Fun NH/ME Weekend PART 2: Apple and Peach picking and an Interesting Guy

 What do you do for entertainment in southern Maine and New Hampshire? Well, the weekend of August 24-25th offered  Apple and Peach picking and a Pride Festival, so we did both!  Last Monday you read about the Pride Festival. Today's blog is about the Apple and Peach Picking and an interesting guy we met, who was holding a yard sale.  

GOOD PICKINGS?  - In the local newspaper one of the nearby farms (about 20 minutes away from us in southern Maine) advertised for blueberry, apple, peach and corn picking! So, we decided to go. The farm was huge and it was located in Wells, Maine (which also abuts to the Atlantic Ocean if you go as far east as possible). 

APPLE AND PEACH PICKING - It turns out that the Blueberry season in southern Maine is in June and July. Since we went at the end of August, there was nothing left. Same with Strawberries, which apparently ripen in June and July. So, we opted for the one type of Apple ready. Couldn't tell you the name of it... but Tom was better at picking because he's taller. We also got about 6 peaches, because they weren't yet ripe. So, it was a short trip with about 12 apples and 6 peaches, but it was fun nonetheless.   

SPILLER FARM - Located in Wells, this farm also had raspberries, corn, tomatoes, cantaloupe and more. It's a cash-only business, too. It's also a bring your own Bag place. Fortunately, we always have reusable bags in the pickup truck.  Here's the website: http://spillerfarm.com/  

(The peaches were not yet ripe)

INTERESTING YARD SALER - On the way to the farm, we saw a rancher-style house on the road (it was a very rural main road, one lane each way)- and houses were right up on the road. The homeowner put a Garage Sale sign up and had about 10 tables of glassware, toys, books, clothes, tools, you name it!  - So we stopped. The man was about 75 or so, balding with a long white beard, and sun tanned, wrinkled face with a smile. Turns out he invented a type scalpel that cauterizes wounds. He told us how he would travel for 2 weeks at a time between hospitals. We learned he made a great living, and his wife ran a daycare, but has since passed (which accounted for all the toys from the 1970s and 80s).  Fascinating guy!  

NEXT MONDAY: Part 3: Exploring Historic Downtown Kennebunk 

Idiot of the Week; KARMA in Action: Arrested: Former Colorado clerk Tina Peters, one-time hero to election deniers

 This week's idiot is a recipient of KARMA.  She is one of the election deniers from the election of 2020, who also decided to commit other crimes and was arrested: Former Colorado clerk Tina Peters. was convicted of a computer breach. 

(Photo: Tina Peters. Credit: AP)

Former Colorado clerk Tina Peters, one-time hero to election deniers, convicted in computer breach

By COLLEEN SLEVIN, Associated Press, August 12, 2024

DENVER (AP) — Former Colorado clerk Tina Peters, the first local election official to be charged with a security breach after the 2020 election as unfounded conspiracy theories swirled, was found guilty by a jury on most charges Monday.

Peters, a one-time hero to election deniers, was accused of using someone else’s security badge to give an expert affiliated with My Pillow chief executive Mike Lindell access to the Mesa County election system and deceiving other officials about that person’s identity.

Lindell is a prominent promoter of false claims that voting machines were manipulated to steal the election from Donald Trump. His online broadcasting site has been showing a livestream of Peters’ trial and sending out daily email updates, sometimes asking for prayers for Peters and including statements from her.

Prosecutors said Peters was seeking fame and became “fixated” on voting problems after becoming involved with those who had questioned the accuracy of the 2020 presidential election results.

The breach Peters was charged of orchestrating heightened concerns over potential insider threats, in which rogue election workers sympathetic to partisan lies could use their access and knowledge to launch an attack from within.

Peters was convicted of three counts of attempting to influence a public servant, one count of conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, first-degree official misconduct, violation of duty and failing to comply with the secretary of state.

She was found not guilty of identity theft, one count of conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation and one count of criminal impersonation, rejecting that in those instances Peters had used the identity of the security badge’s owner, a local man named Gerald Wood, without his permission.

She will be sentenced Oct. 3. Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, whose office helped launch the investigation into Peters, said she will now face the consequences for compromising her own election equipment “trying to prove Trump’s Big Lie.”

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said the verdict sent a message. “Today’s verdict is a warning to others that they will face serious consequences if they attempt to illegally tamper with our voting processes or election systems. I want to be clear—our elections are safe and fair,” he said in a statement.

Heroes of the Week: Prince George's County Maryland Firefighters Free a Fawn

Firefighters are heroes and they're asked to do a lot of different things. This week's heroes are firemen from Maryland who were called to help free a fawn stuck in a fence!

 

Firefighters were able to calm the baby, who was uninjured, and set it free. The fawn scampered off to its momma, who was watching the action closely from the nearby woods. (Photo courtesy of the Prince George's Fire and Rescue Department)

Fawn Trapped In Fence Rescued By Prince George's Firefighters

PATCH NEWS, Aug 27, 2024

A fawn trapped in a wrought iron fence was rescued Friday by Prince George's firefighters and reunited with her mom.

