Ben Carson Muttered Two Words During His Confirmation Hearing That Got the Internet Up in Arms

This week, all of the proposed members of Trump’s cabinet are starting to undergo their confirmation hearings with the Senate. Jeff Sessions, who has been nominated for Attorney General, started his hearing on Tuesday. Yesterday, three others started theirs: Mike Pompeo (nominated for CIA Director), James Mattis (nominated for Secretary of Defense) and Dr. Ben Carson (nominated for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development).

During Carson’s hearing, there were a few controversial moments. At one point Senator Elizabeth Warren flat-out asked Carson whether or not he could confirm that taxpayer money used for housing would not ultimately benefit Trump’s real estate empire. In short: He couldn’t definitively confirm that it wouldn’t. The second moment of tension was when Carson was asked about how he would enforce fair and unbiased treatment of the LGBTQ community.

Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown said to Carson, “You have in the past raised questions about whether LGBTQ people should enjoy the same rights as everyone else. Do you believe that HUD has a duty to take actions that promote equal access to housing opportunities for LGBTQ people?”

Carson responded, “Of course I would enforce all the laws of the land, and I believe that all Americans, regardless of any of the things you mentioned, should be protected by the law. What I have mentioned in the past is that no one gets extra rights. Extra rights means you get to redefine everything for everybody else.”

To that Brown responded, “That wasn’t what we’re talking about but I’m glad to hear you say that moving forward you will respect that.”

But two words used in Carson’s response had a lot of people up in arms: extra rights. Because what does that mean… “extra rights”? Is allowing trans people to use a public restroom that corresponds with their gender identity an extra right? Is allowing gay people to marry an extra right?

If you’re not super familiar with Carson and where he stands politically, the retired neurosurgeon and politics newbie initially ran against Trump for the Republican presidential nomination. In terms of LGBTQ-related issues, Carson isn’t super progressive — or really progressive at all for that matter. During a TV interview last year, Carson mentioned that gay marriage could lead to the legalization of polygamy.

This also isn’t the first time he has used the term “extra rights” when discussing what others would typically classify as EQUAL rights. On that same TV segment, Carson said, “You know, it’s a free country; there’s freedom of association. However, when you now impose your value system on everybody else and change fundamental definitions and principles of society, I have a big problem with that. Everybody is equal, everybody has equal rights, but nobody gets extra rights. And when we start trying to impose the extra rights based on a few people who perhaps are abnormal, where does that lead?”

So just to recap here, that’s a no from Carson on blatantly discriminating against people of the LGBTQ community when it comes to housing, and it’s also a no from Carson on granting what he deems “extra rights” to the people he considers “abnormal.”

A large portion of Trump’s proposed cabinet is set to be voted on and confirmed by the Senate by Inauguration Day.

What are your thoughts on Dr. Carson’s comments? Share with us on Twitter @BritandCo.

(Photo via Justin Sullivan/Getty)

Brunch is a decadent ritual. Late mornings full of sticky syrup and bottomless mimosas (!) are all fun and games until you receive the dreaded bill from your local spot. It's not that the food's not good, it's just expensive. We're here to *happily* report that you can save some dough and take the brunch party inside by hosting your own at home! Here are the best recipes and brunch party ideas to enlist for your next brunch time shenanigans!

What do you serve at a brunch party?

Any dish you can break up into smaller servings or finger foods are good for serving at a brunch party. Think mini pancakes, sausage links, breakfast sandwiches, and more.

What activities do you do at brunch?

Playing games, serving food, drinking mimosas, and visiting with friends and family are all activities that you can do at brunch.

How do you throw a casual and fun brunch party?

Keep things low-key for throwing a fun and casual brunch party – first, send out some simple invites to your inner circle and set a realistic budget for the party. You don’t have to necessarily go for a theme or full-fledged party. As long as brunch foods are involved, your guests will feel welcome.

What are some easy brunch party ideas for hosting at home?

You could organize a pancake bar, a coffee station, or a decorate-your-own donut set-up for an at-home brunch party.

Brunch Party Recipe Ideas

Here are some of our favorite recipes for when you wanna be the brunch hostess with the mostess!

