I watch the ripples change their size
But never leave the stream
Of warm impermanence
And so the days float through my eyes
But still the days seem the same
And these children that you spit on
As they try to change their worlds
Are immune to your consultations
They're quite aware of what they're goin' through

Sunday, July 23, 2017

Linkee-poo starts another week

Yeah, the titles haven't been good lately. Sorry.

Elizabeth Bear on not falling for the extra credit stuff in writing.

Kameron Hurley on taking criticism and responding with resilience. "A lot of writers, even professional writers at ad agencies and, of course, novelists, are not good at taking criticism. Hence the circular roundabout I sometimes run into when getting feedback on pieces. It’s meant to soften the blow, but it often just means stuff takes more time, and because we aren’t communicating honestly, projects drag, and then no one is happy." I often tell people I've been through art school where we were critiqued on every part of the process and every. single. day. My skin is fairly thick, and as long as the critique is professional (that is, it's about the work) I'm good with it. Yes, it can hurt. But this is a "no pain, no gain" business. The trick is coming back for more.

Living in the future, time-lapse video of Phobos orbiting Mars as captured by Hubble. Really wish I could find a clean video of this without all the stupid text of "here's the history, and ZOMG!"

"New research by scientists at Michigan State University suggests that laptops do not enhance classroom learning, and in fact students would be better off leaving their laptops in the dorm during class. Although computer use during class may create the illusion of enhanced engagement with course content, it more often reflects engagement with social media, YouTube videos, instant messaging, and other nonacademic content." Whodathunkit. Although I see a few holes in their logic. Sure, students may only be spending 5 minutes on actual class materials, if you're downloading a powerpoint of the lecture slides, you'll be reading that the entire class, but it may only take a minute of server time. But, yes, much of the "technology in the classroom enhances learning" hype is bullshit. So are the sales pitches about how to increase student "learning" with online tools.

"Most Americans met Wednesday night’s news that Arizona Senator John McCain was facing a dire diagnosis of brain cancer with shows of respect for the elder statesman and former prisoner of war. But to some on the extreme right, the longtime Republican is a traitor worthy of scorn, presumably because of his willingness to work with Democrats, as well as his criticism of President Donald Trump." These are also the same people who talk about how terrible the discourse of the left is. (Grokked from Laura J Mixon)

A couple of lawyers on the rumors of president Trump going after Robert Mueller. Short answer, "Good luck with that," (eye roll).

"Third party candidate Jill Stein was a surprising addition this week to investigators casting an increasingly wide net in the congressional probe into Russian interference in the election." Unfortunately it's the Senate investigation, and not the independent council. (Grokked from Jim Wright)

"Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, says eliminating a tax break that helps some people will help lawmakers lower tax rates for everyone." And that it screws over mostly blue leaning states that voted for Clinton, so much the better. Who said the GOP was against raising taxes. (Grokked from Chuck Wendig)

No comments: