Mark Mac Lean
@marktmaclean.bsky.social
Mathematician. Full of contradictions. Opinions are entirely my own. Reposts =/= endorsements. Likes are often bookmarks or acknowledgements. He/him/his.
Reposted by Mark Mac Lean
Not really much point in having a door then, is there?
December 10, 2025 at 1:30 AM
Not really much point in having a door then, is there?
Reposted by Mark Mac Lean
Update on this staff proposal, which have been for 2026 only but suggested under the auspices of saving some money: it’s been pulled from this week’s agenda — and given the optics, I can’t see it coming back
City of Vancouver recommends eliminating volunteer civic committees
City of Vancouver recommends eliminating volunteer civic committees
The City of Vancouver is looking to terminate some council advisory committees, due to “capacity pressures” ahead of the FIFA World Cup, next year’s municipal election, and a significant number of public hearings.
bit.ly
December 9, 2025 at 3:26 AM
Update on this staff proposal, which have been for 2026 only but suggested under the auspices of saving some money: it’s been pulled from this week’s agenda — and given the optics, I can’t see it coming back
Reposted by Mark Mac Lean
Holy CRAP.
Retired engineer takes random pics of *kids*, without consent or attribution, bins them into “autistic” or “not autistic”, and uploads that “data” for free on Kaggle.
Well over a HUNDRED papers are published, 38 in Springer Nature, 25 in IEEE, using it.
And no reviewers objected? WTF.🧪
Retired engineer takes random pics of *kids*, without consent or attribution, bins them into “autistic” or “not autistic”, and uploads that “data” for free on Kaggle.
Well over a HUNDRED papers are published, 38 in Springer Nature, 25 in IEEE, using it.
And no reviewers objected? WTF.🧪
Springer Nature retracts, removes nearly 40 publications
The dataset contains images of children’s faces downloaded from websites about autism, which sparked concerns at Springer Nature about consent and reliability.
www.thetransmitter.org
December 8, 2025 at 11:49 PM
Holy CRAP.
Retired engineer takes random pics of *kids*, without consent or attribution, bins them into “autistic” or “not autistic”, and uploads that “data” for free on Kaggle.
Well over a HUNDRED papers are published, 38 in Springer Nature, 25 in IEEE, using it.
And no reviewers objected? WTF.🧪
Retired engineer takes random pics of *kids*, without consent or attribution, bins them into “autistic” or “not autistic”, and uploads that “data” for free on Kaggle.
Well over a HUNDRED papers are published, 38 in Springer Nature, 25 in IEEE, using it.
And no reviewers objected? WTF.🧪
Reposted by Mark Mac Lean
Good words in hateful times.
"Turning Sideways Toward Truth: A Statement from the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre"
irshdc.ubc.ca/2025/12/03/t...
"Turning Sideways Toward Truth: A Statement from the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre"
irshdc.ubc.ca/2025/12/03/t...
UBC
irshdc.ubc.ca
December 8, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Good words in hateful times.
"Turning Sideways Toward Truth: A Statement from the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre"
irshdc.ubc.ca/2025/12/03/t...
"Turning Sideways Toward Truth: A Statement from the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre"
irshdc.ubc.ca/2025/12/03/t...
Reposted by Mark Mac Lean
They died because they were women.
December 6, 1989.
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. www.cbc.ca/montreal/fea...
December 6, 1989.
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. www.cbc.ca/montreal/fea...
December 6, 2025 at 3:59 PM
They died because they were women.
December 6, 1989.
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. www.cbc.ca/montreal/fea...
December 6, 1989.
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. www.cbc.ca/montreal/fea...
Reposted by Mark Mac Lean
Breaking News: Frank Gehry, a titan of architecture, has died at 96. He designed some of the world’s most recognizable buildings — many widely regarded as masterpieces. nyti.ms/4rGCYiE
December 5, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Breaking News: Frank Gehry, a titan of architecture, has died at 96. He designed some of the world’s most recognizable buildings — many widely regarded as masterpieces. nyti.ms/4rGCYiE
Reposted by Mark Mac Lean
Another timely call out of this serial tormentor that landlords over many renters in our city. Plan A is quite literally one of the worst, and keeps successfully gaming the system. thetyee.ca/News/2025/12...
