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Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
The Weekly Queer Roundup
This week we have witnessed our fair share of ups and downs for the community. The house has passed the historic Murphy amendment giving the green light towards repealing Don't Ask Don't Tell. Not all are happy about this compromise, and the truth of the matter is openly LGB servicemembers can still be kicked out. This policy is only one violation in a world where being queer can mean imprisonment, torture, and the death penalty. Case in point was a Malawi couple who had been imprisoned, but has since been pardoned. On a less important but interesting note, scientists have proven that gaydar does exist. Other interesting thought provoking points brought up are the fact that sex is part of sexuality and the question of whether a celibate person can be straight. This week props go to atheists who worship the boot to shun an anti-gay preacher. Leaving the best for last, what I find most amazing is the thought process behind Christian Newswire which claims that Ellen's lesbianism has ruined American Idol.
UFC Fighter Quinton Jackson: "Acting is Kind of Gay"
Quinton "Rampage" Jackson a UFC fighter who has recently turned to acting has some not so gay friendly words to say about the acting industry.
"Acting is kind of gay," Jackson said. "It makes you soft. You got all these people combing your hair and putting a coat over your shoulders when you're cold. I don't want a coat over my shoulders! I'm a tough-ass [individual]!"Some of the toughest wrestlers, boxers, and athletes out there have been gay. It's a shame that "Rampage" buys into the queer stereotypes.
"Vancouver strikes me as a San Francisco-kind of place," he continued. "And I don't want [individuals] getting ideas about me. I feel in my heart I'm the toughest [individual] on the planet. And I don't want nothing changing my train of thought. If you don't believe that when we step inside the octagon, it shows." (LA Times)
Jackson can be contacted via Twitter.
Shameless Self Promotion Sunday
Please feel free to share any links to queer or queer related topics of interest. You can post a blog entry you made, a website you found interesting. Anything goes as long as it is queer in nature.
Word of the Gay: "Identity Sphere"
An "identity sphere" is the concept that gender identity and expression is too fluid to fit in a linear model. The sphere allows for gender formations to flourish without the ranking of one expression as being better than another.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
President Obama's Proclamation for LGBT Pride Month
As Americans, it is our birthright that all people are created equal and deserve the same rights, privileges, and opportunities. Since our earliest days of independence, our Nation has striven to fulfill that promise. An important chapter in our great, unfinished story is the movement for fairness and equality on behalf of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. This month, as we recognize the immeasurable contributions of LGBT Americans, we renew our commitment to the struggle for equal rights for LGBT Americans and to ending prejudice and injustice wherever it exists.
LGBT Americans have enriched and strengthened the fabric of our national life. From business leaders and professors to athletes and first responders, LGBT individuals have achieved success and prominence in every discipline. They are our mothers and fathers, our sons and daughters, and our friends and neighbors. Across my Administration, openly LGBT employees are serving at every level. Thanks to those who came before us -- the brave men and women who marched, stood up to injustice, and brought change through acts of compassion or defiance -- we have made enormous progress and continue to strive for a more perfect union.
My Administration has advanced our journey by signing into law the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which strengthens Federal protections against crimes based on gender identity or sexual orientation. We renewed the Ryan White CARE Act, which provides life-saving medical services and support to Americans living with HIV/AIDS, and finally eliminated the HIV entry ban. I also signed a Presidential Memorandum directing hospitals receiving Medicare and Medicaid funds to give LGBT patients the compassion and security they deserve in their time of need, including the ability to choose someone other than an immediate family member to visit them and make medical decisions.
In other areas, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced a series of proposals to ensure core housing programs are open to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. HUD also announced the first-ever national study of discrimination against members of the LGBT community in the rental and sale of housing. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services has created a National Resource Center for LGBT Elders.
Much work remains to fulfill our Nation's promise of equal justice under law for LGBT Americans. That is why we must give committed gay couples the same rights and responsibilities afforded to any married couple, and repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. We must protect the rights of LGBT families by securing their adoption rights, ending employment discrimination against LGBT Americans, and ensuring Federal employees receive equal benefits. We must create safer schools so all our children may learn in a supportive environment. I am also committed to ending "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" so patriotic LGBT Americans can serve openly in our military, and I am working with the Congress and our military leadership to accomplish that goal.
As we honor the LGBT Americans who have given so much to our Nation, let us remember that if one of us is unable to realize full equality, we all fall short of our founding principles. Our Nation draws its strength from our diversity, with each of us contributing to the greater whole. By affirming these rights and values, each American benefits from the further advancement of liberty and justice for all.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2010 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month by fighting prejudice and discrimination in their own lives and everywhere it exists.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Exxon-Mobil Continues to Fuel Discrimination Against LGBT People
ExxonMobil continues to stand steadfast against including LGBT people in their non discrimination policy. Mobil had such a policy which was reversed when Exxon Corp merged with them. The shareholders refuse to acknowledge LGBT people and have consistently voted down a proposal for an inclusive non-discrimination policy.
This year shareholder support for adding LGBT protections to the non-discrimination policy went down by a whopping 18 percent. In total 78% of Exxonmobil shareholders are opposed to adding sexual orientation and gender identity/expression to their policy.
It is imperative that we continue to let them know of our concern as well as to ensure a community wide boycott.
E-contact Form for Exxon-Mobil
Word of the Gay: "Internalized Oppression"
"Internalized oppression" is when a member of an oppressed group accepts the false stereotypes that have been applied to the group.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Take Action: DADT Repeal Bill to be Voted on Today!
The President has signed onto a deal to move full steam ahead with a repeal of the military's 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' policy. The deal likely will allow for the bill to be voted on today in the House & Senate Armed Services Committee. The majority of the American populace supports repeal and insiders say they have the necessary votes. While there are ups and downs to the proposed bill it is nonetheless a historic piece of legislation that must be approved.
Take action with HRC to demand your representatives vote in favor of repealing this anti-gay policy.
Email congress and tweet your lawmakers.
Also be sure to call congress at (202) 224-3121.
Word of the Gay: "Lesbian Baiting"
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Blogging for LGBT Families Day on June 1st
June 1st marks the fifth annual 'Blogging for LGBT Families Day'. Over the past five years, hundreds of bloggers from around the world have participated, including lesbian moms, gay dads, bisexual parents, transgender parents, adult children of LGBT parents, LGBT individuals without children, and straight allies. Some bloggers told stories about their paths to parenthood, or tales about their children; some wrote about LGBT relatives or friends; others discussed current political events; and several spoke of why their faith obliges them to support LGBT rights.
Click here to participate and check out postings from prior years.
Word of the Gay: "Male Lesbian"
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Miller Lite Ads Invoke the Straight Man's Fear of Being Perceived as Sissy
MillerCoors a beer company marketing its Miller Lite brand has created two commercials that embraces sexist and transphobic ideas. One commercial features a man asking the bartender for a light beer. She asks him if he cares how it tastes and since he doesn't she tells him that when he starts caring he should "take off his skirt" and get a Miller Lite. The man looks obviously humiliated and the commercial then says "man up" He then goes to his friends saying "check it out, I lost the skirt and got a Miller Lite."
The other ad features a man asking the bartender for a light beer, she asks if he cares how it tastes. He responds that he does not, and she says "when you start caring put down your purse and I'll give you a Miller Lite."
What do these commercials teach us? That women can't handle a "real beer" and that men who drink other light beers are sissies. In order to fit the image of a true masculine heterosexual male, you should lose the "skirt or purse" by purchasing a Miller Lite.
Tell MillerCoors to drop this sexist and genderphobic ad.
Contact MillerCoors corporate offices via e-contact or by phone at 1-800-645-5376.
Rep Roskam: Talk of Repealing DADT "Manipulating & Dishonoring" of Troops
During an appearance on WLS Radio's Don Wade & Roma this morning, Illinois GOP Rep. Peter Roskam of the 6th district knocked efforts to repeal the military's anti-gay 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' policy which bars openly gay, lesbian, and bisexual people from serving in the military. The congressman suggested that the mere conversation about possible repeal of the policy is "manipulating and doesn't honor" the troops.
ROSKAM: We've got to focus on jobs and the economy. What the American public is very reluctant about, and I think deeply resents, is the idea of using our national military for politics -- moving a political agenda and manipulating the military in the process. And it just seems completely incongruous. It doesn't honor the people that are serving in the military, it doesn't hold them in high esteem. Instead, it says we're gong to manipulate you and we're going to use you as a foil in this great debate that we're having across our country. You know what, let's have the great debate, but let's not use these folks as a pawn in this political game.Tell the congressman that the only thing manipulative and dishonorable is not allowing troops to serve openly.
507 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-4561
E-contact form
H/T to Progress Illinois for the news tip.
FedEx Reverses Policy, Now Offers Benefits to Same-Sex Employees
FedEx a mega logistics and delivery company has made a positive step forward by offering protections to same-sex couples who are in domestic partnerships. The company previously invoked the federal Defense of Marriage Act as defense for not offering equal health benefits to LGBT employees. The company has also recently expanded their nondiscrimination policy to be inclusive of transgender workers.
Use the customer service form to applaud their decision to join the ranks of other corporations moving towards employee equity.
