On the morning of Sept. 3, the first day the Pentagon said they could, Alicia Butler and her spouse, Judith Chedville, who is a Texas Army National Guard officer, went to Austin’s Camp Mabry so Ms. Butler could get a military spouse identification card and register for the same federal marriage benefits provided to wives and husbands of heterosexual service members.
Read the whole story at The New York Times
Down 22-20 with 3:13 left in the game, Tennessee had a chance to deny Jacksonville of its first win of the season. That's when Jaguars cornerback Will Blackmon stepped in.
Titans back-up quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick dropped back on 3rd and 9 but immediately faced pressure. Blackmon got around the offensive line, took the ball out of Fitzpatrick's hands and returned it 21 yards for a touchdown.
The Titans scored in the final minute, but it wasn't enough as the Jaguars won their first game of the season, 29-27
“We have the ability. When we do the things we can control, it’s cool when it comes together," Blackmon said after the game, per Hays Carlyon of the Florida Times-Union
ALSO: PHOTOS FROM NFL'S WEEK 10
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NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 10: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints congratulates Darren Sproles #43 following a touchdown during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 10, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
In this photograph taken with a fisheye lens, a United States flag covers the field at MetLife Stadium as the New York Giants observe the NFL's Salute to Service before a football game between the Giants and the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Paul Kazdan)
St. Louis Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin celebrates a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
A man enjoys a beer while watching the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013 in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)
Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson, left, makes a touchdown catch as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson defends during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning fumbles as he is hit by San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Tourek Williams during the third quarter of a NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in San Diego. The Chargers recovered the fumble and scored a touchdown a few plays later. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley (98) celebrates after making a tackle against Chicago Bears during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in Chicago. The Lions won 21-19. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green reaches for a bobbled ball for a touchdown to tie the game as Baltimore Ravens cornerback Corey Graham looks during the second half of a NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) celebrates his touchdown with teammate wide receiver Mohamed Sanu during the second half of a NFL football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. Green grabbed a bobbled ball in the end zone to tie the game and send it into overtime. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders wearing Digital Camouflage uniforms in Salute to Service perform during the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck fumbles as he's hit by St. Louis Rams defensive end Robert Quinn being blocked by tackle Anthony Castonzo during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. The Rams recovered and ran in for a touchdown. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is sacked by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) during the first quarter of an NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo sits on the bench in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 10: Fans pose before a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome between the New Orleans Saints and the Dallas Cowboys on November 10, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver David Reed reaches into the end zone for an apparent touchdown after loosing his helmet under St. Louis Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson during the second half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. It was ruled a touchdown on the field but reversed on review. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) makes a touchdown reception against Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton passes the ball during the first half of a NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
Buffalo Bills' EJ Manuel passes during the first half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew (32) gets past Tennessee Titans defenders Karl Klug (97) and Jurrell Casey (99) to score a touchdown on a 6-yard run in the first quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 10: Quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints takes the field before a game against the Dallas Cowboys at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 10, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco reacts to tight end Dallas Clark touch down catch during the first half of a NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Baltimore, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) runs into Atlanta Falcons cornerback Asante Samuel (22) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas crosses the goal line ahead of San Diego Chargers strong safety Marcus Gilchrist with an 85 yard touchdown reception in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday Nov. 10, 2013 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 10: Jeff Heath #38 of the Dallas Cowboys breaks up a pass intended for Lance Moore #16 of the New Orleans Saints during a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 10, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) works against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Robert Mathis, left, and nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin sit on the bench in the final minutes of the second half of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. The Rams defeated the Colts 38-8. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Chad Henne hands the ball off to running back Maurice Jones-Drew (32) in the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in Nashville, Tenn. Jones-Drew scored a touchdown on the play with a 6-yard run. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate (81) runs as Atlanta Falcons middle linebacker Omar Gaither (53) hits the turf during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Jacksonville Jaguars' LaRoy Reynolds (56) and J. T. Thomas (52) celebrate as they leave the field after they defeated the Tennessee Titans 29-27 in an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) is sacked by Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Sio Moore (55) and defensive end Jason Hunter (93) during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith can't hang onto a pass under pressure from Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Terence Newman (23) during the first half of a NFL football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Green Bay Packers' Datone Jones tackles Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Chicago Bears defensive end David Bass (91) and teammates warm up near a goal post commemorating the NFL's "Salute to Service" before a football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
New York Giants guard David Diehl (66) gestures toward the crowd as he and teammates leave the field after warming up before an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Green Bay Packers' Clay Matthews wears a club on his hand during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 10: New Orleans Saints cheerleaders perform before a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome between the New Orleans Saints and the Dallas Cowboys on November 10, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers' Ryan Clark runs onto the field before an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers scrambles away from the Denver Broncos defense in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday Nov. 10, 2013 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck throws against the St. Louis Rams during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kris Durham (18) makes a touchdown reception during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith, right, is tackled by San Francisco 49ers' NaVorro Bowman (53) during the third quarter of an NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Green Bay Packers' Andrew Quarless is tripped up by Philadelphia Eagles' Roc Carmichael (21) after a catch during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Cassius Vaughn (32) recovers a fumble between \teammate strong safety Antoine Bethea, right, and St. Louis Rams tight end Jared Cook during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Joplo Bartu (59) hits Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Pittsburgh Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger passes during the first half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Cassius Vaughn, left, celebrates with teammate defensive end Ricky Jean Francois after recovering a fumble by the St. Louis Rams during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Scott Tolzien takes a snap during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in Green Bay, Wis. Tolzien replaced an injured Seneca Wallace. (AP Photo/Tom Lynn)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) trips over Detroit Lions safety Louis Delmas (26) after making a reception during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) works against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) is sacked by Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Sio Moore (55) and defensive end Jason Hunter (93) during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
St. Louis Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin (11) jumps into the arms of tackle Jake Long as he celebrates a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Get Sports Newsletters: Subscribe Subscribe window._taboola = window._taboola || [];_taboola.push({mode:'autosized-1r-organic',container:'taboola-autosized-1r-organic'});_taboola.push({mode:'autosized-1r-sc',container:'taboola-autosized-1r-sc'});window._taboola = window._taboola || [];_taboola.push({flush:true});SAN DIEGO -- SAN DIEGO (AP) — Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos sent a big "get well soon" message to coach John Fox.
What could possibly make Fox feel better than a 28-20 win against the San Diego Chargers?
Manning threw for 330 yards and four touchdowns, three to Demaryius Thomas, as he efficiently led the Broncos through their first game since Fox had heart surgery.
Fox had had his aortic valve replaced last Monday in Charlotte, N.C., and was released Friday to his offseason home there, where he'll continue his recovery and begin rehab soon.
Fox planned to watch the game on TV there, a team spokesman said. If he watched, he probably didn't like seeing Manning hurting his right ankle when he was hit by Corey Liuget in the closing minutes, but the QB stayed in the game.
With interim coach Jack Del Rio in charge, Manning kept the Broncos (8-1) rolling. He threw touchdown passes of 11, 7 and 34 yards to Thomas on consecutive drives spanning the second and third quarters, staking the Broncos to a 28-6 lead.
Julius Thomas had a 74-yard catch-and-run on Denver's first drive, turning a short pass into the second-longest play by a tight end in team history.
The Broncos' scoring drives lasted 57 seconds; 2 minutes, 27 seconds, 1:25, and 3:26.
Manning has thrown for 3,249 yards and 33 touchdowns in nine games. He completed 25 of 36 passes against the Chargers.
The Chargers (4-5) closed the gap late in the second half but couldn't catch up.
Manning's big afternoon was marred only when rookie linebacker Tourek Williams hit Manning from behind and knocked the ball loose, with Donald Butler recovering at the Denver 11 midway through the third quarter. Two plays later, Philip Rivers found Danny Woodhead for a 7-yard scoring pass.
The Chargers pulled to 28-20 on Ryan Mathews' 1-yard touchdown run on third down with 10:42 to play. A week earlier, the Chargers had the ball first-and-goal from the Washington 1 before Woodhead was stuffed and Rivers threw two incompletions before settling for a field goal to force overtime. The Redskins won 30-24.
San Diego settled for field goals of 26 and 40 yards by Nick Novak in the second quarter. Novak was wide left on a 37-yard attempt with 1:38 left before halftime.
That gave Manning enough time to move the Broncos 73 yards in nine plays, all passes, capped by his 7-yard scoring throw to Demaryius Thomas for a 21-6 lead before halftime. Manning threw only one incompletion that drive.
The Broncos got the opening kickoff of the second half and went 78 yards in eight plays, with Thomas' 34-yard TD catch giving the Broncos a 28-6 lead.
The Chargers finished the game without left tackle King Dunlap, who sustained his third concussion this season, and center Nick Hardwick, who had a stinger. Rookie right tackle D.J. Fluker moved to left tackle.
Rivers completed 19 of 29 passes for 218 yards.
