Robin L. Hamilton | Intimate Delights

The Sanctity of Marriage Has Gradually Evolved With the Changing Times

Jun 3rd, 2013 in Lifestyle by Robin L. Hamilton

Views on marriage and what it means, has been changing rapidly over the years. Today, there are more voices speaking out for “equality” in marriage then ever before. Even politicians are weighing in, in favor of the topic. Vice President Joe Biden spoke out in support of same sex marriage in 2012.

Marriage was essentially limited to the opposite sexes coming together as one however; controversy over the issue has enraged many who think the definition should include same sex unions. In an article written by James Rush from the Daily Mail in the U.K., “The Bishop of Salisbury, the Rt Rev Nicholas Holtam, suggested it was time to ‘rethink’ attitudes towards allowing same-sex couples to marry, as Christians did with slavery and apartheid.”

Some churches are slowly acknowledging same sex marriages. (Photo by: Robin L. Hamilton/Full Sail University).

Pastor Flora White, Senior Pastor of Victory in Christ Ministries in Greensburg, PA., said, “what The Bishop of Salisbury had to say about same-sex marriage was quite offensive because it has nothing to do with marriage and its original meaning as far as Christian beliefs go. Its like comparing apples to oranges.” White added, “There is far too much compromise concerning filling up church pews these days.”

Pastor Flora White officiates wedding ceremony. (Photo taken by Victory in Christ Ministries)

In 2013, Alison Gobnik wrote an article entitled, “Culture Begets Marriage-Gay or Straight.” The article investigates “how a growing acceptance of same-sex marriage in American culture is indicative of cultural evolution in 2013, discussing how humans rely on cultural development for continued success as well as why it has become culturally acceptable to support gay marriage,” (2013).

There are a large number of American people who still believe in the sanctity of marriage and what it stood for many decades ago. Dick & Diane Baumbach operate a faith based enrichment program called Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME). The Baumbach’s offer a unique approach aimed at revitalizing Christian marriage. “We honor the longest married couples in the U.S., based off of the nominations we receive. The main focus of WWME is to make good marriages, great marriages. Approximately two million couples since 1969 have gone on a weekend retreat, averaging about 10 to 12 thousand per year,” Baumbach said. “Worldwide Marriage Encounter is designed for a man and a woman, however; an organization called Heart 2 Heart Ministries offers similar events that welcomes all,” he added.

Marital record keeping has been taking place since record keeping began. This is a great way to keep track of statistics and trends in marriage and divorce. Ancestry.com keeps track of such records and offers a lot more. Dick and Diane Baumbach have been married for 47 years. The couple said their vows in 1966. They believe that love is a decision and not a feeling. In other words, you choose whom to love, circumstances do not.

Obamacare; a Right or a Right to a Freebie?

May 29th, 2013 in Health by Robin L. Hamilton

The controversy continues over the intentions of Obamacare and how it could potentially help millions of uninsured Americans. In addition, “it requires that all insurance plans cover preventive services and stops insurance companies from dropping you when you are sick, as well as offering a number of other reforms and protections,” according to the Obamacare Facts page. Some believe that the Affordable Care Act is a “train wreck” while others are singing its praises.

A Fox News Insider poll found that the majority of Americans were opposed to the new bill, however, the USA Today reports that the poll, “finds that 54% of those surveyed oppose President Obama’s health care law — but the law’s supporters quickly point out that 16% opposed it because it doesn’t go far enough”.

A recent FoxNewsInsider poll shows that 54% of Americans are not in favor of ObamaCare. (Photo by Fox News Insider).

ObamaCare Bill passed the Senate on December 24, 2009, by a vote of 60–39 with all Democrats and two Independents voting for, and all Republicans voting against. It passed the House of Representatives on March 21, 2010, by a vote of 219–212, with 34 Democrats and all 178 Republicans voting against the bill.

Among those not in favor of the bill are some Obamacare small business owners. However, on the flip side are those who are in favor for personal reasons, like Chelsea Shinneman who stresses that without it, her chid might not have stood a chance for survival.

Younge America: US elections 2012 index

“Energized by the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act, as well as recent polling indicating a favorable swing in public opinion, Democrats are less worried about the fierce, unabated conservative push to repeal the law.” That’s according to Talking Points Memo (TPM).

The debate continues yet the true victory will not be realized by either side for years to come. There are a number of never ending issues surrounding Obamacare according to some experts. Many of those issues are discussed on Fox News.

