CircleCount helps you better understand Google+

2013-06-17 05:31:11 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

2013-06-15 04:33:10 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

Crash Course on Storytelling

Here are three articles and six TED Talk videos to help you bone up on the art of successful story telling.

How to Tell a Story -- Right Now -- From a Master of Improv
http://www.fastcocreate.com/1681562/how-to-tell-a-story-right-now-from-a-master-of-improv

How to Captivate Your Audience with Story (From America’s Greatest Living Playwright)
http://www.copyblogger.com/mamet-storytelling/

How to tell a story like a stand up comic
http://www.askmen.com/money/how_to_400/443_how_to.html

Here are six TED talks on storytelling
http://www.ted.com/playlists/62/how_to_tell_a_story.html

#storytelling #story #writing

Image source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/joel_r/7004601103/

2013-06-10 23:14:13 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

I remember awhile back asking my brother-in-law, who works at the University of Waterloo, why they didn't use Google products like GMail for the school. He explained it was because the servers were based in the US and subject to American law like the Patriot Act.

And here I thought he might be being a little paranoid... 

2013-06-10 17:28:37 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Report Confirms Canada Has Its Own Phone Meta-Data and Internet Surveillance Program

Over the weekend, I posted a lengthy piece on why Canadians should be demanding answers about secret surveillance programs in the wake of the U.S. revelations about Verizon meta-data on all phone calls and the PRISM program that involves access to leading Internet company data. The focus of the piece was on Canadian law, as it argued that many of the same powers exist under Canadian law and that it is likely that Canadians have been caught up by these surveillance activities.

This morning, the Globe and Mail reports that Canada indeed has its own secret surveillance program that similarly targets telephone records and Internet data...

2013-06-08 14:18:20 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

2013-06-07 12:59:52 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

Education is the best way to train ourselves that we will secure our own well-being by concerning ourselves with others. It is possible to create a better world, a more compassionate, more peaceful world, which is not only in everyone’s interest, but is everyone’s responsibility to achieve.

2013-06-05 18:52:59 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

Celebrate World Environment Day by giving this series a watch!

(WED link http://www.unep.org/wed/)

2013-06-04 23:09:27 (4 comments, 4 reshares, 8 +1s)

2013-06-04 22:21:19 (12 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

Disclaimer: My Google News is set to search the keyword Atheist. I did not, nor ever have or will, visit the linked website for any reason--except something like this.

So, not a very surprising list. Like, Marilyn Manson being an atheist is news to who exactly? 

Still, it's kind of neat to consider the gallery has 750k views by people who worship these people like gods--and might still include another one. Maybe it'll change some minds. 
 

2013-06-04 22:03:41 (5 comments, 1 reshares, 3 +1s)

Disclaimer: My Google News is set to search the keyword Atheist. I did not, nor ever have or will, visit the linked website for any reason--except something like this.

So, not a very surprising list. Like, Marilyn Manson being an atheist is news to who exactly? 

Still, it's kind of neat to consider the gallery has 750k views by people who worship these people like gods--and might still include another one. Maybe it'll change some minds. 
 

2013-06-01 18:06:34 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 2 +1s)

Hi guys.

Those who know about me knows that I live in Turkey. Horrible things have been happening in here past few days.

After a series of peaceful demonstrations for preserving a recreational area in Istanbul city center - Taksim - which is planned to demolished for the construction of a shopping mall, Turkish police attacked the peaceful protesters (including me) violently with tear gas and water cannon, intentionally targeting our faces and bodies. Dozens of protesters are hospitalized and at least 3 were reported dead (a girl was reported to have been crushed by a police panzer) access to the park is blocked without any legal basis.

The police used jammers to block any cell phone activity, including the net. People living in the apartments in the video I've attached were kind enough to remove their passwords from their modems, and that's how we have been... more »

2013-06-01 06:19:42 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

  #direngeziparkı   #occupygezi

2013-05-30 01:33:00 (2 comments, 2 reshares, 2 +1s)

Sir Patrick Stewart gives a brilliant response regarding work with Domestic Violence and PTSD to a question posed by a fan at Comicpalooza.

A Great man,

2013-05-27 05:56:12 (3 comments, 2 reshares, 4 +1s)

ADHD is not a disorder, it is a difference in cognition.

If you think ADHD is a disease you should think more open minded. Think about skills and creativity...

In most cases creativity comes in chaos, not in orderly sequence;)

2013-05-25 17:05:30 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

Heading out to #MarchAgainstMonsanto  at my local farmer's market with the kids. It's important we show our outrage at a system that places the profits of private business before the prosperity of the people.

