Didactic Synapse

Because I reached my limit of Royal Wedding News weeks ago:

As many of you know, I have contributed to many Featured Articles on Wikipedia. The FA process is a long and arduous one; it takes months of work (usually) to get an article up to snuff.

I could say many things about the FA process. I’ve met some really awesome people through working on Wikipedia, and it’s a real egoboo to see my work adorned with a little bronze star (or front page placement).

More than anything, however, seeing an article with an FA star indicates to me that someone has tended to the article. Having been through the process many times myself, I know how much blood and sweat goes into every single Featured Article. I trust the information in FAs, not only because it’s been presumably vetted by other people (though obviously not necessarily experts in the field), but because I know that someone has spent weeks and weeks living the topic.

So consider this a public “Thank You” to everyone who has ever written — or contributed to — a Featured Article. And a public “You’re Welcome” to anyone who has benefited from one of mine. (Because, you know, people are so hungry for information about Balzac novels!)

TimeWasterâ„¢

Watch this. It’s four minutes of beautiful.

Today I’m listening to: Flight of the Conchords!

Dammit, Tito! I’m nearly done with Portal 2. Stop distracting me by doing cute stuff.

The following is a screenshot from a new Washington Post / ABC News poll:

As you can see, a whopping 72% of Americans favor raising taxes on Americans making over $250,000 each year, as a way to reduce the deficit.

This is what we should do. The US is not broke, but Congress refuses to demand that wealthy Americans pay their fair share of the taxes so that we can provide medical care for the needy and elderly.

Note, too, that cuts to military spending are far more popular than Medicare or Medicaid cuts, even though the latter are being pursued rabidly by the Republicans at the behest of the Tea Party. (This is an example of where that movement’s claims to simple budget frugality fall down.)

Let’s get to calling and writing to our senators and representatives, people! Tax the rich and cut military spending. Do it now.

TimeWasterâ„¢

In celebration of Portal 2, here’s the classic “Still Alive” song.

Today I’m listening to: Tupac!

Two quick pics right after I took Tito for a walk. Lovely green plants dealing with a bit of April snow.

That is all. Also: Portal 2 is really fun so far.