___
AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org
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Miami Dolphins guard Richie Incognito (68) and tackle Jonathan Martin (71) stand on the field during practice in Davie, Fla. on July 24, 2013. Attempting to provide context for his treatment of teammate Jonathan Martin, Richie Incognito claimed he also received a threatening text message. The suspended Miami Dolphins guard made this revelation when he sat down with Jay Glazer of FOX Sports to discuss the Dolphins' bullying scandal involving him and Martin. A second-year offensive tackle, Martin abruptly left the Dolphins on Oct. 28 to receive treatment for emotional distress. Incognito, once named the NFL's dirtiest player in a poll of his peers, was subsequently suspended by the Dolphins on Nov. 2 for unspecified misconduct related to alleged mistreatment of Martin.
"People don't know how John and I communicate to one another," Incognito explained to Glazer. "For instance, a week before this went down, Jonathan Martin texts me on my phone: 'I will murder your whole effing family.' Now, did I think Jonathan Martin was going to murder my family? Not one bit. I knew it was coming from a brother. I knew it was coming from a friend. I knew it was coming from a teammate."
Hours after the interview aired on FOX on Sunday afternoon, David Cornwell, an attorney for Martin, shared a profane Internet meme featuring a smiling woman and a dog on Twitter and indicated this was the message that Incognito mentioned to Glazer.
WARNING: Image Below Contains Strong Language
JMart's text 2 Richie Incognito. U decide..... pic.twitter.com/IrgdNnhGe2
— David Cornwell (@wmdavidcornwell) November 10, 2013
Is that what viewers had in mind as Incognito recalled the text message?
Incognito referenced the text from Martin when asked about the threatening voice and text messages he had reportedly sent that included racial slurs. Speaking with Glazer, Incognito confirmed leaving the following voicemail for Martin, who is bi-racial.
“Hey, wassup, you half n—– piece of [expletive] . . . I saw you on Twitter, you been training ten weeks. [I want to] [expletive] in your [expletive] mouth. [I'm going to] slap your [expletive] mouth. [I'm going to] slap your real mother across the face (laughter). [Expletive] you, you’re still a rookie. I’ll kill you.”
Although he did expressed embarrassment over the voicemail, Incognito cited the text from Martin as evidence that both players traded similar threats in jest. He portrayed a locker room culture where such language was acceptable.
"When I see that voicemail, when I see those words come across the screen, I'm embarrassed by it," Incognito said after he was presented with a transcript of the offensive voicemail he left for Martin. "I'm embarrassed by my actions. But what I want people to know is, the way Jonathan and the rest of the offensive line and how our teammates, how we communicate it's vulgar. It's not right."
[H/T Deadspin]
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - NOVEMBER 10: Miley Cyrus accepts award onstage during the MTV EMA's 2013 at the Ziggo Dome on November 10, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage) Miley Cyrus kept her MTV Europe Music Awards performances pretty tame, but we're guessing she knew she'd get people talking with her EMAs acceptance speech.
All eyes were on the 20-year-old singer as she went to collect the award for Best Video for "Wrecking Ball," telling the crowd she didn't think she would be able to fit the award in her purse as she put the trophy on the ground.
Cyrus went on to thank her fans for making the award happen, before she started digging through her bag and pulled out what appeared to be a joint. "I couldn't fit this award in my bag, but I did find this," she said holding up the joint before sparking it up.
Cyrus isn't shy about her love of marijuana. In September she told Rolling Stone, "I think weed is the best drug on earth," and since she's been in Amsterdam for the EMAs, she's reportedly been hitting up the city's famous coffee shops that allow patrons to enjoy all the weed they want.
Though it's sold openly in cafes, marijuana still isn't legal in the Netherlands, however smokers in possession of less than five grams of cannabis have no fear of prosecution, according to the Associated Press.
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story misspelled the song "Wrecking Ball" by Miley Cyrus.
WASHINGTON -- WASHINGTON (AP) — When the U.S. Senate passed a bill to ban job discrimination against gay and transgender people, its newest member's first impulse was to yell with joy. Then he remembered where he was.
Instead, Cory Booker reached into his pocket for his phone.
"I got it all out via Twitter," said Booker, who has 1.4 million followers.
Booker, the 44-year-old Democratic former mayor of Newark, N.J., came into Congress as a rare freshman senator with celebrity status. He has been dubbed a rock star mayor by Oprah Winfrey, been called a hero for pulling a neighbor out of her burning home in 2012 and hobnobbed with Matt Damon.
During his first week in Congress, Booker tried to balance immersion in his new job with already standing out from his 99 colleagues on the staid Senate floor. Booker allowed The Associated Press to shadow his comings and goings.
"The model I've encouraged him to follow is Al Franken or Hillary Clinton," said Delaware Sen. Chris Coons, a Democrat and a friend of Booker's. "People who came to the Senate with big national profiles but demonstrated a willingness to do the work, dig in, go visit every corner of their state and really focus on home-state interests."
Coons came into the Senate after a special election in 2010. He is helping Booker, who also won a special election, navigate and knows what it's like to start the job with no orientation and a skeleton staff.
After a swearing-in Oct. 31 filled with media and supporters, Booker has mostly stayed out of the spotlight. He's studying the minutiae of Senate rules and has attended multitudes of meetings. He has worked out at the Senate gym to meet colleagues and attended a bipartisan prayer breakfast.
Known for his soaring oratory and confidence, he is now listening and asking questions, sometimes seeming overwhelmed or confused — and showing glimmers of his cheeky sense of humor amid the business of the day.
In his first committee hearing Wednesday, he joked that "I still have that new senator smell" after telling the leader of the Federal Emergency Management Agency that higher flood insurance rates would devastate parts of New Jersey.
He asked Vice President Joe Biden if he could crash on his couch. And he answered a Twitter question about his thoughts on workplace romances with: "Don't! Especially if u have 99 colleagues in 1 of the world's most august bodies."
He went to the White House twice. He joined a group of Democratic senators Wednesday and, hours after being sworn in, had a private visit with President Barack Obama.
"There was a guy with a football, and I grabbed it, and the president and I had a little catch," said Booker, who played football at Stanford. Obama, he said, complimented his spiral.
Booker was the first to arrive at a Democratic caucus lunch Tuesday, piling his plate with greens and vegetables. He peeled plastic wrap off of a bowl of dressing as Louisiana Sen. Mary Landrieu arrived. The two headed toward the back of the room and sat down.
"Sen. Menendez came in and said, 'That's my seat.' And of course I panicked," Booker said. "At first I'm like, 'Oh my God, did I really sit in his seat?' And another senator came in and tried to play the same trick on me."
Booker and his mother, Carolyn, met privately with Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada. Booker's father, Cary, suffered a stroke in August shortly after moving to Las Vegas and days before Booker's Democratic primary. Reid visited his bedside, and when he died Oct. 10, Reid reached out to Booker and his family.
In many ways, Booker is just another guy getting used to a new job — learning the rules and his colleagues, just as they've all had to do at some point.
He took his first vote minutes after being sworn in and thought votes were cast by pushing a button or pulling a lever. Instead, he learned, "you raise your hand." On one vote, Booker missed his name while chatting with colleagues and flagged down the Senate clerk, voting yes with a thumbs-up.
He brought a congressional directory Thursday morning and watched each speaker intently, occasionally flipping through to match a senator with a photo. He is also learning how to navigate the labyrinth that is the Capitol and its office buildings.
"Is this the way home?" he asked his chief of staff as the two traversed the Senate basement.
He said he plans to advocate for New Jersey residents, hoping to ensure they receive unclaimed earned-income credits and helping victims of Superstorm Sandy. He met with an ethics officer to see how he can leverage private-public partnerships for New Jersey, as he did in Newark — most famously with a $100 million donation from Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg to the city schools.
And though he's been minding his manners, he's still the same Cory Booker. A stalwart supporter of gay rights, he finally let out that yell upon walking into his office after the job discrimination vote.
"Call everybody in New Jersey," Booker said to his staff, "and tell them we're one step closer to an equal nation."
___
Follow Zezima at www.twitter.com/katiezez
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"Masterpiece" executive producer Rebecca Eaton says Downton fans can "rest easy knowing that a fifth season is on the way."
The celebrated British costume drama focusing on the elite Crawley family will air its fourth season on "Masterpiece" beginning Jan. 5. Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern and Jim Carter are among its stars.
Earlier this year, more than 24 million viewers watched the third season of the series in the U.S., making it the most-watched drama in PBS history.
FILE - In this March 7, 2013 file photo, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., pauses while questioning a witness at Senate Banking Committee hearing on anti-money laundering on Capitol Hill in Washington. The Massachusetts Democrat is working on a book she plans to call "Rigged." During a brief telephone interview Tuesday, March 19, 2013, with The Associated Press, she said "Rigged" will be a "first-hand" account of her battles for the middle class. She will write about helping to set up the Consum www.newrepublic.com:
We're three years from the next presidential election, and Hillary Clinton is, once again, the inevitable Democratic nominee.