Web Spotlight: Gay Geeks
Gay Geeks is a forum for gay geeks of all types to hang out, chat, debate, rant, occasionally flirt shamelessly, and just generally chill.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Coming Soon: 'Gary & Tony Have a Baby'
CNN's Soledad O'Brien's "In America" will feature a documentary called 'Gary & Tony Have a Baby' which is scheduled to appear this June.
CNN snippet:
"Gary Spino and Tony Brown have been on the forefront of gay activism all of their lives, but now they want the most traditional thing anyone can want -- marriage and a baby. Follow their journey as they struggle against the legal and personal obstacles -- can these two men achieve a life as mainstream as their parents?"
June 24 at 8 p.m. ET on CNN
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Shameless Self Promotion Sunday
Please feel free to share any links to queer or queer related topics of interest. You can post a blog entry you made, a website you found interesting. Anything goes as long as it is queer in nature.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Campaign to MILK Twitter!
In honor of Harvey Milk's birthday please make sure to get #MILK trending on Twitter. With millions of people accessing this micro-blogging site daily it is critical that people the world over hear the message and know the great hero that is Harvey Milk.
Join me in celebrating Harvey Milk Day.
Make #MILK a trending topic
Open Forum: What Does Harvey Milk Mean to You?
Slain LGBT civil rights hero Harvey Milk would turn 80 today if he were still alive. Now California has recognized Harvey Milk Day as an official day to recognize his impact on the movement towards equality and justice. Even though he is gone, he has left a legacy and inspired a new generation of activists to stand up, be proud, and demand full equality.
What does Harvey Milk mean to you and what are you doing to celebrate and honor him today?
Friday, May 21, 2010
Harvey Milk Day of Action May 22nd
Saturday, May 22 has been officially designated Harvey Milk Day by the state of California, and would have been Harvey Milk's 80th birthday. In February, Equality Across America put out a call to action for activists across the country to celebrate Harvey Milk's legacy and continue the demand for full federal equality. "I have tasted freedom. I will not give up that which I have tasted. I have a lot more to drink." – Harvey Milk
For a listing of events taking place nationwide click here.
The Weekly Queer Roundup
So you may ask what craziness has gone on in the world of FABGLITTER or is Lavender Menace more apropos? Well, sexuality wasn't always so shameful and hidden, 30,000 years ago people knew how to have fun. Maybe we should forward that "traditional values" article to Mark Souder, the latest "family values" republican caught with his pants down. If you thought his hypocrisy is batshit crazy, you haven't seen nothing yet, because the Westboro Baptist Church is coming to town to protest Constance McMillan's graduation. But even as right-wing as they are they claim to support racial equality and de-segregation unlike Rand Paul who would reverse parts of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Be sure to piss off Mr. Paul by expanding the Civil Rights Act to include LGBT people. With so much hate going on and people not having the courage to speak out, I wanted to end on a more positive note. While many adults lack the intelligence or courage to fight hate, the kids will be alright.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Tell Senators to Co-Sponsor the Student Non-Discrimination Act
Senator Al Franken (D) Minnesota introduced the Student Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA) along with 22 other senate co-sponsors of the legislation. The bill will prohibit discrimination and harassment and provide for a learning environment that values respect and acceptance for all.
According to GLSEN:
Nearly 9 out of 10 LGBT students (86.2%) experience harassment at school because of their sexual orientation, and 60.8% feel unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation, according to GLSEN's 2007 National School Climate Survey.The following is a list of senators currently co-sponsoring the bill:
The harassment clearly affects students' ability to learn. A third of LGBT students (32.7%) missed a day of school in the past month because of feeling unsafe, five times higher than a national sample of all students.
SNDA is co-sponsored by Senators Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), John Kerry (D-Mass.), Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.), Russ Feingold (D-Wisc.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Robert Menedez (D-N.J.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii).
Please make sure to urge your senators to join in co-sponsoring this important piece of legislation.
Contact your senators by email or by phone at (202) 224-3121.
Also be sure to lobby your congressmember on SNDA a similar bill in the house under HR 4530.
Word of the Gay: "Psychical Hermaphroditism"
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Emergency Rally Thursday on Capitol Hill to Save ENDA
Activists from GetEQUAL will hold an emergency Employment Non Discrimination Act (ENDA) protest on Capitol Hill tomorrow at noon. The action is part of a series of events during the week to pressure the congress to vote on this important piece of legislation which will bar discrimination in employment on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.
"We've heard all we can stand to hear from leaders in Congress, they promised a vote this calendar year and we expect them to honor their word," said Robin McGhee, co-founder of GetEQUAL. "As the window continues to slowly close on available legislative calendar dates to vote on ENDA in the House and in the Senate, we will continue to hold Speaker Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Reid accountable for the direct promise they made to the LGBT community. Our community has done the work to lobby and educate members of Congress on the need for a fully inclusive ENDA and now is the time to stop the talking and start the voting" (Echelon).WHAT: Emergency Capitol Hill Protest to Save the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA)
WHEN: Thursday, May 20th, 2010
WHERE: Corner of Independence Ave SE & 1st ST SE (by the Library of Congress)
TIME: 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm (ET)
O'Reilly Compares Transgender People to Ewoks
In the legal segment Tuesday evening on Fox New's O'Reilly Factor, host Bill O'Reilly questions legal analysts Lis Wiehl and Kimberly Guilfoyle on the American Eagle decision to reverse its anti-trans policy.
In the short segment O'Reilly voiced his outrage over the fact that American Eagle caved and now allows "men to dress like women" and "women to dress like men" and to add insult to injury says that "men can now dress like Dolly Parton and be protected." Ms. Wiehl the voice of reason spoke about how gender identity is a protected class in New York state and that the clothing retailer made the right choice.
O'Reilly decided to go even further and raise the ridiculous question over whether "people should be allowed to dress like ewoks?". Wiehl attempted to respond to the insane assertion explaining how gender identity is different, but was cut off by the bullying and overpowering Mr. O'Reilly.
Complaints can be sent to firstname.lastname@example.com.
Word of the Gay: "Uncle Roy"
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Five Myths that Hurt Intersex People
Intersex people are often shunned, shamed and made to feel invisible in a society that only thinks of sex as being solely male or female. The Intersex Roadshow compiled a list of common myths.
Myth 1: Intersex people all have intermediate genitalia
Myth 2: Intersex conditions are always diagnosed in infancy
Myth 3: All infant sex-assignment surgery is aimed at creating "female" genitalia
Myth 4: Intersex people should be genderqueer
Myth 5: "Real" intersex people are not genderqueer
Check out the link above for stories and accurate information countering these myths.
Web Spotlight: Campaign for Military Partners
The Campaign for Military Partners by Servicemembers United has been to reach out, recognize, connect, and support partners of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender military personnel.
HIV Vaccine Awareness Day
May 18th marks HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, an annual recognition of the thousands of volunteers, community leaders, health professionals, and scientists working to create a preventative vaccine against HIV. The day is designed so people learn more about the progress being made towards a vaccine and encourage people to join clinical vaccination trials.
To learn more and find out how to get involved please visit http://bethegeneration.nih.gov/
Queers United Tuesday Primary Endorsements
In looking out for the best interest of the LGBT community the following candidates are endorsed based solely on their commitment to LGBT equality as compared to their opponents. Please get out to the polls today and vote for these candidates.
Joe Sestak (D) for Senator of Pennsylvania.
Mark Critz (D) for 12th congressional seat in Pennsylvania.
Blanche Lincoln (D) for Senator of Arkansas.
Word of the Gay: "Fauxmosexual"
Monday, May 17, 2010
Activists Plan Demo at Speaker Pelosi's Office Tomorrow Over ENDA
Activists from GetEQUAL will be protesting in front of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office in San Francisco tomorrow afternoon. They are demanding that the Employment Non Discrimination Act (ENDA) be moved for a vote in congress immediately. The Democratic party has continually promised to hold a vote on this legislation but keeps postponing it.
Tuesday, May 18 from 430-630pm
7th & Mission St.
If you can't make it to San Francisco, please, contact Speaker Pelosi's office in both SF - 415.556.4862, and, DC - (202) 225-0100.
Self Described "Proud Homophobe" Kicked Off of Elite Panel on Oil Spill
Thanks to activist outcry the Department of Energy has dropped Mr. Jonathan Katz from the oil spill elite team. His controversial writings were deemed a distraction to the groups efforts.
President Barack Obama has appointed self described "proud homophobe" Jonathan I. Katz a professor of Physics at Washington University to the elite panel designed to help British Petroleum find solutions to the oil spill in the Gulf. When reffering to the AIDS epidemic Mr. Katz says: "These people died so the sodomites could feel good about themselves." He has even written an article called 'In Defense of Homophobia' which can be found on his website.
Please sign on to the public letter demanding Obama fire this homophobe.
Word of the Gay: "LGBTQphobia"
"LGBTQphobia" is a relatively unknown term to describe hatred and fear directed at lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning people.
International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia
Every May 17th is the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) to show that shame should not lie in one's sexuality or gender identity but in the hatred and stereotypes that are assigned to these identities. The chosen day for this worldwide series of events is based on the fact that on this day in 1990 the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its listing of diseases.
- Homosexuality is still against the law in 80 countries, and penalties range from harassment and violence to imprisonment or the death penalty.
- In countries where homosexuality is legal, few protections exist and homophobic and transphobic attacks and murders are on the rise.