A Vancouver Landlord Keeps Being Allowed to Evict Tenants. Why? | The Tyee
Residents want to know why BC’s Residential Tenancy Branch keeps siding with Plan A.
thetyee.ca
December 5, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Another timely call out of this serial tormentor that landlords over many renters in our city. Plan A is quite literally one of the worst, and keeps successfully gaming the system. thetyee.ca/News/2025/12...
Reposted by Mark Mac Lean
Reposted by Mark Mac Lean
Here is what we are starting out with after kicking off our 39th annual food bank fundraiser. Thank you so much for all of the early donations!
Make The Season Kind.
Donate at cbc.ca/kindbc
Make The Season Kind.
Donate at cbc.ca/kindbc
December 5, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Here is what we are starting out with after kicking off our 39th annual food bank fundraiser. Thank you so much for all of the early donations!
Make The Season Kind.
Donate at cbc.ca/kindbc
Make The Season Kind.
Donate at cbc.ca/kindbc
Reposted by Mark Mac Lean
Here’s my story on John Rustad’s very bad day, why his failures appear to be rooted politics rather than ideology, and what questions the party will have to quickly answer the moment they stop having two leaders
ANALYSIS | Actual leader of the B.C. Conservatives up in the air — and so are their next moves | CBC News
Wednesday was the final day the B.C. legislature was in session for 2025 — and it sure delivered a season finale.
www.cbc.ca
December 4, 2025 at 5:11 AM
Here’s my story on John Rustad’s very bad day, why his failures appear to be rooted politics rather than ideology, and what questions the party will have to quickly answer the moment they stop having two leaders
Reposted by Mark Mac Lean
We got some new data on Vancouver's housing market today that doesn't really change our understanding of things, but does underline how we're in a new normal, and that the shoe is still falling for developers and landlords.
Comes with charts!
Comes with charts!
Greater Vancouver looks set for lowest year of housing sales this century | CBC News
Monthly data provided by Greater Vancouver Realtors showed 1,846 residential properties were sold in November, continuing a three-year period of relatively stable month-over-month sale figures.
www.cbc.ca
December 3, 2025 at 5:51 AM
We got some new data on Vancouver's housing market today that doesn't really change our understanding of things, but does underline how we're in a new normal, and that the shoe is still falling for developers and landlords.
Comes with charts!
Comes with charts!
Reposted by Mark Mac Lean
"It's just not right, you know?" said Mason, who received a second notice in late November notifying her that her payment was almost overdue, even though she qualified for a free shot.
"I've been diabetic since 2002 and had heart disease since 2002. What is going on with the government?"
"I've been diabetic since 2002 and had heart disease since 2002. What is going on with the government?"
80-year-old diabetic Calgarian shocked to receive $100 bill for COVID-19 vaccine | CBC News
A Calgary senior with diabetes and heart disease is fighting back after being billed for her COVID-19 vaccine despite being eligible for a free shot. Sharon Mason, 80, received her COVID vaccine in ea...
www.cbc.ca
December 3, 2025 at 4:10 PM
"It's just not right, you know?" said Mason, who received a second notice in late November notifying her that her payment was almost overdue, even though she qualified for a free shot.
"I've been diabetic since 2002 and had heart disease since 2002. What is going on with the government?"
"I've been diabetic since 2002 and had heart disease since 2002. What is going on with the government?"
Reposted by Mark Mac Lean
In a world awash with negative science/health news this is unashamedly great news. connectsci.au/news/news-pa...
Seventh patient in HIV remission after stem cell transplant | News | ConnectSci
connectsci.au
December 3, 2025 at 7:21 AM
In a world awash with negative science/health news this is unashamedly great news. connectsci.au/news/news-pa...
Reposted by Mark Mac Lean
Today - December 3 - is Internationally Day of Persons with Disabilities.
