I saw a group of kids carrying Chuck Norris flags around Portland Friday (his birthday). That's pretty freaky. The fact that Chuck is on TV reading his favorite lines means its time for people to move on I think. I admit, it was pretty damn funny for awhile. Ok, one more: Chuck Norris has to use a stunt double when he does crying scenes.Fantasy Baseball is almost here. If you don't play you may want to check it out. I would rank it number three in the most useful aspect of the internet. Number one is e-mail and number two is trading stocks. Hmm, maybe number four now that I think about it.
The guy who is a prisoner on Lost has the same name as Dorothy's Uncle on the Wizard of Oz. he flew a baloon as well.
Nightwatch: I was surprised this came to Maine. Usually we have to wait for months and hope a region 1 DVD is released. This is a cross between Underworld and the Matrix and I believe one of the larger Russian films made from a budget standpoint. The film had some flaws but overall it was pretty cool and original. It is playing at the Nick in Portland.
X-3 Trailer. This could be a good film.
The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill: This was a bit of a disappointment. I had heard good things about this film and enjoyed it to an extent. This is no Grizzly Man however.
Look up miserable failure on Google or Yahoo.
World Cup of Baseball: The U.S. team defeated South Africa yesterday and seem to have recovered from that dreadful loss to Canada. ESPN really needs to rethink how they are showing these games. They are not showing them when the games are being played which seems to be a mistake. I was actually kind of rooting for Canada or the Netherlands as the U.S. team just has too many Yankee players.
Academy Awards: I once again watched these with my mother as is a tradition. I did enjoy the first hour or so and appreciate the fact that they are trying to change the format of this show. It is still unwatchable, but perhaps someday it may be. I still enjoy the Golden Globes much more.
Having five full songs, a speech from the head of the academy, another song montage, lengthy tributes and too many wasted categories with lengthy speeches is what brings this show down.
Crash won for best picture which is the film I also would have picked.
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Where to eat in Portland Maine---
It's no secret we eat out a lot. Since I am in the mood to ramble on here are some of my favorite places to eat. One thing that annoys me is "restaurant snobbery", where people will not eat at a chain place because, well I do not know why. It's silly. The only way this makes any sense is when a place makes all their own product from hand (Back Bay Grill).
Walter's: Walter's has the best calamari I have ever had. I actually like everything on the menu which is constantly changing. This is my favorite although they may have been sold recently.
Katahdin: Another great place to eat and not too crowded. I normally get the vege dishes here. (mid 20's)
Uno's: I love Uno's and rank it right there with the more expensive restaurants. Uno's is cheap and has the best selection of deserts. They have great meals and ofcourse pizza. ($10)
Chile's: The southwestern Eggrolls are my favorite appetizer and the bar is a great place to watch those many Sox games. ($10)
Longhorn's: Another great eating locale. The survive is hit or miss so don't come here before a movie or show. ($10)
Olive Garden: I love this place. Everyone loves the Olive Garden so be ready to wait for 45 minutes. I only go here if we are really early or really late.
Vinnie T's: Big meals, giant meatballs, and in general even more food than I can eat. It's ok.
The Village: I've been here so many times. We probably go twice a month.
Haggerty's: Great Brit/Indian food and one of the better take out places to eat.
Bangkok Thai: I think we have more Thai places than McDonald's and Burger Kings. This is a good thing. The unfortunate aspect of this is that as of now there are no good delivery Thai places. Seng Thai of Forest ave is far too unreliable and will forget orders.
Bangkok Thai is pretty good.
Blue Spoon: Small, crowded but good stuff. (There is also a new place on Munjoy Hill in Portland that has good breakfasts but bad ventilation, I cannot remember the name.)
Panda Garden: The best Chinese restaurant. Again, there are so many I have no been to all of these as Chinese food is too fried for my liking.
Amato's: Be ready wo wait in line for awhile as Amato's in general has fairly bad service. Their great food does make up for this.
Bruno's: Great chicken and cheese but largely hit or miss.
550 Congress: At around 30 dollars a plate this is an expensive place to eat but has some great mussels and steak. Definitely worth a trip. They have a fine cheese selection.
Fore Street: Overrated but still pretty good.
Street and co: This place looks very nice inside but I just do not like the seafood. I have had mussels here, at 550 Congress (twice) and Kahtadin within the last month. I'm not impressed at the prices paid. The food was just bad. The service was good.
Backbay Grill: I know people that work here so I am a bit biased in saying this is a nice place to eat. The recent bar addition complete with the Caesar salad burger that tastes like steak for $8 is very nice.
Dave and Kathy's: Above average breakfast.
Becky's: Very good breakfast but too crowded.
IHOP: Good breakfast but also crowded.
Governor's: All around tasty food and very cheap.
The Bad:Lonestar: below average steak eatery.
Lang's: The worst Chinese food in the state. If you are ever in Portland and have the craving for some very questionable and bad Chinese food than give Lang's a try. I actually had this last night which makes it about 12 times total. That's 12 horrible meals. I have friends who like this place so I sometimes have no choice. The Valley is a much better delivery choice.
South of the Border: Mexican food done the wrong way. Avoid.
Applebee's: another place to avoid.