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Firefighters from Station 842 in Oxon Hill helped rescue a fawn who was trapped in a wrought iron fence near their fire station Friday.

Firefighters were able to calm the baby, who was uninjured, and set it free. The fawn scampered off to its momma, who was watching the action closely from the nearby woods.

(Photo: Official Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department Page) 

Awesome Supernatural Fiction: Dead Waters by Anton Strout: You'll want to read it quickly- it's that good!

 As a guy who works with paranormal stuff daily in my off-time, I happened upon a fiction book about a team of paranormal investigators with various supernatural powers. The book "Dead Waters" by Anton Strout was the fourth in the "Simon Canderous" series, and it was so darn good I read it in about 5 days (that's fast for me). Wow. The characters were great, the story was an intriguing mystery and the villains were crazy. Here's my take on this fun book! 

ABOUT THE CHARACTERS -  Simon Canderous a 20-something guy, has a power where he can touch something and see whom touched it in the past and what happened to them. His girlfriend Jane has the power of technomancy- the ability to read into technology and use it against adversaries. Their colleague Connor is a medium who can communicate with earthbound ghosts, Connor's older brother, Aiden is 40 year-old vampire. Together they work for an organization that investigates all things paranormal. They are managed by a 60 something man called "The Inspectre" (ghost pun here!). 

THE BOOK WAS AMAZING - I loved the characters. The writer allows you to visualize what's happening very easily. When you think you've figured out what's happening, there's a twist, and when the various villains are unveiled it gets crazy. Villains call on underwater zombies and ghosts from horrible ship accidents- and those aren't the main protagonists! I had a hard time putting this book down, and I ordered the first 3 in the series already. This was book 4, and it hooked me. 

ABOUT THE BOOK - Simon Canderous, of the Department of Extraordinary Affairs, is used to fighting vampires and zombies. But the strange murder of a professor has everyone stumped. And it's making some people crazy. Literally.

Siberian gold miners accidentally find ancient woolly rhino mummy!

Last month I shared a story about an amazing find of a Woolly Mammoth partially intact. This time, it's an ancient Woolly Rhinocerous! It was an accidental discovery, too. Here's the cool story.

(Image: The woolly rhino horn that was discovered next to a mummified carcass placed on a fossilized skull in a museum. (Image credit: Michiel Yakovlev/NEFU)

Siberian gold miners accidentally find ancient woolly rhino mummy with horn and soft tissues still intact

  LIVE SCIENCE, By Hannah Osborne Aug 7, 2024

Mummified woolly rhino discovered by miners in Russia's Sakha Republic to be fully excavated in the coming months, as researchers begin studying its intact horn.

Gold miners in Siberia recently unearthed a mummified woolly rhino carcass with its horn and soft tissues still intact. The miners in the Sakha Republic, came across the carcass while excavating the site of a new quarry.

Photos of the remains, found in the Oymyakon District, appeared on the Russian social media site Telegram on Aug. 2.

Following the discovery, researchers at the North-Eastern Federal University (NEFU) in Yakutsk visited the site and recovered the rhino's horn. The rest of the mummified woolly rhinoceros (Coelodonta antiquitatis) will be excavated in the coming months, according to a translated statement from the NEFU.

"This is a truly unique find that will allow us to study the history of the region, its ancient fauna, climate and geological conditions in more depth," Anatoly Nikolaev, rector of the NEFU, said in the statement.

The permafrost in Siberia provides ideal conditions for the preservation of ancient creatures. The cold conditions mummify the remains, normally dehydrating soft tissues and locking them away in a frozen "time capsule."

(Image: The woolly rhino horn was taken to the NEFU where it is being studied by scientists. (Image credit: Michiel Yakovlev/NEFU)

The discovery of soft tissue is rare and allows scientists to get a far better insight into the life of the animal and the environment at the time it died compared to skeletal remains. It also provides a better opportunity to extract ancient DNA from the remains.

Maxim Cheprasov, senior researcher and head of the laboratory of the NEFU Mammoth Museum, said this is only the fifth time scientists have found a woolly rhino with intact soft tissues. "Until today, there was no such rare find in the collection of the Mammoth Museum," he said in the statement. "In the modern history of NEFU, this is the first such find."

Woolly rhinos mainly lived during the Pleistocene epoch (2.6 million to 11,700 years ago), first appearing about 300,000 years ago across northern Eurasia. As the last ice age ended, their range contracted until they only inhabited parts of Siberia — eventually going extinct about 10,000 years ago as a result of the changing climate and human activity.

NEFU researchers plan to study the horn before the rest of the remains are excavated. "According to morphological parameters, it belonged to a mature individual," Cheprasov said. "The exact biological age and sex of the animal will be determined after a comprehensive study of the carcass itself."