- Lesbian and bisexual women are often subject to taunting and rape to "teach them a lesson" and force heterosexuality upon them.
- Many gay and bisexual men are forced into horrific acts of shame and to undergo testosterone treatment in an attempt to masculinize and "de-gay" them.
- It is estimated that one transgender person is killed every three days around the world. Many of these victims remain unknown and unidentified.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Shameless Self Promotion Sunday
Please feel free to share any links to queer or queer related topics of interest. You can post a blog entry you made, a website you found interesting. Anything goes as long as it is queer in nature.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
The Weekly Queer Roundup
My friend over at Womanist Musings suggested I do a weekly post on interesting articles I have come across. It's a great opportunity to spark discussion and also credit some great bloggers and journalists for their work. Feel free to comment on any of the above articles that may have sparked some thoughts.
This week we witnessed anti-gay preacher George Rekers say he isn't gay but merely has a "weakness". We have seen numerous sides to the debate about Kagan's sexuality with one blogger claiming that this is tantamount to sexual McCarthyism while another raises the point of bisexual erasure and binary thinking. Speaking of erasure and ignoring sexual diversity, people are completely ignoring that asexuals exist too! Another challenge is for those who people are aware of but don't accept differences in others, like the intersex man arrested for being himself. Even if we exist as queer people, there are politicians like congressman Steve King who want to push us deep into the closet. Don't worry though even though they try to stop us the gays are getting ready for a global make out session and Christianity is being rocked again with an openly Lesbian Episcopal Bishop! They can question us, try to "repair" us, and silence us but we queers will not have it. Full steam, ahead, next stop: Equality!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Petition Schwarzenegger to Stop "Gay Cure" Law on Books
California legislators have recently passed the bill AB 2199 which stops the Department of Mental Health from seeking a "cure" for homosexuality. All the scientific research indicates that homosexuality is not a choice, and not something that can be or need be fixed.
The bill now heads to Governor Schwarzenegger's desk for approval. Petition the Governor to sign this bill into law.
Word of the Gay: "Aunt Anita"
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Congressman King: "If Gays Don't Advertise It, They Won't Get Discriminated Against"
Congressman Steve King (R) of Iowa has defended his position against the Employment Non Discrimination Act by saying that "If you don't project it, if you don't advertise it, how would anyone know to discriminate against you?" The entire segment about this can be seen in the video below. Essentially Representative King is saying that gays who "flaunt" it are bringing discrimination upon themselves, and that it's their fault. This philosophy breeds a closeted environment, and one in which only cisgender and "straight acting" individuals are safe at their workplace.
Congressman King has been no stranger to controversial remarks about the LGBT community and others. It was only a year ago that he warned that gay marriage will lead to socialism.
Congressman King can be contacted below:
1131 Longworth Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202.225.4426
E-contact form . Twitter
Web Spotlight: Frisky Hands (Social Networking for Deaf GLBTQ's)
FriskyHands is an upcoming social networking site designed especially for the Deaf GLBTQ Community and their Friends & Admirers.
TMZ Draws Physical Comparisons Between Elena Kagan & Men
TMZ a gossip and entertainment news website is coming under criticism for attacking Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan based on her gender expression. First she was compared to "King of Queens" star Kevin James (I am highly certain there is no coincidence they selected that show). Today she was compared to transman Chaz Bono.
There has been speculation over Kagan's sexuality for some time now, some think it's a private matter, while others feel that public leaders should come out.
Regardless of how people feel about outing, and the importance of coming out, we can all agree that insulting someone based on their gender expression is unacceptable. This is as Bilerico puts it is an "open invitation to homophobia and transphobia" and that is exactly what the comments on the TMZ site by viewers express.
TMZ e-contact form for complaint.
Word of the Gay: "Goldilocks"
A "goldilocks" is a woman who prefers the company of gay bears. They are often referred to as the bear mans fag hag.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Dallas LGBT's to Protest ExxonMobil Gas Stations
Texas activists from GetEQUAL plan protests outside three ExxonMobil stations in Dallas on Friday, May 14. The company refuses to add sexual orientation and gender identity to it's non-discrimination policy. Exxon acquired Mobil ten years ago and removed LGBT protections, stripping partner benefits and non-discrimination policy language.
The company get a zero from the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index.
The rallies will take place outside ExxonMobil stations at 3716 Maple Ave, 4239 Lemmon Ave. and 2503 Lemmon Ave. in Dallas, Texas.
Coalition to Protest NYC Mayor Bloomberg's HIV/AIDS Budget Cuts
Over 40 groups will protest tomorrow at the office of NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg over massive cuts to the city's HIV/AIDS budget. The cuts affect all people with HIV/AIDS and those at risk, particularly hurt are poor and low income families, and children.
Protest: 11 AM East side of City Hall near Brooklyn Bridge Subway Station
Press conference: Located on City Hall Steps at 12.
Veterans Lobby Day on Capitol Hill
Today hundreds of LGBT veterans and allies will descend on Capitol Hill to demand a repeal of the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy which bars openly gay servicemembers. A full schedule of events can be seen at Veterans Lobby Day.
There is also a "virtual lobby day" action and no matter where you are you can engage in two minute activism to show your support for repeal. LGBT POV is encouraging us to call our members of congress and demand repeal now.
Call the Congressional switchboard at 202-224-3121, tell them where you live, and ask them to connect you to your representative's office.
Tell the staffer who picks up: Hi, this is [YOUR NAME] from [YOUR CITY] and I'm calling to support the Veteran's Lobby Day that's happening today. I urge Congress to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" this year.
Also be sure to read up on the latest story of veterans from the front lines speaking up against the policy and join Howard Dean by signing the petition for repeal.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Gay Marriage = Hamster Madness
Now that ladies and gentleman is gay satire at it's finest.
H/T to Waking Up Now.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Family Guy's Transphobic Mother's Day Episode
Family Guy an animated television series on Fox aired an extremely transphobic episode on Mother's Day. The episode called "Quagmire's Dad" was about a big life change for his father, a recognized Navy war hero veteran. The episode is filled with homophobic and transphobic language and judgment.
It starts off with the father coming to town and Quagmire's friends commenting on how "gay" the father seemed, because he exhibited gay stereotypes including an (effeminate voice, desire to entertain, drinks Cosmo's, etc). When Quagmire confronts his dad he admits he admits he is not gay but really a woman trapped inside a man's body.
Quagmire asks for support from the Griffin's, the wife Lois offers that her husband Peter will go to the hospital for the sex change operation. Lois and Peter remark that the whole thing seems "pretty gay" but that it is "obviously weird" and Lois finishes off by telling the two men that they should "enjoy the circus" referring to the hospital visitation.
In the waiting room there is the talk of "he/she" and the "penis being chopped off" an obvious disregard of using correct pronouns and propagation of the myth that transwomen remove their penis.
When Quagmire's father transitions she takes on the name Ida and is invited over to the Griffin's for dinner. She brings a pie but Lois immediately tells her daughter to throw it away. This plays on the irrational fears of interacting with trans people. Over dinner Peter asks the inappropriate question "do you miss your penis?" and asks about the legitimacy of her "knockers".
When Ida meets the Griffin's dog, they develop a relationship. The dog (Brian) is thrilled at meeting a new and wonderful woman but gets disgusted and vomits when he finds out she is transgender.
Real issues came up during the episode which explored issues such as orientation & gender identity, coming out, surgery, and family and societal acceptance of transition. Unfortunately the show misrepresented facts about the transgender experience and instead exploited trans people for a few laughs.
Fox accepts feedback on their shows, please tell them transphobic material does not belong on the air and that they should pull the show.
Happy Mother's Day
Wishing all the moms out there a very happy and health Mother's Day. Thank you for being your kind and nurturing selves!
Queer links of interest this Mother's Day:
Lesbian Mom Meet Up Groups
Family Equality Council
Shameless Self Promotion Sunday
Please feel free to share any links to queer or queer related topics of interest. You can post a blog entry you made, a website you found interesting. Anything goes as long as it is queer in nature.


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Saturday, December 15, 2012
Gaudete: Joy as a fruit of the Holy Spirit
5 comments:
I did not read this; just the title. Pardon me Fr. but I don't find any such demand in the CIC or the Big 10. I think it is an invitation.
Stop laying burdens where God's Love will suffice. - December 16, 2012 at 9:20 PM
- Father Ryan Erlenbush said...
I would be surprised that you do not know that an imperative verb (guadete) is a "command", excepting that you don't even have the decency to notice that the comment policy on this blog requires the use of a name or pseudonym.
Well, you only read the title, so I can see you aren't interested in serious discussion.
Happy Advent! + - December 17, 2012 at 9:11 AM
- Edward said...
I can't think of an example of an act of Joy. I can think of specific acts of Love, but not Joy. Help me understand! Although maybe acts of Love are also acts of Joy.
- December 17, 2012 at 12:18 PM
- Josemaria Paulo Jeromino Martin Carvalho-Von Verster said...
Fr Ryan
When we Speak of Joy as an Act,do we mean it that way in The Sense of "Gavdivm in Crvce"? - December 18, 2012 at 3:23 PM
- Father Ryan Erlenbush said...
Joy is itself an act stemming from Love ... it is to rejoice and take delight in the Beloved.
