Timothy Egan, New York Times; The Bad Parent Caucus
"Let me try another take for you bad parents in office. Pretend you live in a pleasant, well-protected community of like-minded people, and you’re in charge. O.K., you don’t have to pretend. And let’s say there was a natural gas leak every three days in one of the homes in that community, a leak that killed entire families.
Your response would be to pray and do nothing. Or to pray and talk about everything except the gas leak. Or to pray and say you’re powerless to act because the gas company owns you. The response of those suffering would be to take control and kick you out. That’s what we have to do, and will, next November."
Friday, February 16, 2018
Book-burning Pontypridd librarian jailed for thefts; BBC News, January 31, 2018
BBC News; Book-burning Pontypridd librarian jailed for thefts
"A librarian stole books from her workplace - including one on the Aberfan disaster - and tried to sell them online for up to £400.
"A librarian stole books from her workplace - including one on the Aberfan disaster - and tried to sell them online for up to £400.
Elizabeth Macregor, 57, burned several books in a bid to escape justice.
Macregor, of Hirwaun, stole hundreds of books from Pontypridd Library in Rhondda Cynon Taff.
She was jailed for eight months at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court after being found guilty of two counts of theft and perverting the course of justice."
Copyright For Libraries Around The World In 2018; Intellectual Property Watch, February 16, 2018
IFLA via Intellectual Property Watch; Copyright For Libraries Around The World In 2018
"Note: This roundup of changes to copyright laws around the world was prepared and originally published here by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). It is reposted with permission of the authors.
Copyright laws around the world are constantly changing in an attempt to adapt – or react – to the digital world. These changes can have a major impact on how libraries function and on the public service they provide. While some reforms offer new possibilities and legal certainty, others look backwards and seek to use the law to restrict the ability of libraries to guarantee meaningful information access to their users.
IFLA therefore follows the evolution of copyright reforms around the world, as well as bilateral and multilateral trade agreements that impact copyright regimes.
With the input of the IFLA copyright and other legal matters committee and network, we have compiled an inventory of recent and ongoing reforms that affect libraries and their services around the world. Following part 1, part 2 will identify topics that seem to be gaining importance in copyright reforms, and the approach that countries are adopting."
"Note: This roundup of changes to copyright laws around the world was prepared and originally published here by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). It is reposted with permission of the authors.
Copyright laws around the world are constantly changing in an attempt to adapt – or react – to the digital world. These changes can have a major impact on how libraries function and on the public service they provide. While some reforms offer new possibilities and legal certainty, others look backwards and seek to use the law to restrict the ability of libraries to guarantee meaningful information access to their users.
IFLA therefore follows the evolution of copyright reforms around the world, as well as bilateral and multilateral trade agreements that impact copyright regimes.
With the input of the IFLA copyright and other legal matters committee and network, we have compiled an inventory of recent and ongoing reforms that affect libraries and their services around the world. Following part 1, part 2 will identify topics that seem to be gaining importance in copyright reforms, and the approach that countries are adopting."
Unique law library has served community for 79 years; The Chronicle [St. Helens, Oregon], February 1, 2018
Rigmor Angel Soerensen, The Chronicle [St. Helens, Oregon]; Unique law library has served community for 79 years
"Davis and Ballentine visited different law libraries around the state. They talked with people, took photographs and interviewed librarians to get a feel for what law library facilities are like.
“I was particularly interested in what law libraries are going to look like in 10 or 15 years,” Davis said. With changes in technology and the availability for resource materials Davis wondered how the role of law libraries would change in today’s society.
Davis and Ballentine worked on their study for about six months, then wrote up a report and presented it to the commissioners, the district attorneys and the law library committee which hired them to implement their recommendations in the fall of 2015. With new lighting, a repaired floor with new carpet and a computer work area with digital access to online resources the law library was reopened for business in January of 2016 and Davis was hired as the law librarian."
"Davis and Ballentine visited different law libraries around the state. They talked with people, took photographs and interviewed librarians to get a feel for what law library facilities are like.
“I was particularly interested in what law libraries are going to look like in 10 or 15 years,” Davis said. With changes in technology and the availability for resource materials Davis wondered how the role of law libraries would change in today’s society.
