Linkee-poo has friends in low places

A novel as a poster. Hmm. Actually, I have had thoughts in that direction, but slightly different.

That busy trap article all the cool kids are pointing to. I feel wracked on the skein they so carefully layout. (and in the universe seems to be filled with irony today, I was interrupted twice while typing that last sentence, including having to make one trip to the reception desk) (Grokked from Mary Robinette Kowal, Jay Lake, and others)

Plot without conflict. Yeah, but will it play in Peoria? Sure, the best revenge is a life well lived, but for western values it's no good if Siegard gets revenge on the gods by living well in act 5. Yes, I'm being a smart ass here. Sometimes the best way to learn a concept is to see it in opposition. (Grokked from Jay Lake)

Kameron Hurley has two great posts dealing with details, on what is needed, what expands and goes deeper and what is just superfluous.

A picture and explanation of the Ivanhoe Reservoir, Los Angeles. (Pointed to by John)

Cool sunglasses that can help perceive blood physiology. Neat. (Grokked from John Scalzi)

The things I wish I were told when I was diagnosed with cancer. (Grokked from Jay Lake)

And On the Media podcast on the "Decline Effect". The basic thing is we see research that shows a cause and effect, or a distinct trend, which is confirmed by further tests. But then as we continue to test or research the conclusions, the effects or trends begin to disappear.

Whatever it is, I'm against it. Ah, those whack al Qaeda people, tearing down everybody's shrines in Mali, destroying the local economies. Guess which country they'll be uninvited to next? (pointed to by John)

"The point is that this isn’t over — not on health care, not on the broader shape of American society. The cruelty and ruthlessness that made this court decision such a nail-biter aren’t going away." Paul Krugman on the Obamacare decision. I really hope the Democrats learned their lesson from the last time this was debated and actually engage by telling people how they'll benefit, and then keep telling them. (Grokked from Jay Lake)

"It's funny, really: in trying to praise Springsteen, who seemingly effortlessly gets the kind of 'real America' that right-wingers love to fetishize, Brooks manages to come off like a right-wing stereotype of an effete coastal liberal." I remember in the last presidential election how many conservative who were shocked that Bruce supported the liberals. I remember asking one of the vocal ones at work, "So, have you ever listened to his music?" (Grokked from the Slactivist)

John Scalzi asks the undecideds why they're undecided. I haven't read all the comments, but I think it's clear not all the commentators read John's instructions.