To delight in the goodness of God, to enjoy his diving company, to rest in his love -- all these are acts of joy.
Certainly, a good deal of Christian prayer should be acts of joy.
Hope that helps! + - December 19, 2012 at 5:26 AM
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text:
Large numbers of terracotta animal or bird figurines, in many cases of Indian inspiration, have been found at Yotkan and other southern Taklamakan Desert sites. Fragments of appliqué decoration from vessels are also common. These examples were collected for Dr A.F.R. Hoernle shortly before 1900 by British officials in Central Asia such as Sir George Macartney, consul-general at Kashgar.
Harle, J. C., and Andrew Topsfield, Indian Art in the Ashmolean Museum (Oxford: Ashmolean Museum, 1987), no. 35 on pp. 26-28, pp. 28 & 30, illus. p. 27
Objects are sometimes moved to a different location. Our object location data is usually updated on a monthly basis. Contact the Jameel Study Centre if you are planning to visit the museum to see a particular object on display, or would like to arrange an appointment to see an object in our reserve collections.
© 2013 University of Oxford - Ashmolean Museum


text:
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Eric Idle - Comedian, Writer and Actor
Created | Updated Aug 31, 2011
Monty Python
Monty Python - a Brief History | Graham Chapman - Comedy Writer and Actor | John Cleese - Comedy Writer and Actor | Terry Gilliam - Writer, Animator and Director | Eric Idle - Comedian, Writer and Actor | Terry Jones - Writer, Director and Actor | Michael Palin - Writer, Actor and Traveller | 'Monty Python's Flying Circus' - the Television Series | Monty Python's 'Dead Parrot Sketch' | 'And Now For Something Completely Different' - the Film | 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail' - the Film | 'Monty Python's Life of Brian' - the Film | 'Monty Python's The Meaning of Life' - the Film | Monty Python - The Books | Monty Python - The Records | Monty Python - The Stage Shows | Monty Python - The Best Bits | Almost Pythons - Important 'Monty Python' Contributors
Nudge nudge, wink wink, say no more!
Eric Idle is arguably the most underrated member of the Monty Python team. His distinctive features aren't as well known as those of John Cleese or Michael Palin, but he was responsible for some of Monty Python's finest moments, and he's done some great work since the Python team split.
He's certainly the most musically gifted Python. It was Eric who gave us 'Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life' and 'The Galaxy Song', among many other memorable musical moments. He's made his own TV series and appeared as a guest in many others, he's appeared in numerous non-Python films, and he's written a rather excellent comedy/sci-fi book, The Road To Mars.
But where did the skinny, singing Python first spring from?
Early Eric
The answer is that Eric Idle originally came from South Shields, County Durham, in northern England. He was born in Harton Hospital, South Shields, on 29 March, 1943.
His father was an airman, who saw active service with the Royal Air Force in places like India and Nassau. By the cruellest of ironies, Eric's father survived the Second World War, only to be fatally injured in a road accident whilst on leave and hitch-hiking home for Christmas. He died on 24 December, 1945, and Eric would later say that his earliest memory was of a weeping mother at Christmas.
In 1952 Idle was sent to boarding school at the Royal School, Wolverhampton, an institution he has described as a 'semi-orphanage'. Although unhappy there, he was academically successful. He won a place at Cambridge University, and it was there that his comedy career began.
In March 1963, Idle was admitted to The Cambridge Footlights, the famous Cambridge University comedy club, after being auditioned by Bill Oddie and Tim Brooke-Taylor - who would subsequently find fame as two-thirds of The Goodies1.
In 1963 and 1964, Eric appeared in the annual Cambridge Footlights Revue at the Edinburgh Festival. He also co-wrote and directed the 1964 production.
He gained sufficient popularity in the Footlights Club to be elected President of the club in 1965. One of his first acts as President was to remove the Club's ancient ban on allowing women to become members. Among the first women to join the Footlights was the highly influential feminist writer Germaine Greer2.
After graduating from Cambridge, Idle first worked as a stand-up comedian on the London cabaret circuit, and as an actor in London-based theatre productions. But he soon began to concentrate more on scriptwriting. He contributed to David Frost's satirical TV show The Frost Report along with two other future Pythons, John Cleese and Graham Chapman, and Ronnie Corbett and Ronnie Barker3.
Idle was soon in great demand as a scriptwriter. He wrote for another TV comedy series starring Corbett, No, That's Me Over Here, for a show starring Frank Muir entitled We Have Ways Of Making You Laugh in which Idle also appeared as a performer, and for Twice A Fortnight, where he worked with John Bird, John Fortune4 and another Python-to-be, Terry Jones. He also wrote for radio, contributing to scripts for the long-running BBC Radio comedy show I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again.
In 1968, Eric was invited to take part in a new TV comedy show that would be aimed mainly at children. The cast included half the future Monty Python team - Idle, Jones and Palin - as well as David Jason, Denise Coffey and The Bonzo Dog (Doo-Dah) Band5. Although it was broadcast in the late afternoon, the anarchic humour of Do Not Adjust Your Set won it a cult following among adult viewers.
Then Barry Took, a comedian and scriptwriter who'd enjoyed huge success with the hit radio series Round The Horne and Take It From Here, had the idea that would change comedy history. Took's idea was to team up two comedy writing teams: Cleese and Chapman, and Palin and Jones. Happily for the future of comedy, all four were keen on the idea. Palin invited along Idle and Terry Gilliam, and Monty Python's Flying Circus was born.
Eric the Python
As the only member of the Python team who wrote sketches alone, Idle - with no writing partner to support him - sometimes had to fight to get his material accepted by the others. But he still provided some classic Python moments. It's a curious fact that Idle's most famous contribution to the Monty Python's Flying Circus TV series was a sketch he tried to give away. The Nudge, Nudge sketch was offered to The Two Ronnies, but Corbett and Barker rejected it as they regarded it as being in poor taste.
Fortunately, the Pythons never allowed such considerations to inhibit their creativity. And so, instead of Corbett and Barker, it was Jones and Idle who acted out the roles of the stuffy-looking gent and the sleazy character who gleefully pesters him with highly personal questions and endless innuendo:
Idle: Your, uh, your wife, does she go, eh, does she go, eh?
Jones: (flustered) Well, she sometimes 'goes', yes.
Idle: Aaaaaaaah bet she does, I bet she does, say no more, say no more, know what I mean, nudge nudge?
Jones: (confused) I'm afraid I don't quite follow you.
Idle: Follow me! Follow me! That's good, that's good! A nod's as good as a wink to a blind bat!
Unusually for Python, the sketch had a punch line:
Idle: You've been around a bit, you know, like, you've, uh.... You've 'done it'....
Jones: What do you mean?
Idle: Well, I mean, like...you've slept with a lady...
Jones: Yes...
Idle: What's it like?
Nudge, Nudge was, of course, just one of many major contributions Eric made to the Python TV series. He was Mr Smoketoomuch in the Travel Agent sketch, delivering an inspired tirade about the horrors of the English abroad. He was also one of the Four Yorkshiremen who competed with increasingly surreal claims about the extreme deprivations they'd endured in their youth, and the leader of the ultra-stereotypical Australians, the Bruces - in which guise he performed one of the funniest Monty Python songs, 'Bruce's Philosophers Song'.
Eric even occasionally got to show off his talents as an impressionist. The real people impersonated by Idle in Python TV shows included John Lennon and the celebrated soccer manager Brian Clough.
In the Python films, Idle's two finest moments come with songs. In the unforgettable finale of Life Of Brian, it's Eric who leads the crowd of crucifixes in singing 'Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life'. In The Meaning Of Life, it is he who appears in a pink suit to croon 'The Galaxy Song', which lists lots of scientifically accurate facts about the vastness of the Milky Way before coming to a hard-to-argue-with conclusion:
So remember, when you're feeling very small and insecure/ How amazingly unlikely is your birth/ And pray that there's intelligent life somewhere out in space/ 'Cause there's b****r all down here on Earth!
Idle took part in the 1998 reunion of the surviving Pythons in Aspen, Colorado, USA. He was, however, the only one of the five to decline to take part in the BBC special to mark the team's 30th anniversary in 1999. This was reportedly due to arguments between Eric and the other Pythons over what form any new Python project should take - and if one should happen at all.
Rutland Weekend Television
Whilst the Python TV series was running, Idle wrote and performed a show for BBC Radio 1 entitled Radio 5 on Radio 1, featuring sketches in between records. This was before the launch of the real BBC Radio 5, and the concept was that a small station was temporarily taking over the Radio 1 frequency for the duration of the show.
In 1975, Eric took the same idea on to television with Rutland Weekend Television, a Pythonesque comedy series featuring regular musical contributions from frequent Python collaborator Neil Innes. This time, the show was supposedly coming from a tiny independent TV station based in Rutland, England's smallest county.
Rutland Weekend Television ran for two series, but a spin-off from the show is probably better remembered. One sketch in RWT featured a band called The Rutles, who bore a curious resemblance to The Beatles. Idle and Neil Innes expanded the idea into a Rutles special, All You Need Is Cash. A spoof documentary supposedly telling the story of 'The Prefab Four', it gained much acclaim, largely due to the brilliance of the authentically Beatlesque songs Innes wrote for it, and it still retains a cult following. Guest stars in the show included a real Beatle: George Harrison, who made a cameo appearance playing a reporter. Mick Jagger and Paul Simon also appeared, giving interviews about fictional encounters with the legendary Rutles.
