#ecole polytechnique

[postcard-from-the-past]

Ecole Polytechnique school in Paris

French vintage postcard

[terriwriting]

Today at 5:10 p.m., the moment when, 34 years ago, the first shots were fired at École Polytechnique, 14 beams will illuminate the Montreal sky. 

The beams, representing the 14 women killed at the Montreal engineering school, will shine atop Mount Royal at the Belvedere Kondiaronk. A ceremony will be held inside the Mount Royal chalet.

[orphelinataveomonde]

📚Eux, ce sont nos leaders de demain. Parce que nous croyons qu'une jeunesse bien instruite fait une nation stable, nous promouvons l'éducation juvénile👨🏽‍🎓.

Tout enfant, qu'importe ses origines ou sa couleur de peau a droit à une bonne éducation.

✨Célébrons ensemble ce 24 janvier, "𝙅𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙣é𝙚 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙚 𝘿𝙚 𝙇'é𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣"👩🏼‍🏫.

[empahla]

When Misogyny Ends.

The older I get, the more I regret not being more overt with my feminism in my twenties and thirties. Violence against women hasn't got better. #Misogyny #DomesticViolence #EcolePolytechnique

“May you live in interesting times” is a great curse. “Interesting” is such a weighted word. I’d rather have come of age in less interesting times – the history I’ve lived through is full of such darkness. Vietmam. The explosions of the space shuttles. Various American wars. Tiananmen Square. 9/11. Lockerbie. Ecole Polytechnique. Sandy Hook. Sarin gas. And these are just off the top of my…

[thepastisalreadywritten]

The patient Gert-Jan Oskam said the breakthrough had given him "a freedom that I did not have" before.

The 40-year-old Dutchman has been paralysed in his legs for more than a decade after suffering a spinal cord injury during a bicycle accident.

However, using a new system, he can now walk "naturally," take on difficult terrain, and even climb stairs, according to a study published in the journal Nature.

The advance is the result of more than a decade of work by a team of researchers in France and Switzerland.

Last year, the team showed that a spinal cord implant -- which sends electrical pulses to stimulate movement in leg muscles -- had allowed three paralysed patients to walk again.

But they needed to press a button to move their legs each time.

Gert-Jan, who also has the spinal implant, said this made it difficult to get into the rhythm of taking a "natural step."

'Digital bridge'

The latest research combines the spinal implant with new technology called a brain-computer interface, which is implanted above the part of the brain that controls leg movement.

"The interface uses algorithms based on artificial intelligence methods to decode brain recordings in real time," the researchers said.

This allows the interface, which was designed by researchers at France's Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), to work out how the patient wants to move their legs at any moment.

The data is transmitted to the spinal cord implant via a portable device that fits in a walker or small backpack, allowing patients to get around without help from others.

The two implants build what the researchers call a "digital bridge" to cross the disconnect between the spinal cord and brain that was created during Gert-Jan's accident.

"Now I can just do what I want -- when I decide to make a step the stimulation will kick in as soon as I think about it," Gert-Jan said.

After undergoing invasive surgery twice to implant both devices, "it has been a long journey to get here," he told a press conference in the Swiss city of Lausanne.

But among other changes, he is now able to stand at a bar again with friends while having a beer.

"This simple pleasure represents a significant change in my life," he said in a statement.

'Radically different'

Gregoire Courtine, a neuroscientist at Switzerland's Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne and a study co-author, said it was "radically different" from what had been accomplished before.

"Previous patients walked with a lot of effort -- now one just needs to think about walking to take a step," he told a press conference in the Swiss city of Lausanne.

There was another positive sign: following six months of training, Gert-Jan recovered some sensory perception and motor skills that he had lost in the accident.

He was even able to walk with crutches when the "digital bridge" was turned off.

Guillaume Charvet, a researcher at France's CEA, told AFP this suggests "that the establishment of a link between the brain and spinal cord would promote a reorganisation of the neuronal networks at the site of the injury."

So when could this technology be available to paralysed people around the world? Charvet cautioned it will take "many more years of research" to get to that point.

But the team are already preparing a trial to study whether this technology can restore function in arms and hands.

They also hope it could apply to other problems such as paralysis caused by stroke.

(AFP)

24 May 2023

[sspacegodd]

Light is both a wave and a particle.

Right. Sounds like cognitive dissonance, non-dualistic Hinduism ("Atman is Brahman"), or Shimmer ("it's a floor wax AND a dessert topping.")

Albert Einstein suggested that light is not only a wave but is also a stream of particles.

But the damn duo would never pose for photos. Until now.

Now, using electrons to image light, scientists at EPFL have succeeded in capturing the first-ever photo of this dual behavior of light behaving both as a wave and as a particle.

[empiredesimparte]

POINT ROYAL Magazine | Special Edition | Coronation: portrait of H.I.M Emperor Napoleon V, the young emperor out to prove himself

Emperor Napoleon V is one of the world's youngest rulers. Among the pantheon of Napoleons, he is sometimes compared by the French people to l'Aiglon (Napoleon II). In any case, this is the affectionate nickname that the imperial family has given him since he was a child. Soon, in a grandiose ceremony, l'Aiglon will be crowned Emperor at Notre-Dame de Paris. In the run-up to the event, we invite you to rediscover His Majesty's extraordinary first 19 years through our pages packed with illustrations and memorabilia.

Who is emperor Napoleon V?

One of the first official photographs of Prince Imperial Louis, shortly after his christening.

Emperor Napoleon V was born Louis Napoleon Simparte on 22 October 2002 at the Tuileries Palace in the heart of Paris. He and his twin sister, Hortense Rose Simparte, became known as the Children of Francesim. Since the 12th century, this title has referred to the legitimate children of the French monarch. The following days, Louis and Hortense were baptised at Notre-Dame de Paris by the Archbishop of Paris.

