Stu Barrow
@functionary.bsky.social
Stu. Nerd and wonk. Neurodivergent.
Strong professional interest in science, science policy, knowledge systems, philosophy, communication modes.
Strong personal interest in history, mythology, politics, speculative fiction, roleplaying, more besides.
Strong professional interest in science, science policy, knowledge systems, philosophy, communication modes.
Strong personal interest in history, mythology, politics, speculative fiction, roleplaying, more besides.
I wanted to share this one because I know a few trans folks and this seems like a pretty useful frame. Also, possibly terrifying.
So I saw a comment on Reddit and had to write an essay about it
"You can be a girl if you want to" is useless if you don't know what wanting to be a girl looks like.
If lesbians make you sad, read this one
"You can be a girl if you want to" is useless if you don't know what wanting to be a girl looks like.
If lesbians make you sad, read this one
It's Miserable In The Egg | Ela Bambust
Get more from Ela Bambust on Patreon
www.patreon.com
December 9, 2025 at 10:40 AM
I wanted to share this one because I know a few trans folks and this seems like a pretty useful frame. Also, possibly terrifying.
I can vouch for both the protagonist's age and the funniness of this novel.
(I can do more than that: Laura's book sees weird book nerds triumph by using kindness as a superpower. I'm glad I read it and I recommend it.)
(I can do more than that: Laura's book sees weird book nerds triumph by using kindness as a superpower. I'm glad I read it and I recommend it.)
Just sayin', my novel After the Bloodwood Staff has as its protagonist a pudgy 50-year-old man (height unspecified) who doesn't want to do anything. Maybe you know someone who would like to read a book like this over Christmas (I'm told it's very funny). I am shameless. Utterly shameless.
Everyone imitates Tolkien all the time except when it comes to the one way it would really matter: making the protagonist of your novel for children a short, fat, 50-year-old man who doesn't want to do anything.
December 9, 2025 at 4:09 AM
I can vouch for both the protagonist's age and the funniness of this novel.
(I can do more than that: Laura's book sees weird book nerds triumph by using kindness as a superpower. I'm glad I read it and I recommend it.)
(I can do more than that: Laura's book sees weird book nerds triumph by using kindness as a superpower. I'm glad I read it and I recommend it.)
I had my last dog training sessions yesterday, and it was lovely. It was a class full of -oodles, plus Stitch the cattle dog.
I've had a rough time of late. Taking the class lets all of that fall away, and I get to just help people with their dogs. It's only a little magic, but it's a good one.
I've had a rough time of late. Taking the class lets all of that fall away, and I get to just help people with their dogs. It's only a little magic, but it's a good one.
December 8, 2025 at 12:55 AM
I had my last dog training sessions yesterday, and it was lovely. It was a class full of -oodles, plus Stitch the cattle dog.
I've had a rough time of late. Taking the class lets all of that fall away, and I get to just help people with their dogs. It's only a little magic, but it's a good one.
I've had a rough time of late. Taking the class lets all of that fall away, and I get to just help people with their dogs. It's only a little magic, but it's a good one.
Reposted by Stu Barrow
Need a new podcast, TV show or book to devour? Let our Fellows – some of Australia's 'top scientists – guide you in the Academy’s 10th annual reading and listening list. Happy reading, listening, and viewing: www.science.org.au/news-and-eve...
Top scientists share their summer reading picks
Distinguished Professor Lidia Morawska FAA FTSE recommends Air-Borne by Carl Zimmer. Spark your curiosity, make a fresh discovery or immerse yourself in a new world this summer with reading,
www.science.org.au
December 5, 2025 at 1:59 AM
Need a new podcast, TV show or book to devour? Let our Fellows – some of Australia's 'top scientists – guide you in the Academy’s 10th annual reading and listening list. Happy reading, listening, and viewing: www.science.org.au/news-and-eve...
Local RPG people: I usually run a mini-campaign in the end-of-year break. Let me know if you are interested.
Current prospectives are:
Rapscallion (sexy weird ghost pirates)
Under Hollow Hills (a fairy circus bringing growth and change)
Agon (stylised Greek heroes doing stylised Greek hero things)
Current prospectives are:
Rapscallion (sexy weird ghost pirates)
Under Hollow Hills (a fairy circus bringing growth and change)
Agon (stylised Greek heroes doing stylised Greek hero things)
December 4, 2025 at 4:29 AM
Local RPG people: I usually run a mini-campaign in the end-of-year break. Let me know if you are interested.
Current prospectives are:
Rapscallion (sexy weird ghost pirates)
Under Hollow Hills (a fairy circus bringing growth and change)
Agon (stylised Greek heroes doing stylised Greek hero things)
Current prospectives are:
Rapscallion (sexy weird ghost pirates)
Under Hollow Hills (a fairy circus bringing growth and change)
Agon (stylised Greek heroes doing stylised Greek hero things)
These reports come out from time to time and I get the impression the powers-that-be are shocked, not so much at the findings but the public disquiet and disgust: "Wait, is jobs-for-the-boys *wrong*!? Why? How?"