Ultimate Spring Brunch Board

Let your brunch party guests have at it. This sharable brunch board hits all the marks – with sweet and savory bites included. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Easy Vegan Strawberry Tart

These single-serving tarts make feeding a crowd unbelievably easy, especially since they're made with only 10 ingredients. (via The Edgy Veg)

Breakfast Fruit Salad

Luckily, there's not much to making fruit salad. Just toss your favorite fruits in a massive bowl with a ladle, and consider your brunch party side dish done! (via Live Eat Learn)

French Toast Casserole

This *iconic* french toast casserole is made in one pan, plus there's an option for the lazy hosts to let the dish sit overnight before baking. So, if your A.M. routine feels like a Manic Monday every day, all you need to do is pop the prepped casserole in the oven, and voila! (via The Girl On Bloor)

Stuffed Waffle Breakfast Sandwich

This breakfast sandwich truly delivers the best of both worlds. Each stack is comprised of savory bacon, egg, and cheese, plus sweet waffles and syrup for that *ultimate* flavor balance. For a brunch party, simply prep all of the ingredients, then let your guests build their own sammie! (via Rachel Mansfield)

Breakfast Potatoes

Dressing up some diced potatoes with bell peppers, onion, and jalapeño spruces up a familiar brunch recipe that'll please pretty much everyone at the table. Bonus points for making big batches for your brunch party! (via This Wife Cooks)

Lemon Sugar Rolls with Vanilla Cream Cheese Icing

You know (and love) cinnamon rolls – now get ready for something even sweeter and tangier: lemon rolls! This ooey-gooey recipe is ideal for a brunch party because it brings some good 'ol share-worthy pull-apart goodness to the table. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Shakshuka

Hear us out: you could host a dippable brunch party. Sounds tasty, right? First up on your menu should be this shakshuka recipe, a prime dish to dip some toast into for those hard-hitting morning munchies. Next up, dippable biscotti cookies! (via Brit + Co.)

Funfetti Biscotti

Coffee + pastries is the *best* breakfast combo on the weekends, so why not opt for a coffee brewing bar paired with a bake like these colorful biscottis? Your weekend warrior pals will totally dig it! (via Barley & Sage)

Ricotta Biscuits

These luscious biscuits recall Southern home cooking in every good way possible. Each bite is equal parts cushy and crunchy, the perfect contender for a hearty gravy bath at brunch. (via Cozy Cravings)

Sheet Pan Pancakes

This sheet pan recipe is a *total* time saver when it comes to a brunch party! It beats pouring out individual pancakes and waiting for each one to cook by miles. Just don't forget the syrup! (via Feel Good Foodie)

Japanese Fruit Sandwich (Sando)

Japanese sandos are prime picking for brunch because they carry a light, airy, and fruity flavor that just makes mornings better. No matter the type of fruit you use, you can always count on this dish to taste balanced and refreshing. Plus, it's painfully easy to make. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Sausage Hash Brown Casserole

If you're up to feed a large group, casseroles are the #1 move. This brunch-forward recipe idea compiles cheese, sausage, hash browns, and more to form a creative (and communal) dish. (via Culinary Hill)

Millionaire's Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

This brunch party recipe did not come to play. It mixes sticky sweet icing in with caramelized bacon that makes every decadent mouthful feel truly fit for a millionaire. Take care to make extra dozens for your party's company! (via Brit + Co.)

Easy Breakfast Yogurt Bake

We have to admit, we've never thought of baking yogurt, but now we see the light with this recipe. The dish brings a beneficial amount of protein to any brunch function, plus it can easily be cut up into individual portions for serving the whole table. (via Rachel Mansfield)

Citrus Fruit Cups

These fruit cups are genius for brunch party spreads. It's as simple as staging as many cups as you need for the party the night before, storing them in the fridge, and serving! (via Amanda Wilens)

Berry Bulgur Breakfast Bake

Bulgur is extremely similar to oatmeal or grits, making it a supremely healthy pick for a brunch party! Cook a large amount for your guests to eat on over time – this recipe calls for blueberries and strawberries, but you can add whatever you're feelin' in the moment. (via Live Eat Learn)