The woolly rhino discovery is one of several projects at the NEFU to learn about the ice age megafauna of Siberia. In June, researchers undertook a necropsy (animal autopsy) of a 44,000 year old mummified wolf pulled from the permafrost in Republic of Sakha.

Rob the Reporter in Action: Capturing a Car Fire on a Highway

 On Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 we were traveling north in southern Maine when we suddenly saw a huge plume of black smoke rise up in the sky some miles ahead of us. Since I was in the passenger seat, I was able to capture the event and share it with 3 local television stations.

BLACK SMOKE AHEAD!  - Because it was easy to see the thick column of black smoke rising from 2 miles away, drivers on the Maine Turnpike heading north immediately cleared the right lane for emergency vehicles. The Biddeford, Maine Fire Department and Police Department vehicles were able to speed to the flaming car without delay and in the time we were still inching forward, they put out the flames (you can see by the first photo the smoke appeared more light grey). 

MAINE DRIVERS VERSUS OUT OF STATE DRIVERS - The firetrucks and police vehicles stopped at the scene and blocked the right lane. Once they were up there, we noticed lots of drivers speed up in the right lane and slam brakes on before the fire trucks, then try to get over into the left lanes. ALL of the cars except 1 car, all had Out of State License Plates. At least MAINERS have common sense and move over (except for the 1 idiot woman from Maine  - I saw who it was because she drove past us)

PICTURES AND REPORTING - As we slowly drove by, I took a few pictures and the car was a total loss- nothing left but the front end and the steel frame.  I decided to contact the three Portland News television stations and send them the photos and my report- since it would help travelers going north toward Portland, Maine from NH and Massachusetts. 

(Final photo: The Biddeford Fire Department extinguished the blaze. Credit: R.G.) 

Horrible architecture Part 2: Exterior Nightmares

 Last week, I shared Horrible architecture Part 1: Interior Nightmares. Today, I'll present several external nightmares of architecture, thanks to the Facebook group, "That's it, I'm Architecture Shaming." The pictures speak for themselves. 

Fun NH/ME Weekend PART 1: Rochester, NH Pride Fest

Mondays on my blog are about local things we do, or local events and things. Today is a "What did you do - Blog." What do you do for entertainment in southern Maine and New Hampshire? Well, the weekend of August 24-25th offered  Apple and Peach picking and a Pride Festival, so we did both! Today's blog is about the Pride Event and some really good organizations we encountered there. 

PRIDE DAY -  On Saturday, August 24, the city of Rochester, New Hampshire held its own Pride Festival. One of the main streets was blocked off and there were a bunch of vendors. This is the 2nd year we attended (we moved nearby to southern Maine, 1 year ago) and the weather was perfect.  

AN LGBTQ BAND - We're unsure about the name of the band, but the musicians ranged in age from their 20s to their 70s and they were good! One of the songs they did was by the eurythmics called "Sweet Dreams (are made of these)" and it was well done!  

OTHER VENDORS - The Mass General Brigham hospital was there, and asked attendees about concerns in health care for LGBTQ people. That was really thoughtful. There were a number of "Get out the Vote" booths, Black Lives Matter, jewelry and crafts vendors and 2 others I'll spotlight that we found interesting:

WHO IS 603 FORWARD? - In tackling the generational crisis facing New Hampshire, 603 Forward educates, engages, and activates working-age adults to drive pro-next-generation policy change and support like-minded leaders in their pursuit of public office. Whether it’s testifying at hearings, engaging with local elected officials, knocking doors for a young leader or recruiting the next generation to public office, 603 Forward is building a future for our generation to thrive. Website: https://www.603forward.org/

(Photo of a woman with a Weimaraner, that made me miss our Dolly) 

POPE MEMORIAL HUMANE SOCIETY OF COCHECO VALLEY -A community-funded, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, Pope Memorial Humane Society (PMHS) is dedicated to promoting the humane treatment of animals in Strafford County, NH and Southern Maine. We are a safe, temporary home for more than 1,000 surrendered, lost, abused, neglected, or unwanted animals each year. https://popememorialcvhs.org/

COMICS SHOP! - My comic book shop is in Rochester, and just a 4 minute walk from the festivities, so we dropped in (although we go every Wednesday). Of course, I had to get something! 

PART 2: Next Monday: Apple and Peach Picking and an Interesting Guy

Idiot of the Week: NH Motorcyclist Caught After Speeding 141mph on Highway

This week's idiot is a 21 year old who decided to push his motorcycle to over 140mph, Over twice the speed LIMIT. He was apparently in good company that weekend because he was one of 10 idiots caught speeding excessively on New Hampshire Highways.

(Photo: Aaron LaFlower (New Hampshire State Police)) 

NH motorcyclist clocked at over 140 mph, police pull over 30 drivers on I-93

by Ariana St Pierre, WGMEMon, June 17th 2024

BOW, New Hampshire (WGME) -- Police say a motorcyclist is facing charges after reaching speeds of up to 141 mph on a New Hampshire highway.

