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GayinMaine Forums » Recent Posts http://gayinmaine.com/forums/ GayinMaine Forums » Recent Posts en-US Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:27:51 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q http://gayinmaine.com/forums/search.php Ridgeman on "KIWI" http://gayinmaine.com/forums/topic.php?id=27#post-37 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 19:43:01 +0000 Ridgeman 37@http://gayinmaine.com/forums/ I thought Kiwi was a great allegory for a life well lived and the ending being mysterious, leaves one to their own imagination. It could be a Rorschach test and the answers great conversation. The sound at the end I'd like to believe Kiwi landed in a nest he built as well, near the top of the tallest tree. It was constructed for 2 and an admirer was there, strong and confident but fragile and tender. Someone with whom Kiwi need not be to be strong. Someone that can only sleep when Kiwi was near and smiles thinking of him. Those things... Ridgeman on "KIWI" http://gayinmaine.com/forums/topic.php?id=27#post-36 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 19:38:43 +0000 Ridgeman 36@http://gayinmaine.com/forums/ What happens to Kiwi after the video ends? <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdUUx5FdySs" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdUUx5FdySs</a> Ridgeman on "Advice on coming out." http://gayinmaine.com/forums/topic.php?id=16#post-35 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 05:43:37 +0000 Ridgeman 35@http://gayinmaine.com/forums/ There isn't a perfect formula to follow. I do think the biggest barrier is oneself and the apprehension and fear.. at least it was for me. I am out, and I don't make a crusade of it. Important people in my life know - I told them. When I become close friends with someone, I tell. Not sure it is really necessary, but, like family, I don't want a perception of a deception to develop. I tell myself I don't advertise, but I don't lie. Not bad rule of thumb, but it is a bit of a cop out. Should everyone know, is that correct? Maybe, after all, the straight people, while they don't go around stating they are heterosexual, they do wear a wedding ring, or talk about their wife/girlfriend without hesitation. Their children are rightfully a generator of pride and that pride is shared with many. I know if I had children, my sharing of experiences and photos would be nauseating to all but me. My mother who I told when I was 32 was initially upset and cried. That was an initial reaction (to something she knew already, but was unconfirmed.) The very next day all was well and my dad who I though was a real danger, had no issues at all and liked, very much, a special boyfriend I had for some time. E.E. Cummings said "It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are." Courage, as you know, can be especially difficult and it can also be viewed with admiration. "Promise me you will always remember: Your braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. (Christopher Robin to Pooh)" Anonymous on "Advice on coming out." http://gayinmaine.com/forums/topic.php?id=16#post-33 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 20:11:29 +0000 Anonymous 33@http://gayinmaine.com/forums/ Hi Frodo....I have also jst found this site and have tried to e-mail you, with no luck. If ya read my profile, you know I'm jst trying to be of some help...did that, been there..and its not a pleasant place to be...If your interested in chattn...please feel free anytime. Good luck to you if i dont hear from you...:) DADJM2X Ridgeman on "Excellent funny story" http://gayinmaine.com/forums/topic.php?id=25#post-32 Sun, 27 Dec 2009 05:52:57 +0000 Ridgeman 32@http://gayinmaine.com/forums/ Thanks, I had a great laugh and some fun sharing this christmas story with friends! Anonymous on "Advice on coming out." http://gayinmaine.com/forums/topic.php?id=16#post-31 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:46:53 +0000 Anonymous 31@http://gayinmaine.com/forums/ One of the virtues of the nudist lifestyle is to always be yourself and not try to be someone you arent,something that I've lived by all my life. I dont believe that a person has to come out all at once,thats too scary and complicated. If I were in your shoes I'd casually mention to a friend or two things about my current boyfriend,or the fact that you will be visiting or going to a special place with your boyfriend. Bring your boyfriend/lover to visit your family,put your arm around him,hold hands,even kiss a little. No-one ever said you had to come out and tell people,I would just drop subtle hints and if they have any questions let them be uncomfortable with the issues. I guess what I'm trying to say is to start living your life the way you want or feel is right,its too much of a hassle to worry about what others will/are thinking,too much stress,who needs it? James Ridgeman on "Our Love is Better" http://gayinmaine.com/forums/topic.php?id=24#post-30 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 05:32:23 +0000 Ridgeman 30@http://gayinmaine.com/forums/ <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNbC8wwGtdo" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNbC8wwGtdo</a> Ridgeman