Read the whole story at www.newrepublic.com
Also on HuffPost: Subscribe window._taboola = window._taboola || [];_taboola.push({mode:'autosized-1r-organic',container:'taboola-autosized-1r-organic'});_taboola.push({mode:'autosized-1r-sc',container:'taboola-autosized-1r-sc'});window._taboola = window._taboola || [];_taboola.push({flush:true});A Lousiana State University student acted like a dinosaur on national television this weekend.
After a touchdown in the LSU game against Alabama, CBS cameras switched to a celebrating Tigers fan section and slowly focused on engineering student Caleb Bates. He wasn't cheering, he was just pretending to be a Tyrannosaurus Rex.
We're guessing this is one of the ways Bates strives to serve as a "role model for students in every aspect of University life," per his LinkedIn page.
It was inevitable that people would begin making .GIFs of Bates' dinosaur imitation spliced with footage from "Jurassic Park."
Now, of course, Bates is milking his new reputation as a faux-dino.
Tried to get out of bed this morning but my tiny arms were making it really difficult.
— Caleb Bates (@calebates) November 10, 2013
You're gonna hear me rrroooo oh oh oh oh oh a or!
— Caleb Bates (@calebates) November 10, 2013
Apparently no one told Bates it wasn't possible for him to a dinosaur.
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Few can argue that Lionel Messi has made an outstanding impact for Barcelona these past 10 years. His mesmerising runs with the ball glued to his feet have carved open some of the worlds best defences and left some heavyweight defenders and goalkeepers floored by his mind boggling genius that some of us can only dream of doing ourselves .
He has racked up 388 appearances and 324 goals for Barcelona, he is also a four times world player of the year, A 3 times winner of the champions league and has scored a breathtaking 73 goals in all competitions in the 2011-2012 season.
Few can argue that he has earned his place among the all time greats of world football. But to be called the greatest of all time Lionel Messi needs to weave his magic on the one place he has not done it yet. On the biggest stage of them all the World Cup.
Cesc Fabregas has challenged his Barcelona team-mates to prove they can thrive without Lionel Messi when they face Celtic in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Argentina forward Messi injured his thigh in the 2-0 win over Almeria on Saturday and will miss the Group H clash against the Scottish champions as a result.
Former Arsenal midfielder Fabregas acknowledged losing the player widely recognised as the best in the world was a significant blow, but he is adamant a club of Barca's stature should be able to cope with his absence.
"It is a test because we always want him in our team," Fabregas said on Monday. "Obviously Lionel is the best player in the world, I don't even have to say that, and you obviously will miss a player of his talent and dedication.
"We rely on him a lot. He is the best player, the one that scores more goals, the one that does the attacking tasks. He is always there for us, he gives assists, he is the best.
"He can win a game at any moment so we are sad for that but you cannot feel sorry for yourselves because you are missing a great player.
"Without Messi we will have to take more responsibility. I think we all have to step up and make sure that we don't feel his absence, and show we can play great football without him.
"When he is not there we have to adapt the situation and players like Neymar, myself if I play, Alexis Sanchez, Cristian Tello, Pedro Rodriguez; we have to step up and do the job that a striker is made for which is scoring goals and giving assists."
Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino also insisted the absence of Messi will not be used as an excuse should his side lose in Glasgow.
"Messi is the best player in the world but we have a great team and his absence cannot be an excuse if we don't get a good result tomorrow night," Martino said.
And Fabregas believes 21-year-old Brazilian striker Neymar could be the one Barcelona player capable of one day reaching the levels of Messi.
"He is a very talented player, very quick and has the skills to get away from you easily," the Spain international said.
"He is already a star but this boy will have a lot to say in the future of football.
"It is up to him. Everything is in his hands.
"He came here to learn, to compete, to fight, to grow up as a player and a person.
"He is still a boy and in the future we will be talking about him as one of the greatest."
Barcelona captain Carles Puyol has insisted he is ready to face Real Madrid on Saturday should he be selected by Gerardo Martino, despite playing just one game since returning from knee surgery.
Puyol made his comeback after seven months out in the 0-0 draw with Osasuna last weekend and completed the 90 minutes without any physical problems.
Martino reverted to his tried and trusted central defensive partnership of Gerard Pique and Javier Mascherano for the 1-1 Champions League draw with AC Milan on Tuesday.
However, with Pique struggling with a hamstring strain, Puyol is readying himself to make his first appearance at the Camp Nou since March.
"Just to return to training with my teammates and be feeling good is a great joy for me so imagine what it would be like to be involved in a Clasico," he said.
"It is a game that everyone wants to play in, I just have to prepare myself and wait to see what the manager decides.
"During the Osasuna game I felt very good sensations.
"Afterwards, I had my doubts as to how the knee would react, but in the recovery sessions everything went well."
With Barca already holding a three point advantage over Real at the top of La Liga, a win for the Catalans would be a serious blow to Madrid's title hopes.
However, Puyol insists that nothing will be decided on Saturday with 28 league games still to come.
"There is a long way to go and the league will not be resolved in the Clasico, but it is a good match to gain confidence.
"People speak about the game a huge amount before, after they analyse everything, but in the end it is another game of football with three points up for grabs.
"Madrid is always a team that demands the most of you. They have great players and they arrive with confidence."
World Player of the Year Lionel Messi returned to full training with his Barcelona teammates on Monday for the first time since suffering a thigh injury two weeks ago.
The Argentine was forced off with the problem in the 2-0 win over Almeria on September 29 after scoring his 11th goal in just nine appearances this season to give his side the lead in that game.
Messi stayed in Barcelona to continue his recuperation process rather than travelling to represent his country with Alejandro Sabella's men set to take on Copa America champions Uruguay in Montevideo on Tuesday.
And it is expected that the 26-year-old will be fit enough to start Barca's match away to Osasuna on Saturday ahead of a big week for the Spanish champions as they travel to AC Milan in the Champions League before hosting Real Madrid on October 26.
There was further good news on the injury front for Barca boss Gerardo Martino as centre-backs Carles Puyol and Javier Mascherano also took part in the training session.
Puyol hasn't played since undergoing knee surgery in March, but is expected to be given the green light to return to action later this week.
And Mascherano should also feature against Osasuna after recovering from a hamstring problem.
Neymar and Gareth Bale will get their first taste of a clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid since joining the Spanish giants in Saturday's first El Clasico of the season.
The Catalans currently hold a three point lead over Madrid at the top of the table, but it is Carlo Ancelotti's men who have enjoyed a significantly better week in the run up to the match.
Barca dropped their first points of the season with a 0-0 away at Osasuna last weekend and were then held 1-1 by AC Milan at the San Siro on Tuesday.
Madrid took advantage of that rare slip-up by their rivals with a 2-0 win over Malaga and just about sealed their place in the Champions League last-16 on Wednesday by beating Juventus 2-1.
The Malaga match in particular saw a marked improvement in Real's performance to those earlier in the campaign and Madrid haven't been beaten in their last five encounters against Barcelona.
However, Real defender Sergio Ramos doesn't believe last season's meetings between the two will be a big factor come kick-off at the Camp Nou.
"On Saturday we have an important game and it would be a notable step to win in the Camp Nou, but we know meetings there are always difficult and anything can happen.
"When evaluating a Clasico you don't have to look at the previous results, nor even the last one. These games are always of the highest level and intensity.
"There are things that we have to continue improving, but it is always nice to arrive at the Clasico after a victory."
Ancelotti has some selection dilemmas for his own first experience of a Clasico, particularly in the case of Bale.
The Welshman was introduced as a substitute with 25 minutes to go against Juventus as he continues his comeback from injury, but failed to make any significant impact on the tie.
Ancelotti blamed his mediocre showing on the overall failure of the team to maintain the intensity they showed in the opening period and insisted that Bale is now fit enough to start.
However, it seems more likely that Bale will again be used as an impact substitute with Ancelotti also keen to keep faith with the under fire Karim Benzema.
There is no doubt that Neymar will join world player of the year Lionel Messi in attack for the hosts and the Brazilian admitted that it is for this kind of game that he swapped Brazil for Barcelona in June.
"A Clasico is the most important game for any player," he told Barca TV.
"It is the game that every player wants to participate in and show their best football. This will be my first one and I want to make a great debut, preferably with a victory."
Gerardo Martino must decide whether to recall Pedro Rodriguez and Cesc Fabregas after they were both dropped to the bench at Milan.
However, the Argentine may be forced into a change at the back as Gerard Pique is struggling with a hamstring injury meaning Carles Puyol may continue his comeback alongside Javier Mascherano.
Should Barca's winless streak against Real continue, then Atletico Madrid will have the chance to move top of the table with a win over Real Betis on Sunday.
Diego Simeone's men continued their 100 percent record in the Champions League with a 3-0 midweek demolition of Austria Vienna and the Argentine even had the luxury of resting a few of his key stars.