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
‘Corrosive impact on trust’: Labor criticised over failure to adopt recommendations from ‘jobs for mates’ report
Katy Gallagher tells Senate estimates that Labor would not take up key recommendations including to ‘bequest’ appointments immediately before elections
www.theguardian.com
December 2, 2025 at 6:03 AM
These reports come out from time to time and I get the impression the powers-that-be are shocked, not so much at the findings but the public disquiet and disgust: "Wait, is jobs-for-the-boys *wrong*!? Why? How?"
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Tell me your tales of victory and glory, of your triumphs for truth and justice.
December 1, 2025 at 12:26 AM
Tell me your tales of victory and glory, of your triumphs for truth and justice.
I think Katie Mack is one of the best science communicators in the world, but to be fair I haven't performed a rigorous analysis.
Regardless, this is a deep and important truth.
Regardless, this is a deep and important truth.
The most precious commodity you have is your attention. You don’t have to waste it on poor-faith debates or arguments with strangers if you don’t think they’ll be productive. You can prioritize the things that matter to you and make your life richer.
November 30, 2025 at 11:55 PM
I think Katie Mack is one of the best science communicators in the world, but to be fair I haven't performed a rigorous analysis.
Regardless, this is a deep and important truth.
Regardless, this is a deep and important truth.
People in senior positions make most of their decisions on relatively shallow information - summaries, precis, briefs, talking points.
They may not know the difference between good advice and words from the word machine, because to them it looks the same.
www.businessinsider.com/executives-a...
They may not know the difference between good advice and words from the word machine, because to them it looks the same.
www.businessinsider.com/executives-a...
Execs are embracing AI more than their employees are, new research suggests
Research from HR software company Dayforce suggests that executives are leaning into AI far more than their employees.
www.businessinsider.com
November 29, 2025 at 10:55 PM
People in senior positions make most of their decisions on relatively shallow information - summaries, precis, briefs, talking points.
They may not know the difference between good advice and words from the word machine, because to them it looks the same.
www.businessinsider.com/executives-a...
They may not know the difference between good advice and words from the word machine, because to them it looks the same.
www.businessinsider.com/executives-a...
There's a note on some APS jobs listings saying "Are you sure you're not qualified? Studies show that men apply for jobs when they meet 60% of criteria; women and people in marginalised groups feel they need to tick every box."
...I'm definitely a tick-every-box kind of guy, FWIW.
...I'm definitely a tick-every-box kind of guy, FWIW.
November 26, 2025 at 11:59 PM
There's a note on some APS jobs listings saying "Are you sure you're not qualified? Studies show that men apply for jobs when they meet 60% of criteria; women and people in marginalised groups feel they need to tick every box."
...I'm definitely a tick-every-box kind of guy, FWIW.
...I'm definitely a tick-every-box kind of guy, FWIW.
There may or may not be better uses of my time, but Tactical Breach Wizards is still one of the best (cleverest, funniest) games I've ever played.
November 26, 2025 at 10:35 PM
There may or may not be better uses of my time, but Tactical Breach Wizards is still one of the best (cleverest, funniest) games I've ever played.
Cannot stress enough the importance of process for learning and understanding.
If you can't explain it (on your own) you don't understand it.
If you can't explain it (on your own) you don't understand it.
Agree. I strongly believe that using AI to summarize information is a strong form of outsourcing your thinking.
Summarization is crystallizing your thoughts, and -- at least for topics you are still trying to learn -- you can't afford to let an LLM do that in your stead.
Summarization is crystallizing your thoughts, and -- at least for topics you are still trying to learn -- you can't afford to let an LLM do that in your stead.
Relying on ChatGPT to teach you about a topic leaves you with shallower knowledge than Googling and reading about it, according to new research that compared what more than 10,000 people knew after using one method or the other.
Shared by @gizmodo.com: buff.ly/yAAHtHq
Shared by @gizmodo.com: buff.ly/yAAHtHq
November 22, 2025 at 12:29 AM
Cannot stress enough the importance of process for learning and understanding.
If you can't explain it (on your own) you don't understand it.
If you can't explain it (on your own) you don't understand it.
This is a deep horror.
CDC has overhauled its website to assert that “the claim ‘vaccines do not cause autism’ is not an evidence-based claim”
November 20, 2025 at 8:52 PM
This is a deep horror.
Today is transgender day of remembrance, and it's a sad and solemn kind of thing.
I have trans folk in my life who I love more than words can say.
I want a kinder and more just world for them.
A day of remembrance reminds us of the deep, vast cost of unkindness and injustice.
I have trans folk in my life who I love more than words can say.
I want a kinder and more just world for them.
A day of remembrance reminds us of the deep, vast cost of unkindness and injustice.
November 20, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Today is transgender day of remembrance, and it's a sad and solemn kind of thing.
I have trans folk in my life who I love more than words can say.
I want a kinder and more just world for them.
A day of remembrance reminds us of the deep, vast cost of unkindness and injustice.
I have trans folk in my life who I love more than words can say.
I want a kinder and more just world for them.