New Hampshire State Police say troopers stopped 21-year-old Aaron LaFlower of Belmont, New Hampshire, on Sunday on I-93 in Bow after clocking him at speeds between 124 mph and 141 mph while passing other vehicles.

LaFlower was arrested and charged with reckless operation. LaFlower was released on personal recognizance bail.

Police say LaFlower was one of 30 people pulled over on I-93 on Sunday. They say nine other vehicles were stopped for driving over 100 miles per hour.

Good News of the Week: Negotiated!! Lower Costs of blood thinner and diabetes medications!

This week's "Hero of the Week" is replaced by "Good News of the Week," in order to not be political. :)  The good news is about people who take medications for blood thinners and diabetes.

Deals struck to cut prices of popular Medicare drugs that cost $50 billion yearly 

 August 15, 2024, Associated Press, By AMANDA SEITZ and ZEKE MILLER

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is taking a victory lap after federal officials inked deals with drug companies to lower the price for 10 of Medicare’s most popular and costliest drugs, but shared few immediate details about the new price older Americans will pay when they fill those prescriptions.

White House officials said Wednesday night they expect U.S. taxpayers to save $6 billion on the new prices, while older Americans could save roughly $1.5 billion on their medications. Those projections, however, were based on dated estimates and the administration shared no details as to how they arrived at the figures.

Nonetheless, the newly negotiated prices — still elusive to the public as of early Thursday morning — will impact the price of drugs used by millions of older Americans to help manage diabetes, blood cancers and prevent heart failure or blood clots.

The drugs include the blood thinners Xarelto and Eliquis and diabetes drugs Jardiance and Januvia. Medicare spent $50 billion covering the drugs last year.

It’s a landmark deal for the Medicare program, which provides health care coverage for more than 67 million older and disabled Americans. For decades, the federal government had been barred from bartering with pharmaceutical companies over the price of their drugs, even though it’s a routine process for private insurers.

Can Medicare money protect doctors from abortion crimes? It worked before, desegregating hospitals “This meant that drug companies could basically charge whatever they want for life-saving treatments people rely on, and all Americans paid the price,” White House adviser Neera Tanden told reporters in a Wednesday night call.

The drug deals will become a focal point for Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, especially since she cast the tie-breaking vote to pass the law. She will join President Joe Biden Thursday to announce the drug prices, their first joint speaking appearance since she replaced him at the top of the Democratic ticket, as they both struggle to convince voters that costs will trend down after years of above-normal inflation.

PHARMA COMPANIES TRIED TO STOP LOWER PRICES Powerful pharmaceutical companies unsuccessfully tried to file lawsuits to stop the negotiations, which became law in 2022, when a Democratic-controlled Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act, overhauling several Medicare prescription drug regulations. But executives of those companies have also hinted in recent weeks during earnings calls that they don’t expect the negotiations to impact their bottom line.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which oversaw the dealmaking, is expected to release the final drug prices later Thursday. The new prices won’t go into effect until 2026. Next year, the Department of Health and Human Services can select another 15 drugs for price negotiations.

LOWERING THE DEFICIT

Before the drug prices were finalized, the Congressional Budget Office estimated the negotiations could save the federal government $25 billion in 2031.

The official event comes a day before Harris is set to unveil part of her economic agenda on Friday in North Carolina, where she was aiming to roll out other ways she plans to help cut costs and boost incomes for the middle class.

Horrible architecture Part 1: Interior Nightmares

 Recently I was introduced to a facebook group called "That’s It, I’m Architecture Shaming," and since hubby is an architect, here are a few winners. The pictures speak for themselves.

 (Yes, you have to walk on the counter to go upstairs to the 2nd floor) 

ABOUT THE GROUP:  Just a group where architecture addicts shame bad architecture and praise weird or interesting architecture! This is a Kate Wagner stan account 🥰 When we shame, we shame things, not people. Enjoy the meats of our architectural stew (https://www.facebook.com/groups/architectureshaming)

(Putting a bed over the stairway looks a little dangerous...) 

(Good luck getting to that Washing Machine)

(A stairway to the upstairs for very thin people)

(One of these doors leads outside, the other to an inside room... good luck getting to wherever you're going)

 

 

Karma and Stupidity: Don't Park in a Place Saying "You'll be Towed"

If you're dumb enough to park your car in a lot that says "Your car will get towed 24 hours a day/7 days a week," and it gets towed, don't cry about it. That's what happened to idiots who attended a Trump rally in North Carolina. KARMA. Because these people show hatred and intolerance toward others, and do something else stupid, Karma was their "reward." It's a good lesson. Here's the story.

(Photo: Trump supporters stranded after their cars towed from a no parking area.) 

Dozens stranded after vehicles towed during Trump campaign rally

 By Ron Lee and Jordan Gartner,WBTV-TV, Jul. 25, 2024 CHARLOTTE, N.C.

 (WBTV/Gray News) - Dozens of people found themselves stranded following former President Donald Trump’s campaign rally in Charlotte on Wednesday.