Davis and Ballentine worked on their study for about six months, then wrote up a report and presented it to the commissioners, the district attorneys and the law library committee which hired them to implement their recommendations in the fall of 2015. With new lighting, a repaired floor with new carpet and a computer work area with digital access to online resources the law library was reopened for business in January of 2016 and Davis was hired as the law librarian."
PLA-sponsored forum surfaced contentious constitution situations in public libraries; American Libraries, February 11, 2018
Terra Dankowski, American Libraries; PLA-sponsored forum surfaced contentious constitution situations in public libraries
"What can a library do when a user’s viewing of pornographic images offends another user? How should a library respond when a patron says that an educational program on the Hindu celebration of Diwali represented religious proselytizing and caused him emotional harm? What steps should a library take when a visitor violates the code of conduct because of behavior stemming from mental illness?
These were some of the questions addressed at the “Legal Issues in Public Libraries Forum” at the American Library Association’s 2018 Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits on Sunday. The session, sponsored by the Public Library Association, brought together lawyers and librarians for a frank, casual conversation on some of the most contentious issues popping up at public libraries, along with best practices on how to handle them.
“To caution you, this is not legal advice,” said moderator Tomas Lipinski, dean of the School of Information Studies at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. He also noted that different states in the US may define protections differently depending on the issue."
"What can a library do when a user’s viewing of pornographic images offends another user? How should a library respond when a patron says that an educational program on the Hindu celebration of Diwali represented religious proselytizing and caused him emotional harm? What steps should a library take when a visitor violates the code of conduct because of behavior stemming from mental illness?
These were some of the questions addressed at the “Legal Issues in Public Libraries Forum” at the American Library Association’s 2018 Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits on Sunday. The session, sponsored by the Public Library Association, brought together lawyers and librarians for a frank, casual conversation on some of the most contentious issues popping up at public libraries, along with best practices on how to handle them.
“To caution you, this is not legal advice,” said moderator Tomas Lipinski, dean of the School of Information Studies at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. He also noted that different states in the US may define protections differently depending on the issue."
Thursday, February 15, 2018
IBM-Microsoft Spat Elevates Diversity to Tech-Secret Level; Bloomberg, February 12, 2018
Chris Dolmetsch, Bloomberg; IBM-Microsoft Spat Elevates Diversity to Tech-Secret Level
"While the lawsuit highlights the contention that can ensue when a senior employee bolts for a rival, it also shines a light on the increasing role that diversity measures play in corporate America. Technology and financial companies have reserved those fights in the past to employees who possessed key technical or strategic knowledge, not those entrusted to make decisions on hiring and the makeup of the workforce...
In its complaint, filed Monday in federal court in White Plains, New York, IBM pointed to Microsoft’s own attempts to keep details about its diversity efforts secret. In a separate lawsuit, in which Microsoft is accused of discriminating against women in technical and engineering roles, the Redmond, Washington-based company insisted that internal communications and documents about its diversity data and strategies be filed under seal because they’re so sensitive.
"While the lawsuit highlights the contention that can ensue when a senior employee bolts for a rival, it also shines a light on the increasing role that diversity measures play in corporate America. Technology and financial companies have reserved those fights in the past to employees who possessed key technical or strategic knowledge, not those entrusted to make decisions on hiring and the makeup of the workforce...
In its complaint, filed Monday in federal court in White Plains, New York, IBM pointed to Microsoft’s own attempts to keep details about its diversity efforts secret. In a separate lawsuit, in which Microsoft is accused of discriminating against women in technical and engineering roles, the Redmond, Washington-based company insisted that internal communications and documents about its diversity data and strategies be filed under seal because they’re so sensitive.
Non-competition clauses are common in the technology industry, covering most employees, said Evan Starr, an assistant professor at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business."
Research: A Strong Privacy Policy Can Save Your Company Millions; Harvard Business Review, February 15, 2018
"Our research shows that data breaches sometimes harm a firm’s close rivals (due to spillover effects), but sometimes help them (due to competitive effects). What is more, we found that a good corporate privacy policy can shield firms from the financial harm posed by a data breach — by offering customers transparency and control over their personal information — while a flawed policy can exacerbate the problems caused by a breach. Together, this evidence is the first to show that a firm’s close rivals are directly, financially affected by its data breach and also to offer actionable solutions that could save some companies hundreds of millions of dollars.
