Relationships and Going Places

Reseachers Michael LaCour and Donald Green began by identifying California precincts that had supported the ban on gay marriage, eventually settling on an especially conservative area of Southern California. They then used voter rolls to invite every voter in those precincts, as well as their housemates, to participate in an Internet survey on politics, including only two questions about support for same-sex marriage. more »

Shopping for STEM gifts, especially for a math-mad granddaughter, isn't easy but Boutique Academia's necklace, She Who Dares, Wins is apt as well as Tardis, Ada Lovelace and molecule necklaces. A soft little book of tips for fresh and saltwater fishers should be a hit as well as other flipbooks. A beautiful line of clothes from Edinburgh is a year round find, as well porcelain from Itsuko and Central Park plates. For my husband, a dopp kit, construction kits for grandchildren from National Building Museum. And an additional shop, SpiceAce. more »

Everyone in the picture gleams. The joy of a new grandchild and the feeling of family togetherness are palpable. I believe some of Tommy's happiness in that photo was due to this new family he has won. With no children of his own, my second husband relished his sudden role as stepfather to my vibrant daughters. "Is anything wrong with Tommy? He seems to be repeating things." "It's not Alzheimer's," I tell my brother. more »

Rose Madeline Mula writes: My friend Emily has a pathological aversion to making decisions, both major and minor.  A while back, she had her kitchen remodeled — a project that spanned two and a half years.  No, she hadn’t hired the world’s slowest contractor. It’s just that it took her forever to decide every detail I usually make snap impulsive decisions, some of which I later regret, I do admit. But mostly they work out pretty well. I know it’s stupid; but usually if the item in question is a color I like, I whip out my credit card and seal the deal immediately. more »