James Andrew Smith
@drsmith.bsky.social
Engineering professor at York University
Because it's not art.
That's why it's so dreadful.
That's why it's so dreadful.
As the right stokes culture wars, their alternatives to ‘woke’ Hollywood prove to be shoddily made and uninspired
From Melania to Kid Rock’s halftime show: why is Maga art so dreadful?
www.theguardian.com
February 10, 2026 at 10:55 PM
Because it's not art.
That's why it's so dreadful.
That's why it's so dreadful.
Reposted by James Andrew Smith
Once thought to be extinct in NSW, the small, spotted, and highly photogenic western quoll is making a hard-fought comeback to the wild.
Western quoll joey born in the wild after conservation program success
Once thought to be extinct in NSW, the small, spotted, and highly photogenic western quoll is making a hard-fought comeback to the wild.
www.abc.net.au
February 10, 2026 at 10:38 PM
Once thought to be extinct in NSW, the small, spotted, and highly photogenic western quoll is making a hard-fought comeback to the wild.
Epstein Epstein Epstein.
If you're not against pedophiles you're for them.
If you're not against pedophiles you're for them.
Analysis: How polls show Republicans shifted away from caring so much about Jeffrey Epstein
Analysis: How polls show Republicans shifted away from caring so much about Jeffrey Epstein | CNN Politics
For years, conservative influencers and Republican politicians kept the flame lit when it came to pushing for more information about Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes.
cnn.it
February 10, 2026 at 9:44 PM
Epstein Epstein Epstein.
If you're not against pedophiles you're for them.
If you're not against pedophiles you're for them.
I can imagine that the last set of gymnastic demos with the Atlas robot were a "full circle" moment for Rob Playter given that his PhD from 1995 was on the dynamics of gymnastics.
dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721....
dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721....
February 10, 2026 at 9:43 PM
I can imagine that the last set of gymnastic demos with the Atlas robot were a "full circle" moment for Rob Playter given that his PhD from 1995 was on the dynamics of gymnastics.
dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721....
dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721....
The writing was on the wall for Eddie Bauer over the past few months. Glad I cashed out my gift card over the holiday break!
February 10, 2026 at 3:24 PM
The writing was on the wall for Eddie Bauer over the past few months. Glad I cashed out my gift card over the holiday break!
Epstein Epstein Epstein.
You either had something to do with him or nothing to do with him.
“Barely” is too much contact.
You either had something to do with him or nothing to do with him.
“Barely” is too much contact.
Sen. Van Hollen: “Why do the Epstein files show you coordinating a meeting and planning a visit with Jeffrey Epstein on his private island in December 2012?”
Lutnick: “I did not have any relationship with him. I barely had anything to do with that person.”
Lutnick: “I did not have any relationship with him. I barely had anything to do with that person.”
February 10, 2026 at 3:16 PM
Epstein Epstein Epstein.
You either had something to do with him or nothing to do with him.
“Barely” is too much contact.
You either had something to do with him or nothing to do with him.
“Barely” is too much contact.
Quite apart from the fact that the #F35 spends too much time in the repair shop...
Without getting into a dozen reasons why the F35 is not the right jet for Canada (again), maybe these simple reasons are:
You don't buy jets from a country that threatens to invade you
You do NOT make a deal with the devil.
Never, ever lock into a deal with a guy who reverses deals on a whim !
You don't buy jets from a country that threatens to invade you
You do NOT make a deal with the devil.
Never, ever lock into a deal with a guy who reverses deals on a whim !
February 10, 2026 at 2:42 PM
Quite apart from the fact that the #F35 spends too much time in the repair shop...
We need to move on from Fascist-35s.
Buying them -- or any parts for more fighters -- will get us no further ahead in any of negotiations with the US.
We need to make new friends. Our American neighbour is a racist, wife abuser running a pyramid scheme in his basement.
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Buying them -- or any parts for more fighters -- will get us no further ahead in any of negotiations with the US.
We need to make new friends. Our American neighbour is a racist, wife abuser running a pyramid scheme in his basement.