Our research shows that sometimes a breach creates spillover, where investors perceive a guilt-by-association effect that harms the breached firm’s close rivals."
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Trump’s budget eliminates NEA, public TV and other cultural agencies. Again.; Washington Post, February 12, 2018
Peggy McGlone, Washington Post; Trump’s budget eliminates NEA, public TV and other cultural agencies. Again.
"In a repeat of last year, the Trump administration’s budget proposal for 2019 calls for eliminating four federal cultural agencies in a move that would save almost $1 billion from a $4.4 trillion spending plan.
Trump’s proposal calls for drastically reducing the funding to begin closing the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The four agencies would share $109 million in 2019, a overall cut of $917 million.
Congress rejected a nearly identical plan from the Trump administration last year...
In a statement, IMLS director Kathryn K. Matthews said her agency is the primary source of federal funding for museums and libraries.
“Without IMLS funding for museums and libraries, it would be more difficult for many people to gain access to the internet, continue their education, learn critical research skills, and find employment,” Matthews said.
Laura Lott, president and chief executive of the American Alliance of Museums, blasted the “continued threats” to the cultural agencies that support the work of her membership.""
"In a repeat of last year, the Trump administration’s budget proposal for 2019 calls for eliminating four federal cultural agencies in a move that would save almost $1 billion from a $4.4 trillion spending plan.
Trump’s proposal calls for drastically reducing the funding to begin closing the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The four agencies would share $109 million in 2019, a overall cut of $917 million.
Congress rejected a nearly identical plan from the Trump administration last year...
In a statement, IMLS director Kathryn K. Matthews said her agency is the primary source of federal funding for museums and libraries.
“Without IMLS funding for museums and libraries, it would be more difficult for many people to gain access to the internet, continue their education, learn critical research skills, and find employment,” Matthews said.
Laura Lott, president and chief executive of the American Alliance of Museums, blasted the “continued threats” to the cultural agencies that support the work of her membership.""
How To Make The Library More Inclusive; Sage Publishing via Library Journal, February 12, 2018
Karen Phillips,Sage Publishing via Library Journal; How To Make The Library More Inclusive
"In a new series that celebrates innovators in libraries across the U.S., I have the privilege of diving deeper into the work of a segment of the 2017 Movers & Shakers announced by Library Journal. This week, I had the opportunity to catch up with Cynthia Mari Orozco, a Librarian for Equitable Services at East Los Angeles College Library. Dedicated to making the library inviting for librarians and students of all backgrounds, Cynthia works to raise awareness of micro-aggressions in librarianship and library anxiety among students. Read her interview below to learn more about her efforts to make the library a space of refuge and community..."
"In a new series that celebrates innovators in libraries across the U.S., I have the privilege of diving deeper into the work of a segment of the 2017 Movers & Shakers announced by Library Journal. This week, I had the opportunity to catch up with Cynthia Mari Orozco, a Librarian for Equitable Services at East Los Angeles College Library. Dedicated to making the library inviting for librarians and students of all backgrounds, Cynthia works to raise awareness of micro-aggressions in librarianship and library anxiety among students. Read her interview below to learn more about her efforts to make the library a space of refuge and community..."
In what ways can librarians help to reduce students’ library anxiety and make the library a welcoming place for the student?
Being kind, personable, and compassionate can go a long way. Before working in libraries, I spent years working in restaurants, and I think libraries can learn a lot about customer service and making patrons feel welcomed and appreciated. There are many small acts that go a long way. For example the 10/5 rule: whenever within 10 feet of a patron, make eye contact and smile; within five feet of a patron, eye contact, smile, and some sort of friendly greeting or gesture.
Librarians also need to understand their users, free from preconceived assumptions. Related to my first response, I was sheepishly telling some librarian colleagues that I didn’t know what “stacks” meant until I was in library school. I was relieved and slightly horrified to know that they had similar experiences! At the very least, you shouldn’t need to go to library school to know how to navigate a library’s physical and online spaces.