Healthy Breakfast Egg Muffins

Starbucks' egg bites? Never heard of 'em. This recipe toes the line of being a copycat, except *totally* better than what you can get your hands on in the drive-thru. The cups are prepped in a muffin tin, so you can create countless numbers of the savory breakfast bite. (via Salt & Lavender)

Healthy Breakfast Cookies

Cookies for breakfast have to be the best thing since sliced bread, TBH. What's even more desirable about this recipe is that it's health-focused, so you don't lose track of your goals at breakfast. Make some for your brunch party guests to take home once the festivities are done! (via The Endless Meal)

Ultimate Breakfast Tacos

Because only a crazy person would say 'no' to breakfast tacos. For your brunch get-together, you can prep the additions separately, then have your attendees build their own tacos! (via Cozy Cravings)

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Header image via The Girl On Bloor

It's almost time to officially celebrate the moms in your life, but we know moms are worth celebrating every day. While you prep for Mother's Day with cute cards and brunch menus, sometimes a kind and inspiring word really makes all the difference in a day. While your moms, sisters, and gal pals have perfectly good advice, we think a little extra words of encouragement can't hurt. With that in mind, here are 16 motherhood quotes to send to the moms you know and love — or to screenshot and save for yourself. Big hugs, mamas!

"I was lucky enough to get to have one woman who truly helped me through everything." — Emma Stone

"You're going to get advice from a lot of people...but you know innately what your child needs. You should trust that." — Lucy Liu

"My mother and I are so close, and I always prayed that I would have that type of relationship with my daughter." — Beyoncé

"Become a mother has made me next-level confident. I've never felt more empowered." — Kelly Clarkson

"As a new mom myself, it really was important to hear positive compliments from people just being like, 'Hey, you're doing a great job.'" — Shay Mitchell

"Nothing can really prepare you for the sheer overwhelming experience of what it means to become a mother. It is full of complex emotions of joy, exhaustion, love, worry, all mixed together." — Kate Middleton

"No one's really doing it perfectly, I just think you love your kids with your whole heart, and you do the best you possibly can." — Reese Witherspoon

"There is no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one." — Jill Churchill

"There's no such thing in the world as a supermom. We just do the best we can." — Sarah Michelle Gellar

"'Oh, I'm just a mom,' you heard women say. Just a mom? Please! Being a mom is everything. It's mentorship, it's inspirational, and it's our hope for the future." — Sally Field

"I've approached many things in my life with such intensity that I want to approach motherhood with dedication and focus." — Drew Barrymore

"Motherhood has helped me stop overanalyzing things." — Idina Menzel

"When I had my children and I felt that type of love...it made me understand there was a purity to love." — Jennifer Lopez

"I try to call my mother with more regularity because I think, what if Hazel didn't call me for two weeks? I'm able to see her mothering now from a different vantage point." — Julia Roberts

"If you're confident with what you're doing even if that's some weird, bizarre parenting technique that you know works for your kid or you feel happy about it, do it." — Kristen Bell

"I am completely changing since being a mom. I'm much more open, I'm much more accepting of myself, I'm much more thoughtful." — Pink

Be sure to check out our other mom quotes to help remind you that you're doing the best you can on your motherhood journey.

Lead image via olia danilevich/Pexels

May the Fourth be with you! To celebrate Star Wars Day, we're bringing you a tasty take on a classic cocktail you already know and love – the Old-Fashioned. Crafted with Breckenridge Port Cask Bourbon, this intergalactic drink honors Obi Wan with robust flavors and a strong sip. If you're feeling in the spirit, prep some Star Wars sweets to pair. Scroll for the easy cocktail recipe!

Ingredients for May The Fourth Obi Wan Old-Fashioned

Photo by Jessie Unruh / Breckenridge Distillery

For the Obi Wan Old-Fashioned:

  • 2.5 oz. Breckenridge Port Cask Finish
  • .5 oz. raw simple syrup*
  • 2 dashes of barrel-aged bitters or Angostura Bitters
  • Luxardo cherries, to garnish

For the simple syrup*:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water

How to Make The Obi Wan Old-Fashioned

Instructions for the Obi Wan Old-Fashioned:

  1. Stir all ingredients with ice and strain over one large ice cube.
Instructions for the simple syrup*:
  1. Mix the sugar and water over medium heat. Simmer and stir until dissolved.

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