Further adventures on the small screen
Although he's best known for Python and Rutland Weekend Television, Eric has appeared on plenty more TV shows over the years. He hosted the long-running US comedy show Saturday Night Live on four occasions between 1976 and 1979.
In 1989, Idle starred as Passepartout in a six-hour production of Jules Verne's Around The World In 80 Days, shown on American TV over three nights. In the same year, he took a leading role in Nearly Departed, a sitcom about a deceased couple who haunt their former home. The series itself departed from the TV schedules fairly rapidly.
More recently, in 1999 and 2000, Eric was a regular in the cast of Suddenly Susan, a sitcom set in a magazine office and starring Brooke Shields.
But the most successful sitcom that Eric has been associated with in recent years has been One Foot In The Grave, the much-loved BBC show about grumpy pensioner Victor Meldrew. Eric's contribution to the series was mostly musical: he co-wrote and sang its theme song. In 1990, he also made a couple of guest appearances in the show itself.
Cinematic Eric
Idle's performances in the Python movies launched a film career that has seen him contribute to a wide range of films of varying quality.
He had a lead role in Nuns On The Run (1990) a cross-dressing comedy about two men who disguise themselves as nuns in order to escape angry gangsters. Idle's co-star in Nuns On The Run was the British actor and comedian Robbie Coltrane, famed for his role as Fitz in the UK police drama Cracker and for his portrayal of Hagrid in the film of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
In 1993, Eric starred in Splitting Heirs, a farce about the English upper classes for which he also wrote the script. He then enjoyed box-office success with 1995's Caspar, based on the comic strip Caspar The Friendly Ghost.
In 1996, Idle played the part of Rat in Terry Jones' film adaptation of Kenneth Grahame's classic children's story The Wind In The Willows6. The film reunited four members of the Python team, with Jones, Palin and Cleese also appearing in a star-studded cast alongside Steve Coogan, Stephen Fry and Victoria Wood.
Unfortunately, Idle's cinema career suffered a setback in 1997, when he took a leading role in An Alan Smithee Film - Burn Hollywood Burn, a satire on the film industry that received scathing reviews.
Since then, Eric hasn't been seen in any hit films - but he has been heard in some big box-office successes. He provided the voice of Dr Vosknocker in South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999) and that of Waddlesworth in 102 Dalmatians (2000), and featured as the Narrator in Ella Enchanted (2004).
Eric by the book
Idle's first novel, Hello Sailor, was written in 1970 but - largely due to Eric's understandable mistrust of the publishing industry - didn't appear in book shops until 1975. Hello Sailor is a satire on British politics, about a Prime Minister and a Cabinet including a Foreign Secretary who is in fact a stuffed corpse.
Although Hello Sailor sold respectably, it was 1998 before Idle's second novel appeared. The Road To Mars is a mixture of comedy and science-fiction that might well appeal to Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy fans. It tells the story of a 23rd Century comedy duo on an interplanetary tour, accompanied by an android who yearns to understand comedy, and is writing a thesis on the subject.
In October 2003 Eric began a lengthy series of live shows in venues around the United States, and wrote an online tour diary that was regularly uploaded to the Pythonline website. In 2005, those thoughts from the road were published in a book whose irreverent name was derived from that of the tour: The Greedy Bastard Diary - A Comic Tour Of America.
Eric stage by stage
Idle tried his hand as a stage actor during his pre-Python days, but soon decided that the life didn't suit him. In 1966 he appeared in a production of the anti-war satire Oh! What A Lovely War that he thought was a wonderful production.
Sadly, as Eric later recalled, the audience didn't seem quite so impressed:
It was an amazing production, where every night the cast cried more than the audience. We were all so terrifically motivated, while they left for early buses.
However, that wasn't the end of Eric in the theatre. Naturally, he joined the rest of the team for the Monty Python stage shows.
Then, in 1979, Idle wrote a comedy play, Pass The Butler, about a government minister whose own family conspire to murder him. It was 1981 before Pass The Butler was first publicly performed, but it then became a sizeable success. The play was particularly popular in Scandinavia, breaking box-office records in Sweden.
In 1986, Idle returned to theatre performance as - of all things - an opera singer. He played the part of Ko-Ko in an English National Opera production of Gilbert & Sullivan's comic opera The Mikado. Eric admitted afterwards that he'd been nervous about attempting opera, but he needn't have been. Both his performance and the production received highly enthusiastic reviews.
Idle's greatest stage success came in 2005 with the Broadway triumph of Monty Python's Spamalot, a musical adapted - or 'lovingly ripped off', as the posters put it - from the movie Monty Python And The Holy Grail. Eric had long wanted to revive the Holy Grail concept, and tried to persuade the surviving Pythons to make a new film based on the later adventures of some of the characters from Holy Grail. But John Cleese could not be convinced that the new movie would work, and so Eric decided to turn the Grail into a stage show instead.
Idle wrote the script and wrote some new songs with help from his long-time musical collaborator John Du Prez. Cleese also contributed, recording the 'Voice of God' heard in the show. The show features some old Python songs alongside the new Idle-Du Prez numbers: 'Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life', 'Finland' and 'Knights Of The Round Table' are all included.
The first public performances of Spamalot came in the form of previews at the Chicago Shubert Theatre in December 2004. After great success there, the show then transferred to Broadway, with the five surviving Pythons reuniting for the Broadway premiere in March 2005 and joining the regular cast on stage for the finale of 'Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life'. The show enjoyed huge commercial success and critical acclaim, collecting three Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Pop Idle
Eric enjoyed another surprising singing success in 1991. He briefly became a pop star, when 'Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life' unexpectedly became a major hit single in Britain, following its use in a TV advertisement7. He made a memorable appearance on the BBC's long-running pop show Top Of The Pops, clad in an old raincoat. The performance ended with Eric walking out of the studio, still singing the song, with a camera following him, before clambering into a waiting taxi - from which dry-ice smoke mysteriously poured.
After it hit the charts, 'Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life' became a popular anthem for football fans. After all, what more appropriate song to sing when your team's losing 6-0 with five minutes to go?
In 2000, Eric again revisited the Python musical legacy when he toured the US singing Python songs, in a one-man show entitled Eric Idle Exploits Monty Python. He also released an album of songs from the show, with the title amended to Eric Idle Sings Monty Python. Whatever differences Eric may have had with the other members of the team, he's still obviously happy to be associated with Monty Python.


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There's a theory that the musical tastes we develop during our formative years, say the mid to late teens, stick with us as we get older. This certainly explains my soft spot for punk, which always comes as a shock to those I've met later in life. As a teen, the Ramones were one of my musical first loves. I first heard the band when they were interviewed by Rodney Bingenheimer—the longtime DJ and musical tastemaker—on his Sunday night KROQ show. The band was promoting the goofy Rock 'n' Roll High School, in which they wrote the title song and were featured in the movie. Something about their distorted power chords, visceral, driving rhythms and knucklehead lyrics had me running out to buy their LPs Rocket to Russia and Road to Ruin the next day.
To the dismay of my parents, I played those records endlessly and as loud as I could get away with. Soon after I experienced the Ramones live, followed by seeing so many other punk and punk-adjacent bands, like X, the Dead Kennedys, The Clash, that it's a wonder why I don't have permanent hearing loss.
So I was excited to take a trip down punk memory lane at the Ramones and the Birth of Punk exhibit at the Grammy Museum at L.A. Live. On display until February, it has lots of quirky memorabilia like Joey Ramone's report card, their signature leather motorcycle jackets, and quickly dashed off visa applications full of personal info. It's a fun exhibit and homage to the four punkers from Queens.
While the music I listen to now is nowhere near as raucous and raw as punk, if it has robust and jangly guitar chords, or is rhythmically charged, it will likely be part of my playlist. Gabba gabba hey!


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The fight for the Senate couldn't be tighter. The chamber is 50-50 and the top Senate contests are as close as they can get. Republicans need to net one pickup to take control.
As the election nears, it is coming down to only half a dozen seats or less with really four that could provide the key — Pennsylvania, Georgia, Nevada and Arizona.
Pennsylvania is so important to Democrats, because if Lt. Gov. John Fetterman can hold on against celebrity TV doctor Mehmet Oz, then Republicans would need to win two of three of Georgia, Nevada and Arizona.
If Oz is able to pull it out, then Republicans' path to control opens up.
Of course, those aren't all the races.
Here's a look at our last top 10 seats (which we are expanding to 11 in this issue) most likely to flip before final votes are cast Tuesday (Toss Up and Lean ratings are based on the Cook Political Report). Check out our previous look at where things stood in the key races, which also ranked them in order of most likely to change hands.
1. PENNSYLVANIA (R-Open) TOSS UP
With Republican Sen. Pat Toomey's retirement, this state has become Democrats' top pick-up opportunity. Despite the difficult national landscape for Democrats, Republicans have struggled because Oz has not been well liked. Conservatives didn't like that Trump endorsed him, and his favorability ratings with independents are upside down.