Parking was at a premium after crowds swarmed the Bojangles Coliseum’s parking lots to hear the Republican presidential nominee’s speech.

Some of those who attended said they spoke to a manager at a nearby Dunkin’ location who told them they could park on the property.

However, the attendees said when they returned to the lot after the campaign event, they found their vehicles gone.

While the drivers were inside the rally, tow trucks showed up and began hooking up vehicles.

“The managers inside promised that they could park here,” attendee Zander DeSoto said. “Some of the people even gave money to the people inside.”

However, those who had their cars towed now had to pay hundreds of dollars to the towing company to get their vehicles back.

Gotcha Towing, the group responsible for pulling the cars, said there was a sign in the lot that warned drivers about illegally parked cars being removed. The company added that the manager of the Dunkin’ store contacted them, asking them to tow the vehicles off the property.

The towing company said the drivers would have to pay $380 to get their vehicles. “Something very fishy going on here, because I’ve never seen anything like this happen before,” another rally attendee said.

Another person said when they went to confront the Dunkin’ manager the store employees locked the doors and refused to come out.

“The whole parking lot is gone … everybody,” he said. “They locked the doors; they won’t answer our calls and they won’t even answer at the window.”

The Crump family said they drove more than two hours for Wednesday’s rally and parked at the Dunkin’ store just to find their vehicle towed.

“Other people were saying the same thing too, that we could park here,” the family shared.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police ended up responding and shuttled some of the drivers to the towing yard to get their vehicles out.

Copyright 2024 WBTV via Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Almost Got Scammed from "Penguin Publishing" to "increase my book distribution."

Recently I was contacted by a man named Lucas who said he was with "Penguin Publishing" and he was contacting me because he noticed I had a number one selling book on Amazon. He said "Penguin" is reaching out to self-published authors with a program to help them get a wider distribution into libraries, brick-and-mortar bookstores, and other places. He said they have a program that will give authors a chance to publish with them and keep 100% of profits, while they get paid by bookstores (which doesn't make sense, because bookstores also have to get a profit)... It sounded weird to me. But I thought, "Wow, after Four number 1 selling books (I have 4) on Amazon, a major publisher is giving me a chance. Well, after 7 days of daily back and forth, and many questions I had, I was saved by my credit card - who flagged it. - That's the topic of today's blog.

If you read paperbacks, you know the real name is "Penguin Random House" or "Penguin.com" - But when you've been hoping to finally be discovered after 15 years of self-publishing and working your ass off to get minimal recognition, you may not do your checking -which I didn't and should have. This guy said he was from "PenguinPublishing.com" (and penguinbookpublication.com)  - and it's NOT a real website. They apparently TOOK the penguin symbol from the true publisher and put it on their fake website.

SOME THINGS THAT TIPPED ME OFF - The "representative" was nice enough. He was obviously from India, and had an accent - but I thought nothing of it. Then when I asked a question about how royalties work, he transferred me to another man, also of Indian descent with an accent. I asked about a website to read their policies, and they said this isn't really spelled out on their website. RED FLAG #1. 

 The original guy called me back the next day and asked if I was ready to commit, and said since I have 11 books, and four number 1 sellers, he would cut the cost from $1300 to $699 if I would agree to have them do more books. Seemed reasonable. 

He then sent me a "payment website link" - which went to something called Coaxil or something (Can't remember)- it had the "Penguin" logo on it, too. I entered my credit card info, and immediately got a FRAUD ALERT TEXT from my bank  (RED FLAG #2), and a Fraud Alert email.  Since I thought there was something wrong, I agreed with the bank to Cancel the transaction immediately, and REPLACE MY CREDIT CARD.  

I called "Lucas" and told him about the Fraud Alert. He said "it happens sometimes, and you just need to say it's okay. I asked to talk with someone in billing, and meanwhile checked "penguinpublishing.com" from his email (they've tried to think of everything). - It has MIS-SPELLINGS ON IT - RED FLAG #3. That confirmed a SCAM.

The "accounting person" was also a man of Indian descent, - RED FLAG #4. There's no way there are three men all of Indian descent answering all questions. The "accounting guy" said, "just hit okay and process the payment." I told him absolutely not, and that my credit card has already been canceled. 

FINALLY -  I did an Internet search and this is what I found- "Penguin Publishers.com" IS A Scam!! 

I experienced the same as the person who published the post below on Reddit. 

FROM REDDIT:   PenguinBookPublication.com Real or Scam? 

I was looking for information about getting a book deal with a publisher when I came across this website https://penguinbookpublication.com/. FYI, I mistook them for Penguin Random House and didn't realize the difference until later.

When I spoke to a live representative and told them that I was struggling to find the time to write, they offered an alternative service that would allow me to write the outline of the story, and meet with someone over the phone for two hours every week to discuss each chapter of the book. After that, a ghostwriter would write the story on my behalf, with them estimating a 2 month period after which the book would be finished. After that, they would market the book on sites like Amazon and help me publish it. I would get full rights to the manuscript, and a full money back guarentee if I was disatisfied with their services.

