse (reindeer?) about how I refused to tell Baby Boy about Santa.

I felt like this was a lie that would set him up for a crushing blow around third grade.

When I wrote that, it had yet to occur to me (because I had yet to parent a three-year old) the amazing disciplining power of St. Nick.

If you time it right, you can get a full two months of parental leave in lieu of terrifying your kids that a fat, hairy man is peering at them through the windows. You have a small window of time during which this is effective, about from 3-6 years old is ideal, but that is when disciplining is a full-time job. And the North Pole knows that after Halloween, mama needs a vacay.

You pair the Fear of Santa with the one present that your babe is most excited about. This will be the one they tear out of the Toys R Us flier and cover in glitter and neon arrows.

When I was five, it was Lee Press On Nails. I was beyond obsessed. I even wrapped tin foil around my fingers to practice what it would be like to finally have four-inch long magenta claws. My mom squeezed every last drop of good behavior out of me until I found the sacred nails at the bottom of my stocking—and subsequently found them in my food, dollhouse and toilet. It was my first experience with the disappointment of Made in China beauty. But by that point my mom was refreshed from six weeks off and distracted me with cherry chapstick.

Maggie Knowles ––––– Daily Sun Columnist Once you know their Golden Goose, your plan can hatch. Baby Boy realllly wants a rocket ship, and I happen to know that Santa’s workshop makes rocket ships between 1-3 pm a.k.a naptime.

“O.K. buddy, while you are sleeping I am going to Facetime Santa to see how your rocket ship is coming along.

But if the elves know you are awake, they are going to stuff toy poodles instead.”

(He also asks for “a baby sister but not as a baby but as a big girl instead.”

He now knows what “backordered” means.)

It helps drive the omnipresent Santa idea home is you know someone who vaguely resembles him.

Luckily, here in New England, there are no shortages of undercover Santas. Just this week, “Santa” has filled my gas tank at the station, found fennel bulbs at the market and screamed at me for not picking up dog poo when I wasn’t even walking a dog.

Santa is everywhere! Now if I could only get him to sing Sting’s stalker song. “Every move you make, I’ll be watching you — HO HO HO!!”

I felt like Santa wasn’t giving

enough positive feedback, so I had my dad leave a voice mail saying what a great job Baby Boy is doing listening and sharing. I didn’t think I needed to remind him to disguise his voice, so as soon as I heard him in his regular tone, I hung up citing, “I guess Verizon doesn’t work at the Pole!”

There is the possibility that you can overuse the Fear of Claus hence desensitizing the youngins to the whole plan. If this does happen you, like the jolly red man, need to call in for backup. Enter the Elf on the Shelf.

This little bugger is the eyes and ear of Santa when you are making supper. He reports back to the Boss Man each eve with tales of good and naughty doings. Each night you move the elf to a new location for your kiddo to find come the a.m. (Make sure you aren’t terribly exhausted when doing this because I did have a Tuesday when I could not recall the magical hiding space.)

Don’t let your kids touch the elf.

Baby Boy, because he has been hearing about leaving cookies for Santa, decided Elf really wanted rice cakes and almond butter. By the time I figured out that is was feeding time, the dog was happily going to town on the red felt coat and licked off half of his painted elf face.

Avoid light fixtures as well. My friend Tanya’s elf fell into one of those lamps that look like an upside down umbrella and “Mom, what’s that smell?” turned into a Christmas teachable moment for all.

But the biggest holiday lesson comes in knowing what your kids really want but probably won’t ask for, (new siblings and rocket ships notwithstanding).

When my parents got divorced, my friends consoled me, “Now you get TWO Christmases!” We did get two, but my dad’s version of the holiday was driving us to LL Bean on the 25th and letting us pick out anything, ANYTHING, we wanted from the fishing department. (To get back at him, my brother and I would zip ourselves into tents and enjoy hearing our names called over the intercom.)

I don’t remember what we picked out on these last-minute scavenging adventures (except once he forced me into getting a duck caller for all that bird hunting I did when I was seven and a knot tying kit. Do you think he asked Santa for another son?), but I do remember that we got to spend time with our dad and that was pretty awesome.

So when you are up at 6am to get your kids whatever is coming in that day at Target, remember that you could still be asleep and just making more time in your schedule to spend fun time with your kids.

And that is something even the best Santa can’t give.

(Maggie Knowles is a columnist for The Portland Daily Sun. Her column appears Wednesdays. Email her at maggie@portlanddailysun.me.)

‘Today, it is Germany that is making policy moves that seem insane’ NOCERA from page 4

turned into a full-fledged European contagion.

Can’t the Germans see, one wonders from afar, that their economy was the great beneficiary of the bubble economy that caused Greece — and the other peripheral euro-zone countries — to get in over their heads, because they were buying German exports? Don’t they understand that their banks should share the blame for lending to countries that couldn’t repay the debts? Don’t they realize that the collapse of the euro zone — unthinkable a year ago; perhaps inevitable now — will hurt Germany much more than Greece? Other currencies will be devalued against Germany’s, making German exports more expensive. And German banks — woefully undercapitalized and stuffed with sovereign debt — will face a major solvency crisis when other sovereigns devalue or default.

You would think that all of this would be obvious

to the Germans. But it is not. Germany can’t get past the fact that it is being asked to bail out “club med” countries where no one pays taxes and everyone retires at the age of 50. From the German perspective, it doesn’t seem fair. And that overwhelms even the most powerful economic arguments that bailing out Greece and the other distressed countries also helps Germany.

The Germans, of course, are hardly alone in allowing their sense of righteousness to get in the way of sensible policy. Earlier this month, I wrote a column advocating principal reduction as a way of stemming foreclosures.

My view is that housing, historically, has led most recoveries and that the foreclosure crisis is one of the things preventing the economy from truly reviving. Never-ending foreclosures cause housing prices to continue swooning and risk a deflationary spiral that could be devastating. They cause more homeowners to suddenly find themselves “underwater.”

They hurt not just those losing their homes, but everybody. My argument is rooted not in morality, but in economics.

Yet the response I got from that column was, for the most part, fiercely negative. Why should people who took out loans they couldn’t afford get bailed out — while those who lived within their means get nothing? What about moral hazard?

One reader wrote: “We should reward people who took large loans or refinanced their homes to go on vacations? Sorry, but correct ethical choices are more important.” In other words, it didn’t seem fair.

Such a view is understandable — in America and in Germany. But if we — and they — can’t stop obsessing about what is fair, we’re never going to get out of our current messes. The only thing that should matter is what works. Even if it means bailing out club med nations or underwater homeowners.

‘Don’t stay with people who, over time, grow apart from you. Move on’ BROOKS from page 4

Be aware of the generational bias. Many of the essayists have ambivalent attitudes toward their parents. Almost all have worshipful attitudes toward their children. I’m not sure how to explain this pattern, but I don’t think it’s pure egotism.

Many writers mentioned that given their own flaws, they are astounded that their kids turned out so well.

Work within institutions or crafts, not outside them. For a time, our culture celebrated the rebel and the outsider. The most miserable of my correspondents fit this mold. They were forever in revolt

against the world and ended up sourly achieving little.

There are other patterns running through the essays. I was struck by the fact that almost nobody mentioned whether or not they were good-looking, though this must have been an important factor, especially when they were young. Many people lament the fact that they had to make the most important decisions in their 20s, at the age when they were least qualified to make them.

People get better at the art of living. By their 60s many contributors found their zone. Meta-

physics is dead; very few of the writers hewed to a specific theology or had any definite conception of a divine order, though vague but uplifting spiritual experiences pepper their reflections.

Finally, the essays present disturbing quandaries. For example, we are told to live for others.

But one savvy retiree writes, “Don’t stay with people who, over time, grow apart from you.

Move on. This means do what you think will make you feel okay — even if that makes others feel temporarily not okay.”

Is that selfishness or hard-earned realism?

That one you’ll have to answer for yourself.

Page 6 — THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Brown water seeps into the Green Hand Bookstore owner hopes to reopen this week, or

by First Friday at latest

BY DAVID CARKHUFF THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN

A large part of the Black Friday weekend went down the drain for the Green Hand bookstore, after a tenant upstairs in the Trelawny Building stuffed wash clothes in a toilet, causing water to spill down the walls and into the book shop.

"I came in Saturday morning after running some errands, opened the door and thought something smells funny, and heard the drip, drip, drip. I dumped my stuff and ran to see what I could save," recalled Michelle Souliere, owner of the Arts District bookstore.

"I called the fire department, I called the fire marshal, because water was dripping through the smoke detectors, which were going off, too," Souliere said. "The fire department shut off the breakers, and they even brought in tarps to help protect the books, and they helped me lug some of the books,

so they went way above and beyond."

About a half dozen friends showed up to help salvage books. ServPro installed a barrier and drying equipment.

Souliere continued cataloguing damaged books Monday and said she hoped to be back open midweek, or by this Friday's First Friday Art Walk at the latest.

"Definitely for First Friday, and then if they have to do big construction work I'll just wait until after Christmas because it's going to be too much of a mess to do it now," she said. "Hopefully middle of the week we'll be open again, and definitely for First Friday, that's our worst-case scenario."