The likes of David Villa, Diego Godin and Mario Suarez should return to join Diego Costa, who took his tally to 12 goals in 12 games this season with a double in the Austrian capital.
Fixtures (all times GMT)
Friday:
Rayo Vallecano v Valladolid (1800)
Saturday:
Malaga v Celta Vigo (1400), Barcelona v Real Madrid (1600), Elche v Granada (1800), Levante v Espanyol (2000)
Sunday:
Sevilla v Osasuna (1000), Villarreal v Valencia (1500), Real Sociedad v Almeria (1700), Atletico Madrid v Real Betis (1900)
Monday:
Getafe v Athletic Bilbao (1900)
Barcelona will pay tribute to their former coach Tito Vilanova ahead of Saturday's clash with Real Madrid with 98,000 fans to take part in a stadium mosaic bearing his name.
The mosaic that will be displayed in both Barcelona's red and blue colours, as well as the yellow and red of the Catalan flag, will spell out "For?§a Tito" the Catalan for "strength Tito."
Vilanova was forced to resign from his post as coach in July to continue his treatment for throat cancer.
"Once the Barcelona and Real Madrid players take to the field at 18.00 on Saturday, the Camp Nou public will form a mosaic which will read 'For?§a Tito', a message of support for the former coach of the club who had to leave his post with the first team in July 2013 to continue treatment for the illness that was detected nearly two years ago," said a statement on the Barcelona website.
Vilanova was only in charge of the first team for one season, but guided Barca to a record-equalling points tally of 100 as they cruised to a 22nd Spanish title in May.
The 45-year-old missed a significant period of the campaign, however, as he had to travel to New York for chemotherapy after suffering a relapse of the cancer in December last year.
Vilanova also played a significant role as assistant manager in Barca's glorious four-year spell under Pep Guardiola, in which they won 14 trophies, including two Champions League titles.
Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino insisted that he believes Lionel Messi's goal drought is a coincidence after the Argentine failed to net for the fourth consecutive league game in Barca's 1-0 win over Espanyol on Friday.
It is the first time since April 2011 that Messi has gone four games without scoring in La Liga and he appeared on the fringes of the game throughout as Barca struggled to breakdown their city rivals at the Camp Nou.
"I continue to think the same about him," Martino said after the game
"It is difficult to do an individual analysis of a player in every single game, but Leo continues to be the most important player in a team replete with important figures.
"His manner of playing still offers us a huge amount and if the team continues to win you will see the best of our best players shortly."
Despite the victory that moves Barca, temporarily at least, four points clear of Atletico Madrid and nine ahead of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, Messi cut a forlorn figure at the end of the match.
However, in between his goal drought in domestic competition, Messi did net in Barca's 1-1 draw away to Milan in the Champions League and Martino used that goal as his evidence that there is no problem with the four-time World Player of the Year.
"I don't think he is worried. It is a coincidence, in the same way that it is rare for a player to score at least a goal in every game of half a season (as Messi did last season), it is rare that he goes three or four games without scoring.
"For me it is three games because he scored in Milan. Today he assisted well, he had a chance with a header and a free-kick that went just past.
"Obviously I would be delighted if he does what he usually does and scores two or three goals every game, but when you set the bar so high and then don't score it seems like there is a problem. For me, from what I see of him, there is no problem."
An 11th win in 12 league games for Martino's men was achieved thanks to a 10th clean sheet in 17 games in all competitions this season.
And whilst the Argentine admitted that offensively his side were not at their best, he is happy with the improvement they have made at the back in recent weeks.
"Without doubt, along with the end of the game against Atletico Madrid, it was the worst match at home (since Martino's arrival).
"We needed pressure, dynamism, speed. We were finding the right players in the right areas, but we lacked the finesse and final pass.
"You could see that more in the first-half. When there are more spaces, like in the last 10 minutes, we created more chances.
"But to play 90 minutes and the opponent have just one or two chances is good. That is something we have improved on a lot since the first few weeks of the season."
Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino has responded to criticism of his side's style of play by joking they are in crisis ahead of their Champions League clash with AC Milan on Wednesday.
The Catalans are unbeaten in 17 games since Martino took charge and lead both La Liga and their Champions League group, two points ahead of Milan.
By contrast, the Italians are in the midst of a fully fledged crisis as they have made their worst start to a Serie A season since 1981-82 with five defeats in 11 games.
However, concerns have still been raised about Martino's intention to get Barca to play in a slightly more direct manner.
And when asked about the Italian's form, Martino took the opportunity to respond to some of the over the top criticism his side have received.
"We too are in crisis. In this way we are alike," he said.
"I don't know what a crisis is. I hear about it, but I don't know what it is. It is always possible to improve and we have a margin to do so."
Barca can seal their place in the last-16 with victory over the struggling seven-time European champions, but despite their current predicament, Martino insisted he would not be taking them lightly.
"I don't trust in historic clubs going through a crisis. If you don't have a good night, these teams can have their way with you.
"It is vital to achieve qualification with two games to play. That would allow us to relax."
One area of real concern for Barcelona has been the form of Lionel Messi as the four-time World Player of the Year has failed to score in his last four La Liga games for the first time in over two years.
However, Barca full-back Dani Alves is sure his teammate will be back amongst the goals in no time.
"Football is made up of phases, he helps the team and that is the most important thing. As for the rest, we will help him so that it comes as soon as possible.
"We don't need to worry, there are always crazy moments throughout the course of a season, it happens to us all. He just needs to keep working, not lose his confidence and the goals will come soon."
Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri has much bigger worries with rumours suggesting his job could be on the line should he fail to turn things around against Barca and in this weekend's league trip to Chievo.
However, he believes his side can take encouragement from the way they contained Barca in the 1-1 draw between the sides two weeks ago at the San Siro.
"Tomorrow will be the eighth time we have played against Barca in the last three years. It is a match that brings great difficulties because Barca continue to be the strongest team and we need to concentrate very hard." he said.
"We can leave with a positive result tomorrow but we need to play an excellent game. If we play as well in defence and, particularly in attack, as we did in the first game then we have a chance."
Barcelona winger Pedro Rodriguez believes Lionel Messi's uncharacteristic La Liga goal drought is nothing to worry about ahead of his side's Champions League encounter with AC Milan on Wednesday.
The four-time World Player of the Year has endured a frustrating month on the domestic front.
Messi has failed to find the net in his last four La Liga games against Osasuna, Real Madrid, Celta Vigo and Espanyol since returning from a thigh injury, marking his longest goal drought for over two years.
However, in the Champions League, Messi has been his usual deadly self with four goals in two appearances so far this season and Pedro doesn't see any cause for concern.
"There is nothing wrong with him, he is training very well and very strongly," he said on Monday.
"His figures are spectacular and when he goes two games without scoring it seems like there is something up. He is always the one who makes the difference.
"Leo is always an ambitious player who wants to score a lot of goals. He looks fine to me, the goals will arrive and even more so if you are Leo Messi, the best player in the world.
"He is working hard and also assisting his teammates, which might go unnoticed. I think he is very calm because he knows the goals will come and everything will be fine."
Messi was the inspirational figure as Barca overturned a 2-0 first-leg deficit when the two sides met in the last-16 of the Champions League last season with a 4-0 thrashing of the Italians at the Camp Nou.
And he also netted in the 1-1 draw in the two sides first meeting in the group in Milan two weeks ago.
That point strengthened Barca's position as group leaders on seven points after three games and a win on Wednesday will guarantee their place in the last-16.
The only injury worries for Barca boss Gerardo Martino are in defence as Adriano and Gerard Pique both missed training on Monday.
With Jordi Alba also still out with a thigh problem, Martin Montoya may have to deputise again at left-back with Carles Puyol likely to return should Pique not be fit in time.
Barca's minor worries about Messi pale into insignificance compared to Milan's current troubles as they have made their worst start to a Serie A campaign since 1981-82.
Saturday's defeat to Fiorentina was already Milan's fifth of the season so far, leaving them a whopping 19 points behind leaders Roma after just 11 games.
There had been suggestions that coach Massimiliano Allegri could even be sacked should his side lose in the Catalan capital, but club vice-president Adriano Galliani has appealed for calm.
"At the moment the results are not coming, but in these times my experience teaches me that we need to stay calm," he told the club's website.
"There is absolute confidence in Allegri. Naturally, all coaches are dependent on results. If a coach constantly loses then obviously that isn't good enough, but I don't think that this will be the case for us."
The visitors will at least be able to call upon a fit Mario Balotelli. The Italian international could only feature as a late substitute in the draw with Barca in Milan and he is likely to be supported by the former Real Madrid duo of Robinho and Kaka.
Barcelona, Real Madrid and holders Atletico Madrid were all paired with third-tier opposition when the draw was made for the last 32 of Spain's Copa del Rey on Friday.
Barca will face Cartagena, while Real Madrid will come up against Olimpic of Xativa and Atletico will take on Barcelona-based outfit Sant Andreu.
