Nicole Kidman dressed down for a luncheon to celebrate her new movie Nine at Per Se in New York City. She went for an always classy monotone look consisting of a sheer tee, cropped jeans, and leather jacket, all in gray. Her cobalt shoes, however, spiced things up a bit with a splash of color. Shop like items now!
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Motorcycle jackets are one of those keep-forever wardrobe staples that get better with age. If you find yourself in the market for a new biker jacket or vest this fall, we suggest looking for updates on the classic—in leather or suede—such as strong shoulders (Emanuel Ungaro), studded hardware and epaulettes (Alexander Wang), bright colors (Doma), and quilted details (Elise Overland and Topshop).
Barack Obama is between a liberal rock and conservative hard place. Two federal appeals judges have ruled that court employees have a right to health benefits for their same-sex partners. But, the federal Office of Personnel Management maintains that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) prohibits such benefits.
Benefits are awarded to the spouse of a federal employee, but according to DOMA a spouse must be of the opposite sex. Gay employees say they are denied equal compensation because they cannot extend benefits to their partners. The cost of doing so would be $670 million over 10 years.
The White House has yet to comment on whether it will help the judges enforce their orders, a move that would upset conservative allies. But a spokesman did say that "While the president opposes gay marriage, he supports legislative repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act. He believes this country must realize its founding promise of equality by treating all its citizens with dignity and respect."
Do you think benefits should be extended?
Married same-sex couples in Massachusetts live in a state that recognizes their unions. But in the eyes of the US government, they're still bachelors, or bachelorettes.
Mary Ritchie and her spouse Kathleen Bush have been legally married for five years. They have two children and Mary is a state police trooper. But there's one thing that makes this typical family different: when they file tax returns this year, they cannot check "married filing jointly." Mary and Kathleen say this detail has cost them almost $15,000 in taxes.
Now Mary and Kathleen are joining a dozen other couples to sue the federal government, challenging part of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The part in question prevents the federal government from awarding Social Security and other benefits to same-sex couples, regardless of their marriage status in home states.
The couples aren't just arguing fairness. They say DOMA violates the state's right to regulate marriage.
Do you think they should win?
It's February and we're looking at the role of politics in love — starting with a peek at same-sex marriage. Traditionally, marriage has been defined as a union between a man and a woman. As gay people gain acceptance in society, voices calling for same-sex marriage have grown louder. At the same time, those who want to prohibit legalization are strongly voicing their opinions.
Arguments made by the conflicting sides include:
For Same-Sex Marriage:
Denying marriage is minority discrimination. Homosexuality has a proven biological causation. Same-sex marriage does not hurt anyone in particular. Same-sex marriage encourages family values and stability.
Against Same-Sex Marriage:
Most religions consider homosexuality a sin. Same-sex marriage will weaken respect for marriage, family values. Same-sex marriage would lead to a slippery slope (e.g. multiple wives). Same-sex marriage would encourage a gay lifestyle.
Should we allow gay couples to marry? For a brief recap of where the laws stand now read more
