Linkee-poo doesn't give a damn about its bad reputation

When and how pantsing may go wrong and how to avoid it.

"Last spring, a group calling itself We Need Diverse Books launched a Twitter campaign to press for greater diversity in children's books." That's NPR's Code Switch story about diversity in publishing. Also pointing to a recent NPR story on the lack of diversity in MFA writing programs.

"Canadian government orders scientists not to disclose extent of polar melting." I'm sure they have a good reason for it. Like not wanting to be embarrassed or having to change their world view because of actual facts. (Grokked from Tobias Buckell)

A new breed of transparent solar panels. Who said that we have to convert visible light into electricity? While it's only at 1% efficiency, it's also the first swing (or proof of concept). Now that could be interesting. (Grokked from Kathryn Cramer)

It is a truism of the world, there's always a bigger fish. That a video of a goliath grouper swallowing a 4-foot shark in a single go. And you thought you weren't able to sleep after Shark Week. (Grokked from Matt Staggs)

A reminder that there are all types, some women enjoy catcalls. (Grokked from John)

And the attendant snark regarding the attempt at hijacking feminism. (Grokked from Kathryn Cramer)

And I'll just point out that the woman whom Ray Rice punched in the face and knocked out married him afterward. It's called "identifying with the abuser" and is a major component of codependent behavior.

"Over $100,000 has been raised for Darren Wilson. But man, why must liberals bring RACE into this?! It's about...oh." Some comments gleaned from those who gave money.

"And this history of our country should be taught, because we’re repeating it right now in Ferguson. Anyone who says that this situation is unprecedented isn’t paying attention." Mary Robinette Kowal with links and citations.

Eric gives the "weary defense lawyers" advice. And if you don't think this is exactly the advice many parents of color give their children, I think you're not paying attention. As Gabriel Iglesias says, "I know when to quit, especially around cops, when I hear (sound of gun cocking) the joke is over."

"'The truth is that 91 percent of black homicide victims are killed by other blacks. Ninety-one percent,' (Bill) O'Reilly said (coming off a vacation to do a "special show"). 'Yet that woman tried to mislead folks by accusing American law enforcement of shooting down young black men in the streets. It's beyond belief.'" Um, Bill, I know you think these two things contradict each other, but they don't. Both are examples of overwhelmingly white law enforcement forces' negligence of the communities and inability to see African-Americans as people they should be serving and protecting. That thing where you like people to treat you as a well-mannered, intelligent human being? Yea, you're failing that test, Bill. Please fuck off and die. And since we're talking about Fox News cluelessness (well, actually Roger Ailes' warped reality that he enforces on his network), you can fuck off and die too, Hannity. "Innocent before proved guilty"? Really? Say, what about Michael Brown's right of "innocent before proven guilty." You seem to be missing that point here. But then you're also just a Tool™ spouting your ignorance for all the world to see.

And the official "lalalalalala, can't hear you"s have begun even before it's over. In Ferguson, parents took their children to see the protests, to see the burned out quick mart, to where "looting" went on, because they wanted their children to know (what was happening and why, also as a part of "black education" as I've heard it called, see earlier post from Eric for another example). But if we smile and make nice sounds, and change the subject to how George Washington could never tell a lie, I'm sure these kids will turn out all right.

"'Yes, Senator McConnell is pledging nothing but more gridlock and confrontation and doubling down on the exact same tactics that led to the shutdown last year,' (a spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid) told TPM. 'It's true, I'm just surprised he's saying it out loud.'" Third time is a charm? Noted just in case anybody was starting to buy the conservative BS they've been slinging this summer.

You know what's so great about all these opportunities to get involved in conflict overseas? We get to test out our new toys.

Quote of the day: (From my friend John) "You know, I figured out the other day why outsourcing got so popular so quickly: you could hire foreigners to do work cheaply yet not have them cross the border into your country. It's a Republican wet dream."