on "Ivri Lider - The Man I Love" http://gayinmaine.com/forums/topic.php?id=23#post-29 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 03:22:09 +0000 Ridgeman 29@http://gayinmaine.com/forums/ <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3AJnHBQ4rY" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3AJnHBQ4rY</a> Ridgeman on "YEHONATHAN - "My Turn"" http://gayinmaine.com/forums/topic.php?id=22#post-28 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 03:16:43 +0000 Ridgeman 28@http://gayinmaine.com/forums/ <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69B0yvcz1-4&feature=player_embedded" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69B0yvcz1-4&feature=player_embedded</a> brainmindstudy on "airbrush tanning in Portland" http://gayinmaine.com/forums/topic.php?id=21#post-27 Wed, 09 Dec 2009 09:14:51 +0000 brainmindstudy 27@http://gayinmaine.com/forums/ Personalized Organic Airbrush Tanning is now in Portland. Check out coppersheen.com if you have been told by your dermatologist to stay out of the sun and the multitude of tanning booths in the area nuking everyone, then knowing that you can now get an instant tan the way they do it in Hollywood should be welcome news! admin on "Pocket Tazer Stun Gun" http://gayinmaine.com/forums/topic.php?id=20#post-26 Sat, 05 Dec 2009 20:41:34 +0000 admin 26@http://gayinmaine.com/forums/ Pocket Tazer Stun Gun, a great gift: Last weekend I saw something at Larry’s Pistol & Pawn Shop that sparked my interest. The occasion was our 15th anniversary and I was looking for a little something extra for my partner Jeff. What I came across was a 100,000-volt, pocket/purse- sized tazer. The effects of the tazer were supposed to be short lived, with no long-term adverse affect on your assailant, allowing him adequate time to retreat to safety….?? WAY TOO COOL! Long story short, I bought the device and brought it home. I loaded two AAA batteries in the darn thing and pushed the button. Nothing. I was disappointed. I learned, however, that if I pushed the button and pressed it against a metal surface at the same time; I’d get the blue arc of electricity darting back and forth between the prongs. AWESOME Unfortunately, I have yet to explain to Jeff what that burn spot is on the face of the microwave. Okay, so I was home alone with this new toy, thinking to myself that it couldn’t be all that bad with only two triple-A batteries, right? There I sat in my recliner, my cat Gracie looking on intently (trusting little soul) while I was reading the directions and thinking that I really needed to try this thing out on a flesh & blood moving target. I must admit I thought about zapping Gracie (for a fraction of a second) and thought better of it. She is such a sweet cat. But, if I was going to give this thing to Jeff to protect himself against a mugger, I did want some assurance that it would work as advertised. Am I wrong? So, there I sat in a pair of shorts and a tank top with my glasses perched delicately on the bridge of my nose, directions in one hand, and tazer in another. The directions said that a one-second burst would shock and disorient your assailant; a two-second burst was supposed to cause muscle spasms and a major loss of bodily control; a three-second burst would purportedly make your assailant flop on the ground like a fish out of water. Any burst longer than three seconds would be wasting the batteries. All the while I’m looking at this little device measuring about 5” long, less than 3/4 inch in circumference; pretty cute really and (loaded with two itsy, bitsy triple-A batteries) thinking to myself, ‘no possible way!’ What happened next is almost beyond description, but I’ll do my best.. .? I’m sitting there alone, Gracie looking on with her head cocked to one side as to say, ‘don’t do it dipshit,’ reasoning that a one second burst from such a tiny little ole thing couldn’t hurt all that bad. I decided to give myself a one second burst just for heck of it. I touched the prongs to my naked thigh, pushed the button, and . . HOLY MOTHER OF GOD . . WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION . . . WHAT THE HELL I’m pretty sure Jessie Ventura ran in through the side door, picked me up in the recliner, then body slammed us both on the carpet, over and over and over again. I vaguely recall waking up on my side in the fetal position, with tears in my eyes, body soaking wet, both nipples on fire, testicles nowhere to be found, with my left arm tucked under my body in the oddest position, and tingling in my legs? The cat was making meowing sounds I had never heard before, clinging to a picture frame hanging above the fireplace, obviously in an attempt to avoid getting slammed by my body flopping all over the living room. Note: If you ever feel compelled to ‘mug’ yourself with a tazer, one note of caution: there is no such thing as a one second burst when you zap yourself! You will not let go of that thing until it is dislodged from your hand by a violent thrashing about on the floor.. A three second burst would be considered conservative? IT HURT LIKE HELL A minute or so later (I can’t be sure, as time was a relative