Management of the Trelawny Building declined to comment on the incident, but Souliere said the leak started in an apartment.

"Apparently a guy up on the fifth floor stuffed a bunch of wash clothes down his toilet and flushed them down for some bizarre reason. Inexplicable," Souliere said.

Bang Cut and Color salon next door to the Green Hand reported minor damage from the leak, and apartments were affected, according

Michelle Souliere, owner of the Arts District bookstore, the Green Hand, at 661 Congress St., surveys books damaged by a water leak from a plugged upstairs toilet. “I came in Saturday morning after running some errands, opened the door and thought something smells funny, and heard the drip, drip, drip.

I dumped my stuff and ran to see what I could save,” recalled Souliere.

(DAVID CARKHUFF PHOTO)

342 Warren Ave. Portland, ME

207-210-6701 1-800-HI-JOLLY jollyjohn.com Mon-Fri 9-5 • Sat 9-4

Genuine Scooters All New 2007-2010 Genuine Scooters 0% Interest for 6 Months!

No Payment for 7 Months! !

DELS ALL MO

Prices as low as $3,100. Includes all taxes & fees, payments under $92.00 a month.

Offer expires Dec. 31. Hurry in! Interest free period 6 months from date loan is finalized, 1st payment due 7 months after loan is finalized.

Interest rate 3.9% (after initial 6 month period).

Call 1-800-445-6559 for details.

to reports.

The toilet overflow happened five floors up, "so all those floors of the building above me, too. The guys over at Bang had some come through on their wall that I share with them. A lot of repercussions for what seems like a small but foolish act," Souliere said.

Tens of thousands of books occupy

the shelves of the Green Hand, and roughly 500 or fewer sustained water damage, she estimated.

Luckily, Souliere was in the shop around 10 a.m. Saturday.

"If this had happened on a Monday (when the shop is closed), it would have been awful, it would have been much, much worse, because I wouldn't have known," Souliere said.

LePage seeks disaster declaration for fishery DAILY SUN STAFF REPORT Citing the economic toll of federal management decisions, Gov. Paul LePage sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Commerce John E. Bryson calling for a federal fisheries disaster declaration for Maine’s groundfish fleet. His request comes on the heels of a recently released report documenting the loss of jobs and revenue to Maine resulting from management changes in the Northeast Multispecies (Groundfish) Fishery, the governor’s office reported.

“This report only confirmed what Maine fishermen and their families already knew far too well – over time, Maine has suffered severe cumulative impacts that have decimated our groundfishing fleet,” said LePage. “Fed-

eral fisheries disaster relief is needed to assist this industry during these difficult times and ensure that when this fishery recovers, Maine can retain its rightful access to this resource.”

In support of the request that was sent last week, the governor provided information on the “drastic reduction in the number of Maine vessels with revenue from groundfish fishing trips.”

Between 2009 and 2010, Maine suffered the greatest loss in the Northeast region, with a decline from 63 to 42 vessels, a 33 percent reduction, LePage noted.

He pointed also to the overall decline in groundfish landings in Maine, which have decreased from an overall high of nearly 28 million lbs. in 1992, to slightly more than 3 million lbs. in 2010.

THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Wednesday, November 30, 2011— Page 7

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– FOOD COLUMN –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

A sweet addition to Portland’s East End Wolf Gonier, co-owner of Bakery on the Hill, is not concerned that Portland may have reached critical mass with bakeries, pastry counters in specialty stores or boutique cupcake shops.

She is not interested in competing for the perfectly baked loaf of sourdough bread or in becoming a Wi-Fi and breakfast sandwich hangout.

Her vision for Bakery on the Hill, which quietly opened on Nov. 13 revolves more around community involvement and 20 years of narrowing down her passion to “one baking discipline — which is pastries and creative cakes.” Already gaining notoriety in national blogs and in the neighborhood, the evolving vision is on the way to becoming reality.

At 48, Gonier brings an impressive resumé to her latest venture at the base of Munjoy Hill. “I went to Johnson and Wales and worked in the corporate world in Boston for 20 years before settling in the Mt. Washington area of New Hampshire. I had a bakery over there named RiverStones Fine Pastries and was supplying product to 12 restaurants and a bunch of coffee shops . ... I worked my butt off and decided it was time to have a life, so we closed, and I’m selling the building.”

Gonier and her partner Ceci Vazquez began taking classes at Maine College of Art (where, in addition to co-owning and helping at the bakery, Ceci is a fulltime student), when they happened upon the 283 Congress St. location. Gonier says, “We had already decided to move here because we love Portland. We were walking down the street and saw the empty storefront. I peeked in the window and loved the tin roof and hardwood floors and knew this was my next bakery. Even in the rough, it was romantic and I knew it could be elegant. You know, I really thought I’d be relaxing for at least another six months, but we took the spot in August so nobody else would snag it.”

The space is owned by Alice Dunn, owner of Portland Architectural Salvage, who coincidentally happened to be the only Portland resident Gonier knew before the move. “I went into Alice’s store to buy an anvil for my metalsmithing class, and it was kind of cool to find out she owned the building.”

The bakery has been painted and the hardwood floors have been redone to create a seating area, separated from the open-kitchen concept only by a glass-filled case of Gonier’s creations. The Facebook page lists the hours as 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., but this will change as the duo investigates a cappuccino machine, a possible after-dinner drink menu, and cozy, comfortable seating area expansion plans.

Aiming for an “elegant evening spot with music and art” and striving to create a romantic atmosphere, Gonier hopes to morph into a welcoming place offering training opportunities for kids, game nights, poetry readings, live music and, of course, wonderful pastries and cakes. Working with MaineStay Youth and Family Service, The Bakery on the Hill is already a training ground for a 19-year-old “bakery intern” named Corey, described by Gornier as an “awesome, hard-working kid.” The bakery’s long-term vision includes working with the MaineStay kids who have been an integral part of the opening frenzy, helping with cleaning and set-up.

When asked about the inevitable concerns that come with opening a new dining establishment, Gonier smiled and said, “We’re still feeling out our identity, but I am passionately proud of my cakes and pastries. I only use the very best chocolate, butter, cream and supplies. It may sound egotistical, but all I have to do is get the food in their mouths. I just need one chance. We love Portland and want to make everyone feel welcome.”

The Low Down: Head into Bakery on the Hill for freshly brewed coffee and a sample smattering of up to a dozen individually sized desserts, six to eight

Natalie Ladd

“It may sound egotistical, but all I have to do is get the food in their mouths. I just need one chance.” — Wolf Gonier, co-owner of Bakery on the Hill

––––– What It’s Like

I’ve ever tasted.

whole cakes, a dozen bars and/ or cupcakes and seasonal offerings, all available daily.

Orders are currently being taken for holiday desserts such as pumpkin-toffee roulade, yule logs (peppermint, hazelnut or chocolate mousse), gingerbread cake with eggnog cream and the very best German chocolate cake

(Natalie Ladd is a columnist for the Portland Daily Sun. She has over 30 continuous years of corporate and fine-dining experience in all frontof-the-house management, hourly and under-thetable positions. She can be reached at natalie@ portlanddailysun.me.)

Wolf Gonier (left) and Ceci Vazquez offer exquisite cakes and pastries at Bakery on the Hill. (DAVID CARKHUFF PHOTO)

The Cohen -Tra cy Tea m 7 5 John Roberts Rd., South Portland,M E 04106 207 -831-0495 w w w.thecohentracyteam .com

CT!

NTRA

ER CO

UND

O ld O rchard B each N EW PRICE $89,900

C ape E lizabeth $196,900

Scarborou gh $419,000

W estbrook N ew Price!$164,900

G ray $174,900

JU ST L IST E D !B u xton $169,000

R

ONT

ER C

UND

P ortland $219,000

ACT!

W aterboro $139,900

Been think ing about buying a house or refinancing your current hom e?

W hat are you w aiting for? Rates are low,low,low !D on’t w ait another day.

Callm e! Linda C.Cohen Loan O fficer-N M LS # 7 92205 Cum berland County M ortg ag e, 207 -831-957 4 • 152 U.S.Route 1,Scarboroug h M E 0407 4

Page 8 — THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Wednesday, November 30, 2011

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BUSINESS BRIEFS –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Plasma TV winner

North woods region makes Trout Unlimited, Field & Stream list DAILY SUN STAFF REPORTS

Vuthi Roeun of Gray (center) was the winner of a 42-inch Panasonic Plasma TV at the 125th Annual USA Boxing New England Championships held on Saturday, Nov. 26 at the Portland Armory. Presenting the prize were Justin Gould and Marc Blake from AutoNorth Pre-owned Superstore in Portland, one of the major sponsors of the event. (COURTESY PHOTO)

Trout Unlimited and Field & Stream magazine this month announced the six fishing and hunting destinations around the country that have been named Best Wild Places for 2011, and included on the list was Maine’s north woods region.

The White River in northwest Colorado; South Lake Tahoe, California; Tongass National Forest, Alaska; Dolores River, Colorado; and the Clearwater Country, Idaho also made the list of Best Wild Places.

The locations were chosen “for sporting assets and need for long-term protection,” according to a press release about the newly released list.

