Not your average tourist

Batman from Maine makes headlines with Superman from the Bronx in brawl downtown at Times Square. Thanks to Aaron for catching this. Read all about it at the New York Post, with photos (really, they're pretty amazing. I recommend you check them out)!

BIFF! WHAM! POW! TIMES SQ. COPS VS. SUPER HEROES
By BETH STEBNER and JENNIFER FERMINO
July 10, 2009

Superman and Batman took on New York's Finest last night in an epic Crossroads of the World battle that left the Caped Crusader in cuffs.

Stunned Times Square tourists and office workers watched agog as cops struggled to subdue Clark Kent's alter ego without kryptonite.
[...]
If that wasn't weird enough, McCormick turned and saw the Dark Knight handcuffed to a chair like a common villain.

"As this was happening, someone is like, 'It's Batman!' I turn around and there's Batman in handcuffs," he said.

Superman, aka Maksim Katsnelson, 23, of The Bronx, was arrested and charged with assault and resisting arrested, police said, accusing him of punching a female officer in the face while she was trying to subdue him.

The incident occurred when cops approached Katsnelson, who was panhandling, and asked him for ID.
[...]
"He freaked out and punched the girl cop in the face," Batman said later.

Cops cuffed Batman, actually Frank Frisoli, but let him go because he didn't cause any problems, he told The Post.

The Maine resident, who has been visiting the city for two weeks, said the two had dressed up as the super heroes for laughs.

"We were just having a good time," Frisoli said.

Their comic-book adventure went awry when cops approached the dynamic duo on 43rd Street to see whether they had the required license to perform in costume in public, Frisoli said.

When they said no, cops asked for IDs. Again, they answered no, which prompted cops to handcuff Batman.

That's when Superman took off, screaming, "I'm not getting arrested."
[...]

Additional reporting by Philip Messing

read full article here: [Source]

Rogue rose thievery

Well, you've read about weird crime here on the blog before, but this one is new to me. Portland's Deering Oaks park, just down the block from me, is a great place in the summer months, and many come simply to smell the roses in the gorgeous circle garden between High Street and State Street. Apparently, someone has been loving them too much, though. The city is looking for help in nabbing the crooks. The Portland Daily Sun reports:

Rose poachers steal color from city garden
By David Carkhuff, Staff writer

Rose poachers have become a thorn in the side of the city, stealing fresh blooms from a nationally recognized rose garden at Deering Oaks.

Gardeners at the Deering Oaks Rose Circle, located on the east end of the park next to State Street, noticed Monday that somebody had illegally cut roughly 100 roses from the display garden, according to John Shannon, horticultural supervisor with Portland Public Services.

"Somebody is starting to harvest," he said Tuesday. "We came in Sunday, and as of yesterday, it looked like somebody had cut 100 roses."

This was a repeat of a problem first noticed last year, he said.

The Rose Circle features 600 rose bushes and is one of only 134 rose gardens in the United States where the American Rose Society previews its "All American Rose Selections," offering a sneak peak of award-winning roses a year before they go on the market.

"It's a jewel to the city of Portland," Shannon said.

Last year was the first that city crews noticed large-scale thefts of roses, Shannon said, marking a new, disturbing trend.

"We've come in and found scissors on the ground. A lot of times it seems to be happening on a later Sunday," Shannon said.

On weekends and evenings, if someone in the public sees pruning happening in the rose circle, they should call the police, because it's not a city gardener but a vandal, he said.
[...]
But the bulk of the theft appears to be organized. Shannon said he's saddened to see the poaching, something that had not happened on this scale in the rose circle's 71-year history.
[...]
Anyone with information about the rose circle vandalism is asked to call Portland Police at 874-8479.

Read the full article here: [Source]

In Memoriam: Pat Murphy

The following article appeared in the most recent issues of the Strange Maine Gazette, which recently hit the streets, hot off the press.
---------------------

On returning from my trip to Amsterdam in April, I was met with sad news. Preston “Pat” Murphy, founder of Yes Books, and longtime Portland poet, had died. I hadn’t heard from Pat in some time, though I had kept writing to him at various locations until he removed himself from care. Every time I wrote, I also sent him the latest issue of the Gazette, which I can only imagine he got a good chuckle over.

