Stat Smith Guides: 2011

Lindsay Lohan tattoo's Special Meaning

You can take Lindsay Lohan out of Long Island, but you can't take the Long Island out of Lindsay Lohan. Perhaps that's why the actress permanently inked herself with a quote by L.I.'s greatest Piano Man, Billy Joel. LiLo showed off her latest tattoo to TMZ, a scroll of text on the right side of her ribcage that reads, "Clear as a crystal sharp as a knife I feel like I'm in the prime of my life."

The line is a lyric from Joel's minor Storm Front hit "I Go to Extremes," a song whose title seems to encapsulate the young star's tumultuous time in Hollywood. "[The lyric] represented where she is in life and everything she's been through ... it signifies that she's focused," a source told TMZ.

This isn't Lindsay Lohan's first quotable tattoo: In 2009, she had the Marilyn Monroe quip, "Everyone's a star and deserves the right to twinkle" inked onto her wrist. There's also the Rihanna-inspired "Shhh..." tattoo that she and British singer Lily Allen had etched onto their index fingers after a night of partying in 2009, and the "La Bella Vita" (translation: "The Beautiful Life") on Lindsay Lohan's lower back.

The Amp also has roots on Long Island, so two thumbs up to Lohan for making her body a canvas for Joel's words. However, some of his other lyrics would probably be a better fit. Here are a few suggestions:

• A testament to her reckless behavior: "I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints, the sinners are much more fun... only the good die young."

• If she's adamant about ditching her party girl reputation: "You're not the only one who's made mistakes, but they're the only thing that you can truly call your own. Don't forget your second wind."

• To prove that what the tabloid press writes doesn't bother her: "I don't care what you say anymore, this is my life. Go ahead with your own life, leave me alone."

• There's always the Long Island high school yearbook quote route: "They say that these are not the best of times, but they're the only times I've ever known... And so we choose between reality and madness. It's either sadness or euphoria."

• Finally, to describe the current state of her acting career: "Say goodbye to Hollywood, say goodbye, my baby."

May 21, 2011, and Other 'Judgment Days' That Have Come and Gone

No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."

The Bible couldn't be clearer, right there in the Book of Matthew: chapter 24, verse 36.

But doomsayers have sworn since at least Roman times that they're better sourced than the angels themselves, boldly trotting out predictions down to the day for the Final Judgment/Judgment Day, when, Christians believe, Jesus will descend to earth and set off a chain of events resulting in the end of the world and a new heaven.

May 21, 2011, is the latest attempt to get a jump on Judgment Day, courtesy of Oakland, Calif.-based Family Radio, a nonprofit evangelical Christian group. And, assuming we're all here to follow up, it will make a nice addition on May 22 to this random list of predicted Second Comings we've survived so far.

1. Let's start with Family Radio, whose president, Harold Camping, predicted the End of Days before: Sept. 6, 1994. Camping had been "thrown off a correct calculation because of some verses in Matthew 24," a company spokesman told ABC News this month.

The Christian radio broadcaster is apparently more confident this time around, spending big bucks on 5,000 billboards, posters, fliers and digital bus displays across the country.

2. Edgar Whisenant didn't get it right the first time, either, when he predicted a mid-September 1988 Rapture, even publishing the books "88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Be in 1988" and "On Borrowed Time." No Apocalypse, no problem. The former NASA engineer simply pushed his predictions off to three subsequent years and wrote books along the way, none of which reportedly sold as well as the first two.

He died in 2001. We're unable to confirm where he's awaiting the big day. (S)

10th The Most Beautiful Places in the World

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Our next selection is largely unknown to tourists from the United States, and perhaps that makes it even more precious. The limestone caves of the Plitvice Lakes National Park make the water of its 16 lakes and a handful of waterfalls shimmer brilliant shades of turquoise, silver and green. And to get a better view the lakes' beauty, you'll find a web of wooden plank walkways scattered throughout. But note that there is no true best or worst season to stop by this site in central Croatia. Snow and ice transforms the area into a winter wonderland; in summer the surrounding trees further enhance the hues of the lake water. If at all possible, though, avoid the onslaught of local tourists in July and August.

