Sunday, January 31, 2010

Downtown Showdown 2010


From last night's 2nd annual Downtown Showdown, in Monument Square. There was a pretty good sized crowd in spite of the frigid temperatures.







Update - Check out some great video of the event here, from Mr. Houser.

Friday, January 29, 2010

Out and Around


For some reason I enjoy taking pictures of stairs.


This is a brick wall on High Street.
One could imagine that it seperates East Portland from West Portland if they wish.


I always liked this little group of buildings around the Flask Lounge at the corner of High/Spring.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Before & After: Power Plant

Did you know that there used to be a power plant on this patch of land on the South Portland waterfront? This view is from the bridge looking towards South Portland.


Here's a few from a similar perspective, from mainememory.net, circa 1940:

Mainememory's descritpion of image: "The power station in Portland Harbor was owned by Central Maine Power Company. Originally this was the site for a major drydock facility. The Portland and Cape Elizabeth Railroad had its direct current generating plant neaby, which then became part of the Portland Street railway, and eventually taken over by the Central Maine Power for AC power generation."

I'm not sure when it was torn down, but it has been gone for quite some time.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Burning Bridges

Probably should have focused in on the sign in this picture. It says "We'll burn that bridge when we get to it," and they (The Artist Studio?) update the saying/inspirational message on the sign every so often.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Sabieng Thai Cuisine

This is Sabieng, the restaurant at 21 Forest Avenue formerly known as Nakornping. They are delivery.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Just a snapshot from the bridge today:

Daily Portland fact: On average, there are only 18 days a winter when snowfall is more than 1 inch in a day.

Friday, January 22, 2010

The Smoking Traveler

Taken a few seconds before the photo I posted on Tuesday:

I was going for something dark and mysterious. I will try harder next time.

Looks like there might be a little bit of sun tomorrow morning, perhaps that will motivate me to get out there with the camera. Also, I feel compelled to make a new banner for the blog. Stay tuned.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Flashback: January 2009

Ahhh, January 2009. Simpler times, yes? Here are a few photos from that era.









Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Caution Falling Snow & Ice


I would have really liked this one if it didn't come out blurry (if I had used a slightly faster shutter speed) but I hurried so I could get the man in the colorful vest in the picture. Oh well. I usually see these types of signs on the side of buildings but these were on the sidewalk and harder to ignore / more effective. Do cities with taller buildings close off half of their sidewalks in the winter? Imagine being hit with a snowball that fell from 500+ feet!


And I liked the tone of this one.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Cold Water

Here's another shot from last night.


Looks like we've got some snow out there now. I might get a shot or two on the way to the bus/to work.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

The Brick is Back

I think the side of the Eastland Hotel provides a good backdrop for most any subject.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Stairmaster

This house is on Woodford Street. I give them points for stair creativity, but I think it takes away from the overall aesthetics of the building.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Sticky Snow

A snowy tree in Lincoln Park


Today's Tidbit: Per this item from the Maine Memory Network, there was a winter carnival in Portland in 1924 and they had a special ramp for ski jumpers on the western promenade. Can we bring this back? We'd just have to cut down a few trees I think.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

It's raining snow

A few shots from last weekend's snowstorm. I will likely post some more tomorrow.


Also, an ice clearing machine fell through the Deering Oaks pond this morning (no injuries or major damage, the pond is a couple feet deep). I thought it was funny that the Press Herald has a picture of each time this has happend.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Do you remember Walter?

The new Walter's recently opened at 2 Portland Square. Looks like a nice place inside. Check out some wonderful photos of the place here.


Friday, January 1, 2010

I figured I should get another shot of the tree in Monument Square before they take it down. Happy New Year!