Photography

DOMA Repealed !!

March  2013

Will the Supreme Court 

Recognize Edith Windsor?

by Amy Davidson

http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/closeread/2013/03/edith-windsor-doma-supreme-court-ginsburg-scalia.html
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The Court Strikes Down DOMA
Edith Windsor’s victory at the Supreme Court today

is the culmination of the life she shared with her late wife, Thea Spyer.

June 26, 2013
Edith Windsor and the End of DOMA
Posted by The New Yorker

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act on broad equal-protection grounds. This decision, which might very well reframe the way an entire country thinks about the institution, comes thanks in large part to one woman: Edith Windsor, who, at 83, was the plaintiff in the case that challenged the law. 

Below, a slide show featuring important moments in Windsor’s life—not just those before the nation’s highest court but also scenes from the forty-two-year-long love story she shared with her wife, Thea Spyer, who died in 2009. 

(Amy Davidson and Richard Socarides both have written about Windsor’s life and court battle.)

http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/newsdesk/2013/06/slide-show-edith-windsor.html#slide_ss_0=1

http://www.policymic.com/articles/22682/doma-and-prop-8-supreme-court-live-will-the-supeme-court-make-history

Same-sex marriage (also known as gay marriage) is marriage between two persons of the same biological sex and/or gender identity. Legal recognition of same-sex marriage or the possibility to perform a same-sex marriage is sometimes referred to as marriage equality or equal marriage, particularly by supporters.

The first laws in modern times enabling same-sex marriage were enacted during the first decade of the 21st century. 

As of May 2013, thirteen countries (Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark,  France, Iceland, Netherlands,  Norway, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, Sweden), and several sub-national jurisdictions (parts of Mexico and the United States), allow same-sex couples to marry. Uruguay and New Zealand have both enacted laws to legalize same-sex marriage which will come into force in August 2013.

Bills allowing legal recognition of same-sex marriage have been proposed, are pending, or have passed at least one legislative house in Andorra, England and Wales, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Nepal, Scotland, and Taiwan, as well as in parts of Australia, Mexico, and the United States.

 Introduction of same-sex marriage laws has varied by jurisdiction, being variously accomplished through a legislative change to marriage laws, a court ruling based on constitutional guarantees of equality, or by direct popular vote (via a ballot initiative or a referendum). The recognition of same-sex marriage is a political, social, human rights and civil rights issue, as well as a religious issue in many nations and around the world, and debates continue to arise over whether same-sex couples should be allowed marriage, be required to hold a different status (a civil union), or be denied recognition of such rights. Allowing same-gender couples to legally marry is considered to be one of the most important of all LGBT rights.

Same-sex marriages can be performed in a secular civil ceremony or in a religious setting. Various faith communities around the world support allowing same-sex couples to marry or conduct same-sex marriage ceremonies; for example: Quakers, U.S. Episcopalians, the Metropolitan Community Church, the United Church of Christ, the United Church of Canada, Buddhism in Australia, Reform and Conservative Jews, Wiccans, Druids, Unitarian Universalists, and Native American religions with a two-spirit tradition, as well as various progressive and modern Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Jewish groups and various minor religions and other denominations.

Studies conducted in several countries[which?] indicate that support for the legal recognition of same-sex marriage increases with higher levels of education and that support is strong among younger people. Additionally, polls in various countries[which?] show that there is rising support for legally recognizing same-sex marriage across race, ethnicity, age, religion, political affiliation, and socioeconomic status.