Taj Mahal, India

Molded out of red sandstone and white marble, and sparkling with the glint of semi-precious stones, this mausoleum of northeastern India needs no justification to appear on our list. Frommer's says, "It's not just the perfect symmetry, the ethereal luminescence, the wonderful proportions, or the sheer scale," that makes us revere the Taj Mahal. It's also "the exquisite detailing covering every inch of marble that justifies it as a wonder of the world." Its amorous background also feeds our admiration: It was commissioned by a 17th century Mughal emperor to honor the memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Consider planning a trip for sometime between October and March to behold Taj's majestic domes, chambers and minarets; that way the weather will be somewhat cooler for walking around. If you have time, stay from the early morning until the late night, as "the radiance of the Taj under the moonlight is beyond any explanation," notes TajMahal.org.uk.

Snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Australia's luscious islands, cays and coral reef system of the Great Barrier Reef are awesome in scope and visuals -- in fact, this reef covers more of the world than any other entry on our list (approximately 135,000 square miles; the only living thing visible from outer space). All who encounter even a small portion of this gorgeous giant are dazzled by its aquamarine waters and honeycomb beaches. Even more beauty awaits you below the water surface: a maze of more than 2,900 spectacular coral reefs and countless marine life. Come to this area just off the coast of Queensland between June and October, so you can avoid the worst of Australia's oppressive heat.

Borobudur in Indonesia

The true origins of this impressive Buddhist monument, located in central Java, are somewhat disputed. According to the UNESCO World Heritage website, the Borobudur temple was founded by a Saliendra dynasty king sometime between 750 and 842 A.D. Still, you don't need a definitive history lesson to fully appreciate its grandeur. Just feast your eyes on its intricately sculpted gray-stone relief panels (slats of stone carved with artwork to depict the life of Buddha) and the perfectly symmetrical stupas (mound-shaped structures containing Buddhist relics). They're even more precious due to their resilience: Borobudur is still gorgeous despite nearby bombings and volcanic eruptions. Try to visit in May; that's when the air is supposedly the cleanest in Java. And plan your trek at sunrise or sunset to witness how the light catches the stupas' perforations.

Grand Canyon, United States

We have to root a little for the home team. And here in the United States, the astonishing depths and incredible sunsets of the Grand Canyon make it a shoe-in on this list. Plus you can enjoy the scenery while you work up a sweat, hiking the rigorous Bright Angel Trail or rafting the Colorado River. As President Theodore Roosevelt famously noted, this park is "one of the great sights which every American, if he can travel at all, must see." Many take Teddy up on his word -- so if you want to explore this northern Arizona park, we suggest you avoid the staggering crowds of the summer. Consider visiting between March and May or September and November, when the weather is pleasant and the lodging rates are reasonable.

The Palace of Versailles, France

The Palace of Versailles might have had humble beginnings, but times have changed. Now, this ain't no simple hunting lodge, but rather an opulent tribute to the former French monarchy. Highlights include the reflective Hall of Mirrors, where world leaders met to sign the 1919 treaty that ended World War I; the manicured French-style gardens, which prominently feature the iconic Bassin d'Apollon (fountain) and the verdant Orangerie garden; and the Petit Trianon, a smaller chateau gifted to the infamous Marie Antoinette by her husband, King Louis XVI. Early summer is idyllic in the Île-de-France region, so plan your sojourn for that season. That's also when you'll find a few music concerts and special events taking place in the Versailles gardens.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu's 12 acres of mysterious temples and exquisite terraces are perpetually shrouded in cloud tufts, proving that this ancient site of Peru's Urubamba Valley still lives up to its reputation as the “Lost City of the Incas.” Or at least it seems like it from the pictures. In reality, this ancient city is always overrun with hikers exploring the Inca Trail or catching the view from the Temple of the Sun. So come with plenty of camera film and patience. For fewer crowds -- though not by much -- visit between October and April.

The Great Temple of Ramses II in Egypt

During his 67-year reign, Pharaoh Ramses II left many visual reminders of his greatness. Perhaps the best known are the four larger-than-life statues carved into a mountainside of southern Egypt. Many don't realize there's more to this site -- sometimes called Abu Simbel for the town you'll find it in -- than those seated statues seated on the facade. Pass through them and you'll find more detailed statues and intricate hieroglyphs depicting the Egyptian army's victory over ancient Libya, Syria and Nubia. Next door is the smaller Temple of Nefertari, dedicated to the Pharaoh's favorite wife. If you truly want to be wowed, you should swing by Abu Simbel around Feb. 20 or Oct. 20. Twice a year around those days the sun's rays shine directly into the larger temple to illuminate the artwork and statues within.

