Camera Cell Phones – Say it With Pictures!
Posted by admin on Nov 26, 2009
Camera cell phones are sweeping the nation! In fact, long gone
are the days when a telephone is used for the sole purpose of
speaking to another person. Cell phone cameras are all the rage
and you’ll soon understand why! These days, people are using
phones for all sorts of things! It is without a doubt, one of
the greatest inventions that we’re able to enjoy today. We use
it as a form of communication. We’re able to speak with our
loved ones and stay connected on a daily basis. We use it every
day to conduct business on a local, national, and international
scale. It is so quick and easy to use – it’s no wonder why
people depend on their cell phones every day! Imagine a day in
the life without a phone. We wouldn’t be able to keep abreast of
what’s going on. Now, imagine not having a telephone in your
home or place of business. We would be completely lost if we
weren’t able to communicate with other people in a quick and
efficient manner. Now, enter the cell phone and imagine the
possibilities! Millions of Americans have. We use cellular
phones to our advantage because they’re compact, and most
importantly, mobile! We can take it anywhere we want – whether
in the States, Canada, or abroad. So, there’s no excuse to stay
in touch with your loved ones! You can conduct business at any
time of the day or night because you’ll always have some form of
mobile service as you roam from country to country. Owning a
mobile phone is like having a personal organizer all to yourself
- a trusty friend that will never let you down when you need it
the most! Millions of Americans use wireless phones for many
reasons – all of which are valid and effective as a method of
communication. Many business savvy people use their cellular
phones to log onto the Internet. They use their mobiles to check
and send email messages, send and receive text and picture
messages, access their personal and professional contacts, and
keep organized daily. Even more, they’re fun to use! First of
all, cell phones nowadays come small and compact. You can fit
them into your briefcase or pant pocket! Women love that they
can fit their mobile phones in the smallest of purses without
any trouble whatsoever! Keep track of special birthdays and
agenda items, make memos, download special ring-tones, and play
games. Now, they’ll take your picture too, so you can capture
that precious moment in time that you’ll never get again! How
many times have you been somewhere and missed having your camera
handy? It’s true that we don’t always think to bring a camera
when we leave our homes every day. Why would we? Then again, you
never know when you’ll need a camera in the case of an
emergency. This is why owning a camera phone is so convenient!
Now there’s no need to carry around bulky and expensive photo
equipment, when you can have a camera built into your cell phone
- and we all know that once you own a wireless phone, it never
leaves your sight! People come to rely on their phones a lot,
especially for work. If you’re the type of person that travels
frequently, having access to email doesn’t always cut it. If
you’re on a plane, you may not be able to access the Internet
from 40,000 feet above. What if your Internet server was down
when you were trying to send an important message? Your email
may end up getting delayed, costing you precious time when you
could have just picked up the phone and conducted your business
yourself through the tried and true telephone! There is no need
for hesitation. This is the reason why more and more people
today are realizing the benefits of owning the ever-so-popular
multi-functional cellular phone. Mobile phones are there for you
when you need them the most! If you’re at the grocery and need
to call home, no problem! If you’re in the car running late and
on you’re way to pick up your children, no problem! You’d just
pick up your telephone and it’s done. Remember how much time
you’d expend looking for a pay phone when you needed it the
most? Take a look around! You won’t see many pay phones anymore,
simply because there’s no need! Young and old alike are using
cellular phones for their own personal and professional benefit.