It is also another day when I am reminded how Universities, especially at Graduate level, are typically indifferent (at best) and hostile (at worst) towards learning disabilities.
www.un.org/en/observanc...
It is also another day when I am reminded how Universities, especially at Graduate level, are typically indifferent (at best) and hostile (at worst) towards learning disabilities.
www.un.org/en/observanc...
International Day of Persons with Disabilities | United Nations
The International Day of Disabled Persons aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development.
www.un.org
December 3, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Today - December 3 - is Internationally Day of Persons with Disabilities.
It is also another day when I am reminded how Universities, especially at Graduate level, are typically indifferent (at best) and hostile (at worst) towards learning disabilities.
www.un.org/en/observanc...
It is also another day when I am reminded how Universities, especially at Graduate level, are typically indifferent (at best) and hostile (at worst) towards learning disabilities.
www.un.org/en/observanc...
Now, is this the kind of thing the UCP imagine when they think of appropriate reasons to recall MLAs?
I guess if you dip yourself in enough crude oil, you can slip through anything.
I guess if you dip yourself in enough crude oil, you can slip through anything.
STORY: Alberta ends negotiations with two firms tied to Sam Mraiche, the businessman at centre of health care controversy
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber... with @tomcardoso.bsky.social
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber... with @tomcardoso.bsky.social
Alberta ends procurement talks with two firms tied to businessman at centre of health care controversy
The two companies owned in part by Sam Mraiche were in negotiations to build private surgical facilities
www.theglobeandmail.com
December 3, 2025 at 6:45 AM
Now, is this the kind of thing the UCP imagine when they think of appropriate reasons to recall MLAs?
I guess if you dip yourself in enough crude oil, you can slip through anything.
I guess if you dip yourself in enough crude oil, you can slip through anything.
Reposted by Mark Mac Lean
My university has already eliminated approximately five percent of its workforce, with more cuts to come, in case you think the Doug Ford-created university budget crisis isn't real.
December 1, 2025 at 1:03 PM
My university has already eliminated approximately five percent of its workforce, with more cuts to come, in case you think the Doug Ford-created university budget crisis isn't real.
Reposted by Mark Mac Lean
By McGill Assoc. Provost Indigenous Initiatives, Celeste Pedri-Spade
"These heroes were largely created by settler-controlled industries like publishing, media and academia — not by us. Their success was sustained by gatekeepers who valued marketable versions of Indigeneity over authentic voices."
"These heroes were largely created by settler-controlled industries like publishing, media and academia — not by us. Their success was sustained by gatekeepers who valued marketable versions of Indigeneity over authentic voices."
Thomas King: As we learn another ‘hero’ is non-Indigenous, let’s not ignore a broader cultural problem
Indigenous people are more than stories. We deserve a future where our identities are not commodities, and accountability is measured by actions that build trust and repair harm.
theconversation.com
November 30, 2025 at 2:50 PM
By McGill Assoc. Provost Indigenous Initiatives, Celeste Pedri-Spade
"These heroes were largely created by settler-controlled industries like publishing, media and academia — not by us. Their success was sustained by gatekeepers who valued marketable versions of Indigeneity over authentic voices."
"These heroes were largely created by settler-controlled industries like publishing, media and academia — not by us. Their success was sustained by gatekeepers who valued marketable versions of Indigeneity over authentic voices."
Reposted by Mark Mac Lean
Reposted by Mark Mac Lean
The acclaimed writer Tom Stoppard has died, at 88. For the award-winning playwright, “art is a game within a game—the larger game being life itself,” Kenneth Tynan wrote, in 1977.
www.newyorker.com/magazine/197...
www.newyorker.com/magazine/197...
Tom Stoppard, Withdrawing with Style from the Chaos
From 1977: For the playwright, art is a game within a game—the larger game being life itself, an absurd mosaic of incidents and accidents.
www.newyorker.com
November 29, 2025 at 7:33 PM
The acclaimed writer Tom Stoppard has died, at 88. For the award-winning playwright, “art is a game within a game—the larger game being life itself,” Kenneth Tynan wrote, in 1977.
www.newyorker.com/magazine/197...
www.newyorker.com/magazine/197...
