It's an understatement to say there's some apprehension among many gays and lesbians about the Supreme Court's decision to take up the Prop 8 case. Is the fear warranted? That's a tricky question and depends on what it is you're afraid of. Is it quite possible that the court will hand down a sweeping decision upholding marriage bans in over 30 other states, ruling that marriage is not a fundamental right for gays? Absolutely, and if that's what you're afraid of, then be very afraid. Such a ruling could have a broad and enduring impact. But I'm not afraid of the Supreme Court, and I am completely prepared for the worst possible outcome while hoping for the best. The court can't hold us back, nor can it stop a movement, even if it becomes an ugly impediment.
It is morally abhorrent to cut benefits to any current or future seniors before much greater efforts are made to stop large scale raids on the Medicare coffers by nefarious corporations.
Like Jason's quest to find the Golden Fleece with the help of the Argonauts, GM enlisted the Argonne (National Laboratory) to help them produce the revolutionary battery for Chevrolet's Volt.
For women it's sometimes feels like once we get to a certain age, we are destined to hand over control of our bodies to another being, along with whatever hopes and dreams we had for ourselves.
The Bible, both the Old and New Testaments, actually contains two different kinds of sin. One is an act considered morally wrong because it's hurtful or dangerous. The second kind of sin is a violation against social conventions. Which kind of sin is homosexuality, according to the Bible?
This holiday season, I'm most grateful for President Obama's hard fought win at the polls. I've given the president my fair share of public and private advice. In the spirit of the season, I offer him these gifts.
You might think that because I am confident speaking in public, enjoy throwing parties, and can talk to just about anyone, I couldn't possibly be an introvert. But I am.
The New York Times' slant in describing Monti as a "technocrat" and Correa as a "left-leaning economist" is typical of the dominant media. Monti and Correa both have doctorates in economics from U.S. universities and both have been professors of economics. Why does the New York Times treat Monti reverentially and Correa dismissively?
This is empowering news, given that most people think they are a victim of their genes, helpless to stave off some of the most dreaded diseases. We aren't helpless at all; in fact, the power is largely in our hands. It's on our forks, actually.
While I always thought it was preposterous to ask what would Jesus drive, it does seem reasonable to ask what would Jesus listen to, which is what Hillel Tigay asked when he started on a journey to create a modern album of ancient music.
Has your online friendship crossed the line? How can you be sure that what you're doing is really innocent and harmless, or if you're slipping down the slippery slope toward emotional sex?
A war on worshiping consumerism in the sacred halls of Wal-Mart, Target, and Best Buy while the world is swallowed up in the darkness of not having enough food to eat - sign me up!
"Surely if I buy organic, humanely raised or free-range, that's all good, isn't it?" Well, actually, no. You are just kidding yourself, and the animals you are trying not to hurt would tell you if they could that your valiant effort is not enough.
This past election, Norquist's group, Americans for Tax Reform, spent nearly $16 million to support his favored candidates; that's according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Where did that money come from, and what did it buy?
This entire Medicare debate's being held under false pretenses. There are only two paths to $600 billion in savings. One's macabre and morbid, and is offered here only as a Swiftian "modest proposal." The other would take a chunk out of corporate profits. Which path do you think the GOP would prefer?
This year the food world saw a new trend pop up seemingly every day, and with perpetual instagramming, tweeting and blogging, we were able to share, analyze and get over one food trend as soon as the next one arrived. Here are 10 food trends from 2012 and what they say about us.
There is a current of excitement running through the foreign affairs community sparked by the prospect that the United States will cease being a net energy importer within 25 years. How justified is this celebration of a euphoric future?
Caught my old friend Billy Joe Shaver's gig last week at New York's "Hill Country." What a hoot. Shear down-home grit, grin, groan and guzzle, Texas style. Only thing missing was the chicken wire.
By giving an analogy about cigarettes, President Clinton is at the very least giving a serious head nod to the idea that "legalization" of other drugs is worth giving some consideration to.
When Malala Yousafzai was targeted and shot by the Taliban simply for wanting to go to school, the whole world of education was changed forever. So long as there are children denied the chance of school, Malala will be the standard bearer for their rights.
Recreation centers provide a much-needed -- and safe -- "escape." Most importantly, recreation centers enhance the quality of life for all people -- young and old. And the life lessons learned by participating in activities at recreation centers will have a long-lasting impact. I can attest to that firsthand.
For all its increasingly loony plot twists, Homeland has stayed true to its central characters, Nicholas Brody and Carrie Mathison, allowing them to evolve in mostly believable ways and bringing them together in a mostly swallowable fashion.
To find better means of fixing the brain, we first need to achieve something more fundamental. We must understand how it works.
She carried a newborn baby on her front, and another, older baby on her back. She told me that she had already been pregnant 11 times, but only had six living children. I was immediately struck by the fact that although we were the same age, I had so many choices that she did not.
Over the past 20 years, and particularly the last four, something radical happened in our democracy. The filibuster has gradually transformed the legislative branch of government from a majoritarian democracy into a body frozen by a "minoritarian" veto.
The U.S. is now the only country in the industrialised world in which the generation entering the workforce does not have higher college attainment levels than the generation about to leave the workforce.
If I have to hear or see "YOLO" one more time, I'm going to rip out my eyes and ear drums (not really, but I'm a big fan of hyperbole).
It is literally possible to have more money than you know what to do with. Take the case of the private-equity billionaire Peter G. Peterson.
As absurd as it might sound to many, it's not easy being a rich kid. Their parents tend to have high expectations. They think their money is their most notable quality. And so they learn to use it -- to buy affection, or friends.
Expectations of a relaxing Sunday in front of the television watching football gave way to frustration and disappointment. In the process, I gained insights on the challenges facing G-20 officials when it comes to managing the global economy.
Mitch McConnell, the minority leader of the U.S. Senate, has for six years wielded the filibuster as a weapon in his rebellion against a founding principle of the United States of America -- self-governance by majority rule. The majority must seize back control.
In the eyes of Republicans, the Washington Post, and all the other "Serious" people inside the Beltway, deficits, debt, and the control thereof are all that matters. At the end of the day, though, it is Obama who will determine whether deficits will define his second term.