They said it would be $800 for this service. I was excited at first, but my gut keeps telling me that there's something wrong here. They have a LinkedIn page, but no real people attatched to it to try and verify it.

Enjoyed the "Batman: Caped Crusader," new animated series (Amazon Prime)

As a superhero and comic book fan, I've watched many superhero cartoons- and recently enjoyed the latest Batman Cartoon- set in the 1940s. The stories and animations are really well done. The creators have also done some race and gender replacements with some of the supporting characters, but they work - even for a die-hard comics reader. There's also a video in today's blog that points them out (see below). 

   This is only a 10-episode debut, and it will leave you wanting more. Even Tom, who isn't a superhero fan, really enjoyed it. So give it a watch! Today's blog provides a description of the cartoon and a trailer for it. See it! 

Trailer for "Batman: Caped Crusader," an animated series

Batman: Caped Crusader assembles a rogues' gallery unlike any other! This video dives deep into EVERY villain confirmed for the series, from classic foes like Catwoman and Two-Face to obscure picks like Firebug and (Hawkman's enemy) the Gentleman Ghost. We'll explore their motivations, powers, and what their inclusion might mean for the show's gritty, 1940s atmosphere. Buckle up, Bat-fans, because Gotham City is about to get CROWDED! 

 VIDEO: https://youtu.be/AdzSiO-7LyM?si=BNUUAdX0wdy3C8g-

Top 10 Biggest Changes in Batman Caped Crusader

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VIDEO: https://youtu.be/CnSV7CdFtZs?si=4CGTQZ0VMn9sAgFj

 

 ABOUT THIS VIDEO: The latest entry in the animated Batman pantheon doesn't shy away from making some big changes. Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down the biggest changes to the Batman mythos in the latest animated series, “Batman: Caped Crusader”. Our countdown of the biggest changes made in "Batman: Caped Crusader" includes The Penguin, Gentleman Ghost, The Batkids, and more! Let us know in the comments which villains you want to see reimagined in “Caped Crusader” season 2!

Rob Teaching 2024 Fall Classes @Noble Adult & Community Education

 Rob Gutro, Author/Medium will be returning to teach more Paranormal courses for the FALL 2024 SEMESTER at the Noble Adult and Community Education school, 100 Noble Way, No. Berwick, Maine! Classes will begin in October and run through early December.

INFO: https://noble.maineadulted.org/

Phone: 207.676.3223 Email: nace@msad60.org

Office hours are: Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 8:30 pm

OCTOBER 1:  Pets and the Afterlife

Learn how pets in spirit have the ability to send signals to the living, and wait for us in the afterlife. Rob Gutro, medium, paranormal investigator, scientist and author of Pets and the Afterlife series (books 1,2,3 and 4) will discuss how to cope with grief after losing a beloved pet. He will identify the signs they give us and the science behind why living pets can sense entities. By the end of the talk, you'll be able to find the signs from your pets in spirit. Based on Rob’s #1 selling and award winning series of books, “Pets and the Afterlife.”

OCTOBER 8:  Ghosts of the Bird Cage Theatre: On a Medium’s Vacation

The Bird Cage is one of the most haunted buildings in Tombstone, Arizona. It is known for its colorful history in the 1880s as a playhouse, gambling den, saloon, and house of prostitution where several murders were committed and ghosts linger.  Upon visiting the famous historic landmark of the U.S. Old West, Rob encountered many ghosts that were confirmed by museum curators. His book is filled with Rob’s encounters with up to 11 different ghosts, you’ll see his sketches of various ghosts, photos, and read about how they revealed their identities. From Rob Gutro’s Amazon #1 selling book “Ghosts of the Bird Cage Theatre on a Medium’s Vacation.” 

OCTOBER 15:   Ghosts of England: A Medium's Vacation Encounters

What happens when a medium goes on vacation? Do you think that mediums can turn off their abilities to sense ghosts when they go on a leisurely break? Well, not really. The author had two vacations in England and each time encountered a lot of ghosts who wanted to share their stories. They wanted to let me know they are still around, still live in their houses or castles, drink in their favorite pub, or need help with something. You'll meet some known and some unknown people from the past. From Rob Gutro’s best-selling book “Ghosts of England on a Medium’s Vacation” with Rob’s ghost sketches and photographs.  

OCTOBER 22: Paranormal Cases from Inspired Ghost Tracking

What’s it like to go on a paranormal investigation with professionals? This talk includes some of the cases experienced by the Inspired Ghost Tracking Group of Maryland that covers the Dismembered ghost, the Alleyway ghost, the House of Darkness and the Burned Ghost. Experiences also appear in Rob Gutro’s best-selling book “Case Files of Inspired Ghost Tracking” with full reports and photographs.