There will be four ties between top-flight sides, including Malaga against Osasuna and Celta Vigo against Athletic Bilbao.
Each side's path through to the latter stages was decided too, and Barcelona cannot meet Madrid until the final, although Atletico could come up against their city rivals in the last four.
Atletico beat Real in their own Santiago Bernabeu stadium to win last season's final.
Spanish Copa del Rey last-32 draw (first legs to be played December 7/8, second legs December 17/18/19)
Olimpic Xativa v Real Madrid
Algeciras v Real Sociedad
Cartagena v Barcelona
Sant Andreu v Atletico Madrid
Racing Santander v Sevilla
Gimnastic Tarragona v Valencia
Lleida v Betis
Recreativo de Huelva v Levante
Girona v Getafe
Alcorcon v Granada
Las Palmas v Almeria
Jaen v Espanyol
Villarreal v Elche
Malaga v Osasuna
Celta Vigo v Athletic Bilbao
Valladolid v Rayo Vallecano
Barcelona forward Neymar is eagerly anticipating his first experience of an El Clasico clash against Real Madrid when the two Spanish giants square off on Saturday.
The Brazilian has made a significant impact since joining the Catalans for 57 million euros ($78.1 million, £48.3 million) from Santos back in June, scoring three times as Barca have started the season unbeaten to lead Madrid by three points at the top of La Liga.
And the 21-year-old admits it is for this type of game that he swapped Brazil for Barcelona.
"A Clasico is the most important game for any player," he told Barca TV.
"It is the game that every player wants to participate in and show their best football. This will be my first one and I want to make a great debut, preferably with a victory."
Much has been made of some the rough treatment Neymar has received from opposing defenders, particularly as Barca dropped their first points of the season in a 0-0 draw with lowly Osasuna last week.
However, he doesn't believe his teammates will need to give him advice on how to handle the pressures of a Clasico, nor will he feel the nerves any more than in a number of huge matches he has already experienced in his young career.
"For this game I don't think anyone has to explain anything. The players, even those who have never played in it, understand the importance of a Barcelona and Real Madrid match.
"I think the anxiety is the same for all the games. I understand that the Clasico is given a lot of importance, but I think to have butterflies in your stomach is the same feeling one has before any game."
Neymar will be partnered by World Player of the Year Lionel Messi in attack as Barcelona look to end a run of five Clasicos without a win.
The two stars' opportunities to start together have been hampered by the Argentine's injury problems in recent weeks.
However, Messi returned to the starting line up for Tuesday's 1-1 draw with AC Milan and almost inevitably was on target to register his 12th goal of the season.
Barcelona star Lionel Messi arrived at a court in Catalonia on Friday morning to answer questions relating to tax evasion.
Argentina international Messi and his father Jorge appeared at the hearing in the coastal town of Gava, where Messi lives, near Barcelona after being accused of defrauding the state out of £3.5million by avoiding tax on his image rights.
The prosecution alleges the Messis set up shell companies in Uruguay and Belize to avoid paying tax in Spain.
Both men deny the charge, saying the deals, which took place between 2007 and 2009, were done by Messi's former agent without their knowledge.
The Messis have since made a payment of £4.2million to the taxman, the alleged unpaid amount plus interest, but it has not stopped the hearing from taking place with Spanish authorities eager to clamp down given the country's financial problems.
Friday's hearing will determine whether the case is pursued further.
Even if it is not, the issue has tarnished Messi clean-cut image.
The 26-year-old has overcome a childhood growth issue to become one of the most recognisable - and wealthy - sportsmen on the planet.
A four-time FIFA World Player of the Year, Messi has scored 323 goals in 387 appearances for Barcelona.
Idolised for his skill on the field, four-time World Footballer of the Year Lionel Messi's clean image will be tested on Friday when he answers tax evasion charges in court.
The Argentine and his father Jorge Messi are summoned to go before a judge in the coastal town where the player lives, Gava near Barcelona, accused of evading tax on his image rights to the tune of 4.16 million euros ($5 million, £3.5 million).
Messi's form on the field has scarcely been affected, with the Barcelona forward scoring 10 goals in just seven matches this season as the Spanish champions remain unbeaten.
"I am not worried, I'm always on the sidelines of all that, just like my dad. We have our lawyers and our advisors who handle these things. We trust in them and they will solve the issue," he said in July.
The judge is due to question Messi senior at 10:00 am (0800 GMT) and Lionel Messi an hour later.
The case began in June when a prosecutor accused the Messis of evading tax by ceding the player's image rights to "purely instrumental entities" in tax havens such as Belize and Uruguay.
According to the prosecutor's report, Messi "obtained significant income" from image rights between 2006 and 2009 on which he "should have paid tax in his subsequent declarations" to the Spanish authorities and failed to do so.
Although the alleged offences are punishable by a jail sentence, the Messis paid the tax authorities five million euros in August (the 4.16 million euros claimed by the taxman plus interest), which will significantly reduce any sentence should they be found guilty.
The news caused astonishment in Spain where Messi is seen as a more humble figure than other football stars, particularly his Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
"He has a very professional image, of being focused on what he does and very close to the public," said Carles Canto, a marketing expert for IMG Consulting.
Despite the initial consternation, the player's popularity doesn't appear to have diminished at all due to the allegations.
"In football terms, it hasn't affected him at all. He is still a genius and practically the best player of all time," said one supporter, Juan Rivero, a member of the Barca fans' association.
Enric Baneres, a sports journalist for Catalan daily La Vanguardia, added: "Messi's image amongst Barcelona fans is so solid that it is very difficult for it to be clouded by this case.
"Tax evasion is something so common in Spain, like the siesta or paella, that the people are very permissive with it."
The player's defence looks set to point the finger at his former agent Rodolfo Schinocca.
According to a document sent by Messi's father to the court, obtained by Catalan daily El Periodico, Schinocca was put in charge of organising the "structure and management" of the income from Messi's image rights.
Schinocca told Spanish radio station Cope that he had nothing to do with the case because he stopped working with the Messis in 2006, before the supposed offences took place. He accused Jorge Messi of wanting an off-shore account to manage the income from the image rights.
While Messi's 323 goals in 387 games for Barca have made him irreplaceable on the field, his income from endorsements off it has also soared.
Between 2007 and 2009 he earned more than 10.17 million euros in image rights. American magazine Forbes lists him as the 10th highest paid sportsman in the world with an annual income of $21 million from endorsements alone.
Despite the court case, Messi continues to lead advertising campaigns for brands like Adidas and video games maker EA Sports, whose latest version of the immensely popular FIFA franchise was released in Spain the day before he was due to appear in court with the Argentine on the front cover.
"Whilst the player is so good and his behaviour is quite normal and proper, it will not affect him too much," said Canto, adding that according to a study carried out by his firm in 2012, Messi has the best image of any foreign sportsman in Spain.
Barcelona moved four points clear of Atletico Madrid at the top of La Liga as they eased to a 3-0 win over Celta Vigo on Tuesday.
Alexis Sanchez continued his fine scoring form after netting the decisive goal in Barca's 2-1 win over Real Madrid at the weekend when he tapped home the opener after just nine minutes.
Celta had their chances to equalise towards the end of the first period, but went two behind at the beginning of the second when Cesc Fabregas' drive rebounded into his own net off goalkeeper Yoel Rodriguez and Fabregas added a third with a clinical finish soon after.
"There are games where we have lacked a little punch up front, like against Osasuna when we didn't take advantage of our chances," Fabregas told Canal Plus.
"This time they have gone in. The important thing is to continue creating chances and play well and the goals will arrive."
With Barca in the midst of seven games in 22 days, coach Gerardo Martino made five changes from the side that started the match against Madrid on Saturday.
Javier Mascherano, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Neymar all dropped to the bench, whilst Gerard Pique was left out of the squad due to an ongoing hamstring problem.
And Martino was happy with the control displayed by his side in the second-half after a slightly shaky spell towards half-time.
"I thought we won quite comfortably, we just had one period before half-time where we let Celta get in behind our midfield more easily.
"We started well and our idea to play Cesc closer to Messi to pressure their defence worked.
"In the second-half we managed the game far easier because Cesc made it a margin of three goals in a matter of minutes."
Carles Puyol, Marc Bartra, Alex Song, Pedro and Sanchez returned to the starting line up and it was the Chilean who notched his sixth goal of the season after just nine minutes.
Fabregas was played through on goal by Pedro and after his shot had been beaten away by Yoel, Sanchez had the simple task of tapping home the rebound.
But Celta improved mightily as the half wore on and Barca were again indebted to goalkeeper Victor Valdes for keeping them in front at the break.
On-loan midfielder Rafinha Alcantara was inches away from equalising against his parent club on 28 minutes with a driven effort that flew just wide.
Valdes was then forced to block another fiercely struck effort from Rafinha barely a minute later and Celta were right to complain when they then had a goal ruled out for a very soft foul on the keeper after he flapped at a cross from the right.