Little did Pat know, but he was one of the first pieces of Strange Maine I was ever introduced to, when I stumbled upon Yes Books in its first location. It lurked on the dimly lit first floor of the big brick building at 20 Danforth Street which now houses the Portland Phoenix and other office-laden business pursuits.

I have very fond memories of bumbling about through the aisles of the shop, smelling the aroma of his godawful clove cigarettes and the soon familiar grumblings and declarations that emanated from the area of his front counter, which seemed perpetually under threat of collapse from all the books he piled upon it.

Back in the days of the early 1990s, Yes Books formed a bohemian alliance with jazzman Paul Lichter’s own restaurant, Cafe No (founded with poet David Snow), and Portland was much the better for it. Through the back stacks of Pat’s bookshop, you could see the little bistro tables of Cafe No, each covered neatly with paper just waiting to be doodled on. Everything in that domain was rife with possibility. It was a golden, shadowy moment in time that passed too quickly.

Cafe No closed, and Pat eventually had to move his bookstore in the spring of 2002. Now at 589 Congress Street, Yes Books remains a staple of Portland’s character, run these days by yet another local poet, Russ Sargent.

My last and only note from Pat came on a napkin, true to form, mailed from his lodgings at the VA Hospital before one of a few relocations. On the napkin, mixed in with his brief note, was a poem, and talk of rebelling and moving back to Portland.

I miss Pat. I miss his grumpy and matter-of-fact diatribes, delivered in his rough but clear voice. I miss how he would stash beat poetry, Charles Addams books, Edward Gorey books, and all his favorite treasures safe on the high shelves behind his front counter. I miss him pulling down something obscure and amazing to share with Tristan and I on our visits to his shop, no matter what the location.

I miss going to yard sales in search of books only to find Pat there ahead of me, hauling off stacks of delicious art books and who-knows-what. I miss the Pat that was, and I hope that young Portlanders in years to come have another Pat to make friends with, in spite of whatever gruff exterior they encounter. Because with your books, you need a bookman, someone who makes a place in the world that you can wander through to make friends with the books before you take them home.

Pat was many, many things in his life, but these are the things I remember him best for. Thank you, Darlene and Jon, for doing the best that you knew how.

Illustration: A favorite memory from the Danforth Street era of Yes Books: the bathroom toiletpaper dispenser with appropriately bookish and pop culture laden grafitti, recreated from memory. Beam me up, Scotty! Beam me up F. Scott Fitzgerald!!!

Zombie Kickball 2009 early reports

I've posted a batch of photos from this wacky romp in the mud here on Facebook -- please feel free to tag yourself if any of them happen to be of you! I have a few more to put up, but this should get y'all started.

The event was rain or shine, regardless of rumors to the contrary. In a wonderful surprise, a large crowd of players showed up, and an even larger crowd of spectators arrived shortly after, despite the weather. There was a lot of laughter and fun had by all, and a good pile of food and donations were collected for the Good Shepherd foodbank, so all in all it was a rousing success on all counts. Those interested in donating after the fact can contact the organizers through the MySpace Zombie Kickball page here: myspace.com/zombiekickball

Also, the Portland Press Herald did a full-color piece on the event in this morning's paper, which I can't seem to find on their website, but which has some cool photos. However, I did find the MaineToday.com blog of Caraslifka's ZK4 photos, which are great as well. Huzzah!

Plus, check out this great video on YouTube:

Video by Mark High, soundtrack by Covered in Bees

My favorite parts of the day? Zombie EMT, all the tiny zombies, seeing everyone under their umbrellas grinning through the rain, MUD everywhere!, the gorey Dr. Killjoy and assistant, awesome painted zombie jacket art by Rad Jackets Cheap Money, zombie brain cupcakes by Bobbie, and people hula-hooping in the spectator stands. Hooray for zombies!!!

