Simply put... "Only in Maine"

This gem came to me in a chain e-mail (courtesy of my mom). This picture is elegantly entitled, “A Old Orchard Beach Cup Holder.”

Wow… “Only in Maine” is one of few things that comes to my mind.

Enjoy folks… and think summer.

Note: This is NOT a picture of my mom.

ATTENTION MAINERS: You are now safe. Novelty lighters will no longer corrupt Vactionland.

While Maine legislators battle with budget cuts, decreasing job opportunities and several other petty problems, state government officials took a big step forward towards tackling the real problems facing the state.

Novelty lighters.

On Monday, Gov. John Baldacci signed legislation that makes Maine the first state to outlaw the sale of cigarette lighters that are particularly attractive to children because they come in the shapes of cartoon characters, toys and animals.

Another great “Only in Maine” moment. I mean, this legislation will help prevent a few house fires, but honestly, WHO BUYS NOVELTY LIGHTERS? The people who I picture with novelty lighters are those who live in their parent’s basement and perhaps shop on eBay for Star Wars figurines. I’d be interested to meet someone who has an extensive collection of novelty lighters.

Not much more I can say. Sleep easy tonight Maine, we are now rid of the burden that is novelty lighters.

Now, about those nation-high taxes and economic turmoil…

What's up with vanity license plates?

I found myself driving around the great state of Maine this past weekend when I had an “Only in Maine” moment. I realized Maine drivers decorate their vehicles with something that not many other states can attest to.

Vanity license plates.

I mean, honestly, do people get a discount on their car insurance for having one? Does the DMV just give these things away? Why is Maine the capital of vanity license plates? (Forget “Vactionland”… Maine is “Vanity plateland.”)

I think the “best” plate I saw this weekend was garnished with “AX MAN.” It is not so much the plate name, but the vehicle it was attached to. When you think “AX MAN,” on a vehicle, you would think some big burley man with an equally burley truck, yes? Well not this individual. This individual thought “AX MAN” would be best expressed on the front and back of his 2005 Nissan Sentra.

Can’t you just picture some Grizzly Adams fellow up in Aroostook County checking the vanity license plate database each week hoping “AX MAN” becomes available? Mean while, this poser drinks Starbucks Chai Lattes (with extra nonfat milk) and drives around in his Sentra searching for the right hair gel? It is truly a shame.

To see other Maine vanity license plates, click here.

Until next time, keep it classy Maine.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow (but only in Caribou, the rest of us don't care)

Where is your global warming now, Mr. Gore?

The Associated Press is reporting that Caribou, Maine is closing in its snowiest season of the year.

Caribou had 171.9 inches of snow as of midnight, so it needs little more than nine inches of snow to reach the all-time high of 181.1 inches, set in the winter of 1954-55. (Thank you for breaking down the mind-numbing math).

Lee Foster from the National Weather Service in Caribou says a snowstorm is predicted for Thursday and that the record could fall by day's end on Friday.

Foster says some Caribou residents are hoping for an even loftier snow tally — 200 inches.

200 inches! Hell, why not 300! 400! Go crazy Caribou, carpe diem! I'll be on the look out for the St. Patricks Day-like celebration photos that will ensue with the locals in celebration of this glorious achievement.

Mark it down, folks. March 21st, 2008: The day Caribou takes over the world.

Welcome!

Hello!

Welcome to "Only in Maine,” a blog dedicated to obscure happenings in the Northeast corner of the United States (that’s right, United States, NOT Canada!) that make you say, “Wow, only in Maine…”

For those of you not familiar with the phrase, Maine has a reputation of attracting some rather “interesting” stories. From obscure police log entries to “would this be news anywhere else?”... "Only in Maine" is meant to inform and educate... oh who am I kidding, its here for a few laughs.

Also, from time to time, I will switch up the conversation to ask the hard hitting questions like, "When will the rest of the country join the 21st century and accept Allens Coffee Brandy like Maine?"

I look forward to sharing and commenting on Maine news as I see it (and have the time to post/comment).

Thanks!