Owning a wireless phone is just too convenient to consider
alternative options! Now you can own one too! If you have the
notion in your head that a cellular camera phone will be way too
expensive to afford, think again! They’re becoming more and more
inexpensive because they’re being made in such large quantities,
and Americans are picking them up like hotcakes! People see the
value in these tiny photo devices! Don’t be fooled. These phones
may be small, but they pack a lot of power! Most camera phones
today come with at least two mega-pixels. Some even record video
images! Once you’ve captured a shot on your cell phone camera,
the fun begins! Take your photo, and just as you would with a
digital image, create your own work of art! Customize your
photograph as you see fit. Reduce red eye, brighten or sharpen
your picture, or crop and resize. It’s all up to you! Then, you
can take that image and store it on your phone! Now you’ll
always have that very special photo to take with you wherever
you go! Better yet, share your image with a friend and spread
the love! It’s so easy to enjoy cell phone cameras, no matter
who you are. These amazing little telephones come in an
assortment of sizes, weights, and colors, equipped with a
variety of features perfectly suited to meet your needs. Whether
you use your cellular phone for business or professional use,
there’s something out there for you! Imagine the convenience and
the money you’ll save. It’s important to know that digital
cameras are dominating the market today. They’re handy,
affordable, easy to use, and inexpensive to maintain. Cellular
camera phones are no different! With digital photos taken on
your camera phone, you can print your images quickly and
effortlessly. Print your favorite photos on professional photo
paper in the comfort of your own home. Why not save it to disk
and share it online with friends and family. The sky is the
limit! More importantly, you’ll end up saving money! Think about
it. With a digital camera phone, you can view your images right
away! That means that if you don’t like a picture that you took,
you can easily delete it. If you like it, store it and enjoy it!
Remember, when you use a manual camera that requires film, you
have no choice but to send it off to the lab for printing.
You’ll end up paying for every single shot, whether good or bad.
With digital images, you have the freedom to print what YOU want
instantly, hence saving you valuable money and precious time!
Why spend your time waiting to get your prints back from your
vacation or a work function, when you can access them instantly
on your phone camera! Choose from top of the line cellular
camera phones today! Again, these phones are being made to serve
the general population, so it’ll be important for consumers to
do their research before settling on a make and model. If it’s
important for you to have high quality shots taken on your
cellular phone with a camera, make sure that your telephone
comes with at least 2 mega-pixels for high quality shots. It may
be a little more expensive than the typical mobile phone,
without the camera feature, but it’s proving to be well worth it
- and if you’re a new subscriber, you may get the deal of a
lifetime! You could easily get your wireless camera phone for
free if you sign a contract! Typically, higher end phones will
also come equipped with many valuable features that one can use
at their discretion. Undoubtedly, it is truly amazing what
wireless mobile phones can do nowadays. Without question, cell
phones are being used as a highly effective method of
communication. Adding a camera feature to that list only
enhances your already stellar communication device. So, if
you’re thinking about getting yourself one of these amazing
wireless camera phones, this is what you need to look for.
First, you’ll need to pick from a wide variety of reputable
cellular carriers. Narrow it down to a couple of your favorite
companies. Ask your friends and colleagues to give you feedback
about their phone and cellular carriers. It’s always best to go
right to the source. If someone is happy with their service,
they will let you know! It’s also important to note that most of
the bigger cell phone companies typically offer Americans the
same types of deals. So, if you’re looking for more minutes
during the day, free nation-wide long distance, or evening and
weekend minutes, choose wisely! Many companies offer the same
types of phones, so it’s best to choose what cell phone company
will best suit your needs first. This also means deciding
whether you want to go monthly or with a prepaid cell phone
plan. Again, the choice is up to you! Going monthly offers
consumers more value and bang for their buck, but some consumers
can’t justify all the minutes and features. Some people use
their phones in the case of an emergency only and don’t want to
be burdened with monthly charges. Whatever suits your fancy,
pick the phone, company, and cellular phone plan that rings true
to your heart! Whether you choose a Sprint, Nokia, Sony
Ericsson, or Motorola phone – be rest assured that you’ll have a
great phone to call your very own! So, get out there and explore
your options. You’ll be surprised at just how much is readily
available for consumers like yourself to enjoy! Let your
cellular phone work FOR you. Use it as a personal organizer.
Take pictures when you please. Get online! Most importantly,
stay in touch! The lines of communication are open and ready for
the taking. So what are you waiting for?
Caitlin Crosain
http://www.articlesbase.com/communication-articles/camera-cell-phones-say-it-with-pictures-703.html
What to pay nanny on top of free room and board?
