Just a quick, happy shout out to Iowa (last week) and Vermont (today) for legalizing gay marriage.  

I actually did a little dance when I heard the news.  

Hopefully, Iowa’s supreme court ruling will have a positive influence on California’s….   who should be making their ruling very soon, I believe.    Does this give you hope, my dear gay friends and family?

Bit by bit, this nation is becoming enlightened.  Which states do you think will be next?

Oh happy day!

A new poll is out that I found quite interesting….   and, frankly, not all that surprising.

Utah is the number one consumer of online porn (nearly 6 out of 1,000 broadband subscribers)… though they tend to buy less of it on Sunday.   Keeping the sabbath holy, I guess…   LOL….

A few other tibits from the poll: 

• Residents of 27 states that passed laws banning gay marriages boasted 11% more porn subscribers than states that don’t explicitly restrict gay marriage.
• 8 of Top 10 Porn-Consuming States Voted Republican in 2008 Presidential Election
• 6 out of the lowest 10 favoured Barack Obama
• States that consume the most porn tend to be more conservative and religious than states with lower levels of porn consumption
• States who’s residents agreed with the statements “I have old-fashioned values about family and and marriage” and/or “AIDS might be God’s punishiment for immoral behavior” also had higher rates of consumption that those who didn’t agree with those statements.

Pretty interesting, huh?

Any theories as to why this may be the case? (I think it probably has to do with repression and something being taboo makes it more appealing…. )

You can read the study/poll here.

What a great day.  A beautiful day.  A new beginning.   Can you feel it? Can you feel the weight of the past 8 years lifting?

With tears in my eyes, I watched the inauguration of our 44th President… “our present” as my 4 years old granddaughter Kennedy says, and was filled with hope, gratitude and joy. 

It’s hard to believe the hopelessness and despair of the Bush era is over. And despite the mess we’re in economically, and in Iraq, I am so excited about our future.   Obama has a huge task ahead – but he is the man we need to lead us through this…. inspire us to do our part in remaking our country.

And can you believe we get to listen to such an aritculate, intelligent, thoughtful president (with a beautiful speaking voice) for the next 4 years?   We’ve been deprived the past 8 years.  I’m so happy I never had to hear GWBush say “nookulur” again.   As a unapologetic word nerd, I am nearly giddy with anticipation for what ear candy we’ll be enjoying throughout the presidency. 

A few of my favorite passages from his speech:

• “What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them.”
• “America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.”
• “our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please” 
• “As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals”
• “To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect.”
• “we can no longer afford indifference to the suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world’s resources without regard to effect”

I found myself tearing up again as I saw the reaction of the crowds as the first couple walked Pennsylvania Avenue.  I suspect I’ll be teary much of the day.  And doesn’t Michelle have a fabulous sense of style?  Loving watching how colorfully and tastefully she and the girls dress.  Can hardly wait to see what she wears tonight. 

Was there something particular in the day, in President Obama’s speech (he’s our PRESIDENT!!!!!!) that spoke to you today?  Anything that moved you?

Oh – and as another sign of hope – my little hummingbird was back today drinking nectar from my pansies.  I can  hardly believe he survived the last several weeks of bitter cold.

We are less than one week from the inauguration of President Barack Obama  (I get goosebumps when I say that).  I can hardly wait!

I’ve been impressed with his transition so far, and am loving the tone he is setting. One of his mantras throughout the campaign was that WE can make a difference, WE can change things. If our nation, or society, the world are going to see positive change, WE need to be involved in it – not just leave it to the politicians.

In honor of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, the Obama and Biden families will be participating in community service on Monday the 19th – and have asked the rest of us to join in on this national day of service on Monday. 

All sorts of events being hosted – from litter cleanup, to boxing cans at food banks, to planting gardens, to donating blood, to making sandwiches, and more. I found several great options, but have settled on helping feed the homeless at Tent City 4 in Kirkland.

Click here to find a service opportunity in your area.

Are you going to participate?

I’m still rather distraught about the passage of Prop 8 in California, and what that says about our society.

Please watch this special comment by Keith Olbermann…. it’s not one of his rants, I promise.  His expressions are heartfelt, and his gentle questions to those that would deny others the joy of marriage are questions which I would love to have considered and answered.   If you voted for Prop 8 (or would have if you could), I urge you to watch this brief video. It’s a questions of love for our fellow human beings.

Meet the next President of the United States.

CNN just called it for Obama. I’m so happy.  It’s been a long time coming….   

Let the change begin! (Actually, it already has)

Here is his victory speech, in case you missed it – or want to watch it again.