Community Matters

(Community Matters) In today’s NYTimes, article about Harvard Professor Roland Fryer’s innovative Houston experiment.I’m not sure what happened re: Austin. I seem to recall Prof Fryer wanted to launch an initiative with AISD, even knew a philanthropist very interested in funding the program.

In 2009, Dr. Fryer identified five policies common to successful charters, including those run by KIPP and the Harlem Children’s Zone: longer school days and years; more rigorous and selective hiring of principals and teachers; frequent quizzes whose results determine what needs to be retaught; what he calls “high-dosage tutoring”; and a “no excuses” culture.

The [Houston] experiment, which is known as Apollo 20 and cost $19 million in its first year, has had mixed results: Lee High School saw double-digit gains on state tests last spring, moving to “acceptable” on the Texas school report card system after many years of being rated “unacceptable.” But four of the nine Apollo schools remained on the unacceptable list, and at some the percentage of students passing state tests actually dipped.

earlier CM posting

(Community Matters) from Andy Tobias’ blog

And speaking of income inequality, here’s a rant by a public school administrator who I suspect works rather hard at his job, and ! deserves a listen.  Or just read it here:

UNACCEPTABLE TEACHERS by John Kuhn

Let me speak for all public school educators when I say unequivocally: We will.  We say send us your poor, send us your homeless, the children of your afflicted and addicted.  Send us your kids who don’t speak English. Send us your special-needs children, we will not turn them away.
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(Community Matters) I don’t recommend the video link except to my gay friends.

from Towleroad: Logan McCree is  a famous gay-porn star whose work for the Raging Stallion has won him awards for Best Sex Scene and – even more impressive, given how difficult it is to execute a successful manage-a-trois – Best Three-Way Sex Scene.

But when word got out recently that he was moving in with the love of his life – a woman – and changing his orientation from gay to bi, there was outrage. Outrage! He was accused of faking gay for pay.

Now he’s responded with a really hilarious spoof video about the “scandal” – in which he’s… well, you’ll see. (Watch for the exorcism scene.) The message is light-hearted but clear: stop being intolerant of bisexuals, gay people!

video link

(Community Matters) Andy Towle’s blog notes far right objections to encouraging the poor to participate in our political process

(Community Matters) Second most important person in any Rick Perry campaign. San Antonio Express News

(Community Matters) SXSW adding another conference, an environmental sustainability conference, Oct 4 – 6

(Community Matters) Great story in the Fall Edible Austin – Brad & Jenny Stufflebeam gave up suburbia to prove a family can earn a living in sustainable farming.

Steven and I are increasingly persuaded by the evidence of nutrition (not to mention taste) of local and seasonal crops. And, we’re increasingly disturbed by the higher incidents of cancer among populations eating genetically engineered crops. We don’t have to think about these things when shopping at Wheatsville Coop – they think about it for us.

(Community Matters) rumor overheard that Jeffrey’s is for sale. If the Austin restauranteur reportedly negotiating its purchase is successful, could be a boon for Clarksville, if not for parking.

(Community Matters) In Kerrville for the weekend with Amy Grace & Doug Ulman, at Johanna and Wright Roussel‘s (AG’s mom & step dad). Last night joined for dinner by Duane Whitlow & John Ruth. The Roussel’s are chefs and hosts extraordinaire.

enjoyed really great wine & food. The vino courtesy Lee & Jenn, an Umbrian wedding gift

(Community Matters) Why we still have to worry

(Community Matters) Interestingly, there are lots of current, parallel discussions about LGBT philanthropy.

According to a Harris Interactive Poll, 87% to 88% of Americans donate to charity. In some of my discussions, there’s an assumption that fewer LGBT Americans donate to charity, but I don’t buy this conclusion. The only studies I’ve seen show the percentage of LGBT Americans giving to national, statewide and local LGBT charities. Though I can’t back it up statistically, from experience I know the LGBT community is at least as generous as anyone else. Whether this generosity is, or should be, directed to LGBT organizations or causes is another question. Continue reading →

(Community Matters) I don’t yet see the article on VF’s website but from Politico’s Playbook:

“STEVE JOBS HOLDS THE TOP SPOT ON VANITY FAIR’S LIST OF THE POWERS THAT BE

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