I urge you to go see Toby McAlister and the Sierra sounds. I don’t know if Toby does lessons any longer, but a show of his is a lesson in how to make great music a bluegrass flair. He’s also a fucking great guy.

tHaNKs SHeNna! Protecting us from tofu is a GREAT way to spend time an energy by the DMV.

I sure don’t. I doubt I’m the demographic, but yeah. When they come on, I switch to a podcast.

Your grandmother was a hero.

It’s a solid argument.

Thank you kind stranger!

. . .or squashed by a train.

Correct. Relevant: https://youtu.be/z3f-ZcmZlDk

Not sure about the downvotes—I understand the allure. However, the reason for it is about liability and danger. It's surprisingly easy for a train to sneak up on you when you're on the tracks (not kidding—I've been air horn blasted off the tracks by a train that I didn't hear coming). The railroads hate cleaning the mess, dealing with the therapy for the engineer, and fighting lawsuits in court as the result of person vs. train. The train usually wins in a spectacular way.

That's why you need to watch for Hobo signs that will warn you where the bulls are.

I only ever wen once in the 6 years I spent in Orono. Had a disastrous date there with a woman with whom I had NOTHING in common. It was seen as the only real, "nice" restaurant in the area. always wanted to go back and enjoy the place as so many people had they they did.

I’m so happy. These things don’t seem to work out well usually.

The difficult to deal with snow has passed—though we'll get a little more around 8pm. You're probably OK if you can get out now.

This is a good way to get it done last minute. A little unplanned cash in the plow-guys pocket might be a good enticement.

A good compass and a map of the local area’s hiking trails, and perhaps a subscription to AllTrails is another good choice. Most most out door activities such as hunting (not counting prep) is walking in the woods with the confidence that you know where you are. Fishing similarly—if you want the “good” spots. There’s few things I like more about Maine than a little off trail (be aware of trespassing) adventuring. I got my first compass as a young kid, and I have always enjoyed knowing I can navigate if I should need to.

Where’s Denis Moore when you need him?

How does this really affect you? Ignore the dog. Move on.

Well of course they would.

And do what with them?

How does one get the note to you or Niko?

Wow, though. I didn't imagine it would take so little time for someone to hit it again.

Oh no. I really am a Mainer.

Trades. People willing to do smaller fixit jobs. Finding an electrician to fix a problem in my house has been impossible.

100% agree. Farmington might not be ‘better’ than UMO in comp sci, but it’s better if you feel more comfortable there.

Hello there!

First off good on you to start at cmcc. It’s a great—if underrated—school.

I’m a Black Bear (UMO) alum, and I loved it there. It felt small enough, but with Bangor nearby, I felt connected. There are plenty of communities to attach to—especially in your field. Plus plenty of auxiliary groups, etc.

That said, Farmington is a good school and the academic difference isn’t likely to be huge. If you need a smaller community, then UMO can feel big.

All of that stated, I recommend Orono. The opportunities will be more plentiful. If there was a specific program at Farmington or it was substantially less money, I’d suggest it. It’s a good school. However, neither is true (the last time I checked), so UMO is my suggestion.