Left: As a toddler, he attended Emperor David of Pierreland's state visit to Francesim. Right: A little later, aged just 8, Louis made his first public speech on the occasion of the Napoleonic events.

From the moment he was born, the young imperial prince was already the first in the order of succession to the throne, so he was quickly associated with the Crown's public appearances and activities.

Left: 1st official portrait of the Prince Imperial wearing the Imperial Guard uniform. Right: Francesim's children receive their first riding lessons at the Versailles stables.

From an early age, Louis showed a keen interest in a military career. He wore the uniforms of the various regiments to which he belonged. Even today, the young emperor has a vast wardrobe of uniforms, which he prefers to wear instead of civilian ceremonial dress. Not surprising for a Napoleon.

Louis and Hortense have a modern educational background, having been educated at illustrious Parisian public schools such as Sainte-Barbe. Outgoing and charming, Louis has always had the profile of a charismatic leader. Unlike his sister Hortense, who was quieter and more shy, Louis always surrounded himself with friends quickly. Little is known about this period of their lives, in accordance with the wishes of the late Emperor Napoleon IV.

Official portrait of the Children of Francesim on their 18th birthday. The photo was taken at the Château de Meudon, the official residence of the Imperial Princes of Francesim.

Last year, Louis and Hortense celebrated their 18th birthday. It was a very busy year for the Children of Francesim: Hortense took part in her first royal activities, while Louis spearheaded the maritime alliance project between the Pierreland Empire (@officalroyalsofpierreland) and the Empire of Francesim. Together with Duke Felipe, he inaugurated the Henry submarine, which combines the expertise of both armies.

The Prince Imperial and Duke Felipe on the day of the inauguration of the Francesim-Pierreland maritime alliance.

Portraits of Francesim's children taken at the Ecole Polytechnique. They are wearing the school uniform, which regularly takes part in military parades.

At the end of their respective engagements, the twins entered the Ecole Polytechnique together and became Polytechniciens. They completed their year and took part in the end-of-year gala held at the beginning of the summer at the Opéra Garnier.

The Ecole Polytechnique offered a combination of military, scientific and economic training.

While Hortense wished to continue her scientific studies at the Ecole Polytechnique, after the coronation Louis turned to the Francesim Naval School, which trained naval officers.

During his year at Polytechnique, Louis became Napoleon V at the age of 19, following the violent death of his father in an ambush in the middle of Paris.

The death of Emperor Napoleon IV is still shrouded in mystery, and an investigation is underway. It will give rise to an impressive trial, where many wonder whether Emperor Napoleon V will wish to sit as a judge - his imperial powers theoretically allow him to do so.

It was during the period of mourning that Napoleon V made his relationship with the future Empress Charlotte official. In fact, Their Imperial Majesties had known each other since the age of 3 and had grown up together. A little-known fact is that Charlotte accompanied Louis to the Ecole Polytechnique and even took part in military training! "Charlotte has always impressed me, she has a lot of presence, allure, and always the right words" confided Napoleon during the Cannes Film Festival, where the couple announced their engagement. He also admitted that he had long had feelings for his beloved (several years), but never dared to admit them until his father's death. The tragedy made him realise that he had to enjoy every moment of life.

The imperial couple shared with us some rare photos of their years before the rise of Napoleon V.

Charlotte brought much joy to the young emperor, who appreciated her advice and the "Mortemart spirit". After all, Empress Charlotte is a member of the famous and noble French family of Rochechouart-Mortemart. L'esprit Mortemart is a well-known expression that praises the family's caustic, natural and fine sense of humour. The imperial couple's entourage readily acknowledged that Charlotte had inherited this characteristic wit, which has the art of giving it to others.

The first official portrait of the married Emperor Napoleon V and Empress Charlotte. The Emperor wears the uniform of the Imperial Guard, and the Empress has reused Madame Mère's wedding dress as a tribute to her new family.

At the beginning of June, the emperor married Charlotte. It was a marriage that may have seemed rather hasty given the young age of the couple. However, Napoleon V always made it clear that he wanted to be crowned alongside Charlotte. To do so, he had to pass through the altar, as the coronation is a partly religious ceremony. Madame Mère supported her son's determination and was delighted for him. After all, "the two of them have been looking for each other since they were children, so it was bound to happen sooner or later", she assures us. Charlotte seems to have been well received by her in-laws, although there are rumours of a disagreement between the Empress and Madame Hortense.

After a well-deserved honeymoon in French Polynesia, the lovers are now devoting their full attention to preparations for the coronation. It was a year marked by many upheavals for the emperor, who courageously faced up to the trials of life. Without a doubt, the post-coronation period will be the real beginning of Napoleon V's reign, and we can't wait to see what the emperor's next initiatives will be.

⚜ Traduction française

POINT ROYAL Magazine | Edition spéciale | Couronnement : portrait de S.M l'Empereur Napoléon V, le jeune empereur qui veut faire ses preuves

L'empereur Napoléon V est l'un des dirigeants les plus jeunes au monde. Parmi le panthéon des Napoléons, il est parfois comparé par le peuple français à l'Aiglon (Napoléon II). C'est en tout cas le surnom affectueux que lui donne la famille impériale depuis sa plus tendre enfance. Bientôt, dans une cérémonie grandiose, l'Aiglon sera sacré Empereur à Notre-Dame de Paris. En vue de l'événement, nous vous proposons de redécouvrir, à travers nos pages riches d'illustrations et de souvenirs, les 19 premières années extraordinaires