However, Barca put the result beyond any doubt just three minutes after the restart when Fabregas' wonderful effort from 25 yards struck the bar and rebounded into the net off the unfortunate Yoel in the Celta goal.
Six minutes later it was 3-0 as Messi again fed Fabregas and this time he made sure it was his name on the scoresheet as he drilled the ball low past Yoel at his near post.
The only negative note of the evening for Barca was a third consecutive league game without a goal for Messi.
However, it wasn't for the want of trying on the Argentine's part as he forced Yoel into a series of fine saves to keep the score down in the final stages.
Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta concedes losing Lionel Messi for Tuesday's Champions League clash with Celtic is a blow but has pointed out the Catalan giants are no one-man team.
Messi has been ruled out for up to three weeks after suffering a thigh injury during Saturday's 2-0 Primera Division victory at Almeria, a result that saw Barca set a club record of seven successive league wins to start a season.
Four-time world player of the year Messi has, unsurprisingly, been instrumental in that success with eight goals in La Liga already this term and his loss is a major setback for Gerardo Martino's side, but Zubizarreta does not want to use the Argentinian's absence as an excuse.
"He's a very difficult player to replace," Zubizarreta told reporters as Barca prepared to fly to Scotland.
"We must do without the best player in the world, but we have a squad with extraordinary players.
"The players who are here are very good and we have to play with what we have."
Even with Messi in their side Barcelona were still beaten by Celtic when the clubs met in last season's Champions League at Celtic Park.
Goals from Victor Wanyama and Tony Watt put the home side 2-0 up and although Messi pulled a goal back in stoppage time, it was not enough to prevent the four-time European champions from slumping to defeat.
Zubizarreta is looking forward to returning to Glasgow but insists they are not being driven by thoughts of revenge.
"It's always a pleasure to play at Celtic Park," he said.
Barcelona captain Carles Puyol has been cleared to make his return to action against Osasuna on Saturday after a seven-month absence following two knee operations.
The 35-year-old missed the final few months of last season after first going under the knife in March and his comeback was delayed by a second operation to remove a cyst from the same knee in June.
The Spanish international has been back training with his teammates for a number of weeks and his return to the squad is a welcome boost for Gerardo Martino with Barca facing seven games in the next 23 days.
Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano have also been passed fit after overcoming the muscular injuries that kept them out of Argentina's final two World Cup qualifiers last week.
However, Gerard Pique, Alexis Sanchez and Dani Alves have all been left out of Martino's 18-man squad for the trip to Pamplona after playing twice for their national sides in the past week.
El Clasico looms on the horizon for the big two in Spain on the weekend. These games are always atmospheric, and often provide a gladiatorial atmosphere for the players, and this one is likely to be no exception. In a constellation of stars, both teams have an established team leader, and an aspiring newcomer, and the fate of the game may well be decided by which of these two pairs performs the better. Recent games between the two have seen battles between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the deciding factors of games; whichever of the two best players in the world wins ascendancy has settled the issue. Both Ronaldo and Messi netted for their clubs in midweek Champions’ League games against Italian opposition. This weekend’s game however, may hinge on the expensive new recruits, and which of them can step up to the plate.
After his protracted transfer saga over the summer, this game will be the very essence of the reason – aside from the undoubted increase in salary – that Gareth Bale fought so hard to join Real Madrid. To play in a match-up between two of Europe’s biggest clubs, and be on the same pitch as the two outstanding players of the generation is a ‘Boy’s Own’ experience for any young player, and as the most expensive – or second most expensive if you choose to take on board the ‘Ronaldo-ego-massaging spin put on the deal by Madrid – Bale has every right to be there. The Welshman has yet to ignite his career at the Bernabeu into full flame, but a virtuoso performance at the home of Madrid’s bitterest rivals, with all of the political back play apparent, would go a long way to making endearing him to both club and fans.
I couple of weeks ago, I travelled to Barcelona to see Neymar play in the flesh, as it were. In fairness, the idea was to see Messi play again, but as the little Maestro was injured, the Brazilian tyro was required to step up. There’s a real comparison between Bale and Neymar, as the weapons they have at their disposal are so different. Whilst Bale is all pace and athleticism, very much in the same vein as Ronaldo, with a free kick that would also rival the Portuguese’s expertise, Neymar’s game is built on guile, evasiveness and the ability to glide past players. Watching the Brazilian for a full ninety minutes or so, it was interesting to note that he rarely dribbled past people, his method is more to run around them with a shimmy and a change of pace, that often leads to the rash tackle and flow of free kicks that he accrues.
Real Madrid currently lie three points adrift of the Blaugrana, and a defeat at the Camp Nou would double that, with the gap then beginning to assume major proportions. It is therefore important to Carlo Ancelotti’s ram that they do not succumb. Given the make-up of the teams, it appears likely that the pace of Ronaldo and Bale will be deployed in the areas behind the rampaging Barca full backs, unless this is curbed by Martino. It’s ploy that has a decent success rate for playing against the Catlans. It’s likely that attack will be the home team’s mantra, whilst counter-attack will form Madrid’s plan.
The outcome of these games is so difficult to call. The assembled talent on show, much of which is not mentioned here, means that the result can be decided with an incandescent moment of brilliance from anyone of a dozen or so players. That said, with home advantage, and the need to satisfy the home fans’ voracious desire to defeat Madrid, I take Barca to come out with narrow win, say 2-0 or 2-1.El Clasico looms on the horizon for the big two in Spain on the weekend. These games are always atmospheric, and often provide a gladiatorial atmosphere for the players, and this one is likely to be no exception. In a constellation of stars, both teams have an established team leader, and an aspiring newcomer, and the fate of the game may well be decided by which of these two pairs performs the better. Recent games between the two have seen battles between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the deciding factors of games; whichever of the two best players in the world wins ascendancy has settled the issue. Both Ronaldo and Messi netted for their clubs in midweek Champions’ League games against Italian opposition. This weekend’s game however, may hinge on the expensive new recruits, and which of them can step up to the plate.
After his protracted transfer saga over the summer, this game will be the very essence of the reason – aside from the undoubted increase in salary – that Gareth Bale fought so hard to join Real Madrid. To play in a match-up between two of Europe’s biggest clubs, and be on the same pitch as the two outstanding players of the generation is a ‘Boy’s Own’ experience for any young player, and as the most expensive – or second most expensive if you choose to take on board the ‘Ronaldo-ego-massaging spin put on the deal by Madrid – Bale has every right to be there. The Welshman has yet to ignite his career at the Bernabeu into full flame, but a virtuoso performance at the home of Madrid’s bitterest rivals, with all of the political back play apparent, would go a long way to making endearing him to both club and fans.
I couple of weeks ago, I travelled to Barcelona to see Neymar play in the flesh, as it were. In fairness, the idea was to see Messi play again, but as the little Maestro was injured, the Brazilian tyro was required to step up. There’s a real comparison between Bale and Neymar, as the weapons they have at their disposal are so different. Whilst Bale is all pace and athleticism, very much in the same vein as Ronaldo, with a free kick that would also rival the Portuguese’s expertise, Neymar’s game is built on guile, evasiveness and the ability to glide past players. Watching the Brazilian for a full ninety minutes or so, it was interesting to note that he rarely dribbled past people, his method is more to run around them with a shimmy and a change of pace, that often leads to the rash tackle and flow of free kicks that he accrues.
Real Madrid currently lie three points adrift of the Blaugrana, and a defeat at the Camp Nou would double that, with the gap then beginning to assume major proportions. It is therefore important to Carlo Ancelotti’s ram that they do not succumb. Given the make-up of the teams, it appears likely that the pace of Ronaldo and Bale will be deployed in the areas behind the rampaging Barca full backs, unless this is curbed by Martino. It’s ploy that has a decent success rate for playing against the Catlans. It’s likely that attack will be the home team’s mantra, whilst counter-attack will form Madrid’s plan.
The outcome of these games is so difficult to call. The assembled talent on show, much of which is not mentioned here, means that the result can be decided with an incandescent moment of brilliance from anyone of a dozen or so players. That said, with home advantage, and the need to satisfy the home fans’ voracious desire to defeat Madrid, I take Barca to come out with narrow win, say 2-0 or 2-1.
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid look to extend their club record starts to the season when they host Valladolid and Celta Vigo respectively this weekend.
Both sides have won all seven of their league matches to date and could set a new Spanish record should they make it eight out of eight.
The Catalans have the chance to open up a three-point gap at the top of the table as they play first on Saturday night.
Gerardo "Tata" Martino's men continued their fine start to life under the Argentine by also making it two wins from two in the Champions League in midweek with a hard-fought 1-0 success over 10-man Celtic.
Young defender Marc Bartra particularly impressed in Glasgow as he continues to deputise for the injured Javier Mascherano and he is thankful for the confidence Martino has showed in him.
"Tata has not doubted for a second in putting me into the team. I am satisfied with the confidence he has shown in me," he told a press conference on Thursday.