Published on May 28, 2013 NROVideos,“On Special Report, Charles Krauthammer pointed out President Obama’s “clever” rhetorical gambit in the president’s recent remarks about Obamacare.”

Gay and Lesbian Acceptance is Making Gradual Progress

May 20th, 2013 in Lifestyle by Robin L. Hamilton

Before 1967 it was illegal for males to engage in homosexual behavior. The consequences were oftentimes imprisonment. Once the Sexual Offenses Bill was passed, the game changed for homosexuals in the U.K. The acts of private sex between two men of the age of 21 or older were decriminalized. Public objection for female on female relationships was just as unwelcomed, however, upon the birth of the Minorities Research Group (MRG) in 1963, a glimmer of support and assistance began to emerge. The MRG provided resources and information for these females to meet other females who shared the same sexual interests.

Charles Joughin, Deputy Press Secretary for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) in Washington, D.C., said, “Support for LGBT equality in America continues to grow, and our momentum is not slowing down. All across the country fair-minded Americans are speaking out in support of their LGBT friends and neighbors, advocating for a more fair and just society.”

The HRC is a civil rights organization that works to establish equality for gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgender Americans. The organization has nationwide support from members and supporters reaching over 1.5 million strong.

On Saturday May 18, 2013, French President Francois Hollande singed a bill that made same-sex marriage legal. France became the 14th country to do so.

The State of LGBT Rights Around the World infographic by ahunnel

“Eight out of 10 Americans know someone who is LGBT. In my opinion, we have come as far as we have because it’s virtually impossible to continue to discriminate against us the more you know us,” Joughin added.

In 1924 the Society for Human Rights in Chicago was the United States’ first recognized organization for gay rights. On May 13, 2013, the Minnesota Senate voted to legalize same-sex marriage in this state. The couples will be granted the privilege as early as August 2013. The Gay Rights Movement has come along way. With evolving generations and changing mind-sets, this group may one day soon see total equality across the globe.

Gays and Lesbians Face an Uphill Battle

May 13th, 2013 in Lifestyle by Robin L. Hamilton

The King James Bible states in Leviticus chapter 20:13, “ If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.” Homosexuality has been considered “taboo” by much of society for many years. In past generations, if a person chose to practice this type of lifestyle, he or she would go out of his or her way to keep it under raps or stay “in the closet,” for fear of public humiliation or ridicule. Today, gay and lesbian couples continue to face social issues. The main issue is acceptance or equality.

Many churches still do not recognize same sex marriage or welcome gays and lesbians. (Photo by: Robin L. Hamilton/Full Sail University).

Many church leaders are speaking out on what they call the “redefining” of marriage, as we know it. Cardinal Francis George of the African American Clergy Coalition spoke out in early April of this year according to an article published in the Chicago Tribune, siting that if the Biblical definition of how marriage was designed is legally altered it “will not serve the common good of our people and will certainly lose the sense of family that is the basis of our understanding of who we are.”

Xavier Simon is an openly gay General Manager of Econo Lodge in Atlanta, Georgia. He said, “I already struggle with being a black male, but being gay on top of that just adds to my social struggles.” Simon emphasized “Being gay prohibits me from attending a certain Pentecostal church in the Atlanta area because it is not accepted there. The discrimination is a problem because it does not allow me to seek that personal relationship that I desire with my God.”

Several countries including the United States have begun to overturn laws that prohibit same sex marriage. However, procedural barriers continue to interfere with allowing total legal recognition. The American Unity Pac is a Republican group that supports equality for all. They stand by their gay and lesbian brothers and sisters saying “They are deserving of the same rights and responsibilities under the law.”

Same sex marriage is not legal everywhere. (Photo by: Robin L. Hamilton/Full Sail University).

Legalizing same sex marriage is only a fraction of the social issues that are encountered by this group. In addition, raising children and being accepted by society will continually strike a moral nerve in many people around the globe.

Little Five Points in Atlanta, Georgia presents an off beat character yet offers a gay-friendly environment. (Photo by: Robin L. Hamilton/Full Sail University).

“In March 2013, a guest had to be escorted out of the Atlanta Econo Lodge. Instead of taking responsibility for their actions and leaving accordingly, the irate guest chose instead to cause a scene and call me a ‘faggot’. The ignorance may never end.” Simon said.

An Original Idea by One Person Makes Another Person Millions

May 6th, 2013 in Opinion by Robin L. Hamilton

Many innovative thinkers believe that his or her new ideas belong to them simply because they thought of it first. Not according to the America Invents Act. Creative inventions are continually evolving.