A flood of ads from Republican outside groups hitting Fetterman on crime helped close the gap in this race, but Fetterman has won statewide before, is a known quantity and is better liked than Oz. Democrats are betting those factors mostly insulate him from a difficult debate performance that exposed his auditory processing difficulties in recovering from a stroke earlier this year. Previous: 1
2. GEORGIA (D-Warnock) TOSS UP
This race pits Democratic incumbent Sen. Raphael Warnock against former University of Georgia and NFL star Herschel Walker. Republicans have struggled to define Warnock in this race, though they have tried to tie him to Biden's policies in this state that leans Republican, especially in a midterm with high inflation and Biden's approval rating under water.
But then there's the complication that is Walker for Republicans. Walker was boosted to the nomination by Trump, but has had a seemingly endless stream of controversies and scandals, from domestic violence accusations to the number of children he's fathered to women who say Walker urged them to get abortions. Walker is staunchly — publicly — against abortion rights.
This is a state that will see lots of crossover voters, voting for both incumbent Republican Gov. Brian Kemp and Warnock. Kemp is the heavy favorite in his race for reelection over Democrat Stacey Abrams. That means there are going to have to be a whole lot of Kemp-Warnock voters for Warnock to pull off reelection. Another factor: if no one gets above 50%, this race would head to a runoff on Dec. 6. If that happens, there's the very real possibility that control of the Senate won't be known until some time after then. Previous: 2
3. NEVADA (D-Cortez Masto) TOSS UP
Republicans in recent weeks have started to feel very good about their chances here. Trump-backed challenger Adam Laxalt, a former state attorney general who denies the result of the 2020 presidential election, is a political scion in the state. His father was a senator and his grandfather a governor.
Democrats continue to say incumbent Catherine Cortez Masto is running a good campaign, but the political environment makes it an uphill battle. The state has high white- and Latino working-class populations, which have struggled to recover financially from the effects of the pandemic. Latinos are a key voting bloc here for Democrats, and the party needs them to turn out to vote.
In past years, Democrats have been able to mobilize their base to eke out close victories in Senate and presidential elections, but with the late Sen. Harry Reid no longer running the state's political machine, that traditionally vaunted get-out-the-vote effort is going to be put to the test. Previous: 3
4. ARIZONA (D-Kelly) TOSS UP
Incumbent Democrat Mark Kelly has led this race against Trump-backed Republican challenger Blake Masters for months, but as operatives in both parties have expected, this race has tightened considerably. Arizona is a place where Republicans outnumber Democrats and where independents really matter. That's the hurdle for both incumbent Kelly and Masters.
For Kelly, it's the difficult economy and immigration in this border state that have put him on defense. He has tried to distance himself, for example, from Biden's border policies.
For Masters, it's been his shifting positions on whether Trump won the 2020 election and abortion. He ran an ad during his primary claiming falsely that Trump did win, but in the general election he says he now believes he didn't. He also backtracked on his hardline stance on abortion, having called himself "100% pro-life" and even advocating for a federal "personhood" law "that recognizes that unborn babies are human beings that may not be killed." Both of those have been scrubbed from his website, and he now describes his position in ads as "common sense," while trying to paint Kelly as an "extremist" on the issue.
Putting Masters at a disadvantage is the finger pointing between the Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell-tied Senate Leadership Fund and Masters' billionaire mentor, Peter Thiel. Thiel poured in millions at the beginning of the campaign to boost Masters, and McConnell's group wanted Thiel to spread it around more to other GOP campaigns. That hasn't happened, Senate Leadership Fund has pulled out of Arizona and Thiel hasn't been supporting Masters' campaign financially as he had been in the primary. Previous: 4
5. WISCONSIN (R-Johnson) TOSS UP
Incumbent Ron Johnson seems to have an edge in this race, although both sides expect this one to be close because of the state's evenly – and hotly – divided electorate. Johnson hasn't backed down from controversial positions, and isn't very well liked in the state. That said, he's well aware of how he's viewed, has run a hard-nosed campaign and may have the slightest edge.
Republicans have run a deluge of ads attacking Democratic Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes on crime — and Johnson has seen a boost in the polls as a result. Barnes is going after Johnson on abortion now, and Democrats expect this race to tighten and likely be a 1-to-2 point race, as so many statewide races in this sharply politically polarized state have been. Previous: 5
6. NORTH CAROLINA (R-Open) LEAN R
Put simply: Republicans have the advantage here because of the partisan lean of the state. It's not because Republican Rep. Ted Budd has run a particularly effective campaign. Budd got Trump's endorsement and that got him through the primary, but Budd has been outraised and outspent by Democrat Cheri Beasley.
Budd's campaign spent a paltry $7 million on TV ads through Oct. 17. So outside groups, like SLF, have had to come in to keep a pro-GOP presence on the airwaves in a significant way, spending $64 million on Budd's behalf. Previous: 6
7. NEW HAMPSHIRE (D-Hassan) LEAN D
This race has quickly receded as a top GOP target. Republicans saw incumbent Democrat Maggie Hassan as a generic Democrat, someone they could pick off in a swing state in a year when the president's approval rating is upside down.
The problem is the GOP didn't get a generic Republican out of their primary. Republicans missed out on recruiting Republican Gov. Chris Sununu, who is popular in the state, and wound up with controversial retired Army Brig. Gen. Don Bolduc. Bolduc has aligned himself with Trump, denies the 2020 election results, has boosted vaccine conspiracies and has raised and spent very little money. Republican outside groups had been playing heavily in this state, but after a $26 million investment from the Senate Leadership Fund, it pulled up stakes recently. But pay attention to the margin here. Polls close at 8 p.m. ET, and if Hassan is struggling or behind, it could be a big night for Republicans. If not, control of the Senate will be fairly narrow, as expected. Previous: 7
8. OHIO (R-Open) LEAN R
This is a state where operatives in both parties strongly urged ignoring the polls throughout this campaign. While Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan held eyebrow-raising leads here for some time over struggling Trump-backed Republican J.D. Vance, people close to both campaigns emphasized that the Republican lean of this state would likely move it in Vance's direction.
That was helped by the Senate Leadership Fund pouring in about $30 million to boost Vance, and relatively little spent by Democratic outside groups on behalf of Ryan. Ryan's campaign has spent about $35 million on TV, while outside groups only spent $8.5 million through Oct. 17, a signal that Democrats haven't been confident about this as a real potential takeover.
Vance was never the conservative favorite. Trump came in, surprisingly endorsed him and Vance won. Now, ironically, Vance has had to rely on McConnell's group to help him try and get across the finish line. Previous: 8
9. COLORADO (D-Bennet) LEAN D
Democratic incumbent Michael Bennet has been pushed in this race by wealthy Republican businessman Joe O'Dea, who has struck a moderate chord, particularly on abortion rights and partisanship.
The race looks like it could be decided in single digits, though Bennet is still favored. Democrats started to spend more money in the state to help shore it up. They have hit O'Dea on gun safety and are accusing him of "talking out of both sides of his mouth" on abortion.
Republican outside groups, on the other hand, perhaps seeing the Democratic lean of the state, have not played as strongly here as some other places. Resources are finite, and Republicans are happy to see Democrats have to use some of theirs in this Democratic-leaning state. Previous: 10
10. FLORIDA (R-Rubio) LIKELY R
Florida has continued to trend Republican, and incumbent Marco Rubio has leaned into that. He's gone after the "radical left" — even airing ads claiming, "They indoctrinate children and try to turn boys into girls. ... If you speak out, they ban you on social media and call you a racist."
His strategy has been to try and tie his challenger, Democratic Rep. Val Demings, a former police chief in Orlando, to progressive policies. Demings has raised significant amounts of money and polls had shown her making this a race over the summer. But, as so often happens, as voting gets closer, the partisan lean of a state tends to weigh out.
Something to watch in Florida elections is what effect the recovery from Hurricane Ian will have. The campaigns were still scrambling to figure that out in the final weeks. Previous: 9
11. WASHINGTON (D-Murray) LIKELY D
The Senate race here has become one where Democrats are taking no chances. Incumbent Democrat Patty Murray has been trying to stave off a fairly strong challenge from Republican veterans advocate Tiffany Smiley.
Smiley has hammered Murray on inflation, crime and homelessness in the state, and recent surveys have shown her outpacing Murray with independents. Murray is still the favorite in this state Biden won by 20 points, but her lead in public and private polling has gone into single digits in the last few weeks. Outside groups Women Vote and EMILY's List have poured in more than $6 million on TV ads in recent weeks to boost Murray, focusing on abortion rights.
Murray has touted her tenure and some pieces of recently passed Democratic legislation, even as Smiley has tried to use those very things against her. Previous: unranked
Notes: Pay attention to the margin in the Iowa Senate race, where Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley is up for reelection. The contest appeared to tightenrecently. ... Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski is the only Republican senator standing for reelection this year who voted for Trump's impeachment after Jan. 6. She is likely to win, thanks, in part, to ranked-choice voting.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


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FSO (Free Space Optics, Laser, Optical Wireless) Guide
Free Space Optics (FSO) communications, also called Optical Wireless (OW) or Infrared Laser, refers to the transmission of modulated visible or infrared (IR) beams through the atmosphere to obtain optical communications. Like fibre, Free Space Optics (FSO) uses lasers to transmit data, but instead of enclosing the data stream in a glass fibre, it is transmitted through the air. Free Space Optics (FSO) works on the same basic principle as Infrared television remote controls, wireless keyboards or IRDA ports on laptops or cellular phones.