thing at that point), I collected my wits (what little I had left), sat up and surveyed the landscape. My bent glasses were on the mantel of the fireplace. The recliner was upside down and about 8 feet or so from where it originally was. My triceps, right thigh and both nipples were still twitching. My face felt like it had been shot up with Novocain, and my bottom lip weighed 88 lbs. I had no control over the drooling. Apparently I pooped on myself, but was too numb to know for sure and my sense of smell was gone. I saw a faint smoke cloud above my head which I believe came from my hair. I’m still looking for my nuts and I’m offering a significant reward for their safe return! P.s… My partner Jeff, can’t stop laughing about my experience, loved the gift, and now regularly threatens me with it! If you think education is difficult, try being stupid Partyboy18 on "18 Yo looking for fun" http://gayinmaine.com/forums/topic.php?id=19#post-25 Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:14:45 +0000 Partyboy18 25@http://gayinmaine.com/forums/ Hey guys Im 18 out of the Portland area. Just looking for someone to chat with and possibly meet. Im 5'11 about 170 pounds. I have a Great build. Im pretty sure im gunna want to be on the bottom the thought of sucking a nice cock really turns me on. it would be my first time tho Id love to chat EMail Me <a href="mailto:Forum23allday@yahoo.com">Forum23allday@yahoo.com</a> Can't wait to have some fun Ridgeman on "A must watch speech on the floor of the NY legislature" http://gayinmaine.com/forums/topic.php?id=17#post-23 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 05:23:25 +0000 Ridgeman 23@http://gayinmaine.com/forums/ <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCFFxidhcy0" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCFFxidhcy0</a> newbie on "Advice on coming out." http://gayinmaine.com/forums/topic.php?id=16#post-22 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 20:30:19 +0000 newbie 22@http://gayinmaine.com/forums/ Hi folks, I'm 39 and gay in Maine. I'm in the closet but working up the courage to come out to friends and family. Any advice or sharing of your experiences would be appreciated. I'm hoping to make new gay/lesbian friends to help build a support system before coming out completely. Take care. Frodo Ridgeman on "Come and buy a camp in my neighborhood :-) . This is a nice area." http://gayinmaine.com/forums/topic.php?id=15#post-21 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:46:20 +0000 Ridgeman 21@http://gayinmaine.com/forums/ I have no financial interest in any of these. The listings are for you information and, of course, it would be great to have other like-minded people purchase in the area. 2-48 Confluence RD, Seboeis PLT-$100,000 2 Bedrooms · 1 Full Baths · 1 ½ Baths Lot Size Acres 37 High Quality Camp on 37 Acres with 750 Ft. of Beautiful Waterfront on Bear Brook! Fantastic Snowmobiling, hunting and fishing right from your property. MLS #939160 <a href="http://properties.eradawson.com/properties/view/133628">more info</a> 01 East ranch Road, Seboeis PLT-$74,000 3 Bedrooms Lot Size Acres 41 If you want peace and queit this is your dream cabin. Perfect for year round fishing,hunting,riding atv's and snowsleding. A perfect getaway spot. <a href="http://properties.eradawson.com/properties/view/128877">more info</a> 143 East Branch Road, Seboeis PLT, 2 Bedrooms Beautiful camp on East Branch stream. This is the perfect place for snowsledding ATVS or to just get away. You will also get access to South Branch lake with boat docking rights. Lot Size Acres 49 MLS #934674 <a href="http://properties.eradawson.com/properties/view/128163" rel="nofollow">http://properties.eradawson.com/properties/view/128163</a> (search for Seboeis Plt for more listings) 0 Maine RD, Seboeis PLT - $65,000 2 Bedrooms · 1 ¾ Baths Enjoy some of the best hunting , fishing, snowmobiling & A.T.V.ing in the entire State. Lg. hunting lodge, well, septic, bath. spacious kit., lg. L/R. ,1 bedrm. down, lg. loft on second level. Privacy plus.East Branch Stream borders property. Lot Size Acres 59 MLS #908376 <a href="http://ellendewittrealestate.com/908376.html">more info</a> <a href="http://ellendewittrealestate.com/908376.html" rel="nofollow">http://ellendewittrealestate.com/908376.html</a> seboeis plt, ME 04448- $250,000 1 bedroom, 0 bath Enjoy privacy, canoe or kayak thru your land. Approx 1/2 mile stream thru property off town rd. Gated entrance. 12x32 camp. Small pond. Good hunting and fishing convenient to I95. Broker owned. Approx 1 hr N of Bangor. Gas fireplace & generator Lot Size 334 Acres MLS# 868233 <a href="http://www.newenglandmoves.com/viewDetails.nem?GLID=1011113803">more info</a> <a href="http://www.newenglandmoves.com/viewDetails.nem?GLID=1011113803" rel="nofollow">http://www.newenglandmoves.com/viewDetails.nem?GLID=1011113803</a> hare lane lot 3 - $39,900 Land Attention Sportsman! 