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CENTRAL ADOPTION REGISTRY The Central Adoption Registry is a file kept by the Family Independence Agency of statements of birth parents and adult birth siblings' consenting to or denying the release of identifying information.

More than three decades ago, I married a woman in California somewhere in a wedding chapel, not far from the runway at Los Angeles International Airport. Other than the occasional noise of a jetliner, there were no protests, no discouraging words among the gathered family and friends, and no legal problems. We promised to love and honor each other, if not obey. We were happily married for 12 years. Today, if I married another woman here in Seattle, there would be paparazzi everywhere, and an everlasting storm of controversy. If I fell in love and got married again, apparently this would rip apart the social fabric of our tightly knit institutions. The only difference today from 35 years ago is that I would no longer be a 'groom,' but obviously of the same gender as my partner.

According to a news article on their site, the american Red Cross has rolled out new height and weight requirements for all blood donors 18 years of age and younger to help ensure their safety. As young blood donors are more likely to have a reaction - dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting - after giving blood. The new requirements are: Boys who are shorter than 5' and girls who are shorter than 5'6' must weigh more than 110 pounds, depending on their height. It's nice to see an organization looking out for its young donors instead of its own self interests. My daughter just made the requirements one year and she was so happy she was able to participate. As we know, it feels good to help out and make a difference. Has your teen ever donated blood? Did they enjoy the experience? Please share your stories and thoughts in the comments area. More: Quiz: Are you raising a healthy teen? | 4 Steps to a Healthier Family Lifestyle New Red Cross Requirements for Teen Blood Donors orig