Posted by admin on Nov 26, 2009
My husband and I have a live in nanny/mother’s helper because our 18 month old son is Autistic. I am a stay at home mom and my husband works full time. We do an exchange with our nanny where she works part time for us duties include: dishes, laundry, errands and helping prepare meals and we offer free room and bath, utilities, internet, groceries and car for errands and for that she works 4 hours a day. She does not do any actual child care, I care for my son and she just helps with everything else so I can focus on my son. We have decided that it would be more help to us to have her work full time and we are trying to figure out how much we should offer her. She offered $10 an hour 12 hour days, 4 of those hours are paid for by the room and board and the other 6 hours adds up to $1200 a month. That seems like a lot to my husband and I because we already do the free room and board and the other stuff and because she is not really a nanny but she does help with teaching our son to sign and she is very good at what she does.
My question is…is free room and board plus internet, washer/dryer, fridge, car for errands and all groceries plus $1200 a month for her to work full time 12hrs a day not doing anything too crazy like she does not scrub the toilets or anything is that too much to offer her or does that sound far?
You want quality you have to pay for it!!! Twelve hours a day is a lot! I think $1200 is more than fair. She is good with your Autistic child that is something that is incredibly hard to find!! If you can afford $1200 that is what you should pay. I know from personal experience how hard it is to find help in your situation.
By the way, my son’s "assistant" get $13.50 an hour and my boy is very high functioning. I would pay more if I could!!! We don’t want to loose this guy!
What do you think about photographers who work for free?
Posted by admin on Nov 26, 2009
By Matt Brown
Stop working for free!
Next time you’re in the local hardware store, ask the salesman to give
you free tools and tell him in return you will tell all your friends
you got your tools from his hardware store.
Or try it at the grocery store. I can see it now, standing at the
check at line:
"That we be $102.85, sir."
"You don’t know me but I will tell everyone I know to shop at Ralph’s
if I can just get my groceries for free".
"Sure Mr. Brown nobody knows about us yet, here’s your food and have a
nice day!"
Sweet!
Can you send me a photo? Can I get a photo for free? We will give you
credit for the photo! How many times have you heard that?
Free! Free! Free!
I’ve had CBS.com, Wilson Sporting Goods Global Marketing, Fox Sports,
ESPN.com, ABC, CBS, Fox, Rivals.com, Baseball America, college
websites and yes, newspapers, magazines, all ask for FREE photos. Some
are even willing to give me photo credit.
Wow! Give me photo credit for a photo I created! So these companies
can take it and make money from a product I provided free. Yes, money.
The bottom line here is money. Give me your photos for free and I can
post them on their company website or run it in a publication. .. what
a concept!
I received an email the other day from a CBS College Sports Network
production assistant. Here is the exchange:
"Matt,
I hope all is well. Can you email me six Cal State Fullerton Baseball
action photos from this season?
Thanks,
Mr. X"
I replied that day:
"Mr. X,
There will be a charge for use of the photos.
Matt"
The response:
"Matt,
My boss said no due to the fee…sorry.
Thanks,
Mr. X"
At the same time I was emailing Mr. X, he was emailing Mr. Greenlee,
the Sports Information Director at Cal State Fullerton asking if he
can get me to waive the fee because CBS just doesn’t have the money to
buy photos. Did you know what David Letterman makes a year? Dave
signed a contract in 2006 that makes him a reported $38 million a
year! Why can’t CBS buy my photos ($50 each) for their website?
I emailed Mr. X and asked if CBS ever pays for photos. What he wrote
back was shocking:
Southern California freelance photographer Matt Brown shot this during
a portrait lighting class with Cal State Fullerton basketball player
Frank Robinson during Sports Shooter Academy V.
"Matt:Cal State Fullerton was the 1st school that we came across that
charges a fee to use photos. Other schools just gladly give them to us
for free and we credit the photographer or sports information from the
school…whichever they prefer. I have yet to see CBS College Sports pay
for photos to use.
Mr. X"
Well that answers why can’t CBS buy my photos ($50 each) for their TV
show: Because you or your boss is handing out photos for free! Maybe
you don’t know this is happening or you just like seeing your byline
on a website. But it’s just bad business.
I never had anyone call me up after seeing my photos on ESPN.com and
say we NEED you to shoot our annual report or our next catalog.
Maybe schools have something worked out with their photographers about
handing out photos to websites. Maybe the photographer gets paid extra
for the ability to hand the photos out. Just make sure you know what
is happening to your work. I have a feeling a lot of photographers
don’t know what happens to their photos.