40 Acre Lot! Great Bear Hunting!Close to Small Mouth Bass Fishing and Trout Fishing! Good Graveled road to access property. Lot Size 40.0 Acres MLS# 937243 <a href="http://www.newenglandmoves.com/viewDetails.nem?GLID=1011736087">more info</a> <a href="http://www.newenglandmoves.com/viewDetails.nem?GLID=1011736087" rel="nofollow">http://www.newenglandmoves.com/viewDetails.nem?GLID=1011736087</a> 0 camp road - $15,900 Land PRICE REDUCED! Nice wooded lot just miles from South Branch Lake which offers excellent bass and perch fishing. Great place for deer,bear and grouse hunting. Excellent place to build a dream camp. Lot Size 20.3 Acres MLS# 932380 <a href="http://www.newenglandmoves.com/viewDetails.nem?GLID=1011709824">more info</a> <a href="http://www.newenglandmoves.com/viewDetails.nem?GLID=1011709824" rel="nofollow">http://www.newenglandmoves.com/viewDetails.nem?GLID=1011709824</a> Camp - $74,900.00 Another beautiful camp situated . If you want peace and quiet and the freedom to do what you want when you want this is your dream camp. This camp is only 5 years old and the perfect getaway spot. With approx. 40 acres there is room for everyone! You also get boat docking rights at South Branch Lake where the bass and perch fishing is awesome. Directions Starting at the top of Seboeis hill bear right and continue 2.1 miles turn left at y at 2.8 miles stay left at 3.6 mile s cross bridge drive thru gravel pit staying to the right and when you come to a t go left land is on the right about 2,000 feet up road Lot size @ 40 acres MLS#935100 <a href="http://http://www.acresaway.com/listing.html ">more info</a> <a href="http://www.acresaway.com/listing.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.acresaway.com/listing.html</a> (near top of page) Land - $19,900.00 Nice wooded lot, just miles from South Branch Lake which offers excellent bass and perch fishing. Great place for deer, bear and grouse hunting. Excellent place to build a dream camp. Directions from Corner Store in Howland . Head past Corner Store 4 miles bear right. Continue 8 miles to top of Seboeis Hill. Continue 2 miles on gravel road take left continue 1 mile on right. Lot size 20± Acres MLS #932380 <a href="http://www.acresaway.com/listing.html">http://www.acresaway.com/listing.html</a> (near middle of page) Ridgeman on "Member's Towns a work in progress" http://gayinmaine.com/forums/topic.php?id=8#post-20 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:15:39 +0000 Ridgeman 20@http://gayinmaine.com/forums/ Map updated <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Seboeis,+Penobscot,+Maine&msa=0&msid=102278961204091163277.00047777b147e78a03e2f&ll=45.321254,-69.23584&spn=6.519827,26.411133&z=6">Gay in Maine members across the state.</a> Ridgeman on "Argentine Judge Rules for Gay Marriage" http://gayinmaine.com/forums/topic.php?id=14#post-19 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:26:20 +0000 Ridgeman 19@http://gayinmaine.com/forums/ Argentine Judge Rules for Gay Marriage By Julie Bolcer <img src="http://www.advocate.com/uploadedImages/ADVOCATE/NEWS/2009/200910/2009-10-30/Argentina-Mapx390.jpg"> An Argentine judge ruled this week that a same-sex couple may marry, a decision that could advance a marriage equality bill stalled in the congress. The ruling from Judge Gabriela Seijas in Buenos Aires likely makes Alex Freyre and Jose Maria Di Bello the first same-sex couple to be allowed to marry in Argentina, according to Reuters. "The law should treat everyone with the same respect according to their singularities, without the need to understand or regulate them," said Seijas in her ruling, reported Reuters. The ruling could be overturned by authorities in Buenos Aires, which in 2002 became the first city in the region to approve civil unions for same-sex couples. According to Reuters, the new ruling could influence lawmakers, who remain deadlocked on a pending marriage equality bill. UPDATE: Buenos Aires Mayor Mauricio Macri said on Friday following the ruling, that he supports gay marriage, and that the city government would not move to overturn the ruling because he wants to "improve the liberties of citizens." "This is an important step, because we must learn how to live in freedom without hurting the rights of others," he said in a statement. "We must cohabit and accept this reality. The world is heading toward that direction." Ridgeman on "The Way We Get By - PBS P.O.V" http://gayinmaine.com/forums/topic.php?id=13#post-18 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:54:16 +0000 Ridgeman 18@http://gayinmaine.com/forums/ Not sure this will embed. This is on the tube now, but the entire film is here. It has won lots of awards and will win one from you too. <a href="http://video.pbs.org/video/1321508265/" rel="nofollow">http://video.pbs.org/video/1321508265/</a> Ridgeman on "Maine Rap Video - funny (thanks Mike)" http://gayinmaine.com/forums/topic.php?id=12#post-17 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:32:36 +0000 Ridgeman 17@http://gayinmaine.com/forums/ <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyZXnpO8Jew" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyZXnpO8Jew</a> Ridgeman on "My YouTube Veggie Meatloaf" http://gayinmaine.com/forums/topic.php?id=11#post-16 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:48:34 +0000 Ridgeman 16@http://gayinmaine.com/forums/ My video is a bit different from the basic recipe. If you want to try it, start with the recipe then get creative. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKErii9ueL4" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKErii9ueL4</a> The basic recipe follows but your favorite flavors and ingredients can be added for variation or to make it your own families favorite. I like green pepper, mushrooms, barbecue sauce, and basting a meatloaf formation of the mixture with olive oil in the last few minutes of baking. Egg substitute works very well making this fat free. (see flax eggs comment on youtube) The oil in the recipe is for frying patties and the basting I mentioned can be eliminated. ingredients 1/2 cup medium-grind bulgur 1 can (14.5 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained 1/4 cup plain dried breadcrumbs 4 scallions, thinly sliced (I like substituting chopped onion) 1 large egg (or egg substitute) 1 large carrot, coarsely grated 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 tablespoons tahini (sesame-seed paste) 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (try healthy and flavorful grape seed oil) 4 whole-wheat English muffins, toasted Tahini Mayonnaise Lettuce In a medium bowl, mix bulgur with 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt and 1 cup boiling water. Cover bowl, and let sit until bulgur is tender (but still slightly chewy), about 30 minutes. Drain in a fine-mesh sieve, pressing to remove liquid. ( I do this the night before and set in the refrigerator, this seems to eliminate the pressing and draining step) Place beans in a medium bowl; mash with a potato masher until a coarse paste forms. Add breadcrumbs, scallions, egg, carrot, cayenne, tahini, and bulgur. Season with salt and pepper, and mix to combine. Form mixture into 4 patties, each about 1 inch thick. ( or form into meatloaf and bake at 350 degrees for about an hour or until desired browning is obtained) In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-low. Cook patties until browned and firm, 5 to 8 minutes per side. Serve on English muffins with Tahini Mayonnaise and lettuce. Hint: Skip the tahini mayo if you like, I do. This recipe is excellent doubled, cooked and served reheated or cold. You may not be able to tell the difference between a cold meatloaf sandwich made with ground meat and this excellent recipe! Tahini Mayonnaise Makes 1/2 cup In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup light mayonnaise, 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon tahini (sesame-seed paste); season with coarse salt and ground pepper. Ridgeman on "Gay Scientists Isolate Christian Gene" http://gayinmaine.com/forums/topic.php?id=10#post-15 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:34:34 +0000 Ridgeman 15@http://gayinmaine.com/forums/ <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCzbNkyXO50" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCzbNkyXO50</a> Ridgeman on "Member's Towns a work in progress" http://gayinmaine.com/forums/topic.php?id=8#post-12 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:56:33 +0000 Ridgeman 12@http://gayinmaine.com/forums/ <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Seboeis,+Penobscot,+Maine&msa=0&msid=102278961204091163277.00047777b147e78a03e2f&ll=45.321254,-69.23584&spn=6.519827,26.411133&z=6">Google "pin map"</a> All pins are approximate to the towns. Ridgeman on "ALLEGIANT AIR ANNOUNCES NONSTOP FLIGHTS FROM BANGOR TO TAMPA BAY FOR $89.99*" http://gayinmaine.com/forums/topic.php?id=7#post-11 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:43:00 +0000 Ridgeman 11@http://gayinmaine.com/forums/ GET AWAY TO TAMPA BAY! <a href="http://www.allegiantair.com/aaNews/aaNews20090916a.php">Allegiant Air</a> ANNOUNCES NONSTOP FLIGHTS FROM BANGOR TO TAMPA BAY FOR $89.99* ONE-WAY BANGOR, Maine – Bangor, Maine residents get ready for more sunshine! Low-cost airline, Allegiant Air, LLC, today announces new, nonstop jet service to Florida's Tampa Bay area from Bangor beginning Nov. 20, 2009. The low-fare carrier celebrates the convenient new service to the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport with sunny introductory fares as low as $89.99* each way. "We are extremely pleased to again expand the Allegiant brand of low-fare, nonstop jet service in the Bangor community," Maurice J. Gallagher, Jr., president, CEO and chairman for Allegiant, said. "This is an exciting new addition for our airline and our customers as we launch yet another way to get to the fun and sun of Florida and the only nonstop service between Bangor and the Tampa Bay area." The self-proclaimed "Official Airline for Sunshine" will launch the new scheduled service from Bangor International Airport to St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport with two flights weekly. With service Monday and Friday, flights will depart Bangor at 6 p.m. arriving in Tampa Bay at 9:40 p.m. Flights leaving Tampa Bay will depart at 1:55 p.m. arriving in Bangor at 5:20 p.m. (all flight times are local.) Allegiant Air began low-cost, nonstop service to to Orlando, Fla. Nov. 7, 2007. The airline commented market research and input from local community leaders indicate the Bangor community will welcome the new nonstop flights and low fares to the Tampa Bay area as an alternative to connecting