Great Wall of China

Fiction: The Great Wall of China can be seen from outer space (with the naked eye). Fact: it is pretty fantastic to view up close and personal. It sweeps through approximately 4,000 miles of northern China, and different sections guarantee different tourist experiences: The jungly sections of Simatai and Jinshanling are good for hiking; the arresting and gorgeous Mutianyu stretch is good for snapping photos; and the crowded Badaling portion is good for convenience (it's only an hour away from exciting Beijing). Plan your trip for anytime (just imagine the contrast of the Great Wall with the white snow of winter, the red leaves of fall and the green grass of spring and summer), but do try to bypass the hordes of tourists that visit on the weekends year-round.

The Northern Lights in the Arctic Circle

This scientific phenomenon occurs when charged solar particles collide in the earth's geomagnetic field and create a colorful, magnificent glow in the sky's upper atmosphere. According to the Huffington Post, "ideal viewing conditions are crisp, cold, clear and cloudless skies with little light." And though it is possible to see the Northern Lights in other parts of the globe, this phenomenon is most prevalent in the world's polar regions; the name Aurora Borealis refers to the lights as seen from northern latitudes (Aurora Australis is the name for the lesser-known Southern Lights of the South Pole). For the best viewing, Fodor's recommends visiting Anchorage, Alaska or Calgary, Alberta. You can also see the Northern Lights in parts of Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Russia, among other countries. (S)

[VIDEO] Barcelona Vs Manchester United 3-1 | Barca Vs MU | Champions League

WEMBLEY, England (AP)—Barcelona and Lionel Messi put their places among football’s all-time greats beyond all doubt as the Argentina forward scored one goal and created another in a mesmerizing 3-1 Champions League final win over Manchester United on Saturday.

Barcelona justified its status as overwhelming favorite by dominating possession with trademark one-touch passing. But with Wayne Rooney having equalized Pedro Rodriguez’s first-half opener, the Spanish champions could not force the crucial breakthrough until the Argentina striker conjured a 54th-minute solo strike from the edge of the area.

Man-of-the-match Messi followed his 53rd goal of a remarkable season with a feint and run that eventually led to David Villa receiving possession on the edge of the area, from where the Spain striker curled a shot into the top corner.

A third Champions League title in six seasons and fourth overall means that only Liverpool, AC Milan and fierce rival Real Madrid have won more European Cups than Barcelona’s four.

“I feel privileged,” Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola said. “You always want to win, but the the way we have won is what I am most proud of. This is the way we want to play football.

“Lionel is the best player I have seen and probably the best I will ever see.”

Messi was typically taciturn in his celebration.

“I’m very happy about the match,” Messi said. “We were the better team. We deserved to win.”

No team has dominated Europe so comprehensively since Madrid’s three titles in five seasons from 1998-2002, and even that spell was punctuated by barren seasons.

Guardiola has now won 10 titles—including two European Cups—in his three years in charge of the club he served as a player for 17 years. Alex Ferguson, the most decorated manager in English football history, has needed 25 years with United to win the same number of Champions League titles.

“They do mesmerize you with their passing and we never really did control Messi,” Ferguson said. “But many people have said that.

“In my time as manager, it’s the best team I’ve faced.”

With Pedro scoring Barcelona’s opening goal midway through the first half from an imaginative through ball from stand-in captain Xavi Hernandez, the win was as comprehensive as its 2-0 victory over United in the 2009 final in Rome.

“When Rome finished, I thought we had played a good game, but when I looked at it again I wasn’t that impressed,” Guardiola said. “But it has served its purpose.

“I think we played much better than the game two years ago.”

The performance was so comfortable that Guardiola was able to bring on regular captain Carles Puyol for the last few moments, giving the injury-hit defender the chance to play a part in a memorable triumph.

But in a gesture symbolizing Barcelona’s team ethic, Puyol handed the armband over to Eric Abidal—whose place in the team had been in doubt after he had surgery this season to remove a liver tumor—and the France defender lifted the famous trophy.