I had another jaw dropping moment when a former athlete from one of my
schools who now works in the SID office at a PAC-10 school, told me
when athletes ask her for photos, she would just burn them a CD full
of photos.
MY TWO SCHOOLS
Two of my bigger clients are Division I schools, Long Beach State and
Cal State Fullerton. I have established the rules for working for them
and the do’s and don’t of using my work are set in writing. 1) I own
all my photos, not the school. 2) Photos can go out to local
newspapers and the newspaper of the hometown of the student athlete.
3) No photos go to magazines, websites, players, family or fans and
all referrals go through me.
One school follows the rules with no trouble. The other school is hard
headed. I have found photos on the websites and magazine and I get the
line: "We should have the ability to publicize our programs." I
understand their point of view. But here’s my point of view: If the
schools just hand my photos over to another source they are going to
make money from my work and I am getting nothing in return. Isn’t it
reasonable to expect to be paid fairly for photos?
HURTING A FRIEND
As you know, we work in a small community, which is getting smaller
everyday. A good friend of mine, Larry Goren does freelance work for
Baseball America. He covers Major League Baseball, the minor leagues
and college baseball for them on a regular basis. Larry covers 4 – 5
Long Beach State and Cal State Fullerton baseball games a year.
Baseball America would call Cal State Fullerton or Long Beach State
and ask for free baseball photos for its website or magazine. By
getting photos from the schools for free they wouldn’t have to pay
Larry for his photos.
Faculty member and freelance photographer Matt Brown gives advice to
participant Sawitree Crowe while covering an NCAA men’s baseball game
at Cal State Fullerton during Sports Shooter Academy V held in Orange
County, CA.
I put a stop to it after locking horns with Baseball America a couple
times. Remember we are working in a small community and we must
lookout for each other. We can help or hurt each other’s bottom line.
LOSING OUT TO THE WORKING
Last week I had two schools, Purdue and Nevada, email me about
shooting the NCAA Women’s Softball Regional at UCLA. I gave them a
cost for shooting per game. I sent samples and waited to hear back
from them. You would think if someone goes out of their way to get in
touch with you, it might be a done deal and they are serious about
hiring a professional.
The next day I heard from them: Both schools are going with someone
else. I asked them who the photographer was and how much was he
charging and I was told it was a professor from the UCLA Science
Department.
I know some people at the campus and made some calls. I found out his
name and did some homework on being a professor at UCLA. This Weekend
Warrior makes over $90,000 a year, loves taking sports photos and
regularly hands over free photos to schools. He just picked up the
phone and called the schools looking to shoot for them during the
playoffs. The cost he was asking: $100. Not per game, for the entire
weekend! That’s 3 or 4 games for $100 total!
I emailed Joseph Rudnick, Dean of Chemistry & Biochemistry at UCLA,
asking if could work at school on Tuesday and Thursday for free
because I just love science. I told him I received an A+ in
Biochemistry in college.
Think about it for a second. We have people who just love taking
photos for free or dirt-cheap as a hobby and think that they can do
what you do for a living (as a professional photographer) . I went to
school for photography and I have busted my ass to get where I’m at
and for what? So some professor can do below average work for cheap?
Why can’t I teach biochemistry for little or no cost? I never heard
back from the dean, too bad … I was really looking forward to
teaching biochemistry at UCLA.
Well, if you can’t read it, why you even bother answering? Don’t. And it’s nothing what happened to me – it’s a common issue and that was written by Matt Brown, who is a freelance photographer based in Southern California. He is also the co-director of the Sports Shooter Academy.
No professional should give away their work! But there will always be those who are not pros that are willing to do it just for their name on the credit line.
It is not right nor fair, but it is a fact that we must accept.
I am on your side!!!
Are there any good sites to get free grocery coupons for things like milk, juice, soda?? Food???Thanks!!?