In 2014, you founded the LIS Microaggressions blog (LISM), a safe, anonymous space for users to submit descriptions of microaggressions expressed toward individuals from marginalized communities that occur within the library and information science field. Can you give us some examples of the microaggressions taking place in libraries?"
Navigating choppy waters: why good leadership is essential for managing change; HR Director, January 23, 2018
David Willett, HR Director; Navigating choppy waters: why good leadership is essential for managing change
"The key to effective leadership
"The key to effective leadership
Many roles in the UK jobs market are expected to change over the next few years, which means that business leaders must become all-rounders; able to adapt to changing economic, political and technological climates.
Increasing automation and digitisation are likely to have the most significant impact on the workforce, with the Institute for Public Policy Research recently suggesting that machines threaten jobs worth up to £290 billion in UK wages, both creating new roles and making others redundant.[2] An agile business must be led from the top, with those in leadership positions being capable of implementing new technology, processes and procedures, and also communicating change effectively to staff without damaging motivation, retention and productivity."
Monday, February 12, 2018
Universities Rush to Roll Out Computer Science Ethics Courses; New York Times, February 12, 2018
Natasha Singer, New York Times; Universities Rush to Roll Out Computer Science Ethics Courses
"The medical profession has an ethic: First, do no harm.
Silicon Valley has an ethos: Build it first and ask for forgiveness later.
Now, in the wake of fake news and other troubles at tech companies, universities that helped produce some of Silicon Valley’s top technologists are hustling to bring a more medicine-like morality to computer science...
“Stanford absolutely has a responsibility to play a leadership role in integrating these perspectives, but so does Carnegie Mellon and Caltech and Berkeley and M.I.T.,” said Jeremy Weinstein, a Stanford political science professor and co-developer of the ethics course. “The set of institutions that are generating the next generation of leaders in the technology sector have all got to get on this train.”"
"The medical profession has an ethic: First, do no harm.
Silicon Valley has an ethos: Build it first and ask for forgiveness later.
Now, in the wake of fake news and other troubles at tech companies, universities that helped produce some of Silicon Valley’s top technologists are hustling to bring a more medicine-like morality to computer science...
“Stanford absolutely has a responsibility to play a leadership role in integrating these perspectives, but so does Carnegie Mellon and Caltech and Berkeley and M.I.T.,” said Jeremy Weinstein, a Stanford political science professor and co-developer of the ethics course. “The set of institutions that are generating the next generation of leaders in the technology sector have all got to get on this train.”"
White House budget proposal continues to miscalculate the value of libraries; American Library Association via PRNewswire-USNewswire, February 12, 2018
American Library Association via PRNewswire-USNewswire; White House budget proposal continues to miscalculate the value of libraries
"In its FY 2019 budget released today, the White House proposed eliminating the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and hundreds of millions of dollars dedicated to America's libraries through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). The decision echoes the FY 2018 proposal, which also eliminated the grant-making agency and its programs. The administration's budget also calls for elimination and/or severe cuts to many other federal programs that support libraries, including Innovative Approaches to Literacy, a Department of Education program."
"In its FY 2019 budget released today, the White House proposed eliminating the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and hundreds of millions of dollars dedicated to America's libraries through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). The decision echoes the FY 2018 proposal, which also eliminated the grant-making agency and its programs. The administration's budget also calls for elimination and/or severe cuts to many other federal programs that support libraries, including Innovative Approaches to Literacy, a Department of Education program."
Video: Candidates For ALA President Discuss Issues During ALA Presidential Candidates’ Forum; Library Journal, February 11, 2018
Gary Price, Library Journal; Video: Candidates For ALA President Discuss Issues During ALA Presidential Candidates’ Forum
"The ALA Presidential Candidates’ Forum was recorded at the 2018 ALA Midwinter Meeting in Denver on Saturday afternoon (February 10, 2018).
"The ALA Presidential Candidates’ Forum was recorded at the 2018 ALA Midwinter Meeting in Denver on Saturday afternoon (February 10, 2018).
The Candidates
KY Governor’s Budget Would Eliminate Library Funds; Library Journal, February 7, 2018
Bob Warburton, Library Journal; KY Governor’s Budget Would Eliminate Library Funds
"DEPENDENT ON STATE AID
"DEPENDENT ON STATE AID
State law KRS 171.201 provides for a Public Library Services Improvement and Equalization Fund and uses a formula to determine how much county library systems can receive.