Zombie Kickball IV - a reminder

Rain or shine. Carter Field, Eastern Prom, Portland, Maine. 2:00pm!!!

Muddy zombie fun for all!!!

Dress appropriately. Maybe bring a towel? :)

See you all there!

--------------------------------
COST: Free! Bring a non-perishable food donation for the Good Shepherd Food Bank to the game if you would like to keep humans alive.
FMI: www.myspace.com/zombiekickball
AFTERPARTY: Masses of the walking dead will be contained at the Space Gallery at 4:30pm! Covered in Bees, Lost Cause Desperados, and Ghosthunter will play to throngs of zombies. This is an all-ages after-party. Club opens up around 4, show gets going about 4:30pm. Cover is $5.
RAINDATE: We've been asked several times if there is a scheduled rain date for our event. There is no alternate day for our game. But there is rain predicted for this weekend - with scattered thunderstorms likely on Sunday. Please plan ahead and dress accordingly on game day. Clearly, we will all have to modify our costumes a little bit. And we may even have to modify our game. So let's keep our fingers crossed for a break in the weather!

The Good Shepherd Food Bank will be collecting cash and non-perisables, regardless of the weather, at both the game on the Eastern Prom and the show at Space.

2009 Paranormal & Psychic Faire!

Well folks, this upcoming annual event is a great way to meet a whole bunch of the strange side of Maine all at once, and have a great time doing it. And guess what? I'll be set up there alongside everyone else, in case any of you want to come chat or pick up back issues of the Strange Maine Gazette -- or a free copy of the new issue which will be debuting at the Faire. If all goes well, we may even have our t-shirts printed by then. See you there!

WHAT: 2009 Paranormal and Psychic Faire at Fort Knox
WHEN: Saturday July 4 & Sunday July 5, 2009
WHERE: 711 Fort Knox Road, Prospect, Maine (scroll down past schedule for directions)
COST: Regular Fort admission price (click here for a price list) plus a $2 event donation is requested
FMI: http://fortknox.maineguide.com/, or call (207)469-6553 or email fofk1@aol.com

2009 Fort Knox Paranormal and Psychic Faire
Tentative Schedule

Saturday, July 4th
10 AM – 4PM Psychics and vendors in the Fort Officer’s Quarters
10 AM – 4PM Lecturers will be available in the Visitor Center

Lecture Schedule
Lectures take place in the amphitheater at Visitor Center

10 AM- Paranormal Investigation Process, Equipment and Techniques
(Bangor Maine Ghost Hunters Association)

11 AM- How to Become a Dowser
(Gordon Barton, former President of American Dowsing Society)

12 Noon- UFOs? What Do You Think?
(Facilitated by local UFO enthusiast Cindy Proulx)

1 PM- Cryptozoology, the Study of Unknown and Undiscovered Animals
(Author and TV personality, Loren Coleman, Portland)

2 PM- Paranormal Investigation Process, Equipment and Techniques
(Bangor Maine Ghost Hunters Association)

3 PM- My Life as a Psychic and Empathic
(Darlene Flood professional psychic)



Sunday, July 5
10 AM – 4PM Psychics and vendors in the Fort Officer’s Quarters
10 AM – 4PM Lecturers will be available in the Visitor Center


Lecture Schedule
Lectures take place in the amphitheater at Visitor Center

10 AM- Paranormal Investigation Process, Equipment and Techniques
(Bangor Maine Ghost Hunters Association)

11 AM- How to Become a Dowser
(Gordon Barton, former President of American Dowsing Society)

12 Noon- UFOs? What Do You Think?
(Facilitated by local UFO enthusiast Cindy Proulx)

1 PM- Paranormal Investigation Process, Equipment and Techniques
(Bangor Maine Ghost Hunters Association)

2 PM- UFOs? What Do You Think?
(Facilitated by local UFO enthusiast Cindy Proulx)

3 PM- My Life as a Psychic and Empathic
(Darlene Flood professional psychic)

[Source]

Fort Knox is a State Historic Site owned and operated by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands.