Apple IPad 2, Apple iPhone 4S, and Mac Book. All ongoing innovations of the 21st century. (Photo by: Robin Hamilton/Full Sail University)

The Committee on the Judiciary’s web site mentions that this act was designed to “Encourage innovation, job creation and economic growth.” However in the eyes of many, it threatens to diminish the current Patent system. The Judiciary web site also mentions that the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act “Implements a first – inventor- to-file for patent approval, creates a post grant review system to weed out bad patents, and helps the Patent Trademark Office (PTO) address the backlog of patent applications.” President Barack Obama signed the bill into law on September 16, 2011.

Toshiba is a platform for social media. (Photo by: Robin Hamilton/Full Sail University)

In the world of social media and how web sites and their content are freely published, the creator must protect himself. A summary of the Leahy-Smith Invents act is clearly defined. If you publish material without a patent or copyright then someone else can steal it if he or she beats you to the patent office, however; with some exceptions.

In 1953 Robert Kearns invented a unique type of windshield wiper in the basement of his home. In 1963 Kearns introduced to the Ford Motor Company a windshield wiper that blinked or paused according to the manual manipulation of the operator. Ford allegedly, some years later, breached the patents of this inventor. Kearns who invented what is known as “blinking” wipers or “intermittent” wipers essentially sued Ford in 1978 and then the Chrysler Corporation in 1982. The auto industry’s argument according to the Kearns v. Ford Motor Company court documents, were that “invention is supposed to meet certain standards of originality and novelty.” Ford claimed that “The patent was invalid because Kearns’ intermittent windshield wiper system had no new components.” Kearns won both the cases.

Ford and Chrysler rejected Kearns’ initial proposal for the invention, but in 1969 they began to install the windshield wipers to their cars. These cases were of the best known cases of patent infringement, to date.

Stephen Olson, a Patent Attorney for Harness Dickey, a law firm in Troy Michigan said, “ The American Invents Act went into effect on March 16, 2013.” Olson reiterated that, “Once upon a time a person who was considered the first to invent got the credit. But now it is the one, who is the ‘first to file,’ who essentially gets the credit.” He goes on to say that. “In March of this year, I have had about 800 patent applications. Some will be granted and some will be denied based on inventions that occurred prior.”

There are a number of publications available to educate an inventor on how to patent and protect his or her material. The key is to know the law and to understand your rights as an innovative creator.

Various Books available with Patent information. (Photo by: Robin Hamilton/Full Sail University)

Access Denied

Apr 29th, 2013 in Opinion by Robin L. Hamilton

The White House is the official residence and principal workplace of the President of the United States. (Photo by: Robin Hamilton/Full Sail University).

Some federal agencies require certain public records be released under an approved Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. The Freedom of Information Act is a “law that gives you the right to access information from the Federal government. It is often described as the law that keeps citizens in the know about their government.”Although the act provides a “right to access,” access is not always readily granted. Jason Leopold, an investigative journalist sued the FBI, CIA, and DOJ alleging they were in violation of FOIA. Leopold claimed he waited over a year to obtain documentation needed to support his investigative reporting. He believes the long wait could be due to the tremendous amount of requests that come in regularly causing a huge backlog.

In 2007 and amendment was made to the Act allowing those making requests an opportunity to inquire about a completion date for his or her FOIA request. The amendment states: Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(7)(B), “Each agency shall … establish a phone line or Internet service that provides information about the status of a request to the person making the request …, including … an estimated date on which the agency will complete action on the request.” Whether or not prompt responses are granted is open for debate.

Social Security Administration building. (Photo by: Robin Hamilton/Full Sail University).

In spite of a so-called backlog, the Social Security Administration does attempt to address the requests in a timely manner. According to the SSA web site, the agency tries “to handle your request within 20 days from the date we receive it. Sometimes it may take us longer depending on the difficulty of finding the record and how much other work we have. We process requests on a “first in, first out’ basis using the following three categories: normal, longer, longest.”

Kimberly Seymore, a former FOIA request attorney for the Chicago Housing Authority, stated that, “Those requesting information under The Freedom of Information Act have usually thoroughly researched the law for the requests being made.” Seymore added, “Most requests are honored unless there is a substantial basis for denying the request such as security reasons.”

There is no main or home office that handles these requests. Each individual agency will prepare records according to the FOIA requests.

U.S. White House Dome. (Photo by: Robin Hamilton/Full Sail University).

