Everyone who has ever visited Branson, Missouri has inevitably asked the same question: Why isn’t there a giant cross for my family to visit? Worry no more. It’s happening: Kerry Brown said the “God-given vision” of the Branson Cross came to his father Dean two decades ago after he bought land atop Bear Mountain near the intersections of U.S. highways 160 and 65 in Branson, tourist mecca famous for its country music venues. “It started as a vision with a… Read more
I just finished one of the best books I’ve read in a long time: Flagrant Conduct by Dale Carpenter. Even though I’ve been supportive of gay rights as long as I can remember, I’m not as well-versed in its history. Early in the book, Carpenter sets us up with where the gay rights movement in Texas (specifically, Houston) used to be and what they were up against. Along the way, we’re taken to John Lawrence’s apartment, where a string of… Read more
No lawsuits. No fights. Just a basic petition. That’s what the Winnipeg Secularists (in Canada) are offering to their local city council in an effort to stop the prayers read before every meeting: About 300 people have signed a petition delivered to city hall on Wednesday that calls on councillors to eliminate religious exercises at meetings. Robert McGregor, a member of the Winnipeg Secularists, said he launched the petition after he attended a recent council meeting and was asked to… Read more
Paige Sultzbach must be one hell of an athlete because she’s scaring away the competition. Her school, Mesa Preparatory Academy in Arizona, doesn’t have a softball team, so she decided to try out for the boys’ baseball team. To no one’s surprise, she made it. They went undefeated all season (with a 9-0 record) and were excited to play for the Arizona Charter Athletic Association state championship on Wednesday night. Unfortunately, her team faced the aptly-named Our Lady of Sorrows… Read more
A recent Gallup poll asked this question: “Do you think marriages between same-sex couples should or should not be recognized by the law as valid, with the same rights as traditional marriages?” The headlines were all about how acceptance for same-sex couples was at 50% — it was only the second time that support for gay marriage polled higher than rejection of it. But I can’t believe this result didn’t get more attention: 88% of the Nones support gay marriage!… Read more
