So I recently got tagged on Twitter by a librarian colleague in Saskatoon (who is both a Mover and a Shaker!) asking if I (and a few other online librarian-types) had any thoughts on the changing view of intellectual freedom within the profession, especially in light of wider changes in society which I took to […]
In computer science, the Turing Test is intended to tell if you can differentiate between who is human and who is a computer programmed to model human-like conversation in a text exchange between the two. The Turing test, developed by Alan Turing in 1950, is a test of a machine’s ability to exhibit intelligent behavior equivalent to, or indistinguishable from, […]
Apparently it’s International Blasphemy Day. Borrowed from an atheist I know on Facebook, here’s some self-criticism of some of atheism’s “untouchables” which I (mostly) agree with… In honour of International Blasphemy Day: Christopher Hitchens was an over-rated warmonger. Sam Harris frequently comes to conclusions first and then tries forcing the evidence to fit those conclusions. […]
Especially with what we’re seeing in the States with an alleged pedophile endorsing an accused rapist [edit: Kavanagh’s story is blowing up tonight with two new accusers coming forward and *way* worse allegations] who was picked by a serial adulterer (among Trump’s many other mortal sins) – all as part of the party of “family values” – […]
I’ve always believed that science fiction is the single best type of writing to teach us about our own lives and society. So I’m absolutely fine when I think about sci-fi books with “inappropriate” content being put into the hands of kids even though the author of this article seems to think librarians put some books […]
“Trailer Hitch” – Kristian Bush
In the 2009 and 2013 Sask NDP leadership races, I was *very* opinionated and that often left me at cross-purposes, as an active member of Ryan’s team but also as a blogger/Facebooker/Tweeter with my own thoughts, opinions and ego who didn’t mind getting into discussions and sharing my observations – respectful, heated or otherwise – […]
As a massive believer in free speech, I love this XKCD comic! You absolutely have the right to say whatever you want (short of the illegal types of speech – hate speech and obscenity or shouting “fire” in a crowded theatre.) But you also have to accept that whatever you say might be criticized, questioned […]
Canada’s new Governor-General (and former astronaut) Julie Payette, created some controversy after her recent remarks at a science conference where she pointed out the absurdity of politicians still using their personal opinions to debate indisputable scientific facts such as the reality of climate change and the lack of similar evidence for beliefs such as astrology. […]
I was scrolling through Facebook and came across a post by the good folks at Rebellion Brewing talking about a nearby donut shop which they frequent. (I love seeing locally owned businesses supporting each other like this!) That led me to a YouTube video of the donut shop’s owner which reinforced my strong belief that […]