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Canada discreetly puts money down on 14 additional F-35s | CBC News
Ottawa has started to make payments for key components for 14 additional U.S.-built F-35s, even as the Carney government has been reviewing future fighter-jet purchases in the context of trade tension...
www.cbc.ca
February 10, 2026 at 2:41 PM
We need to move on from Fascist-35s.
Buying them -- or any parts for more fighters -- will get us no further ahead in any of negotiations with the US.
We need to make new friends. Our American neighbour is a racist, wife abuser running a pyramid scheme in his basement.
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Buying them -- or any parts for more fighters -- will get us no further ahead in any of negotiations with the US.
We need to make new friends. Our American neighbour is a racist, wife abuser running a pyramid scheme in his basement.
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Reposted by James Andrew Smith
When AI does it for us. www.nature.com/articles/d41...
More than half of researchers now use AI for peer review — often against guidance
A survey of 1,600 academics found that more than 50% have used artificial-intelligence tools while peer reviewing manuscripts.
www.nature.com
February 10, 2026 at 1:15 PM
When AI does it for us. www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by James Andrew Smith
At what point will we as a field finally abandon Impact Factors and focus the credibility on the actual science? 🧪
#SciPub #PeerReview #AcademicSky
#SciPub #PeerReview #AcademicSky
A survey of how biology researchers assess credibility when serving on grant and hiring committees
Researchers who serve on grant review and hiring committees have to make decisions about the intrinsic value of research in short periods of time, and research impact metrics such Journal Impact Facto...
peerj.com
February 10, 2026 at 12:25 PM
At what point will we as a field finally abandon Impact Factors and focus the credibility on the actual science? 🧪
#SciPub #PeerReview #AcademicSky
#SciPub #PeerReview #AcademicSky
Reposted by James Andrew Smith
Why do the police wear bulletproof vests to a press conference? Are they afraid of the media? Towtruck drivers? The public?
February 5, 2026 at 5:13 PM
Why do the police wear bulletproof vests to a press conference? Are they afraid of the media? Towtruck drivers? The public?
Reposted by James Andrew Smith
More accountability like this, please.
February 10, 2026 at 12:56 PM
More accountability like this, please.
Reposted by James Andrew Smith
As the world sifts through recently released Epstein files, the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender, Jeffery Epstein, is revealed to have had ties here in Waterloo Region. www.therecord.com/news/waterlo...
Waterloo researchers named in massive Jeffrey Epstein document release
Recent files show Epstein had a personal relationship with a Perimeter Institute founding member
www.therecord.com
February 10, 2026 at 12:30 PM
As the world sifts through recently released Epstein files, the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender, Jeffery Epstein, is revealed to have had ties here in Waterloo Region. www.therecord.com/news/waterlo...
Reposted by James Andrew Smith
Measles cases confirmed amongst March for Life attendees last month in D.C. trib.al/JRLzDgQ
Measles cases confirmed amongst March for Life attendees last month in D.C.
Cases of the highly infectious and life-threatening illness have risen to historic levels, threatening the country’s longstanding elimination status
trib.al
February 10, 2026 at 12:32 PM
Measles cases confirmed amongst March for Life attendees last month in D.C. trib.al/JRLzDgQ
Reposted by James Andrew Smith
“Scientists should stop trying to be neutral and instead embrace their values,”says a group of top climate scientists, including @katharinehayhoe.com. The neutrality myth is harming the reputation of science right when we need it most.” #ClimateCrisis
Science isn’t neutral. It’s science.
Science isn’t neutral. It’s science.
Prominent climate scientist argues it's time to ditch the 'myth of neutrality' | CBC Radio
Climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe talks to Bob McDonald about the polarization of science and why she thinks scientists should stop pretending to be neutral when it's our planet at risk.
www.cbc.ca
February 10, 2026 at 4:25 AM
“Scientists should stop trying to be neutral and instead embrace their values,”says a group of top climate scientists, including @katharinehayhoe.com. The neutrality myth is harming the reputation of science right when we need it most.” #ClimateCrisis
Science isn’t neutral. It’s science.
Science isn’t neutral. It’s science.
