"This here fella, Ben Dodge, is one of those, um, models."
... but FINALLY!!! I did not get to witness this live, in real time, as I was driving on my way to work. The musical piece created by John Williams and performed by Yo-Yo Ma, Yitzakh Perlman and others was so simple, and yet so powerful. I was so stirred that at the moment that Barack Obama officially became president, I blared my horn while driving on University drive. When Obama was actually sworn in, I did the same. I hope this sense of euphoria and inspiration lasts. There's so much to be done and undone.Acceptance in the workplace for "out" gay scientists is not that unusual in today's scientific work force—whether it be in a university, industry or federal setting—thanks to the enormous strides that have been made in the movement for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) people's equality. And yet, despite the progress, obstacles for LGBTs in science still exist in various and sometimes subtle forms, including access to role models, mentorship, and ultimately, the science itself.
Kalamazoo County Treasurer Mary Balkema, an opponent of the ordinance, said she was unsure whether a compromise could be reached. If a second measure is brought forward that raises similar concerns, Balkema predicted opponents would mobilize again to gather petitions to fight it.
Balkema, a former city commissioner, said commissioners ``didn't do their homework,'' failing to consult a variety of community opinions before acting.
"The Log Cabin Republicans, hampered by lackluster 2008 fundraising, is facing financial difficulties and ended the year at least $100,000 in debt, according to Patrick Sammon, the organization’s president, who spoke to the Blade Friday.
Sammon said he expects the organization to have around $100,000 in debt or “maybe a little more,” adding that the figure is made up of consolidated debt."
And... how awesome is Bishop Gene Robinson? I make no apologies for my agnosticism, but I thank God that there are LGBT folks like him who are taking back a religion that is based upon compassion.
"No one should have to worry about getting a death threat because of the way he
or she votes," said James Bopp Jr., an attorney representing two groups that
supported Proposition 8, Protectmarriage.com and the National Organization
for Marriage California. "This lawsuit will protect the right of all people to
help support causes they agree with, without having to worry about harassment or
threats."
"Were you not to donate comparably [to yes-on-8], it would be a clear indication
that you are in opposition to traditional marriage... The names of
companies and organizations that chose not to donate in like manner to
protectmarriage.com but have given to Equality California will be published."
Some experts have blamed the national increase on increased federal funding for
abstinence-only health education that does not teach teens how to use condoms
and other contraception. They said that would explain why teen birth rate
increases have been detected across much of the country and not just in a few
spots.
...
Other factors include the escalating cost of some types of
birth control and their unavailability in some communities, said Stephanie
Birch, who directs maternal and child health programs for the Alaska Department
of Health and Social Services.