Court Imposed Gag Orders Hinder Journalists

Apr 22nd, 2013 in Opinion by Robin L. Hamilton

Crucial details of certain trials, legal proceedings, court proceedings, etc., are not always revealed to the general public. According to the U.S. Constitution and under amendment one, Americans have a right to exercise his or her Freedom of Speech. However, there are certain limitations. Revealing information that is confidential or classified are some of those limitations that can cause a judge to introduce a gag order.

Brielle Hamilton demonstrates the simplicity of a gag order; don’t tell. (Photo by: Robin Hamilton/Full Sail University).

The intentions of a journalist are to capture a story that interests the people then tell them some details about what they will want to know. For instance, in the case of State v. Andrea Sneiderman, she was blamed in 2012 for being a key player in the fatal shooting death of her husband outside of a daycare center in Dunwoody, Ga, and the public desperately wanted answers. The story was headline news. Due to a judge imposed gag order placed on the state’s attorneys— journalists were not privy to the information surrounding it. The gag order was imposed to forbid the attorneys from making comments about ongoing developments.

Scott Stucky, News Operations Manager at Fox 5 Atlanta, stated that, “Gag orders are essentially ordered by a judge. If the plaintiff or defendant is requesting the order, they would still have to go through the judge.” Stucky added, “When that happens it forces journalists to be creative and it also forces them to find other ways to cover the story.” Only certain cases will capture the attention of the masses. “Talking to some experts about what they believe, experienced, or know about what happened in court, are some of those ways to be creative,” Stucky said.

Dekalb County Courthouse (Photo by: Robin Hamilton/Full Sail University).

Dekalb County Courthouse Atlanta (Photo by: Robin Hamilton/Full Sail University).

According to the spring 2001 edition of, ”The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press,” “Journalists could challenge the gag orders. Courts generally accept that media organizations or journalists have ‘standing’— a sufficient interest in the matter to be allowed to make arguments to the court— to challenge a gag order. However, not all arguments to support standing are successful.”

Spousal Spying May Not Be an Invasion of Privacy

Apr 14th, 2013 in Lifestyle by Robin L. Hamilton

The U. S., Constitution makes no reference specifically to the right of privacy. Accountability for invasion of privacy is a growing problem especially when it occurs via social media or through electronic devices and within the confines of one’s home. Once a person’s private circumstances or information is made public without his or her permission, they become eligible to take certain legal action against the one who first revealed the previously concealed information, depending on the laws associated with that state.“For a successful lawsuit, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant’s actions caused his or her privacy to be invaded.”

In a divorce situation each party has a right to do what he or she wants because they share marital property. In the Georgia case of Rutter v. Rutter, 730 S. E 2d 626 (2012), Charles Rutter petitioned the court to dismiss any evidence that was presented against him in his divorce case, that might have been revealed in connection with several video surveillance devices that were secretly installed by his wife in their marital home. He argued that it was a violation of OCGA 16-11-62 (2), which makes it unlawful for a person to conduct video surveillance of another in a private place, out of public view, and without consent. What Rutter did not realize was that there was an exception to the general prohibition that expressly permits one to conduct video surveillance of persons “within the curtilage of his or her own residence” for certain purposes. As a result, the Georgia court of appeals denied the claim.

Divorce attorney explains variations surrounding invasion of privacy within marriage. (Photo by: Robin Hamilton/Full Sail University).

Divorce attorney Susan Stelter explains variations surrounding invasion of privacy within marriage. April 12, 2013. (Photo by: Robin Hamilton/Full Sail University).

Susan E. Stelter, associate for Thomas C. Rowsey, P.C., Attorneys at Law specializes in divorce cases. She stated, “Invasion of privacy runs the gamut.” In other words, it covers a broad spectrum. Spouses must know the law and should be careful about how they gather information about each other. Stelter warns that “if private information is left in plain view inside or outside of the home or office, then there is no expectation of privacy which means there is no violation. However, the rules change when electronic devices are used to gather the data.”

Not all courts agree on what composes a “reasonable expectation of privacy” in a marital situation.

In 2011, a Nebraska mother embedded a listening device in her daughter’s teddy bear and was found to be in violation of the Federal Wiretap Act. In 2008, an Iowa man was ruled guilty of violating his wife’s privacy when he secretly taped her with an alarm clock camera installed in the bedroom of the home they shared.

In addition, computer software companies sell software that is able to copy e-mails, instant messages, etc. Since these devices have legitimate uses, regulators find it difficult to police their sales, however, in 2008 the Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit against a company that sold undetectable spyware called, RemoteSpy. They were charged with unfair and deceptive practices.