Reposted by Mark Mac Lean
Another link. Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis appointed a former business partner of Sam Mraiche to the Edmonton Police Commission. 4 thetyee.ca/News/2025/02...
UCP Placed Mraiche Business Partner on Edmonton Police Commission | The Tyee
Dr. Jayan Nagendran’s appointment by Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis raises ‘more concerns,’ say critics.
thetyee.ca
November 29, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Another link. Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis appointed a former business partner of Sam Mraiche to the Edmonton Police Commission. 4 thetyee.ca/News/2025/02...
Reposted by Mark Mac Lean
I love the JBB story for a few reasons:
- stringing 120 miles of wire
- months of analzying paper roll data
- her PI was like "that can't be right, do it again," the motto of PI's everywhere.
- rare case of a landmark discovery becoming ubiquitous in popular culture for no particular reason
- stringing 120 miles of wire
- months of analzying paper roll data
- her PI was like "that can't be right, do it again," the motto of PI's everywhere.
- rare case of a landmark discovery becoming ubiquitous in popular culture for no particular reason
November 28, 2025 at 3:04 PM
I love the JBB story for a few reasons:
- stringing 120 miles of wire
- months of analzying paper roll data
- her PI was like "that can't be right, do it again," the motto of PI's everywhere.
- rare case of a landmark discovery becoming ubiquitous in popular culture for no particular reason
- stringing 120 miles of wire
- months of analzying paper roll data
- her PI was like "that can't be right, do it again," the motto of PI's everywhere.
- rare case of a landmark discovery becoming ubiquitous in popular culture for no particular reason
Reposted by Mark Mac Lean
A rare sea slug who dares to make food from sunlight found in waters near a beach not too far from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Really interesting adaptation. If only we could do this trick…
A rare photosynthesizing sea slug has been found off N.S. Here's why scientists are excited | CBC News
Researchers believe Elysia chlorotica holds promise for medical advances, but it's been too elusive to study.
www.cbc.ca
November 27, 2025 at 1:58 PM
A rare sea slug who dares to make food from sunlight found in waters near a beach not too far from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Really interesting adaptation. If only we could do this trick…
Reposted by Mark Mac Lean
Junius: Hoekstra is a bully and a boor, but he has one saving grace -- every time he opens his mouth he reminds Canadians of the need to secure our own future
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/edit...
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/edit...
Globe editorial: The U.S. ambassador is a master of the diplomatic offensive
Pete Hoekstra’s bullying tone is a reminder of the need for Canada to wean itself from dependence on the U.S.
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Junius: Hoekstra is a bully and a boor, but he has one saving grace -- every time he opens his mouth he reminds Canadians of the need to secure our own future
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/edit...
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/edit...
Reposted by Mark Mac Lean
Australia recorded ZERO cases of cervical cancer in women under 25 for the first time since they started tracking the cancer in the 80s.
This is the power of vaccines.
The HPV vaccine is extremely effective at preventing cancer.
Viruses can be oncogenic. Get your vaccines and protect yourself!
This is the power of vaccines.
The HPV vaccine is extremely effective at preventing cancer.
Viruses can be oncogenic. Get your vaccines and protect yourself!
newsGP - Australia set for world-first cervical cancer elimination
Vaccination programs have played a key role, and GPs remain ‘instrumental’ in boosting screening rates to reach the 2035 target.
www1.racgp.org.au
November 27, 2025 at 3:45 AM
Australia recorded ZERO cases of cervical cancer in women under 25 for the first time since they started tracking the cancer in the 80s.
This is the power of vaccines.
The HPV vaccine is extremely effective at preventing cancer.
Viruses can be oncogenic. Get your vaccines and protect yourself!
This is the power of vaccines.
The HPV vaccine is extremely effective at preventing cancer.
Viruses can be oncogenic. Get your vaccines and protect yourself!