Can Living in Cheshire Affect Your Marriage Chances? The New York Times Says Yes

A new report from the New York Times has recently been published, showing the odds of people from different places getting married under age 26. The article’s data covers more than 5 million people worldwide who moved as children in the 1980’s and 1990’s and are now at least 26 years of age.. Economists think that geography plays a causal role in people’s marriage lives. Researchers came up with the “Small-Town Effect”, which shows less densely populated places seem to promote marriage. In simpler terms, people in small towns grow up together with a circle of friends and possibly a circle of enemies. Marriage is promoted between two children that might come from families who are friendly, and have known each other all their lives. Also, religion in less populated areas- such as Mormon in Utah, will also promote marriage at a young age. So, the big reveal- how does living in Cheshire affect your chances of getting married? Living in a liberal part of the country decreases your chance of marriage by 10% alone. Living in Connecticut decreases your chances by 6%. Finally, living in Cheshire decreases your chances of marriage before 26 by 7% compared to the rest of the country.

I think that this data is definitely true, and that the “small town effect” certainly makes sense, but personally I don’t think that not living in a small down and not bettering my chances of getting married younger is necessarily a disadvantage. I would not want to have the “small town effect” working on me, because having this effect active in me would mean that I would feel pressured to marry any family friend at a young age. I do not think this is necessarily a good thing, because I’d rather not up & marry someone that I don’t love and end up divorcing. Than I would be unhappily married and divorced instead of just happily married at a later age. . Although I think that the New York Times article is very accurate and interesting, I don’t believe that the way the article depicts not being married before 26 as a bad thing.

~Kelsea

 

 

Gay Marriage

A couple weeks ago on May 9th, history was made. President Obama announced  that he supported same-sex marriage. He makes clear during an interview  that everyone should be treated equal and if a couple (of the same gender) wants to get married, that is their choice and nothing should get in the way of their decision. Even though he claims this is his own personal opinion, he still encouraged states to decide on this issue on their own. Many people believe that this statement will help President Obama be re-elected President of the United States because he may be able to gain votes from gay and lesbian couples. Others believe he will lose votes from those who strictly believe that marriage should be between a man and a women.  I personally believe that the younger generation of our country, agrees more with Obama and supporting gay marriage, rather than the elders. I think this will be an issue for Obama because those who support his viewpoint are not as likely to vote.

In my opinion, I don’t think there is anything wrong with gay or lesbian couples getting married. I agree with President Obama that everyone should be treated equally. If gay and lesbian couples are denied the right to get married  then they aren’t being treated as equals. I think that people can’t help who they fall in love with and it’s not their fault if they happen to fall in love with a person of the same gender. If they are ready for the commitment, they should be able to marry the person they love just like everyone else does. What are your opinions on gay marriage?

~Allie Vazquez

Facebook Creator Suddenly “Tying the Knot?”

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We all know the famous genius to the cyber-world, Mark Zuckerberg. Only 28 years old, he is one of the top 30 richest people on earth, and one of the world’s youngest billionaires. All I can say to this remarkable man is congratulations; though, not only to his substantial amount of wealth he earned, but to him and his new wife, Priscilla Chan. Yes, you heard correctly. Young Zuckerberg is ready to share his fortune with a new partner, for hopefully, a lifelong period of time. On Saturday, May 19, 2012, Mark Zuckerberg logged into his facebook as well as Chan, both clicking an exciting button labeled, ‘Married.’ Soon enough, it was official. The title, “Married to Priscilla Chan,” with the photos of Zuckerberg in a tux, and Priscilla in a gorgeous gown were all over websites and news stations, including CNN, for the world to see. Again, congratulations to Zuckerberg for marrying his supposedly, over 9 year girlfriend who he stumbled upon during a semester, while in Harvard.

When I first heard this news of Mark Zuckerberg getting married, I will admit, I was slightly surprised. I thought about facebook, a site I am addicted too, and I know of all the complexity, and another global event of Zuckerberg making facebook a public offering. I just couldn’t seem to grab hold of any time he would have for a wedding. I mean, when you think about it, if you were only in your late 20’s, a billionaire, constantly working on changes with your crew to improve facebook, while working towards a date to make facebook stocks public, all over “tying the knot.” Wow. This really makes me take a step back, and think about the incredible future Zuckerberg has going for him, that he created with his brains. Not to mention, he’s not doing it alone anymore since the 19th. How does Zuckerberg do it all? Isn’t that an overwhelming amount of stress for someone in their 20’s to take on? When you think of the average 20 year old now a days, many are out partying, or just taking things day by day (some seem a little too tempted into trouble). Clearly, Zuckerberg is no everyday 20 year old. What do you think?

~Gianna Davino

Obama Supports Same Gender Marriage

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Obama says he supports Gay Marriage in a speech. He said his position was influenced by gay members of the military and his staff who are raising children together in relationships. America’s reaction to Obama supporting was mostly positive. Many people are agreeing that everyone deserves equal rights, no matter what the situation is. Many people believe this will gain some votes but will also make him lose some. There are many opinions out there, and he chose to support it. A lot of other people believe this will not determine people’s vote, and he did the right thing. What is your opinion?

I think what he has done is right, and it should not affect the way people vote. He says he thinks we should all have equal rights and it’s time that same gender marriages be allowed. In 2008, he was against it but now his opinion has evolved. In this video he also states that he hesitated at first because he thought the word marriage to some people means involving religion, beliefs, traditions, etc. His opinion now puts him up against Mitt Romney who believes marriage should only be between a man and a woman. Mitt Romney says it is a tender and sensitive topic and that his own preference is that there should be no gay marriage. In a recent survey, studies show that 50% approve of gay marriage, and 48% disapprove. So what is your opinion? Do you support Obama and legalizing gay marriage? Would his decision change your vote?

~Kendra Hall