“Players are human beings,” Guardiola said. “Carles has made a great gesture and it has made us stronger.”

United improved upon its 2009 final performance in Rome and did equalize in the 34th through Rooney, but could do little to disrupt Europe’s dominant footballing force.

Xavi orchestrated play from in front of Sergio Busquets, while Andres Iniesta and Messi tormented United with the pinpoint accuracy of their passing.

For half an hour, the match followed the same pattern as the 2009 final. United unsettled Barcelona with constant pressure on the man in possession and dominated the first 10 minutes before the Spanish league champions burst into life.

Barcelona pushed the United players deep into their own half and kept them there, with Xavi, Villa, Iniesta and Messi finding space where none seemed to exist.

Xavi created the first goal, drawing four opponents by dribbling to the edge of the area before releasing a diagonal pass into the path of Pedro, who arrived down the right to hit a firm shot past Van der Sar at his near post.

United responded by returning to its pressing game and it yielded an equalizer within seven minutes. From its own throw, Barcelona gave away possession on the right touchline to spark a five-player move as skillful as any in the match.

Rio Ferdinand, Fabio da Silva and Michael Carrick were all involved before Rooney carried the ball to the edge of the area and, slipping it to Ryan Giggs with the outside of his right boot, continued his run.

The veteran Giggs controlled with one touch and knocked it back to with his second, giving Rooney the perfect set-up to curl a shot past the reach of goalkeeper Victor Valdes and in at the far post.

But after emerging more than a minute late from the dressing room, Barcelona showed its mettle by retaining possession for almost 2 1/2 minutes at the start of the second half.

Messi’s solo effort then sent the Barcelona fans massed at the west end of the 90,000-seat stadium wild, and the volume was just as loud when Messi twisted and turned past substitute Nani near the right corner flag and carried the ball into the area.

The diminutive No. 10 lost control just when he looked likely to supply a killer pass but Busquets did it for him, finding Villa in space. The Spain striker looked up and sent the ball curling past Van der Sar.

The former Netherlands goalkeeper had already made stops from Messi, Xavi and Iniesta in his final match before retirement, but could do little but watch it sail past him.

“They were the better team so we cant really argue,” Ferdinand said. “They’re a great side with great players.”

Lineups:
Barcelona: Victor Valdes, Dani Alves (Carles Puyol, 88), Javier Mascherano, Gerard Pique, Eric Abidal, Xavi Hernandez, Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta, Pedro Rodriguez (Ibrahim Afellay, 90), Lionel Messi, David Villa (Seydou Keita, 86).

Manchester United: Edwin van der Sar, Fabio da Silva (Nani, 69), Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra, Antonio Valencia, Michael Carrick (Paul Scholes, 77), Ryan Giggs, Park Ji-sung, Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez.

VIDEO Barca vs MU with score 3-1 | Final Champions League | Barcelona vs Manchester United

Rima Fakih:"...I am Muslim-American."

After tonight, the next Miss USA will likely face more questions about her beauty secrets than whether she's tied to a terrorist organization.

That's because the reign of Rima Fakih, the current title holder and first Muslim-American to wear the crown, will end when a panel of judges selects her successor at the 2011 Miss USA Pageant in Las Vegas.

During her tenure, Rima Fakih, 25, who was born in Lebanon, repeatedly faced questions about her ethnic and religious identity. That included responding to unfounded rumors circulating over the Internet that she had family connections to Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shiite group that the U.S. designates as a terrorist organization.

Fakih flatly denied the allegation, calling it the product of a blogger who had made it up "out of her prejudiced mind."

"I'd like to say I'm American first, and I am an Arab-American," Rima Fakih said. "I am Lebanese-American, and I am Muslim-American."

Fakih not only stood up for herself, she lent moral and vocal support to another Muslim beauty contestant, Great Britain's Shanna Bukhari who received a death threat because of her stated goal to represent her country at the Miss Universe pageant.

"Be fearless, be proud of who you are and no matter what anyone tells you by using religion as a tool against you, don't let that affect you," said Fakih, who sent Bukhari a charm bracelet to show her support.

Not all of the pesky questions posed to Rima Fakih were about religion, however. There were those pictures of her standing next to a stripper's pole circulating around the Internet that Fakih had to explain.

Those were taken during a radio station competition in which no clothes were removed, Rima Fakih said.

Karina Smirnoff-Brad Penny has Set a Wedding Date

Karina Smirnoff has set a wedding date. Smirnoff and her fiancee, Detroit Tigers pitcher Brad Penny, will wed on January 21, 2012, People reported Tuesday.

While Karina Smirnoff revealed the date of her upcoming nuptials to People, the 33-year-old Dancing with the Stars dancer wouldn't disclose the exact location of the destination wedding, which will take place someplace in the Caribbean.

"I have a lot of family and friends that live in Europe and Israel, and Brad has a big family in Oklahoma," Smirnoff said. "It's going to be a very diverse, colorful crowd."

However, Karina Smirnoff still hasn't reached a decision on another important element of the ceremony: her wedding dress.

"We're down to six, which is better than 20," she told People. "You always have to look at the glass half full."

"I'm very open to the colors, the setting, the flowers. I'm very easy... the only thing I do want is that big dress with the train. Even if it's just me walking in a dress, I'm all good."

Karina Smirnoff began dating Penny in October 2009, shortly after she and fellow Dancing with the Stars dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy called off their engagement and ended their relationship. Penny then proposed a year later in October 2010. (S)

Paula Abdul Officially Joins Simon Cowell on U.S. 'X Factor'

Everyone's favorite reality TV couple are back together. After weeks of rumors and a reported 11th-hour contract signing that nearly derailed the first day of auditions, former "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul will has officially taken her seat beside her ex-"Idol" sparring partner Simon Cowell on his upcoming U.S. version of "The X Factor."

Announced on Sunday evening, the addition of Paula Abdul to the show completes the judging panel, which also includes former music executive Antonio "L.A." Reid and British singer and U.K. "X Factor" judge Cheryl Cole.

According to reports, Cowell was prepared to pull the plug on Sunday's auditions when Paula Abdul didn't sign her contract until just before taking the stage.

"I am excited beyond words to be a part of the 'X Factor.' I couldn't be happier to bring my love for cultivating talent and performance to such a wildly anticipated show," said Paula Abdul in the announcement. "[I] know that it will be an extraordinary journey — we're going to have a blast. I'm also delighted and grateful to be sitting next to Simon again ... but you might want to check back with me in a week or two!"

Open auditions for the show will continue in Dallas on May 26. Unlike other reality singing competitions, contestants on "X Factor" sing in front of an audience of thousands as well as the four judges in their first audition.

Though Cowell told the audience that they would serve as the "fifth judge" and be relied on to help decide who will get the $5 million grand prize, The Hollywood Reporter said the crowd apparently was taking that advice too far and had to be asked by producers to boo the singers less as a way to "temper negativity on the show."

The program also revealed its co-hosts over the weekend, former Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger and British TV personality Steve Jones. Though her solo singing career has struggled to take off, Scherzinger has found success as a guest judge on the U.K. version of "The X Factor."

Scherzinger, too, said she was excited to be on the Stateside version of the program, which is slated to launch in the fall. "I am thrilled to be asked by Simon Cowell to host 'The X Factor'," said the singer, who also is a one-time "Dancing With the Stars" winner. "I loved working alongside Simon on the U.K. show, and cannot wait to see what he has in store for the U.S. I'm so excited to work with Steve Jones and help discover astounding talent from across the country!(S)

Wow, Pippa Middleton -- $5 Million Porn Offer by the Vivid Entertainment

Time for a little porn math -- Pippa Middleton = 5 Octomoms ... because TMZ has learned a major company is offering Kate's little sister a whopping $5,000,000 ... for JUST ONE SCENE.

Vivid Entertainment honcho Steven Hirsch sent Pippa Middleton the letter, saying he thought Pippa Middleton was the star of the Royal Wedding and that her "beauty and attitude" would make her a huge adult star. The fact she had some semi-racy photos surface this week probably didn't hurt either.

But get this -- Hirsch is also offering $1 million to another member of her family for doing a scene ... Pippa Middleton brother James! (S)

Click here to read the letter (in pdf file)

Middleton Pippa

Train Accidents Likely to Impair NYC Commute

HOBOKEN, N.J. – A commuter train crash that left dozens with mostly minor injuries and the derailment of an empty Amtrak train in a tunnel put Monday morning's commute in jeopardy in New York City, where travelers were urged to allow extra time even though additional buses and ferries would be provided and most agencies planned to honor each other's tickets.

