A bunch of links that are necessary or interesting, but which I don't have time to comment on in depth:
- Via Alas, What a dead salmon reminds us about fMRI analysis. It's a good lesson about statistical analysis and significance, and reminds me of Feynman's recollection of Young's 1937 experiments with training rats (about 3/4 of the way down) as far as being sure that what you measure is actually real.
- XKCD points out the lack of imagination involved in searches for non-human intelligence.
- It seems to be [trigger warning] not taking bullying seriously
weekmonth in schools . Lest you think it's an isolated incident, the National Association of Head Teachers statement should "reassure" you - this goes all the way up. "Games which got out of hand perhaps" indeed... - [trigger warning] A US census worker is murdered terrifying in circumstances. RIP Bill Sparkman, my thoughts are with your family, friends and colleagues.
- Via Shakesville, the UK non-profit company Adaptive Eyewear. This is an amazing piece of technology that deserves to be more widely known about. £10 buys a pair of glasses that can last for years and can be adjusted by the wearer to their own requirements, avoiding the need for expensive precision-cut glass and optometrist assessment. They welcome donations.
- From the comments on that thread, Kiva seems to be an excellent micro-finance project.
- Dear World: Look up “Satire” in the Dictionary - especially you, Dr Kealey.
- Controversy over the Equality Bill. I haven't been following this one anything like as closely as I should have been.
- Another review of the handling of rape cases is announced. I wonder if it'll be any more use than the last few. Here's a few Sexual assault prevention tips that actually work
