Maine: We'll Let You Smoke Pot, Just Don't be Gay

One result from the election this past Tuesday is that 53% of Mainers are homophoes. I think a lot of things about this:  it sends a sad message, people are so disturbed by the gay sex part of the issue that they are overlooking the intent, marriage is the proof of commitment that two people love each other. The people who were for overturning the law that out legislatures passed to legalize gay marriage are frightened. Afraid of what? I’m not sure...that their kids will be taught about gay marriage in school, who the fuck is taught about marriage in school?; i certainly was not, were you?

And there is another point, why do we have Legislatures making and passing (or not) laws, if every time one goes through, it gets kicked back to the citizens for a re-vote? We could save a ton of money and time in this State if we axed the whole legislature system and turned every decision to the citizens for voting...*whatever*.

This whole post could become rantish, boring and get TLDR so Ill shorten this up and come at this from another angle. I think we missed a good opportunity to increase sections of the economy. The wedding planners, cake makers, function halls, suit rentals, wedding dresses....all that money spent in/on weddings will never be spent....travel accommodations, all of it. I'd venture to say millions per year in this state. Bye Bye. Then you have the divorce lawyers....they would likely have more work too.  I'm gonna guess this marriage issue will be back.

Now, the other vote issue that came up is the 59% of Mainers supported the medical marijuana proposal to expand availability...basically to create dispensaries.  Hummm...we'll let you smoke pot, but just don't be gay.   What a world.

Giro d'Italia -Stage 17

Stage 17 of the Giro was today. A friend of mine clued me into the Universal Sports web site where they stream the race coverage live for free. So awesome. I got it running in the background as I review reports.

Lance Armstrong is riding really well today (second position in photo). I'm not sure how he'll play for the Tour de France in July but he may be in shape to take it. Although, I think he may ride to support Levi Leiphenmer (sp) for a TdF GC win. Levi is 35 years old and near the end of his career with this being his last real chance at a Grand Tour win.

I am spending some time today and tomorrow at the Northeast Geological Society of America meeting. This morning I managed to grab some GSA schwag (pictured), cruise the poster presentations and sit in a couple of talks.

My problem with the talks, as it has always been, is that while the presenters are among the best know and respected geologist in their field, few of them have any clue how to present good, clear and meaningful slides or how to SPEAK THE FUCK UP.

I was sitting there this morning thinking of this. Guy! speak INTO the microphone. Don't look at your slides and speak towards them. Not only that you are not projecting your voice AT ALL. Good lord man your like one of the 10 ten guys in this room right now.
I wanted to shout out ' could you please speak up'. But, as that I know who most of the people in the room are; it is really not the situation to be shouting at the idols. It would be poor form.
After lunch Ill go back up and sit in on a couple of more talks. Might as well. It's ligit time away from the office.

Trek Across Maine 2009

Yesterday I registered for the 2009 Trek Across Maine. It is a 3 day 180 mile bike ride from Bethel to Belfast, Maine to raise money for the American Lung Association. A couple of years ago I rode the MS150 (1,2) and had a great time, so this year when Wife suggested I do 'the trek' I was all over it. Plus I could use the training leading up to the ride.

The fundraiser minimum is $500 and I would really like the help of my fellow bloggers in reaching this goal. To each blogger that donates I will do a post about you. What else could I offer? really.

I have set up a fund raising page through ALA for tax deductible donations. I should also mention that I am riding on the PercyCycles Team. It is a small team based out of the small shop that I do my bike repair and wheel building through. I can't wait for June.