This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on August 5, 2009). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint). A fuller disclaimer is available.
Sometime between August 4th and August 5th, I thought this stuff was interesting. You might think so too!
- Psychologists Reject Gay ‘Therapy’: "In a resolution adopted by the American Psychological Association's governing council, and in an accompanying report, the association issued its most comprehensive repudiation of so-called reparative therapy, a concept espoused by a small but persistent group of therapists, often allied with religious conservatives, who maintain that gay men and lesbians can change. No solid evidence exists that such change is likely, says the resolution, adopted by a 125-to-4 vote. The association said some research suggested that efforts to produce change could be harmful, inducing depression and suicidal tendencies."
- TV Showrunners Protest Changes to Primetime Emmys Telecast: "We, the undersigned showrunners and executive producers of television's current line-up of programs, oppose the Academy of Television Arts and Science's decision to remove writing awards from the live telecast. This decision conveys a fundamental understatement of the importance of writers in the creation of television programming and a symbolic attack on the primacy of writing in our industry. We implore ATAS to restore these awards to their rightful place in the live telecast of the 2009 Emmy Awards."
- Seattle Author Is a Goth Ambassador: "Jillian Venters counsels her readers that Goth is a lifestyle, not just a casual costume. And she practices what she preaches: rather than give up her dark Victorian wardrobe during the recent heat wave, the 'Lady of the Manners' tucked ice packs into her corset. Venters is a Seattle resident and the author of 'Gothic Charm School,' a new book based on the Web site where she's dished advice for years to both those in the shadowy subculture and those who would like to understand it."
- Ninjawords: iPhone Dictionary, Censored by Apple: "Every time I think I've seen the most outrageous App Store rejection, I'm soon proven wrong. I can't imagine what it will take to top this one. Apple requires you to be 17 years or older to purchase a censored dictionary that omits half the words Steve Jobs uses every day."
- Outing a Telephone Terrorist: "While Pranknet's hoaxes have caused millions of dollars in damages, it is the group's efforts to degrade and frighten targets that makes it even more odious. For example, a bizarre July 20 prank ended with a hotel worker actually sipping from a urine sample provided by a guest at a Homewood Suites in Kentucky. Additionally, at least twice this year, fast food workers–fearing that they would suffer burns after being doused by chemicals from a fire suppression system–stripped off their clothes on the sidewalk outside their respective restaurants."