The north woods is considered home “to the largest swath of intact brook trout habitat in the nation and serves as a laboratory for brook trout restoration efforts all along the Eastern Seaboard,” according to the press release. “Brook trout habitat throughout its native range has been severely diminished thanks to development, non-native trout introduction, air and water pollution and, most recently, natural gas development.

Maine remains the last brook trout stronghold in the country. This quality habitat needs to be protected for future generations, and to ensure the perpetuation of brook trout in their native range.”

Trout Unlimited is the nation’s largest coldwater conservation organization, according to the group. Field & Stream is the most recognized brand among outdoors publications, according to the Field & Stream website. For more details on the project, visit the website fieldandstream.com/bestwildplaces.

Portland Water District board approves budget On Monday night, the Portland Water District’s board of trustees unanimously approved a $37.7 million operating budget and $12.8 million in capital improvements, the district reported in a press release.

The 2012 operating budget increased less than 1 percent, as a result of the 11-0 vote. The fees Portland Water District assesses municipalities for wastewater services did not increase for Portland, Westbrook and Windham, the district reported.

The capital improvement plan allocates $3.5 million for design of an ultraviolet treatment system along with updates to ozone treatment and $3 million for water main renewals.

The budget assumes a mid-year water rate increase of 2 percent, which is estimated to add an additional 32 cents to a typical monthly water bill, the district reported. In coming months, the board will consider the rate increase and how much that increase should be. This does not affect wastewater rates, which are determined by local municipalities.

THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Wednesday, November 30, 2011— Page 9

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

Wednesday, Nov. 30 Maine’s Museums: Art, Oddities and Artifacts noon. Janet Mendelshon at the Maine Maritime Museum Bath. Free admission. “The first book devoted solely to the diverse and often unexpected museums in the Pine Tree State. Whether you want to see great works of art or truly unique collections — from umbrella covers to strange creatures — you’ll find it in Maine and you’ll find it in Maine’s Museums.” For information or to register visit www.MaineMaritimeMuseum.org or call 443-1316 during business hours.

Portland Development Corporation awards 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Portland Development Corporation will present its 16th annual business awards to three local businesses that have played a major role in developing Portland’s economic vitality, at the Ocean Gateway International Marine Terminal. “Executive Director of the Greater Portland Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) Barbara Whitten will accept the 2011 Economic Development Achievement Award in recognition of its 4th Annual Harvest on the Harbor Event, which brings in more than 5,000 people in the downtown over the three-day event, resulting in an economic impact of more than $2 Million. ... The VIA Agency will receive the 2011 Business of Year Award.

Accepting the award will be the company’s President and founder John Coleman. Started the agency in 1993, The Via Agency is now ranked among the top 100 advertising agencies in the United States and was recently named Ad Age Magazine’s Small Agency of the Year – selected from hundreds of agencies in 22 countries. ... Planet Dog will receive the 2011 Small Business of Year Award, which will be accepted by founder and co-owner Alex Fisher. Since founding the company in 1997, Planet Dog has developed award-winning, non-toxic and recyclable premium products for dogs.”

Victoria Mansion Christmas Gala 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Victoria Mansion Christmas Gala Join us for a festive evening to benefit Victoria Mansion.

Tour the elegantly decorated Mansion * Meet the designers * Enjoy fabulous food and drink in luxurious Mansion spaces and the enclosed heated porch and courtyard * 10 percent discount in the Carriage House Museum Shop * Preview exclusive new Christmas gifts. www.victoriamansion.org/events_rentals/events.aspx

Councilor John Coyne district meeting 7 p.m. City Councilors and staff will be available to discuss neighborhood issues and answer questions from the public. These meetings are the public’s opportunity to meet their district councilor, the mayor and representatives from the various departments within the city. District 5 Meeting hosted by Councilor John Coyne, Riverton Community Center, 1600 Forest Ave. For more information about these meetings, contact Mike Murray, the city’s Island and Neighborhood Administrator at 756-8288, or MSM@portlandmaine.gov.

Lewiston/Auburn Community Little Theatre auditions 7 p.m. Lewiston/Auburn Community Little Theatre will hold auditions for “Almost Maine” by Maine playwright John Cariani on Nov. 29 and 30 at 7 p.m. at Great Falls Art Center 30 Academy St., Auburn. Ensemble piece for four women and four men, age not a factor. Katie St. Pierre directs. Performances are Feb. 10-19, 2012. FMI, 783-0958 or laclt.com.

Evening for the Environment 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Maine Conservation Voters’ ninth annual Evening for the Environment — a gathering of more than 200 elected officials, conservationists, businesses and others committed to protecting Maine’s natural heritage — will take place this Wednesday, Nov. 30 in Portland. The event will feature a roundtable discussion by a distinguished group of state legislators who are known for working across party lines to protect our air, land, water and wildlife. The panel will be moderated by journalist Susan Sharon, deputy news director of MPBN, and will address ‘Maine’s Environment at Risk.’

In addition, forester, logger and businessman Harry Dwyer of Fayette will receive this year’s Harrison L. Richardson Environmental Leadership Award for his outspoken advocacy in support of both economic and environmental stewardship.”

Abromson Center (88 Bedford St.), University of Southern Maine campus in Portland.

Thursday, Dec. 1 World AIDS Day reception and vigil 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. In a unique collaboration, Frannie Peabody Center will partner with one of Portland’s most historic landmarks, Victoria Mansion, to hold its annual World AIDS Day reception and vigil. The event will be highlighted by a reading and talk from John-Manuel Andriote, author of the recently re-released Victory Deferred: How AIDS Changed Gay Life in America and culminate in a candlelight vigil on

Today is the Victoria Mansion Christmas Gala. (FILE PHOTO) the mansion steps, weather permitting. Each year clients, supporters, volunteers and community leaders around the world gather in a variety of ceremonies and special events to recognize World AIDS Day, a day marked for remembering those lost to the epidemic and honoring the progress made in the thirty years since the epidemic began. This will be the first time Frannie Peabody Center has held World AIDS Day at Victoria Mansion, which will be completely decorated for the holidays.

Community forum for Westbrook Schools 6:30 p.m. Community forum on the FY 13 budget at Westbrook Middle School. Marc Gousse Superintendent of Westbrook Schools wrote, “School is well under way with a renewed sense of direction. Over the summer, Westbrook school administrators established collaborative working environments; hiring professional, qualified employees that embrace our mission in providing ‘The best education for all for life.’ Last year’s budget gave way to deep cuts in staff and student resources. We are all doing more with less but still focused on providing an educational environment where all students are engaged in learning to the highest level for each individual. To that end, we have already begun work on our FY 13. Faced with projected state and federal shortfalls, we will need to carefully review each and every expense to determine its merit in bringing forth a prudent, fiscally responsible budget that speaks to the taxpayers and supports educational excellence for our learning community. Westbrook’s Strategic Plan states that ‘education is a partnership among students, staff, parents, and the community’. As Superintendent of Schools, I believe this is key to providing a successful, comprehensive education necessary for all of our students to be successful in a world that is constantly changing. There are many opportunities for students, staff and community to become an integral part of investing in the educational success of Westbrook’s youth. I encourage you to learn more about our initiatives and committees and become a part of continuing the excellence for which Westbrook is.“ http://westbrookschools.org

Good Theater Broadway hits, holiday favorites 7 p.m. Good Theater’s annual concerts featuring Broadway hits and holiday favorites Dec. 1-4. Good Theater presents Broadway leading man Kevin Earley joined by a cast of 17 singers including Marva Pittman, Kelly Caufield, Lynne McGhee and Stephen Underwood. Directed by Brian P. Allen with musical direction by Victoria Stubbs who leads the three-piece band. Performance times are Thursday at 7

p.m. ($25), Friday at 7:30 ($25), Saturday matinee at 3 p.m. ($25) and Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m. ($30), and Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. ($30). At the St. Lawrence Arts Center, 76 Congress St., Portland. Call 885-5883 for reservations and information. www.goodtheater.com

Portland’s first annual Palestinian Film Festival 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1— “‘Jenin Jenin.’ A documentary of the city and refugee camp destroyed by Israeli forces in April 2002 and the indomitable spirit of the Palestinians in their struggle for human rights and statehood.” SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland. 7:30 p.m. $7/5 for Space and MVPR members and students with ID. Dec. 2 — “‘Eyewitness Gaza.’ A documentary of life in Gaza following Israel’s attack in the winter of 2008-09. Focus is on Gazan youths’ ability to survive a siege and marginalization by the world community. Director Tom Jackson will attend.” Meg Perry Center, 644 Congress St. 8 p.m. $7/5 for MVPR & Peace Action Maine members & students w/ID. Dec. 3 — “‘Salt of This Sea.’ Feature-length film, starring noted Palestinian poet Suheir Hammad, at SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress St. 7:30 p.m. $7/5 for SPACE and Maine Voices for Palestinian Rights members and students with ID. Sponsored and organized by MVPR. Net proceeds will go to the Middle East Children’s Alliance water project to bring clean, safe water to the children of Gaza. Robert Schaible, 239-8060; rmschaible@gmail.com.