History of Free Space Optics (FSO)
The engineering maturity of Free Space Optics (FSO) is often underestimated, due to a misunderstanding of how long Free Space Optics (FSO) systems have been under development. Historically, Free Space Optics (FSO) or optical wireless communications was first demonstrated by Alexander Graham Bell in the late nineteenth century (prior to his demonstration of the telephone!). Bell's Free Space Optics (FSO) experiment converted voice sounds into telephone signals and transmitted them between receivers through free air space along a beam of light for a distance of some 600 feet. Calling his experimental device the "photophone," Bell considered this optical technology – and not the telephone – his pre-eminent invention because it did not require wires for transmission.
Although Bell's photophone never became a commercial reality, it demonstrated the basic principle of optical communications. Essentially all of the engineering of today's Free Space Optics (FSO) or free space optical communications systems was done over the past 40 years or so, mostly for defense applications. By addressing the principal engineering challenges of Free Space Optics (FSO), this aerospace/defence activity established a strong foundation upon which today's commercial laser-based Free Space Optics (FSO) systems are based.
How Free Space Optics (FSO) Works
Free Space Optics (FSO) transmits invisible, eye-safe light beams from one "telescope" to another using low power infrared lasers in the terahertz spectrum. The beams of light in Free Space Optics (FSO) systems are transmitted by laser light focused on highly sensitive photon detector receivers. These receivers are telescopic lenses able to collect the photon stream and transmit digital data containing a mix of Internet messages, video images, radio signals or computer files. Commercially available systems offer capacities in the range of 100 Mbps to 2.5 Gbps, and demonstration systems report data rates as high as 160 Gbps.
Free Space Optics (FSO) systems can function over distances of several kilometres. As long as there is a clear line of sight between the source and the destination, and enough transmitter power, Free Space Optics (FSO) communication is possible.
FSO: Wireless Links at the Speed of Light
Unlike radio and microwave systems, Free Space Optics (FSO) is an optical technology and no spectrum licensing or frequency coordination with other users is required, interference from or to other systems or equipment is not a concern, and the point-to-point laser signal is extremely difficult to intercept, and therefore secure. Data rates comparable to optical fibre transmission can be carried by Free Space Optics (FSO) systems with very low error rates, while the extremely narrow laser beam widths ensure that there is almost no practical limit to the number of separate Free Space Optics (FSO) links that can be installed in a given location.
How Free Space Optics (FSO) benefits you
FSO is free from licensing and regulation which translates into ease, speed and low cost of deployment. Since Free Space Optics (FSO) transceivers can transmit and receive through windows, it is possible to mount Free Space Optics (FSO) systems inside buildings, reducing the need to compete for roof space, simplifying wiring and cabling, and permitting Free Space Optics (FSO) equipment to operate in a very favourable environment. The only essential requirement for Free Space Optics (FSO) or optical wireless transmission is line of sight between the two ends of the link.
For Metro Area Network (MAN) providers the last mile or even feet can be the most daunting. Free Space Optics (FSO) networks can close this gap and allow new customers access to high-speed MAN's. Providers also can take advantage of the reduced risk of installing an Free Space Optics (FSO) network which can later be redeployed.
The Market. Why FSO? Breaking the Bandwidth Bottleneck
Why FSO? The global telecommunications network has seen massive expansion over the last few years. First came the tremendous growth of the optical fiber long-haul, wide-area network (WAN), followed by a more recent emphasis on metropolitan area networks (MANs). Meanwhile, local area networks (LANs) and gigabit Ethernet ports are being deployed with a comparable growth rate. In order for this tremendous network capacity to be exploited, and for the users to be able to utilize the broad array of new services becoming available, network designers must provide a flexible and cost-effective means for the users to access the telecommunications network. Presently, however, most local loop network connections are limited to 1.5 Mbps (a T1 line). As a consequence, there is a strong need for a high-bandwidth bridge (the "last mile" or "first mile") between the LANs and the MANs or WANs.
A recent New York Times article reported that more than 100 million miles of optical fibre was laid around the world in the last two years, as carriers reacted to the Internet phenomenon and end users' insatiable demand for bandwidth. The sheer scale of connecting whole communities, cities and regions to that fiber optic cable or "backbone" is something not many players understood well. Despite the huge investment in trenching and optical cable, most of the fibre remains unlit, 80 to 90% of office, commercial and industrial buildings are not connected to fibre, and transport prices are dropping dramatically.
Free Space Optics (FSO) systems represent one of the most promising approaches for addressing the emerging broadband access market and its "last mile" bottleneck. Free Space Optics (FSO) systems offer many features, principal among them being low start-up and operational costs, rapid deployment, and high fiber-like bandwidths due to the optical nature of the technology.
Broadband Bandwidth Alternatives
Access technologies in general use today include telco-provisioned copper wire, wireless Internet access, broadband RF/microwave, coaxial cable and direct optical fiber connections (fiber to the building; fiber to the home). Telco/PTT telephone networks are still trapped in the old Time Division Multiplex (TDM) based network infrastructure that rations bandwidth to the customer in increments of 1.5 Mbps (T-1) or 2.024 Mbps (E-1). DSL penetration rates have been throttled by slow deployment and the pricing strategies of the PTTs. Cable modem access has had more success in residential markets, but suffers from security and capacity problems, and is generally conditional on the user subscribing to a package of cable TV channels. Wireless Internet access is still slow, and the tiny screen renders it of little appeal for web browsing.
Broadband RF/microwave systems have severe limitations and are losing favor. The radio spectrum is a scarce and expensive licensed commodity, sold or leased to the highest bidder, or on a first-come first-served basis, and all too often, simply unavailable due to congestion. As building owners have realized the value of their roof space, the price of roof rights has risen sharply. Furthermore, radio equipment is not inexpensive, the maximum data rates achievable with RF systems are low compared to optical fiber, and communications channels are insecure and subject to interference from and to other systems (a major constraint on the use of radio systems).
Free Space Optics (FSO) Advantages
Free space optical (FSO) systems offers a flexible networking solution that delivers on the promise of broadband. Only free space optics or Free Space Optics (FSO) provides the essential combination of qualities required to bring the traffic to the optical fiber backbone – virtually unlimited bandwidth, low cost, ease and speed of deployment. Freedom from licensing and regulation translates into ease, speed and low cost of deployment. Since Free Space Optics (FSO) optical wireless transceivers can transmit and receive through windows, it is possible to mount Free Space Optics (FSO) systems inside buildings, reducing the need to compete for roof space, simplifying wiring and cabling, and permitting the equipment to operate in a very favorable environment. The only essential for Free Space Optics (FSO) is line of sight between the two ends of the link.
Security and Free Space Optics (FSO)
The common perception of wireless is that it offers less security than wireline connections. In fact, Free Space Optics (FSO) is far more secure than RF or other wireless-based transmission technologies for several reasons:
Free Space Optics (FSO) laser beams cannot be detected with spectrum analyzers or RF meters
Free Space Optics (FSO) laser transmissions are optical and travel along a line of sight path that cannot be intercepted easily. It requires a matching Free Space Optics (FSO) transceiver carefully aligned to complete the transmission. Interception is very difficult and extremely unlikely
The laser beams generated by Free Space Optics (FSO) systems are narrow and invisible, making them harder to find and even harder to intercept and crack
Data can be transmitted over an encrypted connection adding to the degree of security available in Free Space Optics (FSO) network transmissions.
Free Space Optics (FSO) Challenges
The advantages of free space optical wireless or Free Space Optics (FSO) do not come without some cost. When light is transmitted through optical fiber, transmission integrity is quite predictable – barring unforseen events such as backhoes or animal interference. When light is transmitted through the air, as with Free Space Optics (FSO) optical wireless systems, it must contend with a a complex and not always quantifiable subject – the atmosphere.
Attenuation, Fog and Free Space Optics (FSO)
Fog substantially attenuates visible radiation, and it has a similar affect on the near-infrared wavelengths that are employed in Free Space Optics (FSO) systems. Note that the effect of fog on Free Space Optics (FSO) optical wireless radiation is entirely analogous to the attenuation – and fades – suffered by RF wireless systems due to rainfall. Similar to the case of rain attenuation with RF wireless, fog attenuation is not a "show-stopper" for Free Space Optics (FSO) optical wireless, because the optical link can be engineered such that, for a large fraction of the time, an acceptable power will be received even in the presence of heavy fog. Free Space Optics (FSO) optical wireless-based communication systems can be enhanced to yield even greater availabilities.
Free Space Optics (FSO) and Physical Obstructions
Free Space Optics (FSO) products which have widely spaced redundant transmitters and large receive optics will all but eliminate interference concerns from objects such as birds. On a typical day, an object covering 98% of the receive aperture and all but 1 transmitter; will not cause an Free Space Optics (FSO) link to drop out. Thus birds are unlikely to have any impact on Free Space Optics (FSO) transmission.
