Category: Uncategorized

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President Obama feeling the beginning of ‘economic optimism’

Americans are growing more optimistic about the state of the economy and direction of the country, according to a new NBC News-Wall Street Journal poll out Wednesday evening, and President Obama is receiving better grades on his handling of the economy and job as a result.

More people said they believe the economy will get better (37 percent) in the next year rather than worse (17 percent). That’s the highest level in more than a year and a seven-point jump over last month.

And for the first time in six months, more people approve of the job the president is doing (48 percent) than disapprove (46 percent).

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Gov. Christie promises to veto marriage equality in NJ

Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey said Tuesday that he would veto a bill legalizing same-sex marriage, and he challenged the State Legislature instead to put the issue on the ballot for voters to decide.

Democrats, who control the Legislature, swiftly rejected the idea, accusing the governor, a Republican, of trying to punt on a politically sensitive issue.

“Marriage equality isn’t like sports betting,” said Senator Raymond Lesniak, a Union County Democrat, referring to a referendum on an amendment to the State Constitution on gambling last year. “It’s a civil right, which is already guaranteed in our Constitution. It’s up to the Legislature to guarantee these rights.”

The same-sex marriage bill is a priority for Democrats, led by the Senate president, Stephen M. Sweeney, who has said that his decision not to vote on a similar bill two years ago, when there was a Democratic governor who supported same-sex marriage, was “the biggest mistake” of his political career.

Gay-rights advocates had been hoping that Mr. Christie, who supports civil unions over same-sex marriage, might sign the legislation, or, if he vetoed it, give Republican legislators tacit approval to vote for an override.

On Monday, he nominated a gay man to the State Supreme Court, and when asked about the prospects for the marriage bill, said that he would make a decision if and when the bill ever reached his desk.

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the same-sex marriage bill, 8-4.

A poll released by Quinnipiac University last week found that 52 percent of New Jersey voters believed that same-sex couples should have the right to marry, and 53 percent believed that denying them that right constituted discrimination.
(source)

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Former MTV host Dan Cortese makes shirtless appearance on “Hot In Cleveland”

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Dan is looking very, very good these days.
The synopsis for Dan’s appearance: Melanie (Valerie Bertinneli) taking Elka (White) into the Browns’ locker room following a game which they lose for her birthday. While Elka makes the rounds to feel the chests of the naked men, Melanie talks to Jimmy Armstrong (Cortese), the kicker, who is a real dunce. As Elka puts it, ”he doesn’t have much going on upstairs, but he has plenty down below!”
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Starbucks supports marriage equality

Starbucks has issued a statement of support for marriage equality in Washington state:

“Starbucks is proud to join other leading Northwest employers in support of Washington State legislation recognizing marriage equality for same-sex couples. Starbucks strives to create a company culture that puts our partners first, and our company has a lengthy history of leading and supporting policies that promote equality and inclusion.”

Starbucks has offered domestic partnership benefits for 20 years, including medical, dental and alternative health care coverage.