lundi 11 novembre 2013

Texas And 5 Other States Resist Processing Benefits For Gay Couples

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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

Will Blackmon Touchdown: Jaguars CB Helps Seal Team's 1st Win Of Season With Fumble Return TD (VIDEO)

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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)

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Broncos Top Chargers: Peyton Manning Throws 4 Touchdown Passes In Denver's 28-20 Win (VIDEO)

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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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Jonathan Martin's Threatening Text Message To Richie Incognito Was This Meme, Claims His Lawyer

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jonathan martin text 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

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]

Miley Cyrus Smokes A Joint On Stage At The EMAs

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miley cyrus smokes joint emas 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.

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Cory Booker Goes To Washington A Celebrity And Senator

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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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'Downton Abbey' Renewed For Fifth Season

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NEW YORK -- NEW YORK (AP) — "Downton Abbey" will return for a fourth season in January, but now PBS is announcing the series will be back for at least one more after that.

"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.