Friday, Dec. 2 The Polar Express train ride 4 p.m. The Polar Express returns to Portland. “And this year, we’ve added an early train time (2:45 p.m.) and another First Class car! Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between Nov. 25 and Dec. 23, 2:45 p.m., 4 p.m., 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m. The Polar Express will come to life when the Maine Narrow Gauge train departs its Ocean Gateway depot for a journey to the ‘North Pole.’ Holiday decorations inside the train will add to the festive atmosphere as guests on board meet the conductor, have hot chocolate and a treat, listen to a reading of the enchanting story over our sound system, and sing carols. Santa will ride back with everyone to the train station from a special outpost of the North Pole and every child will receive their special bell on board the train.” www.mainenarrowgauge.org see EVENTS page 14

DAILY CROSSWORD TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

by Lynn Johnston

By Holiday Mathis must remember to follow up on the important details. Of course, the best way is to write them down. You might lose the paper you wrote them on, but you’ll remember the motion of writing and what you wrote.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21).

If you have ever wanted to reach out to someone you hardly knew but felt a strong connection to, this is the right time. You have powerful tools at your fingertips, and you’ll use them well.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19).

You once tried to avoid smooth talkers, and now you’ll be one. What’s wrong with knowing what you have and selling it to the highest bidder? As long as you strongly believe in the product, your pitch will succeed.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You’ll be more proud of yourself for completing a hard job than you’ll be for finishing an easy one. That’s why you’re likely to choose tasks that challenge your ability.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Deep meditation and spiritual practice will inspire the imagination. So will comic books. Your best bet is a blend of “high” and “low.” And who is to say which is which?

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (Nov. 30). You plan well, though your year is dotted by exhilarating and unpredictable circumstances. Next month, something shiny and new replaces what was broken or worn. Your desire for personal accomplishment will be very strong, and you’ll get the gold in February. Spring brings heightened idealism and spirituality.

Aries and Virgo people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 14, 31, 24 and 28.

by Paul Gilligan

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You are more or less used to making people fall in love with you, and you will do this yet again. It’s not a conscious effort, to be sure. In fact, it’s not an effort at all.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You’re willing to face the truth about a situation, but you’re so close to the scene that you probably won’t be able to see it until another person points it out. It takes an outsider to bring perspective.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Change means more than wishing a situation were different. Then again, probably nothing will change -- and nothing ever has -- without someone first wishing it would.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’ll share less than perfect parts of yourself to create rapport. “People who don’t have embarrassing stories are untrustworthy. Or at the very least, they aren’t telling the truth.” -- Suzanne Guillette LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You have many interests, and it will be quite easy to follow them around all over the Internet, in the library or through the city -and perhaps all three. Sooner or later, you have to get down to work, though it will probably be “later.”

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Sometimes you feel like you’ve been there and done it all. But you haven’t. So shake off the “jaded” dust, and get willing to see life anew. It just may glitter for you today.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Who celebrates you? Someone does. And if no one comes to mind right now, it’s a sign that maybe you should start the trend by celebrating yourself. After all, you’ve done a lot for people lately.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You

by Jan Eliot

HOROSCOPE

by Chad Carpenter

Solution and tips at www.sudoku.com

TUNDRA Stone Soup Pooch Café For Better or Worse LIO

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, November 30, 2011

1 5 10 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 25 26 28 31

ACROSS Nearly all Carnival attractions Shapeless mass Early Peruvian tribal member Overdramatize Currency used in many nations Word to a pest Wearing glasses Lugar or Leahy: abbr.

Feels sick __-walsy; very friendly Collie or chow, to a little child Pork product Place of utmost happiness Large covered soup container Wheel rods

32 34 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 44 45 46 47 50 51 54 57 58 59 60 61 62 63

__ Ste. Marie Hair covering Roaring beast Slither away in shame or fear German wife Common viral ailment Pack animal Get educated Respect highly Autopsy subject Hee-__; bray To the __; apt Diver’s danger Actor __ Penn Ms. Thurman Leader; pioneer Bric-a-__ Tavern drinks Malicious looks Siesta Have a snack Backslide Inquires

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 19 21 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

DOWN Title for a young lady A single time Morally shocking Tit for __ Quit, as a job Suggest __ away with; abolishes And so forth: abbr.

“Ready, __, go!”

Developed into Slow period Gold and silver “Over my dead __!”

Not together Grows old Microwave, e.g.

Wrestler Hogan Two quarters Banish Canned fish Fills with joy Approaches

32 33 35 37 38 40 41 43

Close noisily Goal Melody Murdered Plant with fronds __ out; oozes Cut of pork Separate grain from straw 44 Not smooth

46 47 48 49 50 52 53 55 56 57

Social equals Reach across Ring of light Top cards Ladder rung Facial disguise Performs Building wing Actress Leoni Two-cup item

Yesterday’s Answer

THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Wednesday, November 30, 2011— Page 11

––––––– ALMANAC ––––––– Today is Wednesday, Nov. 30, the 334th day of 2011. There are 31 days left in the year.

Today’s Highlight in History: On Nov. 30, 1835, Samuel Langhorne Clemens — better known as Mark Twain — was born in Florida, Mo. On this date: In 1782, the United States and Britain signed preliminary peace articles in Paris, ending the Revolutionary War. In 1803, Spain completed the process of ceding Louisiana to France, which had sold it to the United States.

In 1874, British statesman Sir Winston Churchill was born at Blenheim Palace.

In 1900, Irish writer Oscar Wilde died in Paris at age 46.

In 1936, London’s famed Crystal Palace, constructed for the Great Exhibition of 1851, was destroyed in a fire.

In 1960, the last DeSoto was built by Chrysler, which had decided to retire the brand after 32 years.

In 1962, U Thant of Burma, who had been acting secretary-general of the United Nations following the death of Dag Hammarskjold the year before, was elected to a four-year term.

In 1966, the former British colony of Barbados became independent.

In 1981, the United States and the Soviet Union opened negotiations in Geneva aimed at reducing nuclear weapons in Europe.

One year ago: Pentagon leaders called for scrapping the 17-year-old “don’t ask, don’t tell” ban after releasing a survey about the prospect of openly gay troops. The Obama administration announced that all 197 airlines that fly to the U.S. had begun collecting names, genders and birth dates of passengers so the government could check them against terror watch lists before they boarded flights.

Today’s Birthdays: Historian Jacques Barzun is 104. Actor Efrem Zimbalist Jr. is 93.

Actor Robert Guillaume is 84. TV personality and producer Dick Clark is 82. Radio talk show host G. Gordon Liddy is 81. Country singer-recording executive Jimmy Bowen is 74. Movie director Ridley Scott is 74. Movie writer-director Terrence Malick is 68. Rock musician Roger Glover (Deep Purple) is 66.

Playwright David Mamet (MA’-meht) is 64.

Actress Margaret Whitton is 61. Actor Mandy Patinkin is 59. Musician Shuggie Otis is 58.

Country singer Jeannie Kendall is 57. Singer Billy Idol is 56. Historian Michael Beschloss is 56. Rock musician John Ashton (The Psychedelic Furs) is 54. Comedian Colin Mochrie is 54. Former football and baseball player Bo Jackson is 49. Rapper Jalil (Whodini) is 48. Actor-director Ben Stiller is 46. Rock musician Mike Stone is 42. Actress Sandra Oh is 41. Country singer Mindy McCready is 36. Singer Clay Aiken is 33. Actress Elisha Cuthbert is 29.

WEDNESDAY PRIME TIME Dial

8:00

5

CTN 5 The Humble Farmer

6

WCSH

7

WPFO

8

WMTW

10

MPBN

11

WENH

8:30

9:00

9:30

NOVEMBER 30, 2011 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30

Portland Water District Thom Hartmann Show Grit TV

Update

Christmas in RockHarry’s Law “Head Law & Order: Special News Tonight efeller Center (N) (In Games” High-school foot- Victims Unit “Lost TravShow With Stereo Live) Å ball player dies. (N) eler” (N) Å Jay Leno The X Factor “Top 7 Perform” The I Hate My News 13 on FOX (N) The Office The Office seven remaining contestants perform. Teenage “Double Dinner and (N) (Live) Daughter Date” jealousy.

The Middle Suburga- Modern Happy End- Revenge “Duplicity” Em- News 8 Nightline “Hecking tory Å Family Å ings Å ily targets a psychiatrist. WMTW at (N) Å Order” (In Stereo) Å 11PM (N) Alone in the Wilderness, Part 2 Over Maine’s LightStraight No Chaser -- Live in New Alaska wildlife and scenery. Å houses York: Holiday Edition The a cappella group performs.

Antiques Roadshow Antiques Roadshow Unforgettable: The Ko- Vietnam War Stories “Madison” Heirloom art A poster for the Wright rean War (In Stereo) Å Vietnam War veterans. deco charm bracelet.

Flyer airplane. Å (In Stereo) Å A Muppets Christmas: America’s Next Top Excused American It’s Always That ’70s Letters to Santa (In Model The contestants (N) Å Dad Å Sunny in Show Å Stereo) Å write a fashion blog. (N) Phila.