To Find Fort Knox: Enter "711 Fort Knox Road, Prospect, Maine 04981" into GPS unit, Mapquest or Google Maps

From Belfast: Proceed north on US Rte 1, through Searsport and Stockton Springs, immediately before crossing the Penobscot Narrows Bridge, take a left onto Rte. 174. Fort Knox will be approximately 1/4 mile up on your right.

From Bar Harbor: Follow US Rte. 1 south across the Penobscot Narrows bridge, immediately adjacent to the town of Bucksport. Once over the bridge take a right onto Rte. 174. Fort Knox will be approximately 1/4 mile up on your right.

From Bangor: On Rte. 1A South....follow Rte 1A South through the towns of Hampden, Winterport, Frankfort and Prospect. In Prospect Center, take a left onto Rte. 174. Follow Rte 174 approximately 4 miles. Fort Knox will be on your left. On Rte 15 South....follow Rte 15 South through the city of Brewer and the towns of Orrington and Bucksport. In Bucksport, take a right onto US Rte.1 South and proceed over the Penobscot Narrows bridge. Immediately upon exiting the bridge take a right onto Rte. 174. Fort Knox will be approximately 1/4 mile up on your right

Ghosthunting in swanky style

Ghosthunters often expect to be subject to the vagaries of the elements and the uncertain structure of the sometimes-abandoned buildings that they haunt. Not so those who attend the upcoming New England Ghosthunting Cruise! Sounds like fun, and the pricetag isn't marked too high, for those who have several hundred to throw at a mini-getaway this fall. (Check out the crazy photo of the 10-story Centrum lobby of the Jewel of the Sea, which the cruise is being held aboard!) Read on...

Great Deals on a Ghost Hunter Cruise ... as You Enjoy Spectacular New England Fall Foliage!
By Darlene Perrone

On Oct 17, 2009, through the combined efforts of Mark Nesbitt and The Ghosts of Gettysburg Tours, Travel Virginia Magazine, Cruise Holidays of Alexandria, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, history and paranormal enthusiasts will have the opportunity to embark on a Historic Ghost Hunter Cruise on the Jewel of the Seas, Oct.17-Oct. 22 while enjoying the spectacular New England Fall Foliage!

Mark Nesbitt, one of the nation’s leading paranormal investigators, internationally acclaimed author, historian, and ghost tour expert, will be serving as the Ghost-Host on this voyage. Saturday, Oct 17, guest will depart on a 5 day cruise up the historic, haunted, New England and Canadian coast. Ports of call include Portland, Maine; Halifax, Canada; and Bar Harbor, Maine. At each Port of Call, the group will have the option of taking pre-arranged onshore ghost tours of the local towns, lighthouses, graveyards, etc.

While onboard, they will be thrilled and chilled during presentations and demonstrations as Mark takes them through some of his many encounters and experiences. The group will also have the chance to learn how ghost hunting equipment is used... and try it themselves. For those interested in the Civil War, this cruise will also offer the opportunity to talk with Mark about his years of research, his books, philosophies... and why he thinks some of those who were there, still walk among us!

Once back in Boston, they can extend the trip with an overnight stay at the beautiful historic Park Plaza Hotel. While in Boston, where they will experience a guided Trolley Tour of the historic haunts of Boston, with its legends of Lizzy Borden and the Boston Strangler.

About the Ship
Jewel of the Seas is one of the newer ships on Royal Caribbean. It boasts the 'ultimate' cruise experience, offering incredible ocean views from the 10 story, glass constructed Centrum, and glass elevators facing the sea. It is more spacious. It also boasts highest percentage of outside cabins in the Royal Caribbean fleet. In addition, the ship offers:
Rock-climbing wall
Portofino Italian Restaurant
Chops Grille
Latté-tudes,SM a specialty coffee house featuring Seattle's Best Coffee®
Seaview Café
Themed bars and lounges
Casino RoyaleSM
The Colony Club, a unique British colonial-style lounge with self-leveling pool tables
Beautiful indoor Solarium
Indoor/outdoor country club with golf simulator
Adventure Ocean® youth facilities
Day Spa and Fitness Center
Sports court with basketball/volleyball court