To begin with, each library system gets a lump sum grant: $9,000 for counties with a population of 22,000 or fewer, $8,000 for counties with a population between 22,001 and 45,000, and $7,000 for counties with more than 45,000 residents. The remaining aid is doled out at a rate of 73 cents per capita, to be used for a wide variety of purposes at the discretion of each library system.
The 2018–20 Executive Budget Recommendation posted online includes this notation: “Notwithstanding KRS 171.201, the Executive Budget provides no funding for non-construction state aid to local libraries.”
The vast majority of Kentucky libraries rely on tax revenue to fund the bulk of their operations. State aid is usually a smaller, but not insignificant, piece of their budget, Adler said. But for the 20 or so small county systems that aren’t part of a library taxing district, state aid is the only thing between them and serious financial hardship."
Sunday, February 11, 2018
When You Have to Carry Out a Decision You Disagree With; Harvard Business Review, February 9, 2018
Art Markman, Harvard Business Review; When You Have to Carry Out a Decision You Disagree With
"To convince yourself of the decision, put yourself in the shoes of someone who believes deeply in the decision that was made. Ask yourself why someone would make this choice. Look for factors you may not have considered before that would make this option a good one. While you’re at it, also be explicit about all of your objections. Those will be useful as well.
Once you’ve wrapped your head around why this decision was reasonable, you’re ready to start working with your team to carry out the new plan.
This approach helps you – and your team – in two ways."
"To convince yourself of the decision, put yourself in the shoes of someone who believes deeply in the decision that was made. Ask yourself why someone would make this choice. Look for factors you may not have considered before that would make this option a good one. While you’re at it, also be explicit about all of your objections. Those will be useful as well.
Once you’ve wrapped your head around why this decision was reasonable, you’re ready to start working with your team to carry out the new plan.
This approach helps you – and your team – in two ways."
Publisher Rushing Comey Book on ‘Ethical Leadership’ to Print; LifeZette, February 10, 2018
Mark Tapscott, LifeZette; Publisher Rushing Comey Book on ‘Ethical Leadership’ to Print
"James Comey’s forthcoming book, “A Higher Loyalty,” is being rushed to bookstores two weeks earlier than previously planned. The publisher wants to take advantage of what the Associated Press describes as the “intense scrutiny” currently directed at the former FBI chief.
The book will examine “what good, ethical leadership looks like, and how it drives sound decisions. His journey provides an unprecedented entry into the corridors of power, and a remarkable lesson in what makes an effective leader,” according to publisher Flatiron Books."
"James Comey’s forthcoming book, “A Higher Loyalty,” is being rushed to bookstores two weeks earlier than previously planned. The publisher wants to take advantage of what the Associated Press describes as the “intense scrutiny” currently directed at the former FBI chief.
The book will examine “what good, ethical leadership looks like, and how it drives sound decisions. His journey provides an unprecedented entry into the corridors of power, and a remarkable lesson in what makes an effective leader,” according to publisher Flatiron Books."
Watch This Jamaican Bobsledder’s Tearful Plea For Diversity At Winter Olympics; HuffPost, February 10, 2018
Ron Dicker, HuffPost; Watch This Jamaican Bobsledder’s Tearful Plea For Diversity At Winter Olympics
"Diversity is as good as gold, according to a member of the Jamaican Bobsled Team.
Jazmine Fenlator-Victorian told a Winter Olympics press conference in Pyeonchang, South Korea, on Saturday how important it was for children to see reflections of themselves in sport.
It’s critical that “little girls and little boys see someone that looks like them, talks like them, has the same culture as them, has crazy, curly hair and wears a natural, has brown skin, included in different things in this world,” Fenlator-Victorian said, fighting tears. “When you grow up and you don’t see that, you feel that you can’t do it. And that is not right.”"
"Diversity is as good as gold, according to a member of the Jamaican Bobsled Team.
Jazmine Fenlator-Victorian told a Winter Olympics press conference in Pyeonchang, South Korea, on Saturday how important it was for children to see reflections of themselves in sport.
