Articles
Down to the Metal: War on Terror Forces Tough Coast Guard Budget Choices
Down at the Bollinger Shipyard in Lockport, Louisiana, the U.S. Coast Guard recently set about lengthening an old 110-foot cutter, The MATAGORDA, by an additional 13 feet. The better to accommodate a small, stern-launching boat, the Coast Guard thought – and that little boat needs to zoom around faster and more safely, now that the
“The Burgundy of Oysters”: In the Private-Label Oyster World, the Language Says it All
On a typical evening in Manhattan, deep in the heart of the trendy East Village, the foodies at Jack’s Luxury Oyster Bar are gobbling up Maine oysters and calling them downright “creamy.” “Have you noticed the seaweed finish on this Pemaquid?” you might overhear someone saying in a phrase worthy of a wine connoisseur. In
Runway Dispute Affects North Haven Air Service
Any day now, Telford Air hopes to sell Maine Atlantic Aviation, its island commuter service, to a willing buyer. Telford president Bob Ziegelaar confirmed that in late February a letter of intent was being drafted for an “interested” party. Telford’s bigger hope, however, is that someone will figure out a way to lengthen the North
Island Lifeline: Matinicus Depends on its Air Link to the Mainland
If the Grinch wanted to stop Christmas from coming this year to the people of Matinicus, he would probably rub his little gnarly hands together and cook up a plan to shut down Maine Atlantic Aviation. Because without the airline’s three Cessna 206s’ daily service between this remote island’s little gravel airstrip and Owls Head,
For Bar Harbor, cruise ships are a bonanza
When the cruise ships sail into Bar Harbor, they do more than drop anchor – they cheerfully drop buckets of money as well, particularly in the popular fall leaf season. In 2002, passengers aboard 64 ships spent an estimated $10.3 million in Bar Harbor, including $2.0 million in restaurants and bars, and $4.7 million in
Finding the whales Technology, knowledge and conditions make sightings plentiful
Tourists who plunk down around $35 to ride a boat for hours offshore on a whale watching tour expect to see some action. This summer’s tour operators promise not to disappoint – visitors are guaranteed sight of at least one whale bubble feeding, breeching (jumping out of the water), flipper slapping or just blowing air.
Gotta Park, Gotta Go
In Kennebunkport, it’s easier to buy a decorative souvenir of Maine than legally park a car. And the average person could get lost just trying to find the three public toilets in Dock Square managed by the Chamber of Commerce. So it’s summer again, and Kennebunkport faces its annual identity crisis: “Just what kind of
SCOTIA PRINCE offers luxury cruises – and a little gambling
The SCOTIA PRINCE sails in perpetual roundtrips from Portland to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia this summer. And after a recent $2 million renovation this 23-hour, up-and-back experience is now being billed as a cruise sensation: two new hot tubs, a Tiki bar (minus the Polynesian torches) and a spanking new sunning area. People eat and drink
Cruise Ships, 2003
The story of the future of the cruise industry on Portland’s waterfront is all about conjecture right now. The projections of business going forward, and the estimates on revenues looking back, depend upon whom you ask. Also at issue is what “economic impact study” or “strategic action plan” holds the most water – all depend
Fed Exing to work
High-powered consultants and the self-employed bask and multiply on Peaks Island. First lured as summer visitors from that place we call “away,” they then purchased simple houses as second homes. Then, thanks to cell phone, fax, e-mail, laptops and a nearby airport, they made the grand decision to shed the frantic pace of their former