Survivor: South Pacific Criminal Minds The The Grammy Nomina- WGME Late Show (N) (In Stereo) Å body of a kidnapped tions Concert Live!!: News 13 at With David woman is found. Å Countdown 11:00 Letterman Burn Notice Å Burn Notice Å Law Order: CI My Road Cops Å

12

WPXT

13

WGME

17

WPME

24

DISC MythBusters Å

25

FAM Ratatouille Movie: ››‡ “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” (1992)

The 700 Club (N) Å

26

USA NCIS (In Stereo) Å

Burn Notice Å

27

NESN NHL Hockey: Bruins at Maple Leafs

28

CSNE Patriots Wednesday

30

ESPN College Basketball

31

ESPN2 College Basketball

33

ION

MythBusters (N) Å NCIS Å (DVS) Bruins

Patriots Wednesday

Ready, Aim, Sold Psych (N) Å

MythBusters Å

Daily

Instigators Daily

Dennis

Sports

SportsNet Sports

Sticks

College Basketball Wisconsin at North Carolina.

College Basketball Virginia Tech at Minnesota.

Movie: ›››› “Stand by Me” (1986) (In Stereo)

Criminal Minds Å

SportsCtr

College Basketball Criminal Minds Å

34

DISN Shake It

Movie: ››‡ “Sky High” (2005)

35

TOON NinjaGo

Regular

King of Hill King of Hill Amer. Dad Amer. Dad Fam. Guy

Fam. Guy

36

NICK My Wife

My Wife

’70s Show ’70s Show George

Friends

37

MSNBC The Ed Show (N)

Fish

Good Luck Shake It George

The Ed Show Erin Burnett OutFront

CNN Anderson Cooper 360

Piers Morgan Tonight

Anderson Cooper 360

40

CNBC The Race to Rebuild

60 Minutes on CNBC

American Greed

41

FNC

The O’Reilly Factor (N) Hannity (N)

43

TNT

The Mentalist Å

44

LIFE Movie: ›› “Noel” (2004) Penélope Cruz. Å TLC

Good Luck

Rachel Maddow Show The Last Word

38

46

Friends

Greta Van Susteren

Movie: “Ricochet” (2011) John Corbett. Å

Cake Boss Cake Boss Secretly Pregnant

Mad Money The O’Reilly Factor Leverage Å

Movie: ›› “Home by Christmas” (2006) Å Sister Wives Å

Secretly Pregnant

47

AMC Movie: ››› “Scrooged” (1988) Bill Murray.

Movie: ››› “Scrooged” (1988) Bill Murray.

48

HGTV House

Property Brothers (N)

49

TRAV Man, Food Man v Fd

Man v Fd

Man v Fd

Manliest Restaurants

Barbecue Paradise

50

A&E Storage

Storage

Storage

Hoggers

Hoggers

52

Hunters Storage

BRAVO Top Chef: Texas

Income

Kitchen

Work of Art

Hoggers

Top Chef: Texas (N)

Hunters

Property Hoggers

Top Chef: Texas

55

HALL Movie: ››› “Moonlight and Mistletoe” (2008)

Movie: “A Christmas Wish” (2011, Drama) Å

56

SYFY Ghost Hunters Å

Ghost Hunters (N)

Fact or Faked

57

ANIM Rattlesnake Republic

Country Justice Å

Alaska Wildlife

58

HIST Ancient Aliens Å

Ancient Aliens Å

Brad Meltzer’s Dec.

60

BET

61 62 67 68 76

Movie: ››› “American Gangster” (2007) Denzel Washington. Å

Ghost Hunters Å Rattlesnake Republic Brad Meltzer’s Dec. The Game The Game

COM Chappelle Chappelle South Park South Park South Park South Park Daily Show Colbert FX

Movie: ››› “Zombieland” (2009) Premiere.

TVLND Roseanne Roseanne Raymond TBS

Fam. Guy

Fam. Guy

SPIKE UFC Unleashed

Fam. Guy

Raymond Fam. Guy

Big Bang

Big Bang

Cleveland The Exes Conan (N)

UFC Unleashed (N)

The Ultimate Fighter

Tori & Dean: Home

Movie: ››‡ “The Notebook” (2004) Å

78

OXY ››‡ “The Notebook”

146

TCM Movie: ›››‡ “To Catch a Thief” (1955) Å

DAILY CROSSWORD

BY WAYNE ROBERT WILLIAMS

American Horror Story American Horror Story Cleveland The Exes

1 4 7 10 13 14 15 16 17 19 21 23 24 25 27 31 32 33 36 37 38

Blue Mountain State

Movie: ›››‡ “Dial M for Murder” (1954) Å

ACROSS Baby bear Supply slip, in brief U.K. clock setting Pose a question Lennon’s second wife Ostrich-like bird Deposit Letters for a classic Pontiac WWII battle site Mother’s helpers from abroad Start of a quip Declare as true “__ You Lonesome Tonight?”

Cod-like fish Of rocks Actress Phoebe USNA graduate Part 2 of quip Historic exile site Get to one’s feet Part 3 of quip

42 Long, long time 45 Composition for nine 46 Something left out 48 Of two minds 49 Helium or argon 51 Gulf of the Ionian Sea 52 End of quip 57 Type of caterpillar 58 Beaming 59 Indignation 60 Regret bitterly 61 Sundial numeral 62 Caviar base 63 Dr. Leary’s turn-on 64 Last letter of plurals?

65 Denver summer hrs.

66 Come to a conclusion DOWN 1 Mint function 2 Like thread before becoming cloth 3 Toddler’s injuries

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 18 20 22 26 28 29 30 31 34

Nevada senator Harry Oscar of television?

Coll. common Egg white Grayish violet Hunt and peck With excitement, in music Burt Reynolds movie, “__ Ace” Boxing wins, briefly Bloodhound feature Sad news Pair of antlers Language suffix Baby hooter Asian desert Gershwin and Levin Swollen, fluid-filled sacs Jack-in-the-pulpit, e.g.

35 36 38 39 40 41 42 43 44

Unless, in law Heretofore Big bang creator Owls Dressed as a judge Banter teasingly Flight figure Became part of Made into law

47 49 50 53 54 55 56

Moroccan seaport Spiritual leaders Top spots Additional amount Free of fat Police bust Entrance to a mine 57 Wheaton of “Stand by Me”

Yesterday’s Answer

THE

Page 12 — THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Wednesday, November 30, 2011

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS • CALL 699-5807

Recreation Vehicles

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.

CHINOOKA classic motorhome. 21’, timeless design.

Sleeps 2. Garaged, nearly mint.

58,600 miles. Photos and info at: RVonline.com under “1991 Chinook”. $12,250.

(603)367-8753.

Animals

For Rent

For Rent

For Sale

ABANDONED cats and kittens seek foster and permanent homes. Barn cats also available.

(207)797-3014, www.feralfelines.net.

PORTLAND- Danforth, 2 bedrooms, heated, renovated Victorian townhouse, 2 floors, 1.5 baths, parking. $1400/mo (207)773-1814.

PORTLAND- Woodford’s area. 3 bedroom heated. Large bright rooms, oak floor, just painted. $1300/mo. (207)773-1814.

A new queen p-top mattress set $150. Must sell. (207)415-5234.

Labradoodle Puppies Ready to go Dec. 17th. $1200 heath certified.

Non-shed hypoallergenic. For more info email: info@karlaspets.com.

PORTLAND- Maine MedicalStudio, 1/ 2 bedroom. Heated, off street parking, newly renovated. $550-$875.

(207)773-1814.

Autos BUYING Junk vehicles, paying cash.

Contact Joe (207)712-6910.

PORTLAND- Munjoy Hill- 3 bedrooms, newly renovated.

Heated, $1275/mo. Call Kay (207)773-1814.

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

WINDHAM- 1 bedroom, utilities plus cable included. Yard parking, partial rent for some work.

(207)892-7150.

For Rent-Commercial PORTLAND Art District- Art studios, utilities. First floor. Adjacent to 3 occupied studios. $325 (207)773-1814.

POLAR EXPRESS TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR NORTH C ONWAY, NH. Contact lcampbell@purityspring.com for details.

DEADLINE for classifieds is noon the day prior to publication

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

YOU TRUST US TO CLEAN YOUR HOME, NOW TRUST US TO HEAT YOUR HOME

INTRODUCING THE GUARDIAN HEATER ®

BY AERUS with Active PCO Technology • Exclusive Active PCO Technology send out “scrubbers” to remove contaminants from surfaces • Combines everything you want in a heater: energy-efficiency, effectiveness & safety • Safety features prevent fires and make it safer for children & pets • Doesn’t emit harmful fumes or carbon monoxide • An energy efficient way to heat your environment

75 Oak Street, Portland, ME • www.taichichihstudio.com

Buy one at regular price get 2nd

HALF OFF!

Benefits of Tai Chi Chih

$4 Off an Ink Cartridge!

We Fix All Brands!

Specializing in

Electrolux & Kirby Over 35 Years Experience Vaccum Cleaners 20% discount on ALL parts & Service

(With this coupon)

Westbrook 797-9800 • Windham 892-5454

TIRE

The Bradley Foundation of Maine Miracle on 424 Main Street

HOPE

weight.