It’s critical that “little girls and little boys see someone that looks like them, talks like them, has the same culture as them, has crazy, curly hair and wears a natural, has brown skin, included in different things in this world,” Fenlator-Victorian said, fighting tears. “When you grow up and you don’t see that, you feel that you can’t do it. And that is not right.”"
Fox News pulls executive's column on U.S. Olympic team diversity; Politico, February 9, 2018
Cristiano Lima, Politico; Fox News pulls executive's column on U.S. Olympic team diversity
"Fox News on Friday pulled from its website an opinion piece by its executive vice president that accused the Olympic Committee of seeking to make the athletic event “darker, gayer, different,” with the network saying it “did not reflect” its views or values.
In the since-deleted column, which was published on Wednesday, John Moody, Fox News’ executive editor and executive vice president, railed against the U.S. Olympic Committee for saying that it had drawn the “most diverse U.S. squad ever to the Winter Olympics” in South Korea...
A Fox News spokesperson said in a statement on Friday that “Moody’s column does not reflect the views or values of FOX News and has been removed.”"
"Fox News on Friday pulled from its website an opinion piece by its executive vice president that accused the Olympic Committee of seeking to make the athletic event “darker, gayer, different,” with the network saying it “did not reflect” its views or values.
In the since-deleted column, which was published on Wednesday, John Moody, Fox News’ executive editor and executive vice president, railed against the U.S. Olympic Committee for saying that it had drawn the “most diverse U.S. squad ever to the Winter Olympics” in South Korea...
A Fox News spokesperson said in a statement on Friday that “Moody’s column does not reflect the views or values of FOX News and has been removed.”"
Sexual harassment is about power. Why not fight it as we do bullying?; Guardian, February 10, 2018
Claire Potter, Guardian; Sexual harassment is about power. Why not fight it as we do bullying?
"As management professionals know, enabling a bully damages a work culture. As the Stanford business professor Robert Sutton points out in his book The No Asshole Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn’t (2010), one organization calculated that in one year it had paid over $160,000 in costs associated with a workplace bully. This cost did not include the “suffering and heartache, so much time wasted by talented people”, and the “emotional and physical toll on witnesses and bystanders”.
"As management professionals know, enabling a bully damages a work culture. As the Stanford business professor Robert Sutton points out in his book The No Asshole Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn’t (2010), one organization calculated that in one year it had paid over $160,000 in costs associated with a workplace bully. This cost did not include the “suffering and heartache, so much time wasted by talented people”, and the “emotional and physical toll on witnesses and bystanders”.
The company decided to deduct the money lost from the bully’s violent behaviors from his compensation, shifting some of the consequences of the anti-social, violent behavior back on to the bully. Notably, this is very different from strategies that shielded Weinstein, Roger Ailes, Bill O’Reilly and other media figures, in which the corporation made a continuing investment in the bully by paying complainants off, disposing of them, and hiring new employees.
Perhaps a more important outcome of fining the bully is to shift the stigma to the bully...
Many victims report intense fear as they try to process an encounter in the moment, a fear that is so intense it results in a feeling frozen, paralyzed, or leaving their own bodies...
Investing in the health of the many rather than knuckling under to the most powerful among us is not only the key to ending sexual harassment, it charts a clear path to a workplace that says no to bullying."
Friday, February 9, 2018
In 'Black Panther,' a superhero who finally looks like me; Washington Post, February 9, 2018
David Betancourt, Washington Post; In 'Black Panther,' a superhero who finally looks like me
""Black Panther" brings to life Marvel's greatest black superhero. For The Post's David Betancourt, this has been a long time coming."
""Black Panther" brings to life Marvel's greatest black superhero. For The Post's David Betancourt, this has been a long time coming."