The PATH commuter train, headed here from New York, crashed at about 8:30 Sunday morning as it pulled into the last station on its route, injuring 34 and shutting down the tracks for hours. Some service was restored later.

None of the injuries was considered life-threatening, though several victims were taken away on stretchers or put in neck braces as a precaution, Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer said. The injured, who mostly sustained cuts and bruises, were taken to three area hospitals for treatment, and most, if not all, were expected to be released later in the day.

PATH train service into and out of the station in Hoboken, just across the Hudson River from New York City, was suspended for about 11 hours because of the crash, but some service resumed on at least one of the station's three tracks around 7:30 p.m. Sunday, giving officials hope that the morning commute wouldn't be as hectic as initially believed.

Port Authority and city officials said crews would be working through the night as needed to make repairs to damaged track and other areas of the Hoboken station. It was hoped that at least two of the tracks would be ready for the commute.

The PATH, or Port Authority Trans-Hudson, system is the main transit link between Manhattan and neighboring New Jersey urban communities and suburban commuter railroads. It handles nearly 250,000 passenger trips each weekday, fewer on weekends.

A few hours after the PATH crash, an empty Amtrak train derailed in New York's East River tunnel on the other side of Manhattan. No crew members were injured, Amtrak spokeswoman Danelle Hunter told the Daily News. A broken rail led to the derailment, the Long Island Rail Road said.

It reduced its Monday schedule for trains operating into Penn Station, canceling 13 trains and planning to divert six others. The agency warned of delays of up to 20 minutes.

Riders of Amtrak and New Jersey Transit were likely to experience delays and service changes as well. Both are also routed through Penn Station, which serves half a million passengers daily and is the country's busiest train station.

Passengers on the PATH train said it had been a routine trip until they suddenly were knocked around by the impact at the station.
"People were stunned, but nobody was really going crazy or anything," said Tom Gordon, of Jersey City, who was riding in the train's front car with about 15 other people. "I didn't know what had happened at first."

Gordon, who was headed home from his security job at a New York City apartment building, said he was half-asleep as the train pulled into the station on track No. 2. But he was quickly awakened and jolted from his seat by the crash.

He was taken to a hospital for treatment of minor arm and rib injuries and left Sunday afternoon with his arm in a sling.

The cause of the crash remained under investigation, but city police said it appeared that a mechanical failure was to blame. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey were investigating.

Officials said the train's motorman would be tested for drugs and alcohol, which is standard policy in such crashes. They said there was no reason or evidence to suggest that the motorman had been impaired at the time of the crash.

Witnesses described the scene at the station as "controlled chaos," saying people were mostly calm but very concerned for the injured. Zimmer praised the efforts of emergency responders from Hoboken and surrounding communities who answered their call for assistance.

"Everyone did a great job," she said.

Zimmer said updated information on service disruptions would be posted on the city's and Port Authority's websites. (s)

Grand View Topless Coffee Shop-Nude Coffeeshop, plans to close

VASSALBORO -- Donald Crabtree says he opened the Grand View Topless Coffee Shop in 2009 so that he, his staff and his customers could smile.

Crabtree isn't smiling anymore.

Following a recent notice from the town's code officer that the shop was violating zoning rules by displaying new signs -- one advertised a benefit topless car wash -- Crabtree said this week that he plans to close the controversial business on Route 3 when his inventory is sold in the coming months.

"I wanted to have some fun; I wanted to see people smile," Crabtree said. "I started the topless coffee shop to do that, and it did. But now my smile's gone. I've fought that fight for more than two years now and no matter how hard I try to make this work, somebody sabotages me."

The shop, which has featured topless waitresses serving coffee, garnered national media attention when it first opened in this rural community, provoking outrage among many residents. It has prompted Vassalboro and many other communities to adopt ordinances regulating where and when sexually oriented businesses can operate.

Crabtree's original building, a former motel, burned to the ground in a June 2009 fire that investigators say was the result of arson. The man charged with the fire, Raymond Bellavance Jr., who was in a relationship with one of the waitresses, is awaiting trial.