“At least five of the 13 U.S. circuit courts have found that the Federal Wiretap Act does prohibit surveillance within marriages. But at least two have ruled that the law does not prohibit recording your spouse,” Stelter added.

Tom Jones of WSB-TV, Candid and Unrehearsed

Apr 12th, 2013 in Entertainment by Robin L. Hamilton

Tom Jones of WSB-TV is hard at work outside the Clayton County Court House in Jonesboro, GA, on March 27, 2013, preparing to report a late afternoon story. (Photo by: Robin Hamilton/Full Sail University).

If you have ever watched the local news on WSB-TV, channel 2, chances are you know Tom Jones. Jones is a news reporter for the station. Originally from Houston, Texas, the 51 year old migrated to Atlanta, GA to continue his lifelong dream of news reporting.

Born into a family with strong roots in Texas, Tom is the third child of five. As a young boy an uncle who sold insurance influenced him. “My uncle was the first person in the family to graduate from college,” Tom said. “Because he went to college, it motivated me do the same.” In his teenage years, Jones recalls being very popular and having the “gift of gab.” This gift gave him a much-needed element, which would be essential for eventually helping him become an accomplished news reporter. He goes on to say that, “playing sports and always smiling to the people around me,” also added to his popularity.

His college years were challenging yet Jones refused to let anything get in his way. “I always have seen obstacles as opportunities for me to shine; something for me to conquer. I remember working two jobs, going to school, doing an internship and I was the Managing Editor or a weekly entertainment magazine. People would ask was I tired or worn out and I’d say no! I enjoyed the challenge of getting it all done.”

Jones lives in Georgia with his wife of 22 years. They have three children aged 13, 20 and 26.

Tom describes himself as being, “humble, fun loving, dedicated, and hard working.” However, his friends would describe him as, “serious and demanding.”

He loves what he does for a living; the good and the bad. He said the most rewarding aspect of his job is, “when I help someone,” the most challenging, “trying to meet deadlines.”

Erin Frederickson, a video journalist who works closely with Tom, said that some of the rewarding aspects of working with Jones are because, “he has his own beat and he is really into it.” Frederickson adds, “He knows all the players and he always has something set up. So even if something falls through he has a back up. He has his stuff together.” In one word she describes Tom Jones as being, “Dynamic!”

The American Dream is Fading Into a Nightmare

Mar 25th, 2013 in Opinion by Robin L. Hamilton

A top of the line education, three square meals a day, a well paying job, a car to drive and a roof over our heads is what every American attempts to acquire in one way or another, but fails to achieve on a daily basis. Living that type of lifestyle sounds easy however, this simple accomplishment is out of reach for many families in this country. In the midst of the battle between the Republicans and the Democrats, the number of Americans falling into poverty still rises. It is poverty by design because part of the battle by the two parties is not about how to eradicate it, but it seems to be more about how to make the problem worse. Cutting programs or reducing funding for things that were put into place to help an American grow as citizens only creates more problems and creates problems that are not yet taken into consideration. A good example would be the Head Start programs that are being affected by the Sequester.

Its not a new concept that a good education, coupled with diversity in the workplace that is also lined with plenty of opportunity, is not only the foundation that is essential for getting out of poverty, but it is what is needed to stay out of it.

ABC News, Ashley Horton

NBC News reported a story entitled, “In Plain Sight.” The piece addresses how many college students who are working hard to finish his or her education are in need of food to eat. Some colleges are attempting to bring food pantries to their campuses to help the problem, but some students are not in a hurry to accept.

“Ashyle Horton, 22, was reluctant take help from a University of Arkansas food pantry because of the stigma of need. That program, like others, works to decrease the shame of seeking assistance.”

Although it is not the responsibility of the government to ensure that every American live the dream, it is their responsibility to provide access to whatever tools and resources that are needed for one to realize his or her vision. Being ashamed of assistance is a product of our nation’s leaders who want to label others as being part of the, “47%.” Much like the comment made by the 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate, former Mass., Governor Mitt Romney. There is only one percentage to take into consideration and that would be 100. Everyone is equipped to play a role in the life of another in order to help him or her succeed. Pointing fingers, placing blame and making the simplest of achievement not available to the masses creates poverty. That is why it is by design. If policy makers talk to everyday citizens and ask them what would be needed to help fix the problems surrounding the issues of poverty, they just might be surprised. Getting insight from those who have or are in the situation would bring about the best advice for plausible solutions.