Reposted by James Andrew Smith
An important reminder that safety initiatives can be relatively simple but have major, life saving, impacts. And that in many cases when they're suggested there's fierce opposition. Always look at who resists or opposes safety changes. There's often a link to wider harms or oppressions.
Today is Plimsoll Day, an annual celebration of the life of social reformer and MP Samuel Plimsoll (born 1824), and his radical campaign to improve ship safety and protect seafarers' lives. (1/6)
February 10, 2026 at 12:32 PM
An important reminder that safety initiatives can be relatively simple but have major, life saving, impacts. And that in many cases when they're suggested there's fierce opposition. Always look at who resists or opposes safety changes. There's often a link to wider harms or oppressions.
Reposted by James Andrew Smith
We've arranged a society based on science and technology, in which nobody understands anything about science and technology.
And this combustible mixture of ignorance and power, sooner or later, is going to blow up in our faces.
- Carl Sagan
And this combustible mixture of ignorance and power, sooner or later, is going to blow up in our faces.
- Carl Sagan
February 10, 2026 at 12:35 PM
We've arranged a society based on science and technology, in which nobody understands anything about science and technology.
And this combustible mixture of ignorance and power, sooner or later, is going to blow up in our faces.
- Carl Sagan
And this combustible mixture of ignorance and power, sooner or later, is going to blow up in our faces.
- Carl Sagan
Reposted by James Andrew Smith
Phenomenal new Morawska paper!
@ukhadds.bsky.social @brownecfm.bsky.social
@tjradcliffe.bsky.social @drsmith.bsky.social @ladyscorcher.bsky.social @nbcovidinfo.bsky.social @mark-ungrin.bsky.social @sameo416.bsky.social @trishgreenhalgh.bsky.social @linseymarr.bsky.social @jvipondmd.bsky.social
@ukhadds.bsky.social @brownecfm.bsky.social
@tjradcliffe.bsky.social @drsmith.bsky.social @ladyscorcher.bsky.social @nbcovidinfo.bsky.social @mark-ungrin.bsky.social @sameo416.bsky.social @trishgreenhalgh.bsky.social @linseymarr.bsky.social @jvipondmd.bsky.social
'As climate change accelerates, weak infrastructure and poor crisis planning will worsen deadly weather impacts. Protecting people indoors must become a priority, focusing on thermal comfort, ventilation, and reducing indoor air pollutants.' #AirQuality
wires.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
wires.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
The Rapid Progress of Climate Change Requires Effective Concepts for Protecting People Indoors
As climate change progresses, society is increasingly exposed to extreme weather events. It is therefore necessary to adapt our buildings, housing infrastructure, and logistics to protect people and ...
wires.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
February 9, 2026 at 6:51 PM
If only there were ways to deal with flu transmission....
Die Grippewelle ist spürbar – doch wie hoch sind die Inzidenzen wirklich? Ärzte aus dem Rems-Murr-Kreis ordnen aktuelle Zahlen und Entwicklungen ein.
Rems-Murr-Kliniken: „Wir sehen nur die Spitze des Eisbergs“ – wie die Grippewelle aktuell verläuft
Die Grippewelle ist spürbar – doch wie hoch sind die Inzidenzen wirklich? Ärzte aus dem Rems-Murr-Kreis ordnen aktuelle Zahlen und Entwicklungen ein.
www.stuttgarter-zeitung.de
February 9, 2026 at 3:14 PM
If only there were ways to deal with flu transmission....
I agree.
February 9, 2026 at 1:23 PM
I agree.
Transit expert @swanboatsteve.bsky.social was on CBC Radio talking about the new Line 5 here in Toronto.
I agree that we need to stop hoping that the next mega project will save us from congestion.
I think that we need to focus on both the everyday bus & streetcar experience and ALSO...
I agree that we need to stop hoping that the next mega project will save us from congestion.
I think that we need to focus on both the everyday bus & streetcar experience and ALSO...
February 9, 2026 at 12:02 PM
Transit expert @swanboatsteve.bsky.social was on CBC Radio talking about the new Line 5 here in Toronto.