flights and long drives to other airports. Allegiant will utilize 150-seat, MD-80 series, jet-aircraft on the route. "We are excited that Allegiant will be expanding service from Bangor to the Tampa Bay area," Rebecca Hupp, airport director of Bangor International Airport, said. "Their nonstop service to Orlando has been incredibly popular and I expect we will see a similar response with the service to Tampa Bay. Orlando and Tampa are the region's top two destinations and we are very pleased passengers will be able to fly nonstop from Bangor." With an average 361 days of sunshine each year, the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area is considered the most popular vacation destination on Florida's West Coast. The area was named among the top beaches in the United States and is one of a few destinations to have received the "Blue Wave Award" from the Clean Beaches Council. In addition to pristine beaches, visitors are within minutes of shopping, amazing golf courses and award-winning resort and dining experiences. Allegiant offers vacation packages with some of the area's premier resorts, including Alden Beach Resort, Belleview Biltmore, Don CeSar, Hilton Clearwater Beach, Innisbrook Beach Resort, Marriott Suites on Sand Key and Sheraton Sand Key. Customers can double their sunshine fun by booking roundtrip air and hotel package for a low as $317.98* (price is per person, based on double occupancy, three-night hotel stay at the Hyatt Place Tampa Airport West Shore with a Friday arrival and Monday departure. Travel must be completed by Dec. 31, 2009.). Low-cost packages are available to include not only air and hotel, but car rentals for additional savings. Allegiant's $89.99* one-way introductory fare is limited, not available on all flights and must be purchased by Oct. 7, 2009 for travel by Feb. 10, 2010. After the introductory fare period, regular one-way fares on the route start as low as $109.99 one-way. Reservations may be made through the company's website at <a href="http://www.allegiantair.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.allegiantair.com</a>, the airline's Reservations Center at 702-505-8888 or professional travel agents. admin on "From the Bilerco Project - Daily Experiments in LGBTQ" http://gayinmaine.com/forums/topic.php?id=5#post-10 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:04:32 +0000 admin 10@http://gayinmaine.com/forums/ This would be great news if the momentum continues, but many people I've spoken with at the Saco head quarter expect the race to tighten up by tomorrow. Just for the heck of it, I'll guess %52-%48 <img src="http://gayinmaine.com/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_mrgreen.gif" title=":mrgreen:" class="bb_smilies" /> Ridgeman on "Bridge Alliance -"No On One Vote Watch/Party"" http://gayinmaine.com/forums/topic.php?id=6#post-9 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:42:25 +0000 Ridgeman 9@http://gayinmaine.com/forums/ Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2009 Start Time: 7:00 pm (Time Zone: US/Eastern) Location: Whig and Courier <a href="http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Bangor&state=ME&address=10%20Broad%20Street&zipcode=04401&country=US&CID=lfmaplink">]MAP TO EVENT</a> Category: General Description Come join us in the most important vote ever in Maine. Come and hang at the Whig and Courier starting at 7pm until whenever as we watch the election results come in. Chris Geahgan (owner) has designated the Whig as "No on One Headquarters". Come and share his progressive vision for our community! More Info: <a href="http://www.thebridgealliance.org" rel="nofollow">http://www.thebridgealliance.org</a> Ridgeman on "From the Bilerco Project - Daily Experiments in LGBTQ" http://gayinmaine.com/forums/topic.php?id=5#post-8 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:47:11 +0000 Ridgeman 8@http://gayinmaine.com/forums/ Poll: Maine Gay Marriage Repeal Failing By On Top Magazine Staff Published: October 14, 2009 The effort to repeal gay marriage in Maine is failing, a new poll says. The <a href="http://www.politico.com/static/PPM41_omnibus_fall_2009.html">Pan Atlantic SMS Group's Omnibus Poll</a> shows Question 1, the November 3 ballot question that would repeal gay marriage in the Pine State, failing. The survey found that the measure is trailing 52- to 43%. Respondents were asked, “If today was Election Day, how would you vote on this issue?” In April, the same poll found a narrow majority (49.5%) of Mainers – and a large majority (71.6%) of Republicans – opposed the gay marriage bill before it became law. The new poll, however, finds the message of repeal campaigners taking root. The Stand for Marriage Maine campaign has argued that gay marriage will hurt families, especially children. They contend that if the law is upheld it will result in gay marriage being taught to schoolchildren. Three-quarters of respondents who say they agree with the measure – and oppose gay marriage – believe children will be affected, the poll found. A majority (64.3%) of self-identified Republicans say they support the measure. Stand for Marriage Maine was formed in the spring after Maine lawmakers approved the gay marriage law and the organization easily managed to put the law up for a vote. The group includes the National Organization for Marriage (NOM), the nation's most vociferous opponent of gay marriage, and the Catholic Diocese of Portland. NOM has played a pivotal role in the gay marriage debates in California, Iowa, New York and the New England region. Ridgeman on "Collection of Videos on Question #1" http://gayinmaine.com/forums/topic.php?id=4#post-7 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:44:20 +0000 Ridgeman 7@http://gayinmaine.com/forums/ <center>I am now a big fan of Betty Bowers! Great Stuff.