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Mainers United for Marriage – Firefighters on “Brotherhood”

Firefighters Andrew, Dave, Eric and Ryan talk about trust, respect and why they’re voting “Yes” on Question 1. They know marriage matters to ALL Maine families.

A recent survey from Public Policy Polling found 52% of likely voters in support, with 44% opposed and 4% undecided.

The Maine People’s Resource Center released a poll that showed 53% in support, 43% opposed and 4% undecided on Question 1 on the Nov. 6 ballot.

The ballot measure which repealed the law in 2009, also known as Question 1, passed 53% to 47%.

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Billie Joe Armstrong, Green Day frontman, headed to rehab following public rant

Front man for Green Day, Billie Joe Armstrong,  is headed to rehab following an unusual verbal and physical rant onstage in Las Vegas.

John Katsilometes has the story at the Las Vegas Sun:

Two days after blowing up the opening night of the iHeart Radio Music Festival, the frontman for Green Day is headed to rehab for substance abuse.

The 40-year-old vocalist/guitarist erupted in a verbal and physical torrent at MGM Grand Garden Arena on Friday night, profanely shouting at the crowd for perceived lethargy and bellowing about the band’s set being cut short.

Armstrong shouted about Green Day not being afforded proper respect (the band hit it big in 1988), and tossing the microphone over his shoulder before lurching off stage. He also pulled at a camera boom and nearly exposed himself midway through the set.

In a statement issued today to the Associated Press, the band apologized for the incident and said their set, which preceded the closing performance by Rihanna and followed Usher’s appearance, was not cut short by Clear Channel officials. Initially, it appeared Green Day was allotted less time than originally scheduled, but that was not the case.

Apparently, Armstrong was insulted at having a time limit for their appearance.

“One minute left, one minute (expletive) left. You’re gonna give me (expletive) one minute? … I’m not (expletive) Justin Bieber, you (expletives)!” he yelled (although Bieber was not part of the night’s festivities).

Armstrong smashed his guitar before leaving the stage.

This comes at an awkward time for the band as Green Day is due to release the album “Uno” on Tuesday, the follow-up to “21st Century Breakdown,” released three years ago.

The band is due to kick off a nationwide tour Nov. 26 in Seattle.

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Utah holds 2nd Annual Pink Dot event

Pinkdot Utah aims to launch the movement’s credo — Support. Love. Courage. — by encouraging Utahns to speak up for their lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) family members, co-workers, neighbors and friends.

I really love the message of the campaign. And watch the video above, I think about how many friends I had in high school who also might have said “I wish he knew…”

Especially impactful are those early and high school years, that to this day my first reaction is to cringe when I think of them. While “It Gets Better” is a great catch phrase today, it’s also the truth. Life did get better for me once I got past some of the scars of my years at Arlington Heights High School. It wasn’t all bad, and I do have some great memories. Since then, because of Facebook, I’ve been in touch with folks like Patti Brown, Addester Williams, Karen Ralston, Jennifer Hardgrove, Mimi Rogers, Peggy Bittrick – and I’ve really enjoyed that. And of course my best friends through the whole ordeal – John and David – who really gave me a lot of self-confidence. All of them were great during high school. But right along side those good memories are the “mean girls” comments that were pretty difficult for a 16 year to handle. I don’t think of high school without remembering Robbie Pulido calling “hey faggot” many times, even while we were both on the cheerleading squad as seniors. Or Randy Milligan walking ahead of me and saying to someone “hey lookout, there’s a fag behind you.”

I got over it. And then some, you might say. I forgive, but I also don’t forget. Big learning experience not only for my own growth but also in realizing young people often have no idea of the power of words.

PinkDot is a great event I’d love to see expand across the country to let folks know that they are fine the way they are.

The Council held its second annual pinkdot event on September 22, 2012, next to the International Peace Gardens in Salt Lake City’s Jordan Park.

At its innaugaral event an estimated 2,000 people helped form Utah’s first giant human pinkdot.

The campaign and event are targeted to attract both straight and gay Utahns and visitors, many who may come to support their family members, friends, co-workers and neighbors.

Check out the excellent video above, and for more info go to www.pinkdotut.org