2013-05-24 12:52:44 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 13 +1s)

This was absolutely brilliant last night. The news that atheists can get into heaven puts Colbert's devout Catholic faith in doubt. He's broken, confused, and even his stapler can't provide solace. 
#atheist   #atheisthumour   #colbertreport  

2013-05-24 12:48:24 (1 comments, 3 reshares, 2 +1s)

This was absolutely hilarious last night! Colbert finds himself in an existential crisis of faith over the news atheists can go to heaven too.  #atheist #colbert 

2013-05-23 16:40:39 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

I lived in Toronto during the Mel Lastman era, and I thought that was embarrassing. Way to outdo yourself, Toronto.

2013-05-22 01:21:25 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

http://zenpencils.com/comic/116-caitlin-moran-were-all-dying/

2013-05-21 22:22:11 (1 comments, 1 reshares, 3 +1s)

In the middle of a disaster she said she's an atheist I think that's awesome. Even though I am donating, I think this woman deserves a little bit extra from the atheist community.

2013-05-21 22:04:34 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

City council has crushed Mayor Rob Ford's pitch for “10,000 good-paying jobs” by decisively voting against a major downtown casino.

5,000 of them were crack dealers...

2013-05-21 18:47:10 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

Very interesting watch. It looks at the similarities between Christianity and the other world religions. It explores the claims that Jesus survived the crucifixion and spent his last years in Kashmir. And finally it touches on the Gospel of Thomas, a text that reads more like a sutra than a gospel, and is quite refreshing for anyone raised in an intolerant Christian household. 

While it does maintain a decidedly Christian viewpoint the tolerance and open mindedness is admirable. It serves to remind us that we are all blind men touching trying to describe the elephant. 

2013-05-21 18:00:46 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

Of course if Cats could do a video diary it'd be a lot like this.

2013-05-21 17:13:04 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

Not sure about the issue? Watch Food Inc. which can be found on Netflix, downloaded from the Pirate Bay, or streamed at many other sites.

Basically, there are several issues. On of which is the use of GMOs in our food. Much like DDT or asbestos use in the past, the longterm effects of these products have not been researched, labeling of food containing them has been blocked by food lobbies, and they are making their way into our natural ecosystem. Many of them are designed to allow for extremely powerful pesticides to be used on the plants like Round-up. Everyone cool with chowing down on some residual Round-up? 

Another issue is GMO seeds are trademarked. This means a farmer cannot use the seeds left over from his crop, instead having to purchase an entirely new batch, and could face legal action if he did try. This can put an extraordinary financial strain on the farmer and puts an... more »

2013-05-21 03:35:07 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

Letters left on the marquee at Warren Theaters in Moore, Oklahoma.

#Oklahoma

2013-05-20 22:43:13 (2 comments, 1 reshares, 4 +1s)

2013-05-20 21:47:14 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

Evidence that Demands a Verdict

There’s a popular picture traversing the net recently that states 97% of climate scientists believe that anthropogenic global warming is true.  More specifically, that of peer reviewed climate research papers, of the ones that made a statement on the cause of global warming, 97% agreed that humanity was the cause.

You can imagine the lively discussions it induced.  

There are certain areas of science that people find deeply controversial.  In climate science it’s global warming.  In biology, it’s evolution.  In astrophysics it’s the big bang, or to a lesser degree things like dark matter.  The experts in these fields don’t find these controversial at all.  The big bang happened, evolution is real, and humans are a principal cause of global warming.  

The researchers in these fields have moved beyond thosebasic facts and a... more »

2013-05-20 17:01:35 (2 comments, 1 reshares, 3 +1s)

Sublime Scramble Eggs
This method gives me perfect results, every time! 

#ramsaymonday   #scrambleeggs  

2013-05-20 16:57:27 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Give this a read: http://www.aip.org/history/climate/timeline.htm

The theory of global warming has been around for a very very long time. The consensus on the problem was made over four decades ago. This isn't a new issue manufactured to pass carbon taxes, attract research grants, or take away your freedom. It's a real thing, based in science, that has implications.

What you have to understand and accept is this is not a battle of science versus science, but like almost every other battle in this world, a battle of politics and religion. I'll explain.

Climate change implies the free market isn't working as well as it should.
Climate change implies the free market isn't going to be enough to fix the problem--it will require regulation.
Climate change implies growth isn't limitless.
Climate change implies the Earth... more »

2013-05-19 14:40:52 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

Yeah, so the basic premise here is allowing immigration--being 'anti-racist', is actually racist. Hitler would dig it. Because, after you start letting people in, they take over, and suddenly you're living in an Islamic state.

How do people like this still exist? 