Wanted To Buy MARRIAGE, commitment and renewal ceremonies officiant.

Will help you write your vows.

Barbara (207)856-6876.

I pay cash today for broken and unwanted Notebooks, Netbooks, and Macbooks. Highest prices (207)233-5381.

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Automotive Technician Wanted Candidate must be GM Certified and ASE Certified. We offer competitive pay plus weekly and monthly incentives. We also offer health care, 401K, paid vacations, paid holidays, and free uniforms.

Candidate must possess a positive attitude to work in a Team environment.

Interested candidates should contact:

Bill Crone, (603)356-5401 or send resume to:

bcrone@crestautoworld.com All interviews confidential

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

GOT PAIN? CALL NOW – FREE CONSULTATION

780-1070 949 Brighton Ave. Portland, ME 04102 • Neck Pain • Back Pain • Sciatica

• Sports Injuries • Auto Accidents • Fatigue

• Migraines • Nutritional Supplements

TWIN ELECTRIC “Lighting Your Way Into The Future”

Computer Sales and Service

AUTO

www.stroudwaterauto.com for special offers and discount coupons 656 Stroudwater St. Westbrook • 854-0415

by

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

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

CEREMONIES

For information call Raymond Reid (207) 518-9375 email: miloshamus@yahoo.com or go to

www.taichichihstudio.com Check Out Our Lunch Time Beginners Classes

S

AUTO RECYCLERS Buying cars (207)615-6092.

Blood Pressure Control • Arthritis Relief Improved Balance • Increased Sense of Serenity

Call Today To Learn More About Creating Safe, Healthy Environments 352 Warren Ave. Portland • 207-871-8610 or toll free 1-888-358-3589

U D WAT E R TRO

Services

Services COMPLETE DISPOSAL ASK about free removal. Cleanups, inside or outside. One truck, 2 men. (207)615-6092.

Automotive Repair Foreign & Domestic

SHOP THESE LOCAL BUSINESSES To advertise in our professional directory talk to your ad rep or contact 207-699-5801 or ads@portlanddailysun.me

Serving Seniors over 55 and the Disabled Computers starting at only $50.00 includes Microsoft Office 2007 Professional Plus & Microsoft Antivirus We service what we sell for $15.00 an hour!

Open for sales to the general public.

Westbrook, ME • 591-5237 Mon-Fri 9:00 am - 5:00 pm We now accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover

• Fu lly L icensed • Fu lly Insured • Free E stim ates

• Fast/Q uality Service • N o Job T oo Sm all • 24/7 Service

(207) 318-8808

Randy MacWhinnie

twinelectricme@aol.com

Master Electrician/Owner

!

“A Local Moved We’ve Company Selling American Made Products” 146 Rand Rd., Portland 772-8436 Just off The Maine Turnpike (I-95) exit 47

THE

THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Wednesday, November 30, 2011— Page 13

CLASSIFIEDS PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

The Bradley Foundation of Maine Miracle on 424 Main Street

HOPE

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

Fu ll Service Shack’s Restau ran t & Top Dogs Fam ily Spo rts Pu b Pub H a ppy H o ur

2-Year Anniversary!

Computer Sales and Service Serving Seniors over 55 and the Disabled Computers starting at only $50.00 includes Microsoft Office 2007 Professional Plus & Microsoft Antivirus We service what we sell for $15.00 an hour!

Open for sales to the general public.

Westbrook, ME • 591-5237 Mon-Fri 9:00 am - 5:00 pm We now accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover

Bring in this ad for an additional

10% off

Nice family atmosphere!

all purchases!

PORTLAND AUTO RADIATOR Established 1948

FULL AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES The Best Place in Town to Take a Leak

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

FREE APPLIANCE DISPOSAL Why pay excessive transfer station disposal fees?

• Refrigerators/ Freezers • Air Conditioners • Dehumidifiers/ Humidifiers • Washers/ Dryers • Stoves/Ovens • Microwave Ovens • Household White Goods

Green State Resource Recovery (207)318-9781 Freon and Refrigerant Recovery Service Universal Waste Specialists • EPA and Maine DEP compliant

coming back over and over again, taking large quantities on each trip. Those treats are for everyone.

Vern is really a nice man in so many ways, but we are about ready to discontinue bringing treats to the office because this is so frustrating. One of the employees made special homemade treats for her boss on his birthday, and Vern stood at her desk to get his share before anyone else, and then returned for a second helping before others had their first.

No one wants to hurt Vern’s feelings, and he doesn’t seem to get the hint when comments are made to others in his presence. Do you have any suggestions about how to handle this?

We hate to see a nice tradition ruined because the goodies can no longer be shared with everyone. -- Didn’t Take This Guy To Raise Dear Didn’t: Someone needs to speak up. If Vern returns for seconds before others have had a turn, say, “A lot of folks haven’t had any treats yet, Vern, so no second helpings until everyone has had one.” If he takes six cupcakes, stop him, saying, “Sorry, Vern, only one per customer.” Be nice, firm and consistent. We don’t think it will take much to retrain the guy, so please give him a chance before you eliminate something that all of you obviously enjoy a great deal.

Dear Annie: “Showerless in Sheboygan” said her retired military husband refused to shower or get a haircut. You suggested he might be depressed.

My husband is a psychologist with the Veterans Administration. V.A. services are available in most states for mental health issues or changes in health status. Please pass this along. -- V.A. Supporter in Louisville, Ky. Dear Louisville: Thank you for reminding those readers who have served in the military that the V.A. (va.gov) can provide psychological as well as medical counsel.

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

M o n-F ri 4-7 F ree H o rs d’o euvres! $5.00 W ell D rinks $2.00 Lite Pints

Eat-in or Take-out • 854-9555 • 1 00 Larrabee Road, W estbrook

ANNIE’S MAILBOX Dear Annie: We are the grandparents of a beautiful 4-yearold girl. We have been watching her for the past three months because her parents had their water service shut off due to lack of payment. A month ago, they had their gas and electricity shut off, as well. They are living off of the welfare system with no other means of support.

In the past, my wife and I have paid a lot of money to keep their utilities on, but this time we took a stand and decided not to. Instead, we opted to assist in taking care of their daughter until they can fix this situation, knowing it will probably happen again.

We want our granddaughter to have a shot at normalcy, and we feel she will never get that if we return her to her parents. Unfortunately, my wife and I lack both the finances to raise a child and the vitality necessary to keep up with her.

We don’t know what to do. If we decide to seek custody, how do we go about it? Is there financial aid available for people in our situation? We want to do the right thing for our granddaughter. -- Geezer with a Cause in Los Angeles Dear Los Angeles: Instead of seeking custody, you might want to apply for legal guardianship of your granddaughter or become her foster parents. Would the parents voluntarily allow this? That would be the easiest way to do it. Discuss your options with an attorney who specializes in family law.

You can get referrals for low-cost legal assistance through LawHelp California (lawhelpca.org).

Dear Annie: We work in an office where the employees (mostly the female employees) bring treats -- candy or homemade goodies -- on a regular basis. This always has been a nice gesture and much appreciated.

The problem is a new employee who doesn’t seem to understand the concept of taking your share and no more. “Vern” is the first one at your desk if he notices candy. Then he keeps

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

by Scott Stantis

D & M AUTO REPAIR “We want the privilege of serving you”

MAJOR & MINOR REPAIRS Auto Electronic Diagnosis

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

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

Page 14 — THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Wednesday, November 30, 2011

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– EVENTS CALENDAR––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– EVENTS from page 9

Exhibit: Port of Portland: A Ship-Shaped History 5 p.m. Portland Public Library, Lewis Gallery, free admission. Friday, Dec. 2 through Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012. Opening event, 5 p.m., Friday Dec. 2 – Director’s Remarks and Meet the Curator. “Maine Maritime Museum’s latest exhibit presents a vision of the history of Maine’s Gateway City as portrayed by the ships that have transited Portland Head to clear Spring Point Ledge, a series of vessels as diverse as the different eras they represent; vessels that have brought hope, grief, sustenance, prosperity, disappointment, and a good day’s work to its people.” For more information visit www.MaineMaritimeMuseum.org or call 443-1316 during business hours.

Five Dollar First Friday 5 p.m. “On the first Friday of December, Victoria Mansion will extend its hours until 8:30 p.m. and all admissions after 5 p.m. are only $5. There will be holiday refreshments in the Carriage House Museum Shop’s Loft for our guests! Do not miss out on the only time to tour the Mansion after dark this Christmas Season!”

The Gallery at Harmon’s & Barton’s First Friday 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. “Bringing Art Home for the Holidays” featuring four inspired craft artists in fiber, metal, wood and clay. “Join us for our Holiday Celebration, First Friday Art Walk, Dec. 2, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., 584 Congress St., Portland.