A day of remembrance reminds us of the deep, vast cost of unkindness and injustice.
Neophilia is a bit of a thing with neurodivergent types so I am always terribly disappointed when "tips for dealing with your ADHD!" turn out to be things I am already doing.
November 20, 2025 at 3:41 AM
Neophilia is a bit of a thing with neurodivergent types so I am always terribly disappointed when "tips for dealing with your ADHD!" turn out to be things I am already doing.
Great to be job hunting and receiving an email that the deputy CEO of wikipedia is stepping down. Sky's the limit, yeah?
November 19, 2025 at 3:37 AM
Great to be job hunting and receiving an email that the deputy CEO of wikipedia is stepping down. Sky's the limit, yeah?
Happy International Men's Day, for all the international men and others who celebrate.
I recommend a contemplative approach to masculinity rather than a performative one (while noting that I am saying that out loud on the internet).
I recommend a contemplative approach to masculinity rather than a performative one (while noting that I am saying that out loud on the internet).
November 19, 2025 at 12:24 AM
Happy International Men's Day, for all the international men and others who celebrate.
I recommend a contemplative approach to masculinity rather than a performative one (while noting that I am saying that out loud on the internet).
I recommend a contemplative approach to masculinity rather than a performative one (while noting that I am saying that out loud on the internet).
One of my forever frustrations with public policy is that reality is complicated and evidence is often ambiguous. As soon as you find yourself saying "Well, technically..." you've lost the argument.
Which is not the same as being wrong...
Which is not the same as being wrong...
November 16, 2025 at 11:58 PM
One of my forever frustrations with public policy is that reality is complicated and evidence is often ambiguous. As soon as you find yourself saying "Well, technically..." you've lost the argument.
Which is not the same as being wrong...
Which is not the same as being wrong...
With the primary schools closed today, a lot of folks are out and about with their kids.
It's honestly pretty delightful. Excitement and smiles all around - although with a strained element on the part of the adults.
It's honestly pretty delightful. Excitement and smiles all around - although with a strained element on the part of the adults.
November 16, 2025 at 11:49 PM
With the primary schools closed today, a lot of folks are out and about with their kids.
It's honestly pretty delightful. Excitement and smiles all around - although with a strained element on the part of the adults.
It's honestly pretty delightful. Excitement and smiles all around - although with a strained element on the part of the adults.
There is zero reason to put fall-to-your-death platforming bits in an open world game.
There is less than zero reason to make it a gate to your dlc content.
Designer purgatory for these people.
(Cyberpunk 2077)
There is less than zero reason to make it a gate to your dlc content.
Designer purgatory for these people.
(Cyberpunk 2077)
November 13, 2025 at 1:34 AM
There is zero reason to put fall-to-your-death platforming bits in an open world game.
There is less than zero reason to make it a gate to your dlc content.
Designer purgatory for these people.
(Cyberpunk 2077)
There is less than zero reason to make it a gate to your dlc content.
Designer purgatory for these people.
(Cyberpunk 2077)
This is important, I feel. I've seen the ALP relentlessly learn the wrong lessons from politics.
I'm an analyst, not a prophet. But if your only goal is to maintain the status quo, you can only lose in the long run.
www.thenewdaily.com.au/opinion/2025...
I'm an analyst, not a prophet. But if your only goal is to maintain the status quo, you can only lose in the long run.
www.thenewdaily.com.au/opinion/2025...
Australian politics 101: Getting the lessons wrong every time
If one thing is true for all mainstream political parties, it’s that they will always learn the wrong lessons.
www.thenewdaily.com.au
November 9, 2025 at 1:10 AM
This is important, I feel. I've seen the ALP relentlessly learn the wrong lessons from politics.
I'm an analyst, not a prophet. But if your only goal is to maintain the status quo, you can only lose in the long run.
www.thenewdaily.com.au/opinion/2025...
I'm an analyst, not a prophet. But if your only goal is to maintain the status quo, you can only lose in the long run.
www.thenewdaily.com.au/opinion/2025...
When they were trying to section me out the public service, I hit a very low point.
As fate would have it, I found a book of poetry which had a translation of the poem Deor, where a scop (poet, bard) laments that they'd lost their job and position in court.
As fate would have it, I found a book of poetry which had a translation of the poem Deor, where a scop (poet, bard) laments that they'd lost their job and position in court.
November 8, 2025 at 8:01 AM
When they were trying to section me out the public service, I hit a very low point.
As fate would have it, I found a book of poetry which had a translation of the poem Deor, where a scop (poet, bard) laments that they'd lost their job and position in court.
As fate would have it, I found a book of poetry which had a translation of the poem Deor, where a scop (poet, bard) laments that they'd lost their job and position in court.
After my experience in my dad's car I was delighted to discover that my own car has an archeotech interface that lets me listen to signals encoded on electromagnetic waves like a twentieth century person.
November 8, 2025 at 3:39 AM
After my experience in my dad's car I was delighted to discover that my own car has an archeotech interface that lets me listen to signals encoded on electromagnetic waves like a twentieth century person.