But Crabtree, 43, said the final straw for him was the recent notice of violations from the town over large signs he set up. One advertised a benefit topless car wash, while a portable sign proclaimed, "Boobies Wanted." Crabtree said he removed the signs Thursday night, after he was given seven days by the code officer to do so or else face legal action.

Many in town will be glad to see the shop go away. At public meetings and in letters to the editor, residents of Vassalboro and surrounding communities have bemoaned not only the business, but what they view as the negative attention for the town.

The Rev. Steve Rogers of the Vassalboro Baptist Church said he's pleased the shop will close.

"I hate to see a business disappear, but ..." Rogers said, letting the word hang in the air. "That's really not the type of business Vassalboro needs. It's had an effect on the community and upset people. I think the majority of the town is going to be very pleased it's shutting down and hopefully whoever buys it will run a more family-friendly business."

Dan Feeney, Vassalboro's code officer, said he went to inspect the signs April 26 after receiving complaints. Feeney said Crabtree's signs are bigger than what's allowed under his local permit and under the adult-only business ordinance.

"It's not what's on the signs; it's the signs themselves," Feeney said Friday.

Feeney also informed Crabtree that he couldn't hold a benefit car wash on his property, nor sell lobsters there, because those activities would change the property's allowed use. Crabtree says he is a licensed wholesale lobster seller and is permitted to sell lobsters out of his truck.

Crabtree doesn't understand why he's not allowed to hold a benefit to raise money, even though he concedes a topless car wash is "probably pushing it a little bit."

Still, Crabtree feels unfairly targeted by complaints and town officials -- a contention that he's been making the last two years.

Crabtree claims that people have been spreading rumors about drug use and prostitution ever since his business opened, all of which he adamantly denies.

"These people are bound and determined to shut you down," he said. "I'm singled out, but I'm just trying to make a living like everyone else."

Even so, Crabtree said he'll cherish the nice people he's met the last two years, staff and customers alike, and he considers them all friends.

Regular customer Herman Jellison, 47, of Whitefield, said he's sorry the coffee shop will close.

"I don't blame him," Jellison said of Crabtree. "This town's been harassing him since he's been here. People really need to mind their own business."

Since the fire, the coffee shop has continued inside a trailer on the property. The property is listed for $169,000.

Crabtree says he doesn't attract nearly as many customers as he did at first, so he's reduced hours of operation and employs four women as waitresses. He has been attempting to rebuild the coffee shop building through donations and a building shell is now up, as is a section where he lives, but he's had barely enough money to get by.

The shop now charges a $5 door fee, which Crabtree says is basically a mandatory tip for the waitresses, and cups of coffee are $3 for the first one and $6 for subsequent ones.

Crabtree conceded that the decision to close the shop is as much about frustration with the town as it is a financial and psychological reality.

"The business is slowly dying," he said. "You can't win. I'm killing myself, is what I'm doing."

TIMELINE

Jan. 6, 2009: Donald Crabtree receives approval from the Vassalboro Planning Board to open the Grand View Topless Coffee Shop on Route 3.
Feb. 23, 2009: Crabtree opens the shop.
June 2, 2009: Crabtree appears before the Planning Board for a pre-application meeting to discuss his proposal to extend hours of operation and add dancing and a disc jockey.
June 3, 2009: Just hours after the Planning Board meeting, the coffee shop is destroyed in an early morning fire that investigators rule as arson.
June 8, 2009: At the annual Town Meeting, Vassalboro residents overwhelmingly approve a new ordinance regulating sexually oriented business in response to the coffee shop.
July 14, 2009: The Planning Board approves a permit for Crabtree to operate the business in a new building, once it’s constructed. Meantime, Crabtree later reopens the business in a trailer on the property.
April 6, 2010: The state Fire Marshal’s Office releases the name of the man suspected of setting the coffee shop on fire: Raymond Bellavance Jr., who investigators said dated one of the coffee shop’s waitresses.
May 5, 2010: Bellavance is arrested after U.S. marshals nab him in South Carolina.
April 28, 2011: Vassalboro’s code officer notifies Crabtree that his business is violating town rules with two new signs placed on the property.
May 2011: Crabtree says he will be closing the coffee shop once the inventory is sold in the coming months. (S)