Sunday, August 15, 2010

Ryder Cup Musings

So, the PGA is over, so the Ryder Cup automatic qualifiers have been determined:

United States:
Phil Mickelson
Hunter Mahan
Bubba Watson
Jim Furyk
Steve Stricker
Dustin Johnson
Jeff Overton
Matt Kuchar

It's a little trickier for Europe, since they haven't updated the standings yet. But I suspect the following are automatic qualifiers:

Lee Westwood, ENG
Rory McIlroy, NIR
Graeme McDowell, NIR
Martin Kaymer, DEU
Ian Poulter, ENG
Ross Fisher, ENG
Francesco Molinari, ITA
Miguel Angel Jimenez, ESP
Paul Casey, ENG

So now, assuming I've got the European automatic qualifiers right, who else to pick? The US gets four picks, and Europe three.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Gay Marriage, Polygamy, and the Case for Civil Unions For All

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-weigant/if-gay-marriage-wins_b_676365.html

Most importantly, check out the part near the bottom where he makes the case, in a very well-reasoned and thoughtful manner, that a full legal recognition of gay rights including marriage by the Supreme Court would be soon followed by a similar protection for 'polyamorists.' I think it's an interesting argument; I think it's possible that polygamy/polyamory wouldn't be found protected any time soon even if gay marriage is (which I think it might very well be), but I can see the argument that it should be. And that's sort of my point, and it leads to my broader point, which is really about the business of marriage in the first place.