Posted by admin on Nov 26, 2009
I can’t recommend "free" grocery coupons, but if you have internet access, feed a family of four and can maintain a pretty good organization of coupons, usually found in the newspapers on Sunday, then I suggest thegrocerygame.com
You pay a small fee (5 bucks or so) and each week they produce a list (good from Sun-Tues) of all the items in your local store that are at ROCK BOTTOM savings. So you hold onto your organized set of coupons, print out your list, and head to the store. The greatest thing is that the list is organized in the exact outlay of your local grocer, so you just walk around and pick the things on your list, in order! It’s great and you can truly save up to 75% on each bill if you are organized at keeping your coupons and following the system. They teach you everything you need to know on the website and for a small fee, you can save a ton! It’s great for families. I saw it on the local news one night and tried it. It takes about 12 weeks to store up all you coupons so that you’re ready to save when items get to rock bottom pricing, but once you do, you’ll save a TON! I think its guaranteed. 
So check it out: thegrocerygame.com
Tahoe Vacation Rentals
Posted by admin on Nov 24, 2009
Why spend a fortune on a cramped, frigid and overcrowded hotel room when you can stay in a luxury vacation rental for the same price. Enjoy all the comforts of a home away from home with a gourmet kitchen, swimming pool, hot tub, entertainment room and more. When heading off for your next vacation, find amazing vacation rentals on TripHomes. If you’re looking for lakefront water activities or endless days on the ski slopes, consider staying in a Tahoe vacation rental.
Picture yourself on a mountain retreat with your close friends surrounded by sloping mountainsides with towering evergreen trees all blanketed in fresh snowfall. The newly remodelled mountain chalet with its large windows and expansive patio offers the best panoramic views of the surrounding snow covered mountainside. What better way to wake up than by making a fresh brewed cup of coffee and stepping outside to breathe in the fresh crisp mountain air.
Immediately relax and unwind in the cosy cabin decorated with a blend of local hardwood, perfectly smooth river stones and fabrics. The five spacious bedrooms each with their own bath gives everyone the privacy they deserve and long for. With the hustle and bustle of the world behind you, everyone will enjoy gathering in the spacious living room filled with overstuffed sofas and a large wood burring fireplace, telling stories and sharing fond memories.
If you can’t completely break free of real world and have to check your email, quickly logon with the wireless Internet connection. Your friends won’t let you surf the net too long, because everyone will be headed out to hit the slopes at one of several close by ski resorts. After a day of snowboarding and skiing, retreat to your Tahoe vacation rental and relax your aching muscles in the warm hot tub. By nightfall, everyone will be starving for a delicious dinner, so why not gather in the gourmet kitchen for drinks and a delicious meal prepared by the rental caretaker who also is a professional chef.
Perhaps it’s time for a family getaway and a vacation rental home with a private dock on Lake Tahoe would offer excitement for the entire family. The high ceilings and luxury furnishing have you in awe and the kids will love the game room filled with board games, movies, music, books and pool table. Enjoy the convenience of having the lake just steps away from the backdoor.
You’re planning the perfect summer day filled with swimming, tubing and wakeboarding on the deep clear lake water. The local grocery store makes it easy to pick up a few snacks to include with the delicious lunch you prepared in the fully stocked kitchen. This way, you won’t have to head home at lunchtime and instead everyone can enjoy a boat picnic. When retreating back to you vacation home, throw the dirty towels and swimsuits in the washing machine, for there’s nothing better than returning home with all clean clothes.
Find several other adventures besides the lake during your Tahoe vacation. Head into town where you’ll find shops and galleries. Include an educational element to the trip by visiting Lake Tahoe Historic Society Museum. Since you made all the plans for the fabulous vacation, why not let the kids play a round of miniature golf while you slip off to a spa and enjoy a relaxing massage.
Now stop daydreaming about your Tahoe vacation rental and make it a reality. It’s easy to find and reserve your dream Tahoe Vacation Rental that is within your price range and that has all the amenities to make your vacation as soothing and comfortable as possible, both inside and out of your rental. TripHomes.com offers thousands of professionally managed vacation rental homes, villas and condos located all around the world.
N Spin
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/tahoe-vacation-rentals-54670.html
Starting a grocery delivery business, which is better, flat rate charge or percentage of order?
