Parallel Barker

Get it? Parallel Barker?! Uh?? Nothing? A quick search for 'parallel barker' on google leaves me to believe that this post will instantly be the #1 search result for that phrase.

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.

End of the Line

Down by the Narrow Gauge.

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.

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.

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.

Sabieng Thai Cuisine

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

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.

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.

Flashback: January 2009

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

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.

Folks dressed up like Eskimos