"Little by little I am feeling more wanted. I have had two years competing with some of the best players in the world in training and learning from them.
"I have keep concentrating and learning."
The champions will have to do without World Player of the Year Lionel Messi as he is sidelined with a thigh injury.
Mascherano and Jordi Alba are also unavailable through injury, but Barca's defence could receive a significant boost with the return of captain Carles Puyol to the squad for Saturday's match.
The 35-year-old hasn't played since undergoing knee surgery in March but has trained with his teammates in recent weeks and could make a return in the week that marked 14 years since his debut.
Real Madrid are also in action on Saturday as they travel to Levante needing to bounce back from last weekend's 1-0 defeat to Atletico which left them five points off the leaders.
Gareth Bale is once again unavailable due to a thigh strain, but Argentine winger Angel di Maria showed he is more than a capable replacement for the Welshman with two goals and a stunning assist in Real's 4-0 win over FC Copenhagen on Wednesday.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti's defensive options have also been swelled by the return of Raphael Varane and Marcelo from injury, but Sergio Ramos will certainly start after being rested in midweek.
Atletico also continued their 100 percent start in the Champions League thanks to a come from behind 2-1 win away to Porto on Tuesday that owed much to Diego Simeone's men's expertise from set-pieces.
Simeone will be able to welcome back top-scorer Diego Costa, who missed the game in midweek due to suspension, whilst Koke will also return having been rested from the start against Porto.
And Koke insists his side won't be taking anything for granted despite the plaudits they have received in recent weeks.
"We take all the compliments calmly and they give me even more confidence and desire to keep working. That confidence I am showing on the pitch," he told the club's website.
"It will be a difficult game against Celta because we are coming form two very demanding games. The group is physically and mentally prepared and we are desperate to go for the three points."
Elsewhere, Valencia will be hoping to extend their four-match winning run when they travel to face Athletic Bilbao in a meeting between Champions League contenders on Sunday night.
However, Athletic will also fancy their chances having won both matches since moving into their new San Mames stadium last month.
Friday Villarreal v Granada (1800GMT), Malaga v Osasuna (2000GMT)
Saturday Elche v Espanyol (1400GMT), Rayo Vallecano v Real Sociedad (1600GMT), Levante v Real Madrid (1800GMT), Barcelona v Valladolid (2000GMT)
Sunday Atletico Madrid v Celta Vigo (1000GMT), Sevilla v Almeria (1500GMT), Getafe v Real Betis (1700GMT), Athletic Bilbao v Valencia (1900GMT)
Lionel Messi scored on his starting return to Barcelona's line-up as they drew 1-1 with AC Milan at the San Siro on Tuesday.
Messi has been sidelined by injury - which forced him to miss Argentina's World Cup qualifiers last week - but was needed to claim a point after a defensive howler gifted Milan the lead.
Javier Mascherano and Gerard Pique were at fault to allow Robinho to combine with Kaka before putting his side ahead.
Messi replied on 23 minutes after he was afforded too much space, but despite the visitors dominating thereafter they were unable to find a winner.
Barcelona top Group H with seven points, with AC Milan having five. Celtic come next with three after beating Ajax 2-1.
In London, Arsenal's bubble was burst by Robert Lewandowski as Borussia Dortmund won 2-1 at the Emirates.
The other game in F also ended 2-1 as Napoli won in Marseille - the French side having lost all three games so far.
Jose Callejon put Napoli ahead three minutes before the break and Duvan Zapata put Rafael Benitez's men clear as they bounced back from their weekend loss to Roma.
Andre Ayew struck for the hosts with four minutes left but it was too late, with Arsenal, Napoli and Dortmund all tied together on six points.
Chelsea won 3-0 in Germany as they saw off Schalke to go to the top of Group E.
The other game in that group saw Basle lose ground as they drew 1-1 with Steaua Bucharest.
Marcelo Diaz put the Swiss ahead after the interval but with two minutes left Leandro Tatu earned the Romanians a point.
In Group G, Atletico Madrid won 3-0 at Austria Vienna.
Raul Garcia scored once and Diego Costa twice for Diego Simeone's side, who lost their 100 per cent Primera Division record at the weekend.
They head the group on nine points and are almost on the brink of qualification, with second-placed Zenit St Petersburg 1-0 winners at Porto thanks to Aleksandr Kerzhakov's goal.
Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino has said he never doubted that Lionel Messi would soon be back amongst the goals as the Argentine struck twice to put Barcelona into the last 16 of the Champions League with a 3-1 win over AC Milan.
Messi had failed to find the net for three consecutive games after scoring Barca's equaliser in the 1-1 draw between the sides in Italy two weeks ago.
But he ended his drought on Wednesday with a first-half penalty and then took his tally to six goals in just three Champions League appearances this season with a lovely dinked finish over Christian Abbiati seven minutes from time to seal the three points.
"I always saw him in the same way. Evidently, making comments about Leo when they are negative has its risks," said Martino.
"He played a phenomenal game. He had spark, speed, ability in one-on-ones, everything. He is one of the few players in the world that you have to be careful with when you see him in a bad light because he can turn everything around in three days and put in a performance like today."
Victory moved Barca onto 10 points after four games, five ahead of Milan with Ajax and Celtic one and two points further back respectively.
And with progress to the knockout stages assured, Martino wants to wrap up first place in the group when Barca visit Ajax in three weeks.
"To finish first is what we are looking for. Moreover, one begins to think, because there are no great surprises in the groups, that the favourites will be the group winners, but you never know who you might draw.
"What most interests us is finishing first to feel better in ourselves. More for our confidence than thinking about the future."
For Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri it was another disappointing evening as, after an awful start to their domestic campaign, the Italians slipped to their first European defeat of the season.
However, he congratulated his players for staying in the game until the final 10 minutes and is still confident of progressing along with the Spanish champions come the end of the group.
"The team played a lot better in the second half and we had various opportunities to equalise if we had been a bit better with the final pass," he admitted.
"I have to congratulate the players because it is never easy to play against Barcelona and it hasn't harmed our chances in the Champions League."
A huge part of the reason for Milan's turnaround after the break had to do with the introduction of Mario Balotelli from the bench after he had been surprisingly left out of Allegri's starting line-up in favour of Robinho.
However, Allegri defended the decision by highlighting Balotelli's lack of form and fitness so far this season.
"Mario is coming from a season in which he hasn't played very well. He has had injuries and hasn't played that many games. In the first game Robinho played very well but tonight he played less well technically.
"Balotelli is a very important player for us, but he also made a few errors in the final pass. He still has a lot to learn and we expect a lot more from him.
Cesc Fabregas has said he is enjoying his more significant role in the Barcelona side as they look to continue their storming start to the campaign with a win over Espanyol in the Catalan derby on Friday.
Fabregas was involved in all three of Barca's goals as they moved four points clear of Atletico Madrid in second place with a convincing 3-0 win over Celta Vigo on Tuesday.
Barca boss Gerardo Martino had taken the opportunity to rest a number of his stars for the game in Galicia as the likes of Neymar, Andres Iniesta and Xavi all started on the bench.
However, Fabregas was retained from the side that beat Real Madrid 2-1 on Saturday and registered his second goal of the season with Barca's third nine minutes into the second-half.
"Right now I am playing a lot of games, I feel important and the only thing that I have to do is play well for the team," he told the club's website.
"These rotations give life to a lot of players and they are making us all feel important."
Martino has been keen to ensure his players don't suffer from burnout in the way they did towards the end of the last campaign when they were hammered 7-0 on aggregate by Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-finals.
And with Barca in the midst of seven games in 22 days, the Argentine will rotate once more for the visit of Epsanyol.
However, despite the game being sandwiched by a series of other important matches for the hosts, Fabregas doesn't belive the derby will lose any of its importance.
"A derby is always a derby. It will be difficult and we hope to show our best form and win the three points."
Despite much talk of Barcelona's defensive problems, Tuesday night also saw them register their ninth clean sheet in 16 games.
And goalkeeper Victor Valdes, who is the only Barca player to start every game this season, hailed their attitude so far in what, on paper, should be their easier fixtures.
"Winning against Celta is the best possible way to prepare for a derby. We have been reinforced by the Madrid match.
"We have shown how much we want this league and everything depends on winning games like the one on Tuesday and against Espanyol."
Barca could be short of options at left-back as Adriano is a doubt after limping off against Celta with a hamstring strain, whilst Jordi Alba remains sidelined by a thigh injury so right-back Martin Montoya may start in an unfamiliar role.
Otherwise, Martino has a fully-fit squad to choose from with Gerard Pique, Neymar, Xavi and Iniesta all expected to return.
We all know a bed should be comfortable. But there's something else a bed should be: welcoming. At the end of a long day, when you walk into your bedroom, your heartbeat should slow as you look at this refuge from a fast-paced world. Maybe I expect too much from my bed; but, unless you're an insomniac, one-third of every day is spent in it. It should be calmingly pretty. Maybe even pretty outrageously cool, pulling you onto it, like a magic carpet ride into your dreams. At least, that's what the following beds do for their owners.