Posted by admin on Nov 24, 2009
I am starting a grocery delivery business where I will be delivering groceries from a club store. I was planning on doing this one of two ways, either charge a flat rate fee with a small amount of markup on each item, or charge a fee by percentage of the order, I’m thinking 10%. $75 would be the order minimum, so the least my fee would be is $7.50. I will be shopping for and delivering several orders at once. For now it will be just be me and my wife, using a minivan to delivery, expenses will be minimal and I won’t have to carry any inventory.
A friend suggested charging markup on each item and offering free delivery with a minimum order. The free delivery might be a very good selling point but then I can’t keep markup on most items to stay in competition with local stores. Any suggestions or advice will be appreciated. Please only serious answers, no "LOL I don’t know" or "LOL I like milk", thank you.
Lets assume that I already run a business, which I do, I already have commercial insurance on my van, which I do. Also the store I use I can order online, they pull it from the shelves, it is all ready to go when I get there. No waiting in line and the shopping is done for me. Now lets assume I have a website to take orders, no going to the person’s house to get the order, or they can call it in. Everything purchased is in bulk packs or cases, won’t take very long to separate orders. I’m not worried about my hourly wage right now, since I’m unemployed it is incidental. I’m not even worried about turning a big profit right away either, I want to build a customer base first. Get a rep built on customer service and low prices, then go from there. And I’m also regarding it partly as community service, shopping at the grocery store here is highway robbery.
What about selling things at cost, but charge an $8.00 flat rate plus 5% of the total order? Your total delivery charge on a minimum $75 order would then be $11.75, $4.25 more than the $7.50
The beauty of this is that you won’t have to handle sales tax, ( my state has tax on food and everything) the tax would be paid at the store.
I’m at a crossroads of what pricing strategy I want to use. While I want to keep prices low to entice people, I also don’t want to be doing it for nothing. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Why not use both variable and fixed costs.
Charge a flat rate for doing the job and delivery.
Then use a variable cost according to how much they order. How many bags it takes, or some other factor.
Good luck.
Why don’t shopping carts have cup holders?
Posted by admin on Nov 24, 2009
I’m always drinking coffee or some other beverage while grocery shopping, but it’s hard to pick up large items to put in the buggy while holding a drink. It’s hard to try free samples too.
The carts in our supermarket have cup holders. It does come in handy, you’re right. Suggest it to the managers, maybe when purchasing new carts it is something they would consider. You never know!
how to get free printable grocery coupons w/out entering email address?
Posted by admin on Nov 24, 2009
i don’t want to sign up for any annoying memberships, i just want some coupons that i can use in my local area.every one i have tried so far have useless coupons and they constantly spam my inbox.
try this http://www.ezinfocenter.com/10358760
Americans gobble up Thanksgiving festivities – Daily 49er
Posted by admin on Nov 24, 2009
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Americans gobble up Thanksgiving festivities
Daily 49er … the bureau suggests that “shoppers with an eye for bargains” keep a look out for special offers in their areas, such as grocery stores offering a free … |
Eastport, Maine, Ayuh!
Posted by admin on Nov 22, 2009
It’s rare for me to be so enthralled by a small community that I tell my husband that I am ready to move there; I’d move to Eastport in a heartbeat. I’d have to do it fast before my brain kicked in, but my heart felt so connected with the warm and friendly people that my sensibilities were smothered—much like the lobster smothered in butter I had last night at the Chowder House Restaurant.
The idea of living in a community where people all know one another and can pick out a visitor in a heartbeat appeals to me. I can tell you that they stick together; they do business with each other and help each other out, as any good neighbor would do. While there are many empty storefronts on Main Street, the town seems so alive and vibrant. People actually say hello when they meet you on the street or at the next table in one of the half-dozen restaurants. Although this is an economically depressed area and I’m sure many of these smiling faces feel the pinch of the present economy, they are positive people. I like that.
It is certainly an artist community with many artisans having small studios to display and hopefully sell their wares. Locals, like Don Dunbar, provide wonderful photography, while writers, such as Sarah Graves sell their works at Eastport gift shops. Woodcarvers, jewelry makers, stone workers and glass workers offer their unique wares in their own studios as well as in the area shops. It’s a short tourist season here, and to make a living this way is tough. Fortunately, Maine people are tough and passionate people who hold down another job while supplementing their earnings by selling their craft.
