Interesting Links for 18-10-2017

[andrewducker]

Believers in conspiracy theories and the paranormal are more likely to see illusory patterns

(tags: illusion psychology conspiracy belief )

War Plan Red - the 1930s plan for the USA to invade Britain

(tags: history usa uk war )

Harvey Weinstein Accusers List

(tags: abuse movies hollywood )

That Viking textile doesn't actually say "Allah"

(tags: islam history viking fail )

Carrie Fisher gave predatory producer a cow's tongue in a box

(tags: abuse Hollywood )

Gun waiting periods prevent hundreds of murders, according to 45-year study

(tags: guns death research )

Britain is facing a terrorist threat as unrelenting as it is unprecedented, MI5 chief warns

(tags: terrorism uk islam )

A day in the life of a Google human resources 'talent channels specialist.'

(tags: Google work )

Amazon Studios exec Roy Price resigns after sexual harassment claim

I really am hoping this turns into an avalanche
(tags: abuse amazon )

world's first floating wind farm opens (in Scotland)

(tags: Scotland windpower ocean )

Star Wars music with major and minor key reversed (Vader's march delightfully triumphal)

(tags: music StarWars )

Comments

[calimac]

IMO, the extensive penetration of Arabic into medieval western Europe is far more interesting than whether or not the tapestry says "Allah."

I'm a little puzzled by the news value of the Amazon exec resignation, as I recall coming across the full charge, from this same woman, months ago. Yes, the resignation is news, but the charge isn't: it's been clearly out there since before the Harvey Weinstein story.

The Star Wars arrangements are so pompously heavy as to entirely outweigh the effect of what mode they're being played in.

[andrewducker]

I agree that the penetration of Arabic is more interesting. But as understanding of that isn't new it doesn't generate headlines, so isn't causing such a fuss :-)

And yeah, I am hopeful that many previous accusations will now be taken more seriously.

[calimac]

The understanding is new to the general public. There's a narrative going around now that the Muslims have always been external invading hordes, and that's why having some actually living among us is viewed with such alarm.

Even I, modestly versed in history and knowing that the barrier between cultures wasn't impermeable (heck, I've even read Eaters of the Dead) didn't have any idea quite how permeated it was.

[andrewducker]

True. It's not been considered terribly exciting before.

[armiphlage]

Canada's Defence Scheme 1 would react to a US invasion with a counteroffensive southwards using armoured columns. Several alt-history books have been written covering it.