Author: Randy Slovacek

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Washington state Republicans push back on marriage equality

Republic lawmakers in Washington state were quick to challenge Gov. Chris Gregoire’s recent push to pass gay marriage, saying it would create an unnecessary distraction.

The Seattle Times reports that Senate Republic Leader Mike Hewitt said the issue would cause problems because Ed Murray, a gay state senator and also the state’s Democratic budget negotiator, was “vested in this personally.”

Gregoire disputed claims that the state wouldn’t have time to address gay marriage during the upcoming legislative session, which begins Monday.

“To those who say we don’t have the time, what will history say when we say, ‘Sorry, we had a budget to pass, so we continued to discriminate.’ That answer does not work,” Gregoire said after a panel on the issue. “This is our test. This is what leadership is about. Now is our time.”
(source)

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First pic of Ricky Martin on the set of GLEE

Ever wonder what the “hottest Spanish teacher ever in the history of Ohio” looks like?

The Latin heartthrob Tweeted a picture from the set of the hit TV show on Thursday night, at once teasing and hitting our Glee-spots. “First day!” wrote Ricky alongside the pic.

Rumor has it Ricky will appear in at least two musical numbers in an episode that will air later this month.

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Meghan McCain on Rick Santorum’s “gross” opposition to gays

Meghan McCain appeared on MSNBC Friday afternoon to call out Rick Santorum’s “outdated” and “gross” opposition to marriage equality. Video and details after the jump!

“There’s a difference between being against marriage equality and then equating same-sex marriage to bestiality,” said McCain. “I mean it’s so dated and it’s so gross. It’s far off the course of mainstream America, and it’s enough for me just to say goodbye. If you nominate someone like Rick Santorum, I guarantee he will lose.”

McCain then went on to reveal that she was instrumental in getting her mother to come out publicly with her support of marriage equality for the NOH8 campaign. Next up, her dad.

“My father is hopefully going to be the next one I can work on, and he’s sort of coming around. He’s 75 years old, so it’s a bit different.”

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New poll: Romney in solid lead in South Carolina

Mitt Romney’s numbers in South Carolina are surging, and he now has a solid lead over his rivals for the Republican presidential nomination, according to a new survey of likely GOP primary voters in the Palmetto state.

And a CNN/Time/ORC International poll released Friday also indicates that former Sen. Rick Santorum’s support in South Carolina has soared, while former House Speaker Newt Gingrich’s numbers have nose-dived.

South Carolina holds the first in the South contest in the race for the nomination January 21.

According to the poll:

37% Mitt Romney
19% Rick Santorum
18% Newt Gingrich
12% Ron Paul
5% Rick Perry
1% Jon Huntsman

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Private sector in 2011 added most jobs since 2005

Today’s jobs report shows that the economy ended the year on a relative strong note, with the private sector adding 212,000 jobs lats month.

And the Washington Monthly’s Steve Benen notes that “the U.S. private sector has now added 1.89 million jobs in 2011, well ahead of last year’s private-sector total of 1.2 million, and the best year for businesses since 2005.”

The chart above shows monthly private sector job losses or gains under the Bush (red) and Obama administrations (blue). Clearly things have gotten much better since President Obama took office.

We keep hearing the country is going in the “wrong direction.” Since jobs are steadily being created, does that mean the critics would rather see more jobs LOST?
(source)

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Olivia Newton-John: When you look into a woman’s eyes and see what is in her heart

From GigiSaffronEver:

Everyone knows that one-of-a-kind, gorgeous voice from the very first sparkling note.

Everyone knows who that sunshine-y, luminous face is at first sight. OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN is a true beauty icon all across the world. With more than 100 million albums sold, Olivia Newton-John has the most amazing and record-breaking career that has spanned over 4 decades. As the iconic “Sandy” in the film “Grease,” which is the most successful movie musical in history, Olivia cemented a place in beauty history with that stunning charisma, those beautiful, bouncing blonde curls and her glittering, anything-is-possible eyes.

The fact that she has a singing voice like that on top of all of it is simply not fair.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU THAT YOU FIND BEAUTIFUL?

Anything in nature. I make it a point every day to go for a walk wherever I am so that I can be out in the fresh air – there is so much beauty out there – from a butterfly to a cloud to the shape of a leaf. The other two things that inspire me are my daughter Chloe (she is so beautiful inside and out) and my husband – John Easterling!

Read the whole interview at Gigi Saffron & Ever