A New Season

Truck "Nuts"

A trip to the Maine Mall on a Sunday was enhanced by the shocking sight shown below. I'd never seen such a thing on an actual truck, although I had once come upon a Web site that had some for sale.

I'd definitely say that this guy "has balls."

The Well-Dressed Ape

A new book by Hannah Holmes has just been released, which is in effect a field guide to the human animal. Homo sapiens are compared to the biology and behavior of other creatures, and their unique characteristics are explored.

I've known Hannah for many years and am a big fan of her writing. I compiled the index for her first book, Dust, and was the proofreader for Suburban Safari. Last summer, when this book was in its final stages, Hannah sent an e-mail to several friends asking for people to read the chapters and give feedback. Since I had time to spare, I read all ten chapters as she was finishing them up. I couldn't stop myself from picking up my red pencil when necessary, and I remember saying to Hannah, "What are you trying to do—hyphenate the entire world?"

I was thrilled when Hannah stopped by the other day to bring me a signed copy of the new book. This is what she wrote in her inscription:

    "My Dear Marge, Hater of the hyphen, my debt is matched only by my admiration." And she added my favorite symbol afterward, "XO."

And forgive me for adding that she also included me in her acknowledgments.

If you want to read a fascinating book that turns scientific facts into fun, get a copy of this excellent book now.

                                        A What?

You never know what you might see when you look down while walking. This is one of the strangest sights I've ever seen in my travels.

  It's a bit hard to tell, because the colors are all so similar. But believe me when I say that the item on the left is a piece of brick in a sock. And it appeared that the sock had been on it for such a long time that they have been joined forever.

I can't imagine why someone would want to dress up a brick, but here's proof that this did happen. And I was lucky enough to find it right at the corner of my block. 

A Hideous Idea for Our Library!

 

This is a rendering of what the Portland Public Library will look like after its renovation. There is a thirty-foot screen on the front of the building. It will broadcast video and audio feeds onto Monument Square.  

As far as I'm concerned, that screen represents an assault, not a welcome addition to public space. It will be visual and aural urban pollution of the downtown area. Oh, yes, it's presented as something very hip and modern.

Stephen Podgajny, the library's executive director, says the urban screen will draw the eye with its changing content, according to an interview he had with the Portland Press Herald. I expect it to be a thirty-foot annoyance, and almost everyone I know whose opinions I asked all felt the same way.

On the Press Herald's Web site, a comment left pertaining to an article on the city budget said this: "I can't wait for the new 30 ft tv screen on the outside of the soon to be renovated library on Congress St.

"I hope the remote control works."

Amen!

A Sure Sign of Spring

Well, look at this! Joe and Scott
are already lounging on the chairs of Joe's roof.

As you can see, it's quite early in this new season. The trees aren't even budding yet during this first week of spring. But that didn't prevent the guys from sitting on the roof in the two chairs that have become permanent fixtures up there.