About Mark Nesbitt
Mark Nesbitt is a former National Park Service Ranger/Historian. He started his own research and writing company in 1977. Nesbitt started the Ghosts of Gettysburg Candlelight Walking Tours® in 1994. In addition to his “Ghosts of Gettysburg” book series, his stories have been seen/heard on The History Channel, A&E, The Travel Channel, Unsolved Mysteries, Coast to Coast AM and numerous local television programs and specials. Mark and the Ghosts of Gettysburg Investigative Team were featured in The Travel Channel’s Mysterious Journeys: The Ghosts of Gettysburg. Mark also owns and operates the Ghosts of Fredericksburg Tours in Fredericksburg, VA.

About the Boston Park Plaza Hotel
Boston Park Plaza Hotel is located 3 Miles from Logan International Airport with all public transportation at its front door.

This beautiful hotel, built in 1927, is a Member of Historic Hotels of America. At one time, it was called a "city within a city". Now, it boasts some of Boston's most famous restaurants and lounges, including Todd English's Bonfire Steakhouse, McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant and Smith & Wollensky's Steakhouse located in The Castle at Park Plaza. Guests who enter this grand hotel step into its palatial lobby and can easily appreciate its historic charm and grandeur.

Prices for this particular cruise are incredibly affordable, starting at a mere $514.39pp for an inside stateroom, $664.39 for an ocean view stateroom and only $794.39 for a stateroom with a balcony!

For more information on how to book this cruise, follow this link - http://www.yourcruisesource.com/d/6907313_36448.htm

[Source]
Photos from Destination Travel Magazine

The Phantoms of Lewiston

Over at the Lewiston Sun Journal, intrepid reporter Mark LaFlamme spent some time this past December musing on the whereabouts of the well-known people of the Lewiston streets. Portland has many of its own, definitely room for another article there!

Wither the phantoms?
By Mark LaFlamme
Wednesday, December 17, 2008 05:00 am

Nameless friends, where art thou? For so many years, you were ubiquitous and you fascinated me, but now you have vanished like migratory birds flown off to some unknown land.
[...]
I haven't seen the Flag Man in months, maybe a year. I wonder where he has gone and whether he is properly equipped with the American flag that so comforts him.

I don't see the Twirling Lady so much, either. Since 1994, I watched her floating along the sidewalks, moving with a concept of time that is wholly apart from what the rest of us know. Every 20 feet or so, she would pause and consider the ground beneath her. She would spin in a lazy circle there on the sidewalk, her quiet charm to ward away whatever evil she had spotted.

I know her name is Nancy and I know she likes grilled cheese sandwiches. But I don't know where she goes for long stretches anymore than I know where butterflies go when it rains. She is there one day and gone the next, another phantom with a back story I might never hear.
[...]
Read the full article here: [Source]

Frye Island community

Down East Magazine has a great article on Frye Island this month. Check it out!

Temporary Town
By Virginia Wright

There is no school in the town of Frye Island. There is no church, either. No commerce, no industry. No historical society. Not even a cemetery memorializing founding fathers and prominent families. In many ways, Frye Island is a town that defies the meaning of the word, but legally, even a bit notoriously, it passes the test.

The thousand-acre island in Sebago Lake made national news eleven years ago when it seceded from the town of Standish, earning it bragging rights as Maine’s most unusual town. Frye is the state’s only freshwater island community and the only town that completely shuts down for half the year. Come the first Monday in November, the ferries stop running, the water system is drained, the public buildings are shuttered, and Frye becomes a ghost town. It remains that way until late April, when the first of the 1,400 residents (2,600 on high season weekends) begin trickling across the Gut, the deep, five hundred yard-wide channel that separates Frye from Raymond Neck.

Read the full article here: [Source]

I recommend reading the full article, especially for the comments that residents of the island have added to the story. Great stuff!