Free Space Optics (FSO) Pointing Stability – Building Sway, Tower Movement
Only wide-beamwidth fixed pointed Free Space Optics (FSO) systems are capable of handling the vast majority of movement found in deployments on buildings. Narrow beam systems are unreliable, requiring manual re-alignment on a regular basis, due to building movement. 'Wide beam' means more than 5milliradians. Narrow systems (1-2mRad) are not reliable without a tracking system
The combination of effective beam divergence and a well matched receive Field-of-View (FOV) provide for an extremely robust fixed pointed Free Space Optics (FSO) system suitable for most deployments. Fixed-pointed Free Space Optics (FSO) systems are generally preferred over actively-tracked Free Space Optics (FSO) systems due to their lower cost.
Free Space Optics (FSO) and Scintillation
Performance of many Free Space Optics (FSO) optical wireless systems is adversely affected by scintillation on bright sunny days; the effects of which are typically reflected in BER statistics. Some optical wireless products have a unique combination of large aperture receiver, widely spaced transmitters, finely tuned receive filtering, and automatic gain control characteristics. In addition, certain optical wireless systems also apply a clock recovery phase-lock-loop time constant that all but eliminate the affects of atmospheric scintillation and jitter transference.
Solar Interference and Free Space Optics (FSO)
Solar interference in Free Space Optics (FSO) free space optical systems can be combated in two ways. Optical narrowband filter proceeding the receive detector used to filter all but the wavelength actually used for intersystem communications. To handle off-axis solar energy, sophisticated spatial filters have been implemented in CableFree systems, allowing them to operate unaffected by solar interference that is more than 1 degree off-axis.
Free Space Optics (FSO) Reliability
Employing an adaptive laser power (Automatic Transmit Power Control or ATPC) scheme to dynamically adjust the laser power in response to weather conditions will improve the reliability of Free Space Optics (FSO) optical wireless systems. In clear weather the transmit power is greatly reduced, enhancing the laser lifetime by operating the laser at very low-stress conditions. In severe weather, the laser power is increased as needed to maintain the optical link – then decreased again as the weather clears. A TEC controller that maintains the temperature of the laser transmitter diodes in the optimum region will maximize reliability and lifetime, consistent with power output allowing the FSO optical wireless system to operate more efficiently and reliably at higher power levels.
For more information on Free Space Optics, please Contact Us


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Shavua is week in Hebrew, and Shavu'ot means weeks or in this case 7 weeks, on the eve of the last day would be the beginning to the 50th day, from the second day of Passover "Pessah". The second day of the Feast of Pessah was the Feast of First Fruits, on the Jewish calendar called "Omer". The day our Messiah rose from the grave, it was the day of the Resurrection. It is also worth noting that the number fifty is the number for the Holy Spirit. So Yeshua said He would send the Holy Spirit, and He did it on the 50th day after His resurrection.
It is the second of the three Pilgrim festivals and it happens in Israel on the 6th of Sivan, (Jewish Calendar) this year on June 5th and everywhere but Israel for two days 5th and 6th. It has other names in Hebrew such as Hag Ha-Katzir meaning Harvest Festival. It was when the ingathering of barley crop ended and the season of wheat harvest began. But Yom Ha-Kikkurim (Day of First Fruits or Shavu'ot in the Jewish World, and Pentecost in the Christian World)
According to the Rabbis, this festival also commemorates the events at Sinai which traditionally occurred on the 6th of Sivan and have long overshadowed the original (agricultural) aspect of Shavu'ot. Therefore it is also called the giving of the Law (Torah)
Dairy products are generally eaten, and favorite dishes are cheesecakes and cheese pancakes. (Yiddish blintzes, pancakes) Here in Israel it is a state holiday, and a time for pilgrimage to Jerusalem. There is lots of dancing and folklore. Generally a very nice time to be in Israel.
Just thought you'd appreciate a little run down on this Biblical event in the Jewish world and should be part of the Christian world as well. In fact, there is much to learn about your Jewish roots.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem for our son Joel and all the IDF soldiers, pray for this ministry and your part in it.
Shalom, Jerry golden


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Post-Construction Cleaning in Winston Salem
When you're wrapping up a construction project, the last thing you want to do is break out the broom and dustpan and start cleaning. Fortunately, you don't have to, thanks to the professional post-construction cleaning from Miriam Davis Cleaning, LLC. We will get rid of all the leftover dirt and debris and leave your new property ready for you to start enjoying.
Phone us at (704) 201-6111 for more information about our services and pricing.
Get In TouchPlan Accordingly with Our Upfront Pricing on Construction Cleaning
Any construction project is bound to be a sizeable investment, and overpaying for your construction clean up can easily make you exceed your budget. Keeping that in mind, we here at Miriam Davis Cleaning, LLC want to help you avoid this by offering risk-free quotes for our after-construction cleaning. If you have any questions or concerns about our services at all, just get in touch with us and allow us to address them.
Extensive Post-Construction Cleaning Services
When you hire us to tidy up and sanitize your property after a construction or remodeling job, you can always count on getting the services you need. We pride ourselves on our complete offering of certified cleaning services for residential and commercial properties, which means we are the only construction cleaning company you need to hire for impeccable results.
Our construction cleaning services include:
- Vacuuming
- Washing walls
- Dusting and moping
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- Pressure washing
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- And more
Breathe Easy with Our Construction Cleaning
The dirt and dust leftover from your construction project can be overwhelming. On top of leaving a layer of dirt on your surfaces, it can also fill the air with unwanted particles. That being said, we will be happy to incorporate air purification into your cleaning routine to ensure that your new property is safe and hospitable.
Quick Clean-Ups After Your Construction Project
It's safe to say you don't want to extend the job with a drawn-out cleaning process at the end of a lengthy construction project. Our hardworking team of professional cleaners will work diligently to prepare your property and get it ready for you to move in. If you know when your construction work should be coming to a close, reach out to us and reserve our cleaning services to avoid wasted time.
Experienced Construction Cleaning Crew
Having helped many construction projects finish according to plan, Miriam Davis Cleaning, LLC is a name you can trust for your cleaning services. We will account for any variables and make sure we arrive with everything we need to leave your new property spotless. When it comes to rolling out the carpet for your new space, put your trust in a team that has proven themselves time and time again.
Start Planning Your Post-Construction Cleaning
Although construction schedules can be unpredictable, the professional cleaning from Miriam Davis Cleaning, LLC is anything but. You can always expect great work when you hire us, alongside affordable rates and exceptional customer service. If this sounds like what you need, give us a call at (704) 201-6111 to speak with an expert.


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Data-Based Decision Making
In this section, Joseph Kovaleski and his colleagues from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania describe a Data Analysis Teaming process and provide a script for team meetings that allows all team members to be involved in planning for every student's academic performance. The model described by the script is explicit and detailed to help ensure fidelity of implementation, thus improving outcomes for students.
Read "RTI Data Analysis Teaming Process »
What's New
RTI-Based Specific Learning Disability (SLD) IdentificationToolkit
Webinar: RTI-Based SLD Identification Toolkit
Considerations for English Language Learners
Case Study: Beginning with the Whole Mind - Florida's Systems Approach to Response to Intervention
Featured Term
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Process of designing instruction that is accessible by all students; UDL includes multiple means of representation, multiple means of expression, and multiple means of engagement; the focus in creation of UDL curricula is on technology and materials.
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The RTI Action Network has developed a new online planning tool to help educators successfully implement RTI K-6.
Now available from Corwin Press! >>
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The RTI Action Network is a program of the National Center for Learning Disabilities. FRIENDS of NCLD help support outstanding programs, including the RTI Action Network.
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Examples of Effective RtI Use and Decision Making
This three-part series of articles provides an overview of Response to Intervention (RtI) decision making, how-to RtI examples of decision making in reading, and how-to examples of RtI decision making in mathematics. Implementers who wish to obtain strong effects can use this overview part of the series to identify where implementation efforts can be tightened up for more accurate decision making and stronger learning effects.
Examples of Effective RtI Use and Decision Making - Part 1 - Overview »
Examples of Effective RtI Use and Decision Making - Part 2 - Reading »
Examples of Effective RtI Use and Decision Making - Part 3 - Mathematics »
Tools and Checklists
Data Analysis for Instructional Decision Making: Team Process Script
This script is an outline of the recommended format for DAT meetings. It lists, in chronological order, the items that should be discussed, typical prompts that encourage discussion and decision making, and suggestions for record keeping at each step.
Download "Data Analysis for Instructional Decision Making: Team Process Script" »
Screening and Information Recording Form
Teams should use the Screeing and Information Recording Form (SIRF) or a similar document to record current student performance, goals, strategies discussed, strategies chosen, students considered for tiered services, and decisions made regarding student placement.
Download "Screening and Information Recording Form" »
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Bob Gourley sits down with Dr. Ron Taylor of Pacific Northwest National Library, the author of An overview of the Hadoop/MapReduce/HBase framework and its current applications in bioinformatics:
Hadoop is already key to delivering on the promise of bioinformatics. But the very near future holds some even more incredible contributions. Because of its ability to store and process complex data of almost any kind, Hadoop provides a platform that makes it easier to integrate and analyze not just nucleotide sequences, but also PubMed articles, X-ray crystallography showing molecular structure and other highly valuable laboratory data and analyses. Combining diverse scientific data on Hadoop provides a huge opportunity for new approaches to understanding molecular function in gene activation and disease pathways.
Read the Full Story.


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