OCTOBER 29: 4 Haunts! Inspired Ghost Tracking Investigates Historic Places Ghosts are known to stay in old structures, and historic places seem to be ripe with them. In this presentation, you’ll go with paranormal investigators to the home of Dr. Samuel Mudd, the Sotterly Plantation, Montpelier Mansion, and Howard Historic  Society. You’ll see a ghost sketch that resembles an actual photo of the man who haunts a place. A photo of Dr. Mudd coming down a stair case, and more! 

SKIP NOVEMBER 5th - ELECTION DAY

November 12: Ghosts of the Belmont Mansion

An historic Mansion in Central Maryland has been found to house quite a few ghosts, all with different stories. From the 1800s to present day. There’s also a portal in the home that leads to another place on the property. Learn about these different ghosts and why they have chosen to stay there. Experiences also appear in Rob Gutro’s best-selling book “Case Files of Inspired Ghost Tracking” with full reports and photographs. 

NOVEMBER 19: "Ghosts of Ireland on a Medium's Vacation"  It's history and hauntings all in one. What happens when a medium goes on vacation? Do you think that mediums can turn off their abilities to sense ghosts when they go on a leisurely break? Well, not really. The author vacationed in Ireland and ghosts all over the country  wanted to share their stories. From a very haunted jail to "Smoky ghosts," from castles to ruins, hotels and shops.

SKIP NOVEMBER 26: THANKSGIVING WEEK

DECEMBER 3rd for "Ghosts and Spirits of Christmas Past and Present"Author and Medium Rob Gutro will talk about why Christmas is a time to watch for signs from spirits, and what signs to look for from your loved ones. He'll also discuss 3 ghosts of Christmas past that he encountered at an historic theatre during the productionof Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." 

21 Best things to do in Kittery, Maine

   If you’re looking for things to do in Kittery Maine, we have the top places to visit right here! When you cross the Maine border from New Hampshire, one of the first towns you come across is Kittery. This beautiful coastal town has a 400-year-old history of European settlement and is known as being the oldest incorporated town in the state.  But, Kittery Maine isn’t lost in the past. In fact, it’s a wonderful spot to visit with a plethora of things to do.

 21 BEST THINGS TO DO IN KITTERY MAINE 

VisitMaine.Net  

About Kittery Maine 

Kittery Maine is a charming seaside town located at the very southernmost tip of Maine. This lovely, historic town is a popular spot for tourists, drawn to the New England coast during the summer to enjoy the Atlantic breeze, small-town vibe, fresh seafood, and thriving art scene.

Maine’s Oldest Town 

Kittery’s main claim to fame is its fascinating history, which dates back to 1623 as a fishery. Incorporated in 1647, the town is known as the oldest town in the state of Maine.

The nearly 400-year history is evident in many historical buildings, such as Fort McClary, which played a distinct role in five American wars from the Revolution to World War I.

A Shipping Town 

During its centuries of European settlement, Kittery has become known as a shipping town. It’s now home to the Kittery Historical & Naval Museum, which details some of the most vital parts of local history with a particular spotlight on naval activity in the region.

Another point of interest is Kittery’s Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. This was founded in 1800 and continues to operate, making it the oldest continuously-used naval shipyard in the country.

(Image: Old Block House at Fort McClary (c. 1908) Credit: Wikipedia) 

The Hipster Scene

 Today, Kittery is known for its charming small-town vibe, which has become a haven of the hipster scene. The area is full of art galleries, museums, local markets and boutiques, and gourmet eateries serving locally-sourced food.

Coastal Vacation Destination 

Of course, no matter how much has changed over the centuries, the Atlantic Ocean remains a central part of Kittery’s identity. It continues to draw visitors looking for relaxation on the beach, adventures around local islands, and more.

The natural attractions around Kittery are also of note, with several state parks and an endless coastline to explore. Whether you’re looking for a beachside resort to relax, a fun and diverse community, or a place to explore nature, Kittery has offerings for all of your interests!

Things to Do in Kittery Maine  

Fort McClary, which stands at the mouth of the Piscataqua River, took its name from Major Andrew McClary, who died in combat during the Battle of Bunker Hill. Today, Fort McClary State Historic Site is one of the most popular places to camp, fish, hike, and enjoy nature and history in Southern Maine.

(Fort McClary. Credit: Maine Dept of Ag. Forestry, Culture) 

Chauncey Creek is a nice scenic drive near Pepperrel Cove where you can stop by a few restaurants off of Rt 103 after visiting the fort. The oldest continuously run family store in North America is located on Kittery Point too, Frisbees Market since 1828. 

Cut a Rug at The Dance Hall 

The Dance Hall is Kittery’s premier entertainment venue. This nonprofit-run building, founded in 2011, is the main place for arts and culture in the town, all centered around the hall’s maple wood dance floor. During the weekend, you’ll find live musical performances of all kinds. During the week, the Hall offers dance classes for all ages. Though the offerings are new, the atmosphere is delightfully vintage thanks to the historic building, which was erected in 1928.

