Sunspots 682

Things I have recently spotted that may be of interest to someone else:

Christianity: (and politics) The Gospel Coalition, and many others, don't think that Vice-President Pence should have spoken to the Southern Baptist Convention, at least not so politically. See also here. (The SBC strongly adopted a resolution sympathizing with immigrants.)

Relevant discusses giving cash to the homeless.

A Relevant writer discusses four commonly used Bible verses that are usually misinterpreted. These include "I can do all things . . ." (Philippians 4:13) and "I know the plans I have for you ..." (Jeremiah 29:11)


Education: Grammarphobia discusses "hogwash" and "claptrap."

Politics: (sort of) Gizmodo reports on a Florida lawsuit. If someone takes a discarded drink bottle and finds your DNA on it, have they invaded your privacy? Stolen from you?

Gizmodo also reports that the Federal Communications Commission is planning to relax its rules, so that Sinclair broadcasting can purchase even more local TV stations, and, presumably, use their news programs for advancing Sinclair's political views.

FiveThirtyEight tells us about the underlying goal of the Trump Administration's actions, or attempted actions, on immigration.

Immigrant camps near the Mexican border have made the Wikipedia's list of Concentration Camps.


Science: Antarctica is losing ice, and at an accelerating rate, says Earther.

Scientific American tells us a lot about orchid seeds, and orchid reproduction, with photos.

UnDark discusses the emotional strain of smiling for customers.

Thanks for looking!

Image source (public domain)

Sunspots 368

Things I have recently spotted that may be of interest to someone else:

Science: National Public Radio reports that scientists at MIT have developed a computer algorithm that can tell when a smile is fake or genuine, and do so better than humans. Did you know that we smile when we are frustrated?

Wired reports on a chemical crime investigation -- in 1850.

Politics:  I was amazed to read (on PolitiFact, which is generally unbiased) that the rate of increase in US federal spending under President Obama was among the lowest of any president since Eisenhower. Some of the credit goes to Republicans in Congress.

Computing: Wired reports on efforts by orthodox Jews to keep the Internet morally safe. (There are allegations that the hierarchy may be unduly controlling access to information.)

Image source (public domain)