Exhibit and sale through December during gallery hours, Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sat., 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 774-5948. www.harmonsbartons.com

Beauty of Spain and Portugal 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. For First Friday Art Walk, experience the beauty of Spain and Portugal with a library photo slide presentation at the Maine Charitable Mechanic Association in Portland. The “Back Cove Artist Group” will be exhibiting their watercolors and there will be handmade items for sale with proceeds going to the library fund.Note cards made from a 1859 wood engraving by Bircher & Russell of Boston and being printed again today locally by David Wolfe of Wolfe Editions in Portland will also be available for purchase. www.mainecharitablemechanicassociation.com

‘In The Forest By The Sea’ 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. First Friday Art Walk opening of “In The Forest By The Sea,” paintings by Jada Fitch, at the Green Hand Bookshop, 661 Congress St., Portland. On display through the month of January. Contact Michelle Souliere at 253-6808 or michelle.souliere@gmail.com. “Each canvas allows visitors to catch a glimpse of the curious goings-on in a mysterious seaside forest world few have seen before,” reports the Green Hand bookstore.

‘Darfur at Our Doorstep’ 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. “Artist Kenny Cole interviewed El Fadel Arbab, the Darfur community’s activist and lead spokesperson, about his life growing up in Darfur and the odyssey that led to his arrival in Maine. These drawings weave this interview into Cole’s invented acronyms. Funded with a grant from the Maine Arts Commission.” This exhibit runs from Dec. 2 through Dec. 30 at the Meg Perry Center, 644 Congress Street/Portland. There will be an opening reception for the artist during Portland’s First Friday Art Walk, Dec. 2, from 5pm to 8pm. For more information visit: http://www. peaceactionme.org/meg-perry-center

Goodwill Industries art sale 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. “Goodwill Industries of Northern New England will hold its sixth bi-annual ‘Art for Everyone: A Collection of Donated Art,’ on Friday, December 2, from, at Goodwill’s Headquarters (353 Cumberland Ave., Portland). The sale will feature over 250 drawings, oils, pastels, posters, prints and watercolors donated to Goodwill stores in the local community. All pieces of art will be affordably priced just in time for the holidays. ... Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit Goodwill’s job training and support services in the northern New England community.”

Bob Tkacik at Geno’s Rock Club 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. At Geno’s Rock Club, Bob Tkacik will be opening his month-long exhibit in the lobby. “Bob lives in Portland, and went to art school once (although he claims you won’t be able to tell based on this particular exhibit). He has a penchant for attracting piles of skeletal remains and rusted things, simply by stepping out of his house, and because of this he has decided to adhere said items to other inanimate bits of detritus and display it for all to see. He will also display works revolving around geometric repetition and spiraling colors. Most recently, he has been involved with a collaborative mural at the Octopi Gallery on Congress Street in Portland. Art Walk in Geno’s lobby is open to all, refreshments provided, for free.“

2011 SEA Holiday Art Sale 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Over 80 artists bringing you blown glass, jewelry, journals, paintings, textiles, sculptures, photogra-

phy, paper crafts, pottery, magnets, cards, bags, children’s soft toys, and more. Also Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. East End Community School Center, 195 North St., Portland. Free admission; light food available in PTO Café.

Open Sky Fund event 6 p.m. “Two nights of ‘FUN’draising or the Open Sky Fund, a registered nonprofit organization providing Musical Instruments and Opportunities to children in Maine. At this event, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2 and 3 at the Big Easy there will be live music by local bands who are donating their time, food from Divided Sky Café, and some very special guests including a 12-year-old guitar player from the area.

The Open Sky Faery will present an instrument to a child each night. There will be a silent auction with items from local businesses. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and music will begin at 7 p.m. Come early as space is limited, and these shows will sell out. Open Sky Fund has been providing instruments to children in Maine since 2009, in memory of Van Lawton of Oxford County, a magickal musician who left to his closest friends, his last song titled ‘Open Sky.’ More information about the Open Sky Fund is available at www. openskyfund.org.” Tickets for Kimmy’s Odd Ball are $10 each night and all proceeds benefit the fund. Tickets are on sale now at www.openskyfund.org. Donations of gently used instruments are always welcome. Guests are encouraged to dress in costume and prepare to dance.

Sparkle Parade of Lights in Freeport 6 p.m. “The whole town gets into the holiday spirit! Find something for everyone, the Sparkle Parade of Lights kicks off the holiday weekend event in grand style with Santa!

Witness it for yourself — young and all enjoy this event.

Free hot chocolate, horse drawn carriage rides carolers,and visits with Santa make this weekend complete along with the activities and festivities enjoy a meal with loved ones at any one of our fabulous eateries, reserve a room at your favorite Freeport property and stay for the entire weekend.” www.freeportusa.com

Lighting of the Copper Beech Tree 6:30 p.m. Lighting of the Copper Beech Tree at Portland Museum of Art. “Join us for a wintery First Friday family night as we gather outside in the Sculpture Garden to carry on this beloved holiday tradition at the Museum. The night air will be filled with lovely sounds of holiday choral music by the members of the Vox Nova Chamber Choir. Children of all ages will delight in a candlelit walk to our spectacular Cooper Beech Tree lighting ceremony!”

Portland Playback Theater 7:30 p.m. First Friday, Dec. 2, Theme: Holidays from Heaven and Hell. “Portland Playback performs its very popular holiday offering next month: Holidays from Heaven and Hell.

We all know how rich and emotionally complex the holiday season is. Everyone’s expectations are so high; there’s the commercial aspect, family relationships, friendships. Some of our happiest and some of our saddest stories are told and ‘played back’ at this event.” Every month, Portland Playback puts five actors at your disposal to reenact true stories from your life with improvisation. $5 at the door, CTN5 studio, 516 Congress St., Portland. FMI, email portlandplaybacktheatre@gmail.com or call 671-9481. Find out more at www.portlandplayback.com.

‘The Wandering Beggar’ 7:30 p.m. Acorn Productions, a nonprofit company based in the Dana Warp Mill in downtown Westbrook, continues its second season of Studio Series presentations with an adaptation by local playwright Howard Rosenfield of the book “The Wandering Beggar … or The Adventures of Simple Shmerel” by Solomon Simon. The book was written originally in Yiddish and first published in 1931. It was then translated, by the author and his son, David Simon, and published in English in 1942. “The Wandering Beggar” is comprised of a charming series of vignettes, in which the title character encounters a series of dishonest servants and greedy kings, overcoming each obstacle with a direct and honest approach. By the end of the play, the simple beggar has proven to have more wisdom than the rabbis. This adaptation was commissioned by Acorn and is being performed with the good wishes of the author’s family. Acorn’s production is directed by veteran theater artist Harlan Baker, and features an ensemble of 11 actors, including returning faces from previous Acorn shows along with several newcomers to the theater scene. The show runs from Dec. 2 through Dec. 18, with performances Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors, and may be purchased on-line at www.acorn-productions.org or by calling 854-0065.

The WFCP Home Time Radio Hour 7:30 p.m. Freeport Players present The WFCP Home Time Radio Hour 2011, Dec. 2-4, Fri./Sat. at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. Freeport Performing Arts Center, Holbrook Street, $10 in advance, $15 at the door. “Be in the audience for this year’s ‘broadcast’ — each year our Sparkle Weekend show simply gets better and more fun. We never get tired

of all the great music of the ‘40s/’50s (and early ‘60s this year!), we still get a kick out of writing sketches and jingles in the style of the great old-time radio shows, and we know you can’t wait to see what the sound effects team brings to the table. Save $5! Get your tickets in advance at Freeport Community Center Thrift Store (43 Depot St.) or online at http://www.fcponline.org.”

Calkins family theater benefit 8 p.m. “On Friday evening, Nov. 25, a two-alarm fire destroyed the home of Mark and Denise Calkins at 17 Osborne Ave. in South Portland. The Calkins family, which includes two young boys, lost everything but the clothes they were wearing. All the family pets, two dogs and two cats, were killed in the fire. The fire was ruled accidental by South Portland Lt. Robb Couture. Firefighters from Cape Elizabeth, Portland and Scarborough assisted South Portland firefighters in getting the fire under control in just over an hour. The house is not habitable and will have to be rebuilt.

According to Michael J. Tobin, producing artistic director of CoveLight Productions, the Calkins are staying in a local hotel until other arrangements can be made. ‘The outpouring of love and support has been monumental so far,’ Tobin said. ‘But this family needs everything, they have to start from scratch. I hope people will come see the shows this weekend and help this family get through this very difficult and challenging time.’ CoveLight Productions will donate ticket sales from Friday and Saturday night’s shows to the Calkins family so that they may have a very merry Christmas during this difficult time. The performance this Friday at 8 p.m. will be performed at First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, 114 Main St. in Kennebunk, as part of the Prelude celebration. Tickets are $15/$10. The show on Saturday at 8 p.m. will be performed at The Dunaway Center, 23 School St. in Ogunquit, as part of the Christmas by the Sea celebration. Tickets are $10/$8. Tickets will be available at the door beginning at 7:30 p.m.” For more information or to make reservations, go to www.covelight2011.com, emailing covelight2011@aol.com or calling (603) 953-3640.