Get Some Culture at Just Us Chickens 

Just Us Chickens is an artist cooperative in the heart of Kittery Maine. This gallery displays work from 30 local artists in every medium. You can enjoy looking at jewelry, paintings, sculptures, drawings, fiber works, basketry, and other unique forms of art. Because JUC is an artist cooperative, it’s fully run and operated by the artists themselves. You might even get the chance to meet the creators! Also, you’ll find special exhibits, such as the featured artist of the month.  

Reach New Heights at Take Flight Aerial Adventure Park 

Take Flight Aerial Adventure Park is a high ROPES course and aerial park offering some of the most exciting and varied aerial activities in Southern Maine. The park draws visitors from all over New England every year, and it’s no wonder why!It has more than 65 unique activities, all right alongside the Maine coast. Groups can challenge themselves to compete on a high ROPES course, six zip lines, fun obstacle courses, and more. After your visit, check out the breathtaking gardens.

Learn at the Kittery Historical & Naval Museum 

Shipping is a vital part of Kittery’s history, so it should come as no surprise that the town is home to a naval museum. The exhibits here showcase the history of Kittery from its European incorporation in 1647 to the present day.The museum might be small, but it’s brimming with fascinating artifacts, including parts of the Andrews-Mitchell Garrison House, an important colonial site dating from the American Revolution. Tours at the museum are self-guided. 

(Photo: Fort Foster Park. Credit: Marinas.com) 

Explore Fort Foster Park 

Fort Foster Park is another great Kittery sight and is home to three small beaches, including Whaleback Beach and Rocky Beach.The park is located on Gerrish Island and easily accessible by car. Its proximity to the harbor offers nice views of Whaleback Light, Portsmouth Harbor Light, and Fort Constitution. You can spend an entire day walking or biking the trail system, picnicking, and exploring remnants of military fortifications.

Hit Seapoint Beach

 Kittery is home to Seapoint Beach, and it’s well worth a visit if you happen to be in Southern Maine. This rugged beach offers a quintessential Maine experience.With a rocky shore that’s full of tidal pools to explore and parallel to a small expanse of sand, the beach is safe to swim in for a few months of the year. But, you’ll still find locals enjoying the shore whenever the sun shines, even bringing their dogs along. 

Shop Local at Kittery Premium Outlets 

Kittery Maine is known far and wide as a premium place to enjoy local shopping. The best place to do this is at Kittery Premium Outlets. Here, you can find high-end brand names and nationwide chains, as well as locally-sourced goods of all kinds.Whether you want to find a designer purse or browse through local art pieces, this quaint seaside town is the perfect place for it. You’ll find the shops bustling throughout the year, especially during mild summers!

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FOOD

(Photo: Henry VIII Carvery, Kittery, ME)

**Our Pick: Henry VIII Carvery 

Kittery Maine might be known for its seafood options, but at Henry VIII Carvery, it’s the meat that has center stage. This humble sandwich shop is known for its decadent and delicious roast beef sandwiches. The menu includes specials like the Henry VIII topped with creamy horseradish sauce and the Regent with Boursin cheese and roasted red peppers. If beef isn’t your thing, there are many vegetarian sandwiches, as well as soups and other items.

Dining Near Kittery Maine When Pigs Fly Pizzeria 

When Pigs Fly Pizzeria is a part of the larger When Pigs Fly Bread Company, which distributes its products around the state. But, the pizzeria is unique to Kittery Maine, and it’s well worth a visit. The small menu prioritizes quality over quantity for wood-fired pizzas, so you can bank on getting a truly delicious pie. The mozzarella is made fresh every day for the Neapolitan-style pizzas. You can order a glass of beer or wine to enjoy with your pizza too!

(Photo: Pepperrell Cove is a waterfront destination in Kittery Point. ) 

Pepperrell Cove 

Pepperrell Cove is so much more than just a restaurant. In fact, it’s multiple restaurants, as well as a general store, ski club, and high-end event space. You can choose between three dining options. The bistro serves locally-sourced, delicious light meals in view of the Atlantic Ocean. Frisbee’s Wharf is the place to enjoy fresh lobster and seafood on the beach. Pepperrell Cove also has an ice cream shop open seasonally for homemade ice cream and sorbet.

Warren’s Lobster House 

There’s nowhere like Maine to get fresh lobster, and in Kittery Maine, Warren’s Lobster House should be your first choice. The restaurant opened as a beachside shack in 1940. Today, the restaurant seats more than 350 guests between its dining room and outdoor patio.Warren’s is known far and wide for not only its delicious fresh seafood but also its excellent salad bar. The truth is that there’s something for everyone here, no matter what you enjoy.

Blue Current Brewery 

When you hear the word brewery, you probably think of beer first. But at Blue Current Brewery in Kittery, they do things a little differently. The drink of choice here isn’t beer but sake! The sake is made in small batches and has won many awards for its quality. Though you won’t find a restaurant at Blue Current, the brewery offers regular tastings and other events with food and a variety of sake flavors.