The town is steeped in history; at one time it was the second busiest seaport in North America, topped only by New York harbor. Eastport’s deep harbor allowed huge cargo ships access and nearby railroad transportation made for an efficient operation. Fourteen sardine factories once lined the waterfront—now there are none, nor is there cargo ships pulling up to the large wharf that sits parallel to Maine Street. Those were the bygone prosperous days of Eastport.
Traffic is light here, with no need for traffic signals. The main intersection is at Water Street and Washington Avenue, but simple courtesy is all that is needed to keep traffic flowing easily. There is really no need to be in a rush in Eastport, which is a fine way to plan traffic patterns for a small city.
The bay in which Eastport sits is large and deep and the tides fill and empty it every twelve hours. The boats tied to the wharf at high tide will be twenty feet lower at low tide; this is hard to fathom unless you witness it in person. The tides rate and fall at an astonishing rate; if you sit in one place for more than an hour you can witness the tides speed. I was told that the amount of water that flows out of the greater Bay of Fundy area is equal to emptying Lake Erie—and it’s done in the span of six hours!
The homes in Eastport are old and beautiful, their architecture ranging from the Colonial period (1775-1800), the Federal period, Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Second Empire, Queen Anne to the Colonial Revival period, 1890-1910, which can be witnessed in the “walk-about” tour. This walking on-your-own tour brings you past the older homes in town and show great examples of the various periods of home architecture. Several Inns in town demonstrate the differences in time periods, and the antiques inside them are visual proof of the history of the smallest city in America. Take the time to look at the small details on these homes to fully appreciate the craftsmanship that went into building them.
Real Estate values here are low compared to national home prices. Even waterfront homes would seem an incredible value to people who live inland anywhere in the country. It’s not an easy life here and the cost of living is high. Your shopping choices are limited—there is only one grocery store in town and the nearest Wal-Mart is thirty miles away in Calais (pronounced CAL-is). Heating oil prices, gas prices are high—everything has to be transported in—so life here is not for the faint of heart. It’s very cold here in winter and the wind is relentless. The basics of life are expensive here, even if real estate is not.
There is much to do in and around Eastport, from beachcombing for sea glass to Mex night at the Happy Crab. Within a short drive is Cobscook State Park with outrageous tide fluctuations and Jasper Beach in Machias with incredible solitude on a beach with beauty that is almost impossible to describe. Hiking trails abound in the area, the most popular trails are at Shackford State Park and at the Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, with over fifty miles of trails. There are numerous day trips, from a 3-hour sail on a 3-masted schooner to Campobello Island, vacation retreat of “Ike” Eisenhower to tours of award-winning Raye’s Mustard (their current schedule involves the actual making of mustards on Tuesday and Thursdays) and leaf-peeping the beautiful fall foliage with an Atlantic Ocean backdrop. Truly, a long weekend will leave you wishing you had planned just one more day in the area.
There are several surprisingly good and reasonably priced restaurants where the specials almost always include fresh Maine seafood. The newest eatery, The Pickled Herring, has proven itself to be a big hit in the three months that it has been open. The ambiance, food and service are exceptional and the prices are very reasonable. This restaurant in a large city would cost a diner twice as much. The Happy Crab, a sports bar, offers a large menu, down-home wait staff and very good food and has free WiFi. Just across the street is the Waco (Washington County) Diner, which puts out a great breakfast and you get to listen to the locals dishing out the local gossip every morning over coffee. The Chowder House, on the north end of town, is a family oriented restaurant with little ambiance but a great view and terrific fresh seafood. The baked stuffed haddock was delectable!
Eastport is simply a great destination for four to five days. Stay in one of the lovely B&B’s in town, like the Milliken House on Washington Street or the Kilby House on Water Street. Be open to friendly people and enjoy the glorious scenery. Be prepared to slow yourself down and enjoy the simple, yet powerful and rugged, area around you. You won’t find hopping nightclubs in Eastport or heavy traffic, but you will find an incredible draw to this area that is as predictable and constant as the tides; their ebb and flow is as comforting as your own breath.
Linda Batey
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