Eyewitness Gaza 8 p.m. Meg Perry Center photo exhibit. “Through the lens of photographer Skip Schiel and the film directing/editing of Tom Jackson, Eyewitness Gaza captures the unique position Gazans are in: under siege, under occupation, constantly threatened by attacks from Israel and their own political factions, with little awareness or concern from the rest of the world. Central to Eyewitness Gaza are Gazan youth and how they survive a siege and marginalization by the world community. Director Tom Jackson will attend the showing for questions and discussion afterwards.” Tickets: $7/$5 for Peace Action Maine & MVPR members and students with ID. Net proceeds will go to the Middle East Children’s Alliance water project to bring clean, safe water to the children of Gaza. www.peaceactionme. org/meg-perry-center

Saturday, Dec. 3 Loretta Voyer Fund Craft Fair on Peaks Island 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Join Peaks Island artists and craftsmen in supporting the Loretta Voyer Fund. Come to the Loretta Voyer Fund craft fair to find hundreds of handmade gifts.

The Loretta Voyer Fund provides car ferry tickets to island residents with cancer, allowing them to travel to and from their hospital appointments more easily. The craft fair is our annual fund raiser, but donations are accepted any time. Please send donations to: The Loretta Voyer Fund, c/o Suellen Roberts, 6 Alderbrook Road, Peaks Island, ME 04108. ... This year’s raffle will benefit the Island Taxi, with donated craft items raffled off by the Island Taxi folks to ‘keep the wheels rolling.’”

Science Literacy: How do we get there?

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. An “unconference” for educators. The Gulf of Maine Research Institute invites educators to join an “unconference” exploring the topic of science literacy and envisioning how it may be achieved. All who are invested in education are welcome. The event will take place at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. There is no cost, and breakfast and lunch are included. Six contact hours are available. http://gmri.org

Christmas at Thrifty Kitty 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Christmas at Thrifty Kitty, holiday fair to benefit Friends of Feral Felines, Sat. 9-4, Sun. 10-3, 651 Forest Ave. (at Woodfords St.), Portland, second floor. 7973014, www.feralfelines.net

Shaker Christmas Fair 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shaker Christmas Fair, Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, 707 Shaker Road, Route 26, New Gloucester. “Always the first Saturday in December! A traditional holiday fair with gifts for all ages, held in nine rooms of the 1816 Trustees’ Office and the Merry Christmas Garage at the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village.

THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Wednesday, November 30, 2011— Page 15

Double shooting in Central Maine leaves two dead

BY MATTHEW ARCO THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN

A Central Maine police dispatcher suspected of gunning down a man outside of a nursing home was shot and killed by a state trooper Tuesday morning, police said.

Michael Curtis, 46, was shot following a confrontation with officers who were investigating the death of Udo Schneider, 53, police said.

Police allege Curtis gunned down Schneider outside of Hilltop Manor, a nursing home where he

worked as a maintenance worker, sometime before 9:30 a.m. Curtis then fled the scene in his pickup truck, police said.

The two men knew one another, though investigators were still trying to determine Tuesday what sparked the violence, said Steve McCausland, a state police spokesman.

Curtis' vehicle was later located near the Piscataquis Valley Fairgrounds, where he was shot by Trooper Jon Brown, police said. Curtis worked as a dispatcher for the Piscataquis County Sher-

iff's Office.

The two men lived in Sangerville, a small town outside of Dover-Foxcroft, located 35 northwest of Bangor and with a population of about 2,500 residents.

The Maine Attorney General's Office is investigating Curtis' death because of the police involvement, McCausland said.

Brown, who joined the state police in 2008, was placed on administrative leave with pay — a standard procedure.

Federated Cos. has developed more than 7,500 apartment units in U.S. BAYSIDE from page one

across 3.25 acres.

In a telephone interview, Federated spokeswoman Suzanne Tamargo acknowledged that its $2.3 million agreement to buy the parcels is not final, but said the project remains on track.

“There are terms of our contingency that are being worked out, and until that is done, it won’t close,” she said of the land deal, adding, “It’s still moving forward.”

Tamargo said external factors, such as a possible federal grant to help pay for the parking garage, must also be resolved before the transaction can close.

Nicole Clegg, the city’s spokeswoman, said yesterday that the project has taken longer than some expected to close but that there were “fairly straightforward reasons” for the delay.

“I don't think there is any reason to question if this is going forward,” she said, adding that the company is continuing its due diligence before moving

ahead with the sale.

Attempts to reach Greg Mitchell, the city’s economic development director and interim head of the planning department, were not successful yesterday.

Mitchell helped negotiate the land deal with Federated last spring, which included aggressive time lines requiring the company to begin construction within two years.

As proposed, the project now known as "Maritime Landing" will include almost 100,000 square feet of retail space, a new hotel and more than 550 “luxury” housing units. A 1,000-car parking garage is also planned for the site.

Tamargo declined to comment further about the project beyond what was included in the press release.

In past conversations, company officials have said the project will be “mixed use,” meaning any new structures will contain both commercial and residential space.

At first glance, many in the neighborhood liked what they saw of the project. Last summer, Alex

Landry, president of the Bayside Neighborhood Association, said the development could signal “a very big change for a lot of people in how they view their neighborhood.”

Meanwhile, Federated also announced that it had hired Dartmouth Company and WRE Commercial Brokers as the “exclusive retail leasing agents for Maritime Landing.”

“The combination of WRE and The Dartmouth Company gives Maritime Landing a local as well as a national and regional perspective in the dealmaking process,” Tamargo said in the release.

Federated Cos. was formed in 1999, and since then it has developed more than 7,500 apartment units across much of the U.S., according to its website. The company bought Bayside Village student housing on Marginal Way on Dec. 30, 2010 for $9.2 million, city records show.

The company’s “portfolio” includes apartment projects in various stages of development across the U.S., including Worcester, Mass., Manchester, N.H., and Hooksett, N.H., among others.

OccupyMaine, looking to stay, offers to cede half of Lincoln Park THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN

the encampment.

The group’s nine-page application also addresses issues dealing with fire code violations, sanitation and trash disposal, among others things. It also reiterates points about access to medical care from a trained nurse and plans around staying warm during the winter.

Curtis said members of the group are prepared to defend the application before the public safety committee. She said the group is planning a potluck lunch Thursday at noon in Lincoln Park, to be followed by protest marches in Monument Square and in front of “various financial institutions” downtown.

The march will end in front of City Hall with a rally that will hopefully draw members into the committee meeting at 5 p.m.

Restaurant & Sports Bar

G R DiMillo’s BA Y SID E

D inner Features Linguine w/White Clam Sauce. .14.95 served with salad

NY Sirloin.....................................16.95 served with vegetable and your choice of FF or Pasta

C om e Spend Your Football Sunday W ith U s!

D rink Specials E very Sunday 118 Preble St., Portland, ME at the entrance to Downtown Portland

207-699-5959 • www.grdimillos.com

Pizza - Pasta - Parmagiana - Espresso - Cannoli - Steak

drugs and alcohol while protesting, police have been called to the park numerous times in recent weeks and have made at least 12 arrests. Within 24 hours on Thursday and Friday, police arrested five people in connection with four violent incidents.

In an interview yesterday, OccupyMaine spokeswoman Heather Curtis said limiting the occupation to one half of Lincoln Park was in part aimed at improving public safety.

“That’s part of the geographic piece,” she said when asked about recent crimes in the park. “Even though there are quite a few people on the other side of the fountain who are active and committed members of the movement, there are also people who want a place to pitch a tent and drink beer, which is not OK and not acceptable,” she said.

“I also enjoy drinking a beer on occasion, but I don’t do it in the park,” Curtis continued.

The group will not make a “distinction” between official members and non-members if it's forced to consolidate space, but urges its members to abide by standards of behavior, she said.

Earlier this month, the city discovered more than a dozen fire code violations during a tour of

Pizza - Pasta - Parmagiana - Espresso - Cannoli - Steak

BY CASEY CONLEY OccupyMaine has offered to remove tents from one half of Lincoln Park and attend to all fire code violations in exchange for an occupancy permit that lets them remain in the park for at least the next six months.

In a permit application submitted to City Hall yesterday, the anti-Wall Street protesters are asking the city to designate half of the park west of the water fountain as “a perpetual free speech, assembly and community building zone” for the next 179 days. That is the limit for permits dealing with nonpermanent structures.

Rather than set a hard cap on the number of persons and tents allowed in the park at any given time, the group wants space to dictate how many people can stay. Tents would be set up 10 feet apart in the designated area, and overnight campers would be limited based on that capacity.

OccupyMaine also wants approval to continue operating a half-dozen larger tents in the park, including a kitchen tent, a library, a warming teepee and a spiritual dome, among others. It also offered to seek another permit that allowed them to continue serving group meals.

City spokeswoman Nicole Clegg declined to comment on the application yesterday.

She confirmed only that staff had received the application and would begin reviewing it today. The proposal will be presented with staff comments to the city council’s Public Safety Committee on Thursday, Clegg said.

Protesters, which are affiliated with the Occupy Wall Street movement in New York City, have been camping in Lincoln Park on a nightly basis since Oct. 3. About 60 are there on any given night.

City officials and OccupyMaine protesters reached a tentative compromise last week requiring protesters to seek a permit to remain in the park. It will be up to city council to decide at its Dec. 7 meeting whether to approve the permit.

Although the Occupy movement espouses nonviolence and its members are asked to abstain from

Page 16 — THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Wednesday, November 30, 2011