My oldest daughter and I have found a TV show that we both can agree on: Disney's Phineas and Ferb  (new episodes Fridays on Disney Channel, and available on Netflix Instant Watch).  The basic plot of the show is that two boys, Phineas and Ferb, create an unbelievable invention in each episode and have an adventure, while their older sister, Candace, tries to catch them in the act of doing something dangerous.  There is a side plot in most episodes involving their pet platypus, Perry, who also happens to be a secret agent foiling the plot of Dr. Doofenshmirtz, an inept evil scientist. Dr. Doofenshmirtz (as seen in Phineas and Ferb ) The reason the show also appeals to adults is that the characters are well rounded and experience everyday situations in addition to the incredible plot adventures.  In the episode I Scream, You Scream , for instance, we find out that Dr. Doofenshmirtz has an ex-wife, Charlene Doofenshmirtz, and a daughter, Vanessa Doofenshmirtz. ...

The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) has been held unconstitutional by both the 1st and 2nd U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals.  While we wait to see whether the Supreme Court will review these cases, you may have heard that there is an election coming up.  Whether or not the Supreme Court overturns DOMA, congress has the authority to repeal the Act if they so chose.  Since the major party presidential debates ignored this issue, you may not be fully aware of the party platforms on this issue. Each of the following parties has a presidential candidate running for president in 2012, and below we have excerpted their platforms' references to DOMA, same-sex marriage, and discrimination based on sexual orientation (click the links to read the entire platform): 2012 Republican Party Platform excerpts : "Defending Marriage Against An Activist Judiciary A serious threat to our country’s constitutional order, perhaps even more dangerous than presidential malfeasance, is an a...