Tag Archives: california

No S**t! A Cuss-Free Week In California

Ami AngelowiczFebruary 26, 2010 //

California politicians are getting really creative about ways to make nice. They’re banning swear words for a week. Assemblyman Anthony Portantino created a “Cuss Free” bill after he got inspired by a middle schooler’s movement to start a “No Cussing Club” at his school. California’s State House passed a bill today approving a “Cuss Free Week,” effective this Sunday. They’re not going to get all crazy with it, arresting people who drop the f-bomb on the street or anything, but they are planning to put penalty jars all over the Capitol for accidental cusses and donate the proceeds to charity. Based on the stats that say the average swearer cusses about 80 to 90 times a day, they may be able to raise enough spare change to make a dent in the state’s deficit. How f**king cool is that? [Newser, KCBS] Keep reading »

Michael Jackson’s Memorial Exploited Emotions And Wasted Taxpayer Dollars

Amelia McDonell-ParryJuly 8, 2009 //

I’ve already said that I love Michael Jackson’s music and am very sad that he passed away at far too young of an age. I think it’s terribly sad that his children, who have already led such bizarre lives, at least out in public, now have lost their anchor. Which is why it was heartbreaking to see Paris Jackson speak at her father’s televised memorial yesterday, saying (with prompts from the Jackson clan to “speak up, sweetheart, speak up”), “I just want to say ever since I was born, daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine. And I just wanted to say I love him, so much,” eventually collapsing into her aunt Janet’s arms.

I agree wholeheartedly with Jessica Grose at Double X, who says that while Paris’ emotions seemed genuine and the Jackson family said it was her desire to speak, they should not have allowed her.

I’m all for public grieving, and for Paris to have spoken at a family funeral would have been entirely appropriate and I’m sure cathartic. But having her grieve in front of the entire world felt incredibly exploitative…. To allow this child to put herself out there in this manner just seemed wrong.

Keep reading »

Could Legalizing Pot Save California From Budget Issues?

Nikki DowlingJuly 8, 2009 //

This ad, paid for by the Marijuana Policy Project, was rolled out today on TV channels across California. It argues that legalizing marijuana and taxing it is the perfect solution to California’s massive budget deficit. Is this an excuse for people to toke it up more freely, or a legit solution to a big problem? You be the judge. Keep reading »

Prop 8: The Musical

SimchaDecember 3, 2008 //

The passing of Prop 8, the California bill banning gay marriage, has been causing marches, rallies, debates, and now it’s even spawned a musical! With an all-star line up including John C. Reilly, Neil Patrick Harris, Kathy Najimy, Rashida Jones, Maya Rudolph, Margaret Cho, Andy Richter, and Jack Black as Jesus, here’s hoping jazz hands can stop the hate. Even if you aren’t famous and you can’t sing and dance, your voice still needs to be heard, so if you want to do your part, Join The Impact. [Funny Or Die] Keep reading »

The Daily Squeeze: Same-Sex Marriage, Cynthia Nixon, And A Drunk Groom

Catherine StrawnJune 24, 2008 //
  • California Chief Justice Ronald George says young people are much more tolerant of gay marriage than older generations. [Spiegel]

    • Keep reading »

    Gay Marriage Legal In CA: Phyllis Lyon & Del Martin Cut The Cake

    Amelia McDonell-ParryJune 17, 2008 //

    They did it! Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, the lesbian couple of 55 years that we wrote about yesterday, were the first gay couple to be married under California’s new law. This video of them cutting the wedding cake got us all verklempt.

    Previously: Lesbian Couple of 55 Years Plans To Finally Wed Keep reading »

    Lesbian Couple Of 55 Years Plans To Finally Wed

    Amelia McDonell-ParryJune 16, 2008 //

    Congratulations to Phyllis Lyon, 84, and Del Martin, 87, a lesbian couple that has been together for 55 years — they plan to become the first same-sex couple to legally exchange marriage vows in San Francisco. SF Mayor Gavin Newsom will officiate the ceremony. Enjoy it ladies — you should have never had to wait! [Yahoo News] Keep reading »

    Extravagant And Strange Celeb Gifts

    Catherine StrawnJune 2, 2008 //

    David Beckham recently bought Victoria a vineyard in California’s Napa Valley. Apparently the two developed a passion for wine while they were in Spain (which also happens to be when Becks developed a passion for the nanny). But don’t think you’ll be able to go to the liquor store and pick up a bottle of Chateau Posh — it will be consumed by themselves and friends only. Check out some other extravagant celeb gifts after the jump. [MarieClaire.co.uk] Keep reading »

    How To: Select And Apply Bronzer

    Catherine StrawnMay 21, 2008 //

    Amelia wears a lot of bronzer (some might even say too much), so Trae Bodge, the creative director and founder of Three Custom Color Specialists in New York, gave her a lesson on how to look sun-kissed but natural.

    Related: How To: Smoke-ify Your Eyes Keep reading »

    Thoughts From Guys On Our IM: Taking Her Last Name

    Amelia McDonell-ParryMay 8, 2008 //

    By now you’ve probably heard about Michael Buday, the guy who wanted to take the last name of his wife, Diana Bijon, when they married in California. It took two years, a sexual discrimination suit, and a change in California law before he was able to do so. While women have an easy time taking their husband’s last name, there is no place on the marriage license application, and driver’s license, for the groom to choose the bride’s surname. Clearly, this is ridiculous and there’s not much more to say about that, except good for Mr. and Mrs. Bijon for taking their fight all the way. But it got me thinking about the notion of changing your last name in marriage anyway — is this something guys would actually consider? I posed the question to the guys on my IM and, needless to say, they probably won’t be taking your last name anytime soon. Check their responses, after the jump. Keep reading »

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