Read the whole story at www.houzz.com
TACOMA, Wash. -- Karen Strand didn't think she'd get in trouble for having a small container of medical marijuana when she went hiking in Olympic National Park this summer.
President Barack Obama, she remembered, had said the federal government had "bigger fish to fry" than people who follow state marijuana laws, and Washington state had just legalized pot.
But a ranger pulled her over on a remote gravel road, and Strand wound up as one of at least 27,700 people cited for having pot on federal land since 2009, according to an Associated Press analysis of federal court data. The number of citations is small compared to the hundreds of millions of visitors to national parks, forests and monuments each year.
But it nevertheless illustrates one of the many issues Washington, Colorado and other states face in complying with last month's Justice Department memo that requires them to address eight federal law enforcement priorities if they want to regulate marijuana. Among those priorities is keeping marijuana use and possession off federal property.
State officials have no plans to license pot gardens or stores on federal land, but beyond that, they say, it's not clear what they can do to discourage backpackers or campers from bringing a few joints into Rocky Mountain or Mount Rainier National Park.
"It's not one of the big topics we've talked a lot about," said Jaime Smith, a spokeswoman for Washington Gov. Jay Inslee.
Other concerns on the DOJ's list include keeping marijuana away from kids and cartels, preventing drugged driving and pot-related gun violence, and keeping unregulated marijuana grows from spoiling federal land.
Thousands of people receive tickets every year charging them with having pot on U.S. property – a federal misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $5,000 fine. The charges typically don't result in jail time, but often do require at least one court appearance. They are frequently negotiated down to an infraction, akin to a traffic ticket, and a fine of up to a few hundred dollars.
Through the first seven months of this year, at least 146 people had been cited in Washington for having pot on federal land, which makes up nearly one-third of the state. At least 135 had been cited in Colorado. Washington's figure is slightly below the same period for the past few years, while Colorado's is roughly on track.
The number of people cited nationally has dropped, from 6,282 in 2009 to 5,772 in 2012, and is on pace to hit about 5,300 this year, according to data from the U.S. Courts Central Violations Bureau. The citations were issued at national parks, seashores, forests, military bases and monuments. There were even 10 tickets issued at the Pentagon.
Officials say the actual numbers are likely greater: Park rangers and other federal agents sometimes simply write on the ticket that the offender had a controlled substance, without specifying the drug.
Defendants say being prosecuted for having tiny amounts of pot on U.S. land – especially in Washington, Colorado and states with medical marijuana laws – belies the administration's assertions that going after people who comply with state marijuana laws is not a priority. The DOJ first announced that position in a 2009 memo, though the fine print also made clear that pot isn't welcome on federal property.
Strand, 36, was pulled over for having a broken taillight, and the ranger reported that he could smell fresh pot. She was ticketed for having 2 grams – far less than the ounce, or 28 grams, allowed by Washington's recreational pot law, or the 24 ounces allowed by the state's medical marijuana law.
"It is exceptionally confusing," she said.
One morning this month, Strand sat in a small, crowded room at the federal courthouse in Tacoma for her initial appearance on charges of marijuana possession and drug paraphernalia – a pipe.
Near her sat her husband as well as several other people caught with weed on federal land, including a 21-year-old man who was accused of having 0.1 grams during a traffic stop on a highway that skirts Mount Rainier National Park.
"I just thought it was legal now," Jonah Hunt said. "I didn't know I was on federal land."
Barbara Sievers, the assistant U.S. attorney handling the cases, informed the defendants their charges would not be dismissed.
"Regardless of whatever happened in the state, it's federal law, and it's federal property," she said.
Former school teacher Melanie Cease, of Seattle, said a park ranger approached her one day in June at a secluded campsite in Olympic National Park. He came to make sure her dog was on a leash, but then saw an empty pipe on the picnic table.
With his hand on his gun, she said, the ranger demanded she turn over whatever pot she had. Cease, 48, was cited for having a "trace amount," according to the ranger's report.
"I've never been arrested in my life, and now I'm being threatened with six months in jail and a $5,000 fine for using my medicine?" she said. "It was my understanding the government was not going to mess with individual patients."
Strand and Cease both pleaded not guilty, and their cases were set for trial in October.
Strand and her husband, Thomas, said they remain troubled by what they said felt like harassment from the park ranger. He repeatedly placed his hand on his gun when speaking to them, they said.
"It's a beautiful place up there," Thomas Strand said. "And I don't know if I'll ever go back."
___
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Also on HuffPost:Dave Rubin of "The Rubin Report" took Comedy Central to task over the barrage of gay jokes directed at James Franco during its roast of the Academy Award-nominated actor earlier this month. (WARNING: contains graphic language)
Joining Rubin were comedian Erin Foley and producer Jayar Jackson, both of whom were critical of the event.
"This was just was another example of what happens in comedy clubs across the country -- it's just stupid straight dudes making stupid gay jokes," Foley said. "They don't know James Franco ... honestly, it's absolutely ridiculous."
Jackson minced even fewer words, noting, "Call it a written sh*t talk night rather than a roast."
For his part, Franco doesn't seem to mind the gay speculation. Last week, he told The Daily Beast: "I don’t even care if people think I’m gay, so it was like, 'Awesome!' I mean, I wish I was. … I wish I was gay."
For more on "The Rubin Report," click here.
Also on HuffPost: Subscribe window._taboola = window._taboola || [];_taboola.push({mode:'autosized-1r-organic',container:'taboola-autosized-1r-organic'});_taboola.push({mode:'autosized-1r-sc',container:'taboola-autosized-1r-sc'});window._taboola = window._taboola || [];_taboola.push({flush:true});NEW YORK – As microgravity makes even the most mundane tasks tricky, going to the bathroom in space can be a chore. How astronauts take care of that basic human necessity while in orbit has been a point of perennial fascination for the Earth-bound public.
For a moment during a Sept. 4 talk here at the Explorers Club, two of the world's first space tourists who paid their way to the International Space Station traded stories about their space toilet training, or actually the lack of training.
The Explorers Club was holding an event with former NASA astronaut Owen Garriott and his son, gaming legend Richard Garriott, perhaps best known for creating the Ultima role-playing series. They are the only American father-son team to have both gone to space. [Photos: Space Tourist Richard Garriott, an Astronaut Legacy]
While Owen Garriott flew with NASA aboard U.S. space station Skylab and the space shuttle Columbia, his son became a spaceflyer in his own right in 2008 after using his gaming fortune to buy a multimillion-dollar ticket to the space station aboard a Russian Soyuz capsule.
Adventurer and journalist Jim Clash interviewed the duo in front of a small audience and afterwards gave the night's first question to another private spaceflyer in the room: American businessman Dennis Tito.
A longtime space enthusiast, Tito made his millions in the world of finance, but was once an engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Widely considered the first space tourist, Tito paid the Russians a reported $20 million for his 2001 flight to the space station.
The younger Garriott earlier in the night said he used to look at Tito and think, "That's the guy that got my seat!" Garriott's long-held aspirations to go to space — first dashed when he learned his eyesight was below NASA standards — had to be postponed for a few years after his wealth took a hit in the dot-com crash.
Tito stood up to ask his question and paused before saying, "One experience that people always ask me about is, 'How do you go to the bathroom in space?'"
As the audience laughed, Owen Garriott jumped in to add: "Elementary school children, usually."
But Tito continued, saying that despite his eight months of training with the Russians, he wasn't all that prepared to go the bathroom in space.
"I guess the Russians really don't like to talk about these things — they have funny attitudes," Tito said. "So I got on board the station and the first thing that happened was Jim Voss, an American astronaut, gave me toilet trailing."
"Now, I hadn't had toilet training in 60 years," Tito added. "So I was wondering, did you get toilet training on the ground?"
Richard Garriott, who trained with the Russians, too, corroborated Tito's story.
"It is hilarious because every other system — everything except the toilet — you use the exact hardware you will use in space on the ground," Garriott said.
Garriott said he had a cheat sheet for which switches to turn on for when he needed to use the space commode, the toilet does not work the same way as it does on the ground.
"Gravity's actually really important for how to separate yourself from your waste and there's no discussion of that," Garriott said.
His father chimed in to give a perspective from the U.S. side, and discussed his training with NASA ahead of his 60-day stint in space during the Skylab 3 mission in 1973.
"We did receive proper training," the elder Garriott said. "For urination it's a very simple thing ... Urination is not a problem. Defecation is what you're concerned about."
Garriott said the Skylab astronauts used a simulator toilet mounted over a camera so that they could check their positioning on the ground before using the commode in space. All three Skylab crews out also brought home all of their waste to be examined by scientists, Garriott added, remarking that they never had a single toilet failure while in flight.
"One thing NASA did right," he quipped.
Follow Megan Gannon on Twitter and Google+. Follow us @SPACEdotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on SPACE.com.
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