You can call me Crash.
This is an exercise in figuring it all out.
Catching Elephant is a theme by Andy Taylor
Space shuttle Endeavour has Houston stopover
The space shuttle Endeavour, carried on NASA’s 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, passed over downtown Houston today. The shuttle will stay in Houston overnight as it makes its way to the California Science Center in Los Angeles. It’s a bittersweet trip, as many had hoped Houston would get a permanent shuttle exhibit.
Photo: Smiley N. Pool/Houston Chronicle
We’re all still pretty angry about not getting a shuttle. Seriously. We run mission control in Houston. We train the astronauts. I made them their coffee for over FIVE YEARS!! Charlie Camarda gave my son flight patches and all kinds of NASA swag from his return to flight mission, just so Will could have a kick ass halloween costume. I still don’t understand why the fuck they need one in NY.
Today, I was asked a direct question and gave a direct answer:
I believe that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry.
… I’ve always believed that gay and lesbian Americans should be treated fairly and equally. I was reluctant to use the term marriage because of the very powerful traditions it evokes. And I thought civil union laws that conferred legal rights upon gay and lesbian couples were a solution.
But over the course of several years I’ve talked to friends and family about this. I’ve thought about members of my staff in long-term, committed, same-sex relationships who are raising kids together. Through our efforts to end the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, I’ve gotten to know some of the gay and lesbian troops who are serving our country with honor and distinction.
What I’ve come to realize is that for loving, same-sex couples, the denial of marriage equality means that, in their eyes and the eyes of their children, they are still considered less than full citizens.
Even at my own dinner table, when I look at Sasha and Malia, who have friends whose parents are same-sex couples, I know it wouldn’t dawn on them that their friends’ parents should be treated differently.
So I decided it was time to affirm my personal belief that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry.
I respect the beliefs of others, and the right of religious institutions to act in accordance with their own doctrines. But I believe that in the eyes of the law, all Americans should be treated equally. And where states enact same-sex marriage, no federal act should invalidate them.
Cathi Carlton Casting, which looks for African-American actors who are "not too dark," has taken its website offline.
Luckily, Google has this cache, and we thus know that Cathi Carlton calls herself a “fearless leader” and that she can be reached at (310) 581-3010.
Yes: it was the hoodie’s fault. A hooded sweatshirt can make an innocent teen look like a criminal — just like a suit and glasses can make Geraldo Rivera look like a journalist.
STEPHEN COLBERT, on Fox “News” contributor Geraldo Rivera’s contention that wearing a hoodie is what led to Trayvon Martin’s murder, on The Colbert Report (via inothernews)
Families in Central Texas began returning to their homes or what’s left of them Wednesday afternoon. Some returned to find their homes undisturbed, save for some spoiled food from power outages. Others returned to find only rubble.
Firefighters continue to battle the massive wildfire in Bastrop, which has claimed 1,386 homes and has burned approximately 35,000 acres. Officials are permitting some residents to return to their homes at 2 p.m. Get the latest updates on the fire here.
One of the victims of the Bastrop wildfires was identified yesterday. He had returned to his home after evacuating.
In Leander, some residents returned home to find only fences or decks burned, while others returned to rubble.
See more photos of the wildfires
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Photos by Ralph Barrera, Rodolfo Gonzalez, Jay Janner AMERICAN-STATESMAN
I know our governor is a fucktard, but please send help through the redcross if you can.
Fire crews continue to make progress this morning in containing several fires burning throughout Central Texas since Sunday, but thousands of residents remain evacuated.
Heavy smoke and haze is being reported in Austin, but officials say it is from fires surrounding the area. They are asking people to call 911 only if they see smoke or flames coming from a structure or brush. If you suffer from respiratory problems, avoid going outdoors for extended periods of time.
The American Red Cross of Central Texas has posted information on evacuation centers and how to donate on its website.
See more photos from the fires
Get more updates on Facebook and Twitter
Photos by Jay Janner, Ralph Barrera and Laura Skelding AMERICAN-STATESMAN
Photos by Rodolfo Gonzalez, Jay Janner, Ricardo B. Brazziell AMERICAN-STATESMAN and Terry Hagerty BASTROP ADVERTISER
Fire crews continue to battle several fires across Central Texas Tuesday. Winds are expected to be lighter today, but low humidity could help flames spread quickly, forecasters say. There is no chance of rain.
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Stay safe Texas
Texas is desperate for firefighters. If anyone knows someone who is willing to come help, please call this number 512-978-1187