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  Marriage open to same-sex couples

  Recognized or performed in limited circumstances

  High court has ruled in favor, but not yet implemented

  Government has announced intention to legalize

  Same-sex marriage not legally recognized

Legal recognition of
same-sex relationships

Marriage
Argentina  Belgium  Brazil Canada  Denmark   France  Iceland  Netherlands New Zealand  Norway  Portugal South Africa  Spain  Sweden Uruguay
Performed in some jurisdictions Mexico: DF, QR United States: CA†, CT, DC, DE†, IA, MA, MD, ME, MN†, NH, NY, RI†, VT, WA, 5 tribal jurisdictions
Recognized, not performed Aruba, Curaçao, St Maarten (NL only) Israel Mexico (when performed in Mexico)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage

2001     Netherlands (1 April)
2003     Belgium (1 June), Ontario (10 June), British Columbia (8 July)
2004     Quebec (19 March), Massachusetts (17 May), Yukon (14 July), Manitoba (16 September), Nova Scotia (24 September), Saskatchewan (5 November), Newfoundland (21 December)
2005     New Brunswick (23 June), Spain (3 July), Canada  (20 July)
2006     South Africa (30 November)
2008     California (16 June; discontinued 5 November), Connecticut (12 November)
2009     Norway (1 January), Iowa (27 April), Sweden (1 May), Coquille Indian Tribe [Oregon] (May), Vermont (1 September)
2010     New Hampshire (1 January), District of Columbia (3 March), Mexico City (4 March), Portugal (5 June), Iceland (27 June), Argentina (22 July)
2011     New York (24 July), Suquamish Tribe [Washington] (1 August)
2012     Alagoas (6 January), Quintana Roo (May), Denmark (15 June), Sergipe (15 July), Espírito Santo (15 August), Caribbean Netherlands (10 October), Bahia (26 November), Brasilia (1 December), Washington (6 December), Piauí (15 December), Maine (29 December)

2013     Maryland (1 January), São Paulo (16 February), Ceará & Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians [Michigan] (15 March), Paraná (26 March), Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians [Michigan] (March), Mato Grosso do Sul (2 April), Rondônia (26 April), Santa Catarina & Paraíba (29 April), Brazil [national] (14 May), France (18 May), Santa Ysabel Tribe [California] (24 June), Delaware (1 July), Uruguay, Minnesota & Rhode Island (1 August), New Zealand (19 August)

In progress     England and Wales, Luxembourg, Nepal, Scotland

 

 

Thoughts On Gay Marriage

Thoughts
On Gay Marriage

As a gay marriage case finally makes its way to the Supreme Court this year, here’s a look at some of the thoughts on the matter 

– Funny, Sincere and Cynical alike.

 

 

 

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No-No & Yum-Yum 🐶Picnic Foods for Dog

No-No  &  Yum-Yum

Picnic Foods for Your Dog

Posted by: Petfooddirect.com // July 7, 2012

You’ve got the grill fired up for an evening of fun and feasting outdoors and Fido is anxiously awaiting morsels of deliciousness dropped happy picnickers. But wait. Before you or your guests share those tasty summertime treats, be aware of what your dog should and shouldn’t eat at your next picnic or barbecue.  Check out our list of no-no’s and yum-yum's here...

No-No Foods

Alcohol 🍺

Alcohol, even beer, is poisonous to dogs and cats. If ingested, a cat or dog may show signs of alcohol poisoning which include weakness, depression, difficulty breathing, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or in severe cases, coma or death from respiratory failure. If your pet accidentally drinks alcohol, and exhibits any of the above signs take them to your local veterinary hospital immediately.

Chocolate 🍫

Most pet owners are aware that chocolate is poisonous, but keep in mind that it’s the amount and type of chocolate that makes it poisonous. While the occasional chocolate chip in one cookie probably won't be an issue, large amounts of methylxanthines, such as what is found in baker’s chocolate or dark chocolate, is extremely toxic to dogs. Play it safe and keep all chocolate away from pets.

Onions 🧅 & Other Alliums (i.e., garlic, leeks, scallions)

Though small, well-cooked portions of this plant group can be okay when pets are accustomed to them, larger quantities can lead to toxic anemia — especially in dogs.