2013-05-19 14:15:46 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

Oh wow. So we have, what, 3 conservative senators and now this guy? Geez, what was Harper saying about transparent and accountable government? 

2013-05-19 04:39:30 (1 comments, 1 reshares, 4 +1s)

Man, Dusty is sure growing on me, he's fantastic! 

2013-05-18 16:55:28 (1 comments, 1 reshares, 2 +1s)

Compilation of information about ADHD.

Psychology Today provides a collection of articles about ADHD.

http://www.psychologytoday.com/collections/201305/the-myths-adhd

#HolyKaw   #sciencesunday  

2013-05-18 14:49:57 (1 comments, 1 reshares, 2 +1s)

Bertrand Russell (18 May 1872 – 2 February 1970)

One last question: Suppose, Lord Russell, that this film will be looked at by our descendants, like the Dead Sea scroll, in a thousand years' time. What would you think it's worth telling that generation about the life you've lived and the lessons you've learned from it?

I should like to say two things, one intellectual and one moral. The intellectual thing I should want to say to them is this: When you are studying any matter, or considering any philosophy, ask yourself only what are the facts and what is the truth that the facts bear out. Never let yourself be diverted either by what you wish to believe, or by what you think would have beneficent social effects if it were believed, but look only, and solely, at what are the facts. That is the intellectual thing that I should wish to say.

Them... more »

2013-05-18 01:40:18 (28 comments, 1 reshares, 1 +1s)

Another reprehensible statement by a climate change denier - who happens to be the Prime Minister of Canada.

2013-05-17 21:28:57 (4 comments, 0 reshares, 7 +1s)

Overwhelming consensus

http://www.slate.com/blogs/bad_astronomy/2013/05/17/global_warming_climate_scientists_overwhelmingly_agree_it_s_real_and_is.html

A new study looked at 12,000 climate science papers. Of those papers taking a stance on the cause, more than 97% agree the cause is humans.

2013-05-17 17:44:56 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Gawker is trying to scrap together a big bag of cash to let us all see #robford hitting the crackpipe. It's at about $850 as of this posting and it'll be interesting to see how close they come to the goal.

Even better to see them, and him, hit it. #cndpoli #topoli

2013-05-17 13:18:15 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

If we make consistent effort, based on proper education, we can change the world. We are selfish, that’s natural, but we need to be wisely selfish, not foolishly selfish. We have to concern ourselves more with others’ well-being, that’s the way to be wisely selfish. We have the ability to take the long-term benefit into account. I think it is possible to make real change in this century.

2013-05-17 11:20:07 (5 comments, 1 reshares, 2 +1s)

#FitchTheHomeless

2013-05-17 05:36:45 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

There is an upside to the "Rob Ford smoking crack" video: it's nice seeing him getting along rather nicely with minorities.

2013-05-17 05:43:18 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

Oh wow. This sure explains the slapping magnets on cars during a meeting thing. 

2013-05-16 16:20:49 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

76 countries still criminalize consensual same-sex relationships and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people everywhere continue to suffer violent attacks and discriminatory treatment.
The UN's message: LGBT rights are human rights. Together we will build a world that is free and equal.
 
Watch and share this new video.

2013-05-16 12:31:42 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 5 +1s)

Police were called after Star Wars fans clashed with Doctor Who fans at a science fiction convention in Norwich. The two rival groups were advised to "keep out of each other's way": http://bbc.in/13xpBSY

2013-05-16 01:38:31 (6 comments, 0 reshares, 9 +1s)

Neil deGrasse Tyson ‏@neiltyson 
Odd that for many people, the less data that support their beliefs the more ardently they'll defend them, even w/ their lives
https://twitter.com/neiltyson/status/334499998551130112

Photo: http://ramblingsdc.net/RamRelig.html

2013-05-16 01:21:03 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

#philosoraptor  

2013-05-16 00:49:29 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

Oh wow. I'm sure liking this new design. Fast, beautiful, and lots of fancy graphics! Way to go Google!

2013-05-15 11:02:35 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 2 +1s)

Ooh, I've been waiting for something like Buycott to come along! This sounds like a great tool to empower consumers to choose what brands to support or boycott. I'll definitely be checking this out.

<snip> Buycott...available for download on iPhone or Android...You can scan the barcode on any product and the free app will trace its ownership all the way to its top corporate parent company, including conglomerates like Koch Industries.

Once you’ve scanned an item, Buycott will show you its corporate family tree on your phone screen... 

you can join user-created campaigns to boycott business practices that violate your principles rather than single companies...

your next trip to the supermarket needn’t be all doom and gloom. There are Buycott campaigns encouraging shoppers to support brands that have, say, openly backedLGBT... more »