Last year, Kate was one of the people who helped organize a fundraising auction to send a few people to Wiscon. It’s that time again, and she’s seeking donations for the auction: Last year, Con or Bust raised $6,183.89 and helped thirteen people of color attend WisCon. We weren’t able to meet all the requests… Continue reading Con or Bust Auction Signal Boost
Month: January 2011
Links for 2011-01-22
$1,000 to do something Awesome. « The Awesome Foundation – Toronto “Further details below, but the basic idea is that 10 Torontonians have committed to showing up each month, stuffing $100 each into a paper bag, and giving that bag to the person we think has the best chance at achieving something awesome. No reporting,… Continue reading Links for 2011-01-22
One in Three College Students Is Coasting. This Is News?
There’s been a lot of hand-wringing and finger-pointing in academic circles this week over the release of a book claiming college students are “Academically Adrift” (see also the follow-up story here). The headline findings, as summarized by Inside Higher Ed are: * 45 percent of students “did not demonstrate any significant improvement in learning” during… Continue reading One in Three College Students Is Coasting. This Is News?
Chris Murphy for Senate: The “Hey I Know That Guy” Quasi-Endorsement
Ephblog has mentioned Connecticut Congressman Chris Murphy, Williams class of ’96 several times, but until yesterday’s announcement and an email from somebody else pointing it out, I never connected the name with the Chris Murphy who was a freshman playing rugby when I was a senior. Having looked at his video announcing his campaign for… Continue reading Chris Murphy for Senate: The “Hey I Know That Guy” Quasi-Endorsement
Links for 2011-01-21
Surviving the World – Lesson 862 – Middle Aged “I like the idea that you are greeted by a yeti either as you leave this world or when you first arrive in the afterlife. If you’re creating a new religion or lifestyle, may I suggest you implement this concept into your theology?” (tags: comics internet… Continue reading Links for 2011-01-21
Thursday Toddler Blogging 012011
There have been a bunch of times in the last couple of weeks where it was brought home how big SteelyKid has gotten compared to Kate, so this week, we have a Mommy-for-scale photo: The stylish headband SteelyKid is sporting is from today’s Tu B’Shevat celebration at the Jewish Community Center, where she goes to… Continue reading Thursday Toddler Blogging 012011
Who Are You People?
I gave a talk today on blogs as a tool for science communication (basically the same as this one, with a few minor updates), and got asked “Aren’t the people who read science blogs mostly scientists already?” Which reminded me that it’s been a while since I did a “Who are you people?” post. So,… Continue reading Who Are You People?
Dorky Poll: Favorite Prime Number?
A pretty straightforward question: Which prime number do you like the best? What’s your favorite prime number?online surveys This is a purely classical poll, so you only get to choose one favorite, not a superposition of multiple numbers. Your selection is legally binding, so choose wisely!
Links for 2011-01-20
Andrew Lownie Literary Agency | What Editors Want A big list of editors talking about what they’re looking for at their publishing houses, including this, from Oneworld i the UK: “We also love quirky non-fiction for our Autumn list, when shoppers are looking for something a bit different. We had great success last year with… Continue reading Links for 2011-01-20
Academic Poll: Talk Prep
I’m giving a talk at the AAAS meeting next month on international physics tests, and they have asked me to provide information that they will duplicate and distribute to the media. Items requested include: — A one-paragraph biographical sketch (not a C.V.) — A lay-language summary of your talk, beyond the abstract. — The full… Continue reading Academic Poll: Talk Prep