Baked Goods🍪 Containing Xylitol

In addition to being found in sugar-free gums and candies, this naturally-occurring sugar substitute is available as a granulated powder for cooking and baking. When ingested by pets, xylitol may cause vomiting, loss of coordination, seizures, and in severe cases, liver failure. If your pet has accidentally eaten baked goods made with xylitol, and exhibits any of the above signs take them to your local veterinary hospital immediately.

Corn on the Cob 🌽

While corn is not dangerous to dogs and cats, the cob itself may accidentally lodge itself in a pet's mouth or cause a severe obstruction in the intestinal tract. Make sure all finished corn cobs are disposed of properly so your pet is safe.

Yum-yum Yes Foods

Carob 🍫

If your dog has a sweet tooth, carob is a great way to provide chocolate deliciousness. Just a few carob chips will satisfy your pets craving for chocolate!

Turkey Dogs & Grilled Chicken 🍗

OK, for those of you pet parents who allow an occasional treat of human food, grill up a turkey dog and some chicken and break it into small bite-size pieces for your four-legged friend.

Carrots🥕

A nice vegetable platter is always a welcome addition to your outdoor feast. If your pet is sniffing around for people food, carrots are a healthy alternative to other people-food.

Ice-cream for Dogs 🍦

Several manufactures now make frozen treats for dogs. Plan ahead and pick up a package of these delicious ice-cream cups and help your pet cool off during the festivities.

                          

Supermoon June 2013

Super Moon

June 2013

Perigee Moon

This Weekend

Set to peak on Sunday, June 23, the 2013 supermoon is noteworthy not only for the remarkable sight it will present to skywatchers but also because it will be the largest supermoon this year.

Also known as a perigee moon, the event occurs when a full moon lines up with the Earth and the sun at a specific point in its orbit, called the lunar perigee. That's the point at which the moon is nearest to Earth as it traces its elliptical path around our planet.

Since it's closer to us, the moon appears up to 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than usual. Coined by astrologer Richard Nolle, the term "supermoon" essentially means a bigger and brighter full moon.

But what makes Sunday's supermoon so special?

While skywatchers will be able to spot another supermoon in July, the moon will not be this close again until August 2014.

The moon will turn full at 7:32 a.m. EDT Sunday. It will reach its closest point to the Earth 22 minutes earlier and will be visible after the sun sets that evening.

So be sure to step outside Sunday night to catch a glimpse of the June 2013 supermoon. (To see the perigee moon in all its oversized glory, try to spot it at moonrise or moonset, when it's on horizon.) 

June 23: 

Biggest Full Moon of 2013
On June 23, the moon turns full at 7:32 a.m. EDT(1132 GMT),and just 32 minutes earlier it will arrive at its closest point to the Earth in 2013 at a distance of 221,824 miles (356,991 km), making it a so-called supermoon.Expect a large range in ocean tides (exceptionally low to exceptionally high) for the next few days. 

 

Aug. 12: 
The Perseid Meteor Shower

The annual Perseid meteor shower is considered among the best of the annual displays thanks to its high rates of up to 90-meteors-per-hour for a single observer, as well as its reliability. The shower is beloved by summer campers and often discovered by city dwellers who might be spending time in the country under dark, starry skies. 

 

Night sky watcher David Kingham took this photo of the Perseid meteor shower from Snowy Range in Wyoming on August 12, 2012.

This past summer, the moon was a fat waning crescent and presented a minor nuisance during the meteor shower. But in 2013, the moon will be a couple of days before first quarter and will set during the evening hours, leaving the rest of the night dark for prospective observers.

Photographer Jeff Rose captured this amazing photo of a Perseid meteor and the bright moon just after 1 a.m. on Aug. 11 during the 2012 from Cave City, Arkansas, during the 2012 Perseid meteor shower peak.

