So sad, but wishing her the best. Her spirit is beyond inspiring.
“I travel a lot for work”
Having worked in the national touring companies of several Broadway shows – often for years at a time – I completely relate to the story told here.
It can be a strangely unsettling thing to not ‘belong’ somewhere for so long.
Unpacking your life, in many ways, is healthy for us.
A dog and his bone
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Our dog Bandit showing some love to his new rawhide bone. Bandit gives the bone it’s own cushion in the sun, while keeping a watchful eye.
Washington state has the votes for marriage equality
Mary Margaret Haugen became the 25th member of the state senate, and the last vote needed to pass the bill, after scores of same-sex marriage supporters told their stories in the state capital for more than two hours.
The bill, first brought up by Washington governor Christine Gregoire, is expected to easily pass in the House but was one vote short of passage in the Senate until Haugen announced her support this afternoon.
Haugen, a Democrat, cited her “very strong Christian beliefs” as part of the reason she supports marriage equality.
“Only one being in this world is omniscient, and it’s not me,” she said in a statement. “Personally I have always said when I accepted the Lord, I became more tolerant of others. I stopped judging people and try to live by the Golden Rule. This is part of my decision. I do not believe it is my role to judge others, regardless of my personal beliefs.”
Lacey All, chair for Washington United for Marriage, said the senator’s decision was the result of those stories told by LGBT Washingtonians.
“We’ve known for a long time that our stories are powerful, and sharing those stories can change hearts and minds,” All said in a statement cheering the decision. “Hundreds of constituents shared their stories of love, commitment and family with Sen. Haugen, and in doing so convinced her that she was doing the right thing for Washington.”
(source)
Sunday Show Tunes: “You Can’t Stop The Beat” from Hairspray
I saw the original Broadway company in previews, and I knew the show was going to be a big hit. Great score, great direction, great choreography. The finale – “You Can’t Stop The Beat” – was the perfect icing on the cake.
I love the energy, choreography and how the topics of equality and diversity get tied into wrapping the show up.
“You can’t stop today as it comes speeding down the track
Yesterday is history, and it’s never coming back
Tomorrow is a brand new day
And it don’t know white from black…
Cause the world keeps spinning
Round and round
And my heart’s keeping time
To the speed of sound
I was lost til I heard the drums
Then I found my way
Cause you cant stop the beat”
Washington state: Same-sex marriage would bring $88 million to state economy
A report released Friday by The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law indicates marriage equality in Washington would add $88 million to the state economy in the first three years.
Bills to legalize marriage for same-sex couples have been introduced in both the state house and senate with strong support from Washington governor Chris Gregoire.
Findings of the report, per the Williams Institute:
Total spending on wedding arrangements and tourism by resident same-sex couples and their guests will add an $88-million boost to the Washington economy over the first three years. This spending is likely to generate $8 million in tax revenue for state and local governments.
The figures in the report draw upon data on average wedding expenditures in Washington and tourism reports from 2010, along with data regarding marriage expenses by same-sex couples in other states.
The report considers that couples in existing registered domestic partnerships might have different spending patterns from couples that do not have that status. Even if there was no new spending by the 7,518 couples currently in registered domestic partnerships, the state would see an estimated increase in spending of $18 million and a tax boost of $1.6 million.
Satire: Rich Kids for Romney
LOL…
Maryland Gov. O’Malley to introduce same-sex marriage bill Monday
Gov. Martin O’Malley is expected Monday to introduce most of his proposed legislation for this year’s General Assembly.
Among the bills the Democratic governor is expected to submit is one to legalize same-sex marriage, an O’Malley spokeswoman said.
Yet lawmakers are expected to take relatively fast action on the governor’s gay-marriage bill that should draw national attention.
Mr. Miller has said the Senate will take up the issue before the House and could move to pass the bill as soon as possible.
The bill is expected to pass the Senate with support from 25 of 47 senators but could have trouble in the 141-member House where it died last year.
Mr. Barve said Democratic leaders are working to gain support for the bill but remain three votes short of a majority.
“I believe we’ll get there, but it’s going to be a tough fight again,” he said.
Life of Newt: Family Values
Microsoft supports marriage equality
Microsoft has released a statement expressing their support for gay marriage, specifically in Washington state where their company headquarters are based.
As other states recognize marriage equality, Washington’s employers are at a disadvantage if we cannot offer a similar, inclusive environment to our talented employees, our top recruits and their families. Employers in the technology sector face an unprecedented national and global competition for top talent.
Despite progress made in recent years with domestic partnership rights, same-sex couples in Washington still hold a different status from their neighbors. Marriage equality in Washington would put employers here on an equal footing with employers in the six other states that already recognize the committed relationships of same-sex couples – Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont. This in turn will help us continue to compete for talent.