I agree that we need to stop hoping that the next mega project will save us from congestion.
I think that we need to focus on both the everyday bus & streetcar experience and ALSO...
I agree that we need to stop hoping that the next mega project will save us from congestion.
I think that we need to focus on both the everyday bus & streetcar experience and ALSO...
President Bone Spurs only likes Epstein's parties.
The rest of us? We know that this part of the world is more than Trump's MAGA regressive states.
The rest of us? We know that this part of the world is more than Trump's MAGA regressive states.
February 9, 2026 at 11:09 AM
President Bone Spurs only likes Epstein's parties.
The rest of us? We know that this part of the world is more than Trump's MAGA regressive states.
The rest of us? We know that this part of the world is more than Trump's MAGA regressive states.
"trust in the united states" has deteriorated.
The Munich Security Conference report calls on us to recognize the "demolition men" and the breaking up of the old world order.
#ElbowsUp
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
The Munich Security Conference report calls on us to recognize the "demolition men" and the breaking up of the old world order.
#ElbowsUp
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
ANALYSIS | An era of 'wrecking ball' politics: What the Munich Security Report says about Canada's moment of reckoning | CBC News
The world has entered an era of "wrecking ball" politics, says the new Munich Security Conference report. The analysis builds on the case Prime Minister Mark Carney made during his recent speech in Da...
www.cbc.ca
February 9, 2026 at 11:05 AM
"trust in the united states" has deteriorated.
The Munich Security Conference report calls on us to recognize the "demolition men" and the breaking up of the old world order.
#ElbowsUp
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
The Munich Security Conference report calls on us to recognize the "demolition men" and the breaking up of the old world order.
#ElbowsUp
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Reposted by James Andrew Smith
À Québec
La fameuse tempête du 2 mars 1972
Je me rappelle que l’autobus de ma sœur a dû arrêter dans le coin de l’université Laval, elle n’avait que 8 ans
Mon père a été la chercher avec un ami en skidoo
On a manqué d’électricité 3 jours
Et mon hamster est mort de froid 😢
La fameuse tempête du 2 mars 1972
Je me rappelle que l’autobus de ma sœur a dû arrêter dans le coin de l’université Laval, elle n’avait que 8 ans
Mon père a été la chercher avec un ami en skidoo
On a manqué d’électricité 3 jours
Et mon hamster est mort de froid 😢
January 29, 2026 at 2:21 PM
À Québec
La fameuse tempête du 2 mars 1972
Je me rappelle que l’autobus de ma sœur a dû arrêter dans le coin de l’université Laval, elle n’avait que 8 ans
Mon père a été la chercher avec un ami en skidoo
On a manqué d’électricité 3 jours
Et mon hamster est mort de froid 😢
La fameuse tempête du 2 mars 1972
Je me rappelle que l’autobus de ma sœur a dû arrêter dans le coin de l’université Laval, elle n’avait que 8 ans
Mon père a été la chercher avec un ami en skidoo
On a manqué d’électricité 3 jours
Et mon hamster est mort de froid 😢
Feels like the article is going to be clickbait.
That said, there are important issues to be raised.
Let's forget the question of veracity.
Instead, let's just talk about SCALE & financial requirements to host individual students in isolated "one student per room" accommodation exam centres.
That said, there are important issues to be raised.
Let's forget the question of veracity.
Instead, let's just talk about SCALE & financial requirements to host individual students in isolated "one student per room" accommodation exam centres.
More college kids than ever claim to have disabilities. But what is lost when we allow them “reasonable accommodations”?
Read more: on.wsj.com/4r8NMWe
Read more: on.wsj.com/4r8NMWe
February 9, 2026 at 1:58 AM
Feels like the article is going to be clickbait.
That said, there are important issues to be raised.
Let's forget the question of veracity.
Instead, let's just talk about SCALE & financial requirements to host individual students in isolated "one student per room" accommodation exam centres.
That said, there are important issues to be raised.
Let's forget the question of veracity.
Instead, let's just talk about SCALE & financial requirements to host individual students in isolated "one student per room" accommodation exam centres.