Oct. 18: 
Penumbral Eclipse of the Moon
The moon slides through the northern part of the Earth's penumbral shadow during this lunar eclipse event.
At mid-eclipse, 76 percent of the moon's diameter will be immersed in the penumbra, probably deep enough to cause a faint, yet discernible darkening of the moon's lower limb. The region of visibility includes much of Asia, Europe and Africa. The central and eastern portion of North America will get a view of the slightly darkened Hunters' Moon during the early evening hours.

Nov. 3: 
Hybrid Eclipse of the Sun
This is a rather unusual solar eclipse in that, along its track, which runs for 8,450 miles (13,600 km) across the Earth's surface, the eclipse quickly morphs from annular to total; it is therefore known to astronomers as a "hybrid eclipse."
Truth be told, along most of the track, the eclipse appears as a total, with a very thin annulus (or ring) of sunlight visible near the very beginning of the track. The track of the central line of this eclipse begins in the Atlantic about 545 miles (875 km)southwest of Bermuda. So, along North America's Atlantic Coast, interested viewers (using proper viewing devices, such as pinhole projection or #14 welders glass) will only see the dark disk of the moon exiting the sun's face at sunrise.

The eclipse track will pass south of the Cape Verde Islands, then curve southeastward parallel to the African coastline. The greatest eclipse, with 100 seconds of totality and the path width reaching a maximum of just 36 miles (58 km), occurs approximately 250 miles (402 km) off the coast of Liberia. The shadow track will then sweep across central Africa, passing over sections of Gabon, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and Kenya, before ending at sunset at the Ethiopia-Somalia border.  

Mid-November Through December:
Comet ISON
On Sep. 21, 2012, two amateur astronomers (Vitali Nevski of Belarus and Artyom Novichonok of Russia)used a telescope owned by the International Scientific Optical Network to discover a new comet that was christened using the acronym of the instrument used to find it: Comet ISON.

This image shows the newfound comet C/2012 (ISON) as seen by the Remanzacco Observatory in Italy.
Orbital calculations indicate that comet ISON will travel closest to the sun, less than 750,000 miles (1.2 million km) above the sun's surface, making it a true "sungrazer," on Nov. 28 (Thanksgiving Day in the United States).
The comet could eventually be bright enough to be visible in broad daylight around the time of its nearest approach to the sun. It will then travel toward Earth, passing within 40 million miles (64 million km) of our planet a month later.
Since comet ISON will become very well placed for viewing in the morning and evening sky from the Northern Hemisphere during the following weeks, it could become one of the most watched comets of all time. 
 
December (all month):
Dazzling Venus
Venus, the brightest of all the planets, puts on a holiday show all month long, and what a spectacular one it is! Venus is the showiest it will be for all of 2013 and 2014 either in the evening or morning sky. It adorns the southwestern evening sky as much as three hours after sundown at the beginning of the month, and 1.5 hours after sundown by New Year's Eve. A lovely, crescent moon passes well above and to the right of the planeton Dec. 5, and the next night Venus will reach the pinnacle of its brilliance; Venus won’t be as bright an "evening star" again until 2021. 

 

Dec. 13 to 14:
Geminid Meteor Shower
If there is one meteor display guaranteed to put on a very entertaining show, it is the Geminid meteor shower. Most meteor experts now place it at the top of the list, as it surpasses in brilliance and reliability even August's Perseids. 
Unfortunately, in 2013, the moon will be several days before full phase and will light up the sky for much of the night, hiding many of the fainter meteors. But around 4:30 a.m. (your local time), the moon will have finally set, leaving the sky completely dark for about an hour. That will be your chance to make as many as two meteor sightings per minute, or 120 per hour!

So stargazers mark your calendars: 2013 promises to be a great year for skywatching, and if you take an impressive photo of the night sky, let us know!

Editor's Note: If you snap an amazing night-sky photo and would like to share it with SPACE.com for a possible story or gallery, please send images and comments (including your name and the photo's location) to managing editor Tariq Malik at: spacephotos@space.com.

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