Advance Review: X-MEN - RED #1 Brings 'Compassion, Warmth, & Clear Purpose to JEAN GREY's Mission' (8/10); Newsarama, February 1, 2018
David Pepose, Newsarama; Advance Review: X-MEN - RED #1 Brings 'Compassion, Warmth, & Clear Purpose to JEAN GREY's Mission' (8/10)
"Call me a traditionalist, but whenever the X-Men seem to veer away from their central mission - about the peaceful coexistence of man and mutant - the franchise winds up getting stuck in its own idiosyncrasies. And while jaunts into space and time have led to fun wrinkles like the Shi’ar or the Age of Apocalypse, let’s be clear - those are detours to the X-Men’s central themes of diversity and inclusiveness. So it’s refreshing to see Taylor tackle these ideas head-on, with perhaps an unlikely lead - Jean Grey. For so many years, she’s been framed as either Scott Summers’ love interest or a WMD-in-waiting, but Taylor takes a new angle on the character: Jean not just as a telepath, but as a thinker. She’s had a second chance on life, but the world has only gotten darker since she last walked among the living - and thanks to her innate mutant abilities, Jean’s able to bring together ideas, countries, and teammates in a way that feels ambitious and inspiring."
"Call me a traditionalist, but whenever the X-Men seem to veer away from their central mission - about the peaceful coexistence of man and mutant - the franchise winds up getting stuck in its own idiosyncrasies. And while jaunts into space and time have led to fun wrinkles like the Shi’ar or the Age of Apocalypse, let’s be clear - those are detours to the X-Men’s central themes of diversity and inclusiveness. So it’s refreshing to see Taylor tackle these ideas head-on, with perhaps an unlikely lead - Jean Grey. For so many years, she’s been framed as either Scott Summers’ love interest or a WMD-in-waiting, but Taylor takes a new angle on the character: Jean not just as a telepath, but as a thinker. She’s had a second chance on life, but the world has only gotten darker since she last walked among the living - and thanks to her innate mutant abilities, Jean’s able to bring together ideas, countries, and teammates in a way that feels ambitious and inspiring."
Thursday, February 8, 2018
Obituary: Robert "Bob" John Marshall / Diner owner was bacon expert and more; Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, February 8, 2018
Dan Gigler, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; Obituary: Robert "Bob" John Marshall / Diner owner was bacon expert and more
[Kip Currier: At Bob Marshall's funeral service in Crafton, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, Father John Gizler used the "power of story" to both comfort those in attendance and underscore Bob's lasting influence: recounting the kindness and personal "make-a-difference" touches that Bob tirelessly exuded in his diners--chatting with customers at every table, asking "how are you doing?" with genuine interest, a pot of piping hot coffee in one hand to refill their cups. Father John insightfully observed that, in a sense, each of Bob's diners were like individual parishes, where Bob "ministered" with comfort food, and a side of heartfelt caring.
Father John's concluding words left the audience with a touching and memorable image: Bob Marshall greeting the denizens of heaven at its newest restaurant:
"Speaking with those who knew Robert John Marshall — “Bob” — the best, a few things are immediately apparent about how he lived his life: He wasn’t afraid to fail. He was beloved. He was a relentless optimist. And he knew his bacon.
[Kip Currier: At Bob Marshall's funeral service in Crafton, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, Father John Gizler used the "power of story" to both comfort those in attendance and underscore Bob's lasting influence: recounting the kindness and personal "make-a-difference" touches that Bob tirelessly exuded in his diners--chatting with customers at every table, asking "how are you doing?" with genuine interest, a pot of piping hot coffee in one hand to refill their cups. Father John insightfully observed that, in a sense, each of Bob's diners were like individual parishes, where Bob "ministered" with comfort food, and a side of heartfelt caring.
Father John's concluding words left the audience with a touching and memorable image: Bob Marshall greeting the denizens of heaven at its newest restaurant:
Bob's Heavenly Donuts.]
"Speaking with those who knew Robert John Marshall — “Bob” — the best, a few things are immediately apparent about how he lived his life: He wasn’t afraid to fail. He was beloved. He was a relentless optimist. And he knew his bacon.
Those are traits that are vital for the lifetime entrepreneur and businessman who founded the local chain of Bob’s Diners at four locations in the South Hills and western suburbs as well as a doughnut and sandwich shop...
“Bacon was his thing.”
So too, was treating his staff with dignity.
Gary Reinert Jr. worked for Mr. Marshall for the past six years as a manager at Bob’s locations.
