Monthly Archives: April 2012

Homophobes should consider a little self-reflection, suggests a new study finding those individuals who are most hostile toward gays and hold strong anti-gay views may themselves have same-sex desires, albeit undercover ones.

The prejudice of homophobia may also stem from authoritarian parents, particularly those with homophobic views as well, the researchers added.

“This study shows that if you are feeling that kind of visceral reaction to an out-group, ask yourself, ‘Why?'” co-author Richard Ryan, a professor of psychology at the University of Rochester, said in a statement.

“Those intense emotions should serve as a call to self-reflection.”

Should, Prof, but almost certainly won’t.

Study: Homophobes May Be Hidden Homosexuals (Live Science)

After 25 years keeping schtum about it, Matt Groening this week revealed the location of the ‘real Springfield’ in an interview with Smithsonian mag. Sez he:

Springfield was named after Springfield, Oregon. The only reason is that when I was a kid, the TV show “Father Knows Best” took place in the town of Springfield, and I was thrilled because I imagined that it was the town next to Portland, my hometown. When I grew up, I realized it was just a fictitious name. I also figured out that Springfield was one of the most common names for a city in the U.S. In anticipation of the success of the show, I thought, “This will be cool; everyone will think it’s their Springfield.” And they do.

So Springfield Oregon, eh? What’s that like?

MORE: What The Simpsons’ Springfield Looks Like in Real Life (Gizmodo)
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“But before The Gathering [tourism initiative] – this June I look forward to welcoming many of the American Ireland Fund’s supporters to Castlemartyr in County Cork to its Worldwide Conference – just another sign of your continued commitment and support to Ireland.”

Enda Kenny, March 19.

The conference will include the final stages of the Ireland Funds’ Business Plan Competition.

And the co-chairman of the judging panel is…

Denis O’Brien.

Related: Deafening FG Silence On O’Brien Is No Surprise (Vincent Browne, Irish Times)