Daily Archives: 03/16/2013

(Community Matters) In my blog posting, Right-Wing Think Tank Bought University of Texas Research, a blog reader referenced documentation on the matter at Scribd.com.

Appears Prof Regnerus was not honest with UT and other investigators about the involvement of funders in “research design, survey contents, analysis or conclusions” – big surprise. I’m saddened that UT appears less than diligent about protecting & policing the integrity of its research and its academic reputation.

(Community Matters) I’ve long suspect the military’s inability to handle investigations and prosecutions of sexual assaults predates the enlistment of women. Baltimore sailor says he was told not to report rape.

Much appreciation to my friend Senator Gillibrand for chairing the congressional hearing and exploring the move of investigations and prosecutions outside the chain of command. 

(Community Matters) This is concerning to me. Steven and I spend a fair bit of time between the Castro, Noe Valley & the Mission District – plus it’s where we plan to spend the summer. 

(Community Matters) I spent nearly 90 mins with Gina LaMotte, EcoRise’s founder & CEO yesterday. I’d only scheduled 60. Had figured I’d spend 45. More than impressed. We’re talking a potential leap in pedagogy by introducing design thinking to kids at a perfect age, and in a way that fosters critical thinking skills – while offering high school teachers excellent practicums to complement even TAKS- & STAAR-driven lesson plans.

This is an important & cool, relatively new nonprofit. Many thanks to Philip Berber for bringing them to my attention as well as for his seed funding. Ditto to MFI Foundation and Will Meredith for their early funding & for Will’s leadership as an early board member and now advisor. They are also putting together a very cool summer camp.

(Community Matters) Let’s hope the latest information about collusion with a right wing think tank perhaps lights another look. UT conducted an investigation but let the associate professor slide. 

Many earlier posts on the flawed research by UT Assoc Professor Mark Regnerus on gay parenting. The study was so bad, the head of the journal’s academic review panel called it “bullshit.”

Earlier posts:

Gay Families & Affected Kids

Gay Families Studies Under Investigation

Gay Families Study – Academic Review Conclusion: “It’s Bullshit”

The Influence of Money on Research

UT Reviewed Regnerus’ Gay Parenting Study

Hat Tip: SM

(Community Matters) the Republican US Senator from Ohio has decided to support gay marriage after much contemplation since his son came out.

There’s a lot of controversy about this – surprisingly, on my FB page, the detractors are straight men who disparage his not coming around until it personally affected him and his family.

I don’t want to ever look a convert in the mouth. I applaud his support for equality. And, as I told my friends:  he’ll start hearing prejudice & inequality differently, and makes a better prospective supporter on other progressive principals than most currently in opposition.

I remember my father calling me a few weeks after I came out to him. He asked me if I realized how many gay jokes people tell everyday and what he should do/say. I told him do nothing – don’t laugh, don’t admonish. Of course, that was twenty years ago. Today, one should express their displeasure. It’s unacceptable.

(Community Matters) I’ve stayed on the extreme edge this year. But, I have seen lots of friends in for SX and attended a couple of events.

Loving this anonymous New Yorker music critics’ blog.

Have enjoyed hosting: Scott Collier for Interactive, my brother, sister-in-law, sister, niece and nephew (for their spring break), and Will Roman for the main event. So I guess my SX this year has been the visit to Marfa and the company of fun guests – plus the people watching, the vibe, the Spider House concerts that rattle my windows (but that’s ok, it’s SX).

And, I’m looking forward to Steven finally being home. During the last two weeks he’s been away in NYC, Milpitas, San Francisco & Traverse City. Well . . . he did come home for 8 hours last Tuesday. Overnight (last night) he received an email that his flight home today was cancelled and he’s been rescheduled but not until Monday. Seems spring break traffic is daunting. Fortunately, frequent flier status does have some privileges and in the wake of his earlier, unfortunate travel story, he’s rebooked for later tonight. Bummed it’s blown our dinner plans with Scott & Kate Abel but home at last.