“I could not have come into contact with him at a better time. I was out of work and he gave me an opportunity. He was a godsend,” Mr. Reinert said. “He gave me purpose, he gave the people he came in contact purpose and he made you feel you were valued.”"
Monday, February 5, 2018
Compass Reading: IMLS’s 2018–22 Strategic Plan Sets a New Tone | Editorial; Library Journal, February 1, 2018
Rebecca T. Miller, Library Journal; Compass Reading: IMLS’s 2018–22 Strategic Plan Sets a New Tone | Editorial
"In January, IMLS released a new strategic plan, which spans 2018–22 and posits four goals. This pivotal document offers a glimpse into the institution’s priorities and approach in the near future.
Titled “Transforming Communities,” it leverages libraries and museums as trusted sources and places for engagement and dialog, with a focus on deeper inclusion, reducing barriers to access, and amplifying impact across the life span. It emphasizes cross-institutional collaboration and deepening local investment in projects though grant and award design. It also posits a new vision—“a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities.”
I reached out to IMLS director Kathryn K. Matthew to hear more about it. “We’ve placed much more emphasis on our vision and desired outcomes this time rather than the tactical aspects of the plan,” she says. “The vision and values of IMLS are like compass points and the plan is more of a map.”"
"In January, IMLS released a new strategic plan, which spans 2018–22 and posits four goals. This pivotal document offers a glimpse into the institution’s priorities and approach in the near future.
Titled “Transforming Communities,” it leverages libraries and museums as trusted sources and places for engagement and dialog, with a focus on deeper inclusion, reducing barriers to access, and amplifying impact across the life span. It emphasizes cross-institutional collaboration and deepening local investment in projects though grant and award design. It also posits a new vision—“a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities.”
I reached out to IMLS director Kathryn K. Matthew to hear more about it. “We’ve placed much more emphasis on our vision and desired outcomes this time rather than the tactical aspects of the plan,” she says. “The vision and values of IMLS are like compass points and the plan is more of a map.”"
Friday, February 2, 2018
How and Where Diversity Drives Financial Performance; Harvard Business Review, January 30, 2018
"Diversity is both an issue of fairness and, some say, a driver of innovation and performance. To assess the latter claim, we undertook a large, cross-country study into the relationship between multiple aspects of managerial diversity, the presence of enabling conditions such as leadership support for diversity, and innovation outcomes.
We surveyed more than 1,700 companies across eight countries (the U.S., France, Germany, China, Brazil, India, Switzerland, and Austria) and a variety of industries and company sizes, examining diversity in management positions, measured with respect to gender, age, national origin, career path, industry background, and education...
When we looked at the enabling conditions for diversity, including fair employment practices (such as equal pay), participative leadership, top management support for diversity, and open communication practices, less than 40% of firms employed them. And not surprisingly, firms that had such practices in place had better diversity scores, and as a result better innovation performance. This strongly suggests that diversity represents a tangible missed opportunity and significant potential upside for most companies. In total, the presence of these enabling factors is worth up to 12.9% points of innovation revenue."
Thursday, February 1, 2018
CDC Director’s Investment in Tobacco, Drug Companies Baffles Ethics Experts; Scientific American, February 1, 2018
Helen Branswell, Scientific American; CDC Director’s Investment in Tobacco, Drug Companies Baffles Ethics Experts
"“The problem with Brenda Fitzgerald is like many in the Trump administration, she was very negligent at submitting her personal financial disclosure to the Office of Government Ethics and finally worked out an ethics agreement with OGE very late in her term,” Holman said.
"“The problem with Brenda Fitzgerald is like many in the Trump administration, she was very negligent at submitting her personal financial disclosure to the Office of Government Ethics and finally worked out an ethics agreement with OGE very late in her term,” Holman said.
“So without that sort of ethics guidance from the Office of Government Ethics, and no ethics agreement signed, Fitzgerald just operated as if she were a regular citizen, trading and buying in stocks that pose a direct conflict of interest for her role as CDC director,” he said.
Holman and Giordano seemed genuinely flummoxed that Fitzgerald would buy shares in companies that might present a conflict of interest while serving as CDC director.
“That really represents, I think, a failure of an ethical compass,” Giordano said. “It is a question of credibility. And it is a question of responsible leadership.”"
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