DOMA Is...

Grumpy Cat

...unconstitutional!

Yep, you heard me. Earlier today, in a 5-4 vote, the Supreme Court ruled that the federal same-sex marriage ban was unconstitutional. In the words of Justice Anthony Kennedy, "The federal statute is invalid, for no legitimate purpose overcomes the purpose and effect to disparage and to injure those whom the State, by its marriage laws, sought to protect in personhood and dignity. By seeking to displace this protection and treating those persons as living in marriages less respected than others, the federal statute is in violation of the Fifth Amendment."

Former President Bill Clinton originally signed off on DOMA in 1996. DOMA prevented same-sex couples whose marriages were recognized by their home states from receiving any of the hundreds of benefits available to other married couples under federal law.

In a statement given earlier today, President Obama applauded the Supreme Court's decision, noting that DOMA "...was discrimination enshrined in law. It treated loving, committed gay and lesbian couples as a separate and lesser class of people. The Supreme Court has righted that wrong, and our country is better off for it."

Indeed. Let's not forget other struggles for marriage equality, such as the long quest to legalize interracial marriage. This is a step in the right direction for America, despite the negativity being spewed by certain individuals.

Onward!

Tampons: They Could Save Your Life

I've been absent for a minute. Sorry about that! I'm dealing with some unexpected "surprises" in my life. I have a lot of blog posts in progress, and they'll be finished and posted in the near future. In the meantime, I bring you a tampon commercial from Russia. Is it Shark Week yet?

The Evolution of a Genius: Portrait of the Artist as a Second Grader

Portrait of the Artist...

So, back in the second grade, we were each given a small journal. Periodically, we were given prompts during class and we had to write about these topics in our journals. Apparently, I saved my journal- I came across it not too long ago, while going through my belongings and deciding what to keep/toss/etc. Since I was obviously a budding genius, I'm going to share some of the gems found in my second grade journal:

"I would like to be 21 years old because you can only play slots when you're 21." (Side note: Apparently, when I was three years old, I came running into the room and announced to my parents, "I got a straight flush and won $300!" My mom loves this story.)

"My favorite place is Albertsons because they always have some free samples and they are so good and so so so delicious and wonderful and I guess I just like them so so much." (Mmmmm, food. So, so, so delicious.)

"I don't like to go shopping because it is so dumb and my mom spends so much time at the shopping center." (True story. Also the reason I entertained myself by hiding in clothing racks.)

"I love you and dad and I really try to be good but I just can't." (At least I was honest. Also, I feel like this is still a thing I would say.)

"Because if he doesn't learn he will grow up to be a little stupid." (Kids, school is important. If you don't go, then you might grow up to be a little stupid.)

"My bird is turning out to be better than I thought." (I'm not sure what I expected?)

Tornado Victim Finds Dog During CBS Interview

Having lived through Hurricane Katrina, I can certainly empathize with survivors of natural disasters on a more personal level. Maybe that's why this particular story really hit me right in the feels, so to speak.

Although this video clip is definitely heartwarming, it's also a tear-jerker. You've been warned!

Remember, the best survival strategy for a natural disaster is to have a plan for you and your family. Make sure that each family member is aware of the plan and practice each plan (or parts of it) consistently. 72hours.org is a good source of information. In addition to the usual Google search results, you can also look here and here for some good information.

Talented Friends: Kelcy Mae

The lovely Kelcy Mae.

I have some talented friends. In fact, one of these talented friends has recently released another EP, The Fire. Thanks to a successful Kickstarter campaign, Kelcy Mae was able to release The Fire last week. Reviews of The Fire have been overwhelmingly positive; I've listened to the new songs myself and I really think she's outdone herself with her latest work. If you'd like to listen to The Fire, you can do so at ReverbNation. This website also has information on her upcoming live performances. The Fire is also available on iTunes. If you live in (or around) the New Orleans area, be sure to stop by and catch one of her live shows- I can personally guarantee that it will be fantastic. If not, don't fret- she just might come to a town near you, one of these days! Finally, if you'd like to learn more about the artist, feel free to head on over to KelcyMae.com.

Thanks to OffBeat Magazine, I'm pleased to provide you with one of my new favorite songs, "Oh How the Whiskey." Just press the play button below and enjoy!