Link Dump 2015-05-15

2015-05-15

Why do we cry when we're happy and laugh when we hear bad news? A new study suggests it's the body's way of moderating extreme emotions so we can get over it faster.
I've been thinking about what a "CS0" course would be like - a course where students don't necessarily learn to program, but still learn computer science. One topic may be how software development works, and what to do when you encounter (what you think is) a bug.
Maybe it's time to move beyond scientific papers as the default mode of publishing results.
Why do we work for 30 years then retire for another 30, instead of making lots of money working for 10 years, then "retiring" for 10 before working again
Every programmer should learn Lisp, for many reasons, one of which is that it takes the "code is data" paradigm literally.
We English-speaking folk mostly swear with sexual and fecal material (eg. fuck, shit, etc.). As do the French... except for the Quebecois, who swear with religious symbolism (eg. hostie de calice de pourris de tabarnak, literally "the host of the chalice of shit of the tabernacle", but semantically "motherfucking piece of shit"). As for the Dutch... they swear with diseases (eg. Sterf aan kanker!, that is, "die of cancer!").
What role does a professor play in the world of MOOCs and free educational YouTube videos? One answer: someone worthy of respect and (maybe) emulation.
What role does the college campus play in the world of MOOCs and free educational YouTube videos? One answer: a third place where students can follow their creativity.
A good description of how sexism can be invisible. Key quote: "When I'm asked what I look for most in a job, I'll probably say hard, interesting problems with clever people using new technologies and best practice methods with a good salary. What I haven't said is probably the most important detail and one that in some sense goes without saying. I want a comfortable, safe environment."
I really want to know what those bright spots are on Ceres. Here's a cool gif.
What should a college do if swimming is a required core class and a student is aquaphobic?