</center> <img src="http://gayinmaine.com/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_lol.gif" title=":lol:" class="bb_smilies" /> admin on "Collection of Videos on Question #1" http://gayinmaine.com/forums/topic.php?id=4#post-6 Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:19:32 +0000 admin 6@http://gayinmaine.com/forums/ have you seen this one? <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFkeKKszXTw" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFkeKKszXTw</a> Ridgeman on "From the Bilerco Project - Daily Experiments in LGBTQ" http://gayinmaine.com/forums/topic.php?id=5#post-5 Sat, 31 Oct 2009 07:29:40 +0000 Ridgeman 5@http://gayinmaine.com/forums/ <a href="http://www.bilerico.com/2009/10/most_maine_catholics_-_gay_or_straight_-_are_going.php">Most Maine Catholics - Gay or Straight - are Going to Hell</a> <center><blockquote>a reader's commentYou need to put a "keyboard warning" on these videos Tony! I was sipping soda...</blockquote></center> Ridgeman on "Collection of Videos on Question #1" http://gayinmaine.com/forums/topic.php?id=4#post-4 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:25:04 +0000 Ridgeman 4@http://gayinmaine.com/forums/ NOM Parody-Bigotry Handed Down <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMBDzCVOsOo" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMBDzCVOsOo</a> The Best Parody of NOM's "Gathering Storm" Ad <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0pPEAdDn64" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0pPEAdDn64</a> D.U.N.G.: Parody of National Organization for Marriage Ad <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJGR8YDd_lU" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJGR8YDd_lU</a> admin on "HOW TO:" http://gayinmaine.com/forums/topic.php?id=3#post-3 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:12:42 +0000 admin 3@http://gayinmaine.com/forums/ Below are basic posting directions, which I'll try to keep as simple as possible. VIDEOS: Its simple, if you want to post a video from YouTube just post the URL of the video. Example: h*ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSSd1za_J4I IMAGES: This forum will not allow images to be uploaded from your computer, so the images need to already be hosted online. I like <a href="http://www.photobucket.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.photobucket.com</a> and <a href="http://imgur.com" rel="nofollow">http://imgur.com</a> . To post an image, just click on the [IMG] button above, and insert the URL of the image. POLL: This is a little backward. You'll first need to make a post, and after you click on the [SEND POST] button, an option on the top of the screen will ask you if you want to insert a poll. Click on the "Would you like to add a poll to this topic for members to vote on?" link, and then you can add a poll. LINKS: Just type the URL address and it will convert to a link. Ridgeman on "Finding Inner Peace in Today's World" http://gayinmaine.com/forums/topic.php?id=2#post-2 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:02:14 +0000 Ridgeman 2@http://gayinmaine.com/forums/ I can imagine that many of you are concerned with the state of the world and issues of peace and social justice. We all desire the same things, we fear the same things and we get confused about the same things. It’s comforting to know that, after all the externals are removed, we can always find common ground. For instance, we all want to be happy, we all want to be free of suffering and we all want to be understood. The question I often ask is: given all the knowledge and resources we have, given the ease with which we can connect anyone around the world, the ease with which we can export products and download information, the fact that we have truly evolved into a global community, why are we still struggling with finding personal fulfillment and harmony with others? Oh, I could write a book on this! And I’m sure that many of you could as well. However, I would like to bring up an idea that may help shed some light on the situation and may also provide us all with some clear practical ways that we can have a positive impact on ourselves and those around us. Do you know about the Peace Pilgrim? She is an amazing woman who, beginning at the age of 45, spent five decades of her life walking through the United States connecting with people to talk about peace. One of her core philosophies is that in order to have peace in the world, we first need to find peace within ourselves. If you think about it, this seems logical. There is no way we can eliminate war if we first don’t look at what keeps us from finding our own personal peace. So, what can we do today to help us find a deeper level of inner peace—not only for our own benefit, but also for the well being of those around us and for the larger society? There are many ways that we can improve ourselves—both internally, and also how we interact with the world—which could lead to a deeper level of personal satisfaction, self-confidence, reduced levels of anxiety, having more effective impact, as well as an open-hearted interaction with others. I’d like to share with you three things that you can start doing today which will help you on your path towards inner peace and deep fulfillment. Here they are: 1. Give up the need to be right. Try to hear someone else’s perspective. If you think about it, any situation can be seen in many different ways. Every person experiences the world from their own perspective and that is their truth. So, that means that there is not one single absolute truth. When you give up the need to be right, you can truly hear the views and opinions of others. There is a little bit of truth in everyone’s story, so listen to the stories of others—you will learn more about your own truth. When you give up the need to be right, you can find consensus and creative solutions to all problems. This doesn’t mean you have to give in; you simply have to acknowledge and validate someone else’s perspective. I often use this quote in my workshops: “If you have to have the last word, then let it be ‘Well, I guess you’re right.’” When you give up the need to be right, you become more open, and therefore more attractive, to others. People want to engage with you; they feel they will be heard and not judged. Try it, and you’ll see peaceful changes happening around you—at work, with your partner and friends, even with strangers. 2. Find ways to engage with others you don’t know, especially if their views differ from yours. If you think about it, many of the conflicts we have witnessed have to do with the fact that we separate ourselves from those we don’t know, or who are different. The bigger the separation, the more judgment we have about them and the more negative stories we create to make sure we don’t have to engage with them. This of course leads to a defensiveness and suspicion, and oftentimes a need to dominate or disempower. You can see how this plays out in work and social situations. Think about when you are at the gym, for instance. Who do you connect with? Who not? Who engages with you? Who doesn’t? Why? It usually has to do with physical attraction or type. Well, what would happen if you chose to connect with the guy you are the least attracted to? What you would discover is that he is an amazing person with an amazing story. In fact, every person on this planet has an amazing story! Imagine how rich our lives would be if we took the time to learn about other people—their triumphs and struggles, their fears and the wisdom. We would all grow and find creative, new ways to build a better world. We may suddenly get that bit of information we need to help clarify our life goals or what truly would make us happy. We may surprise ourselves and find our new life partner, a business connection or even a teacher in someone we never would have expected. So next time you are at the gym, connect with someone you would never think of connecting with. You’ll be amazed. 3. Find creative ways to empower others, like mentoring, community work and tutoring. If you look around you, you see we still live with old paradigms around power. Somewhere in our past, we started believing that power was limited, and therefore developed a very combative approach that is motivated by the viewpoint, “If I want to win, you have to lose.” Well, I believe that this is old and outdated. You can see the shifts in power and the jargon of world leaders who are now talking about cooperation and seeking out diplomatic solutions to problems. You can see that old ways of doing business are crumbling. We are looking at power differently. As our world gets smaller and we notice how dependent we all are on each other, we are opening to a new viewpoint—that the only way to truly win is if those around us also win. We are seeing that we are truly strong if we take the time to empower those around us. So, what can you do to empower others? Is there someone younger than you who you could mentor? Support them in their growth? Is there someone older than you who you could mentor? Show them how to do a light workout, help them stay fit and get in shape? Is there someone in your neighborhood who could benefit from learning English or some other language you speak well? Share your knowledge of meditation and spiritual concepts? Just think about it—when we are all empowered we lose our defensiveness and insecurity; this allows us to live out our true potential and be a vital force in our society. So, there are three things you can do to bring about more inner peace and more open connections with others. I encourage you to try it out, keep doing it and make it a new habit. I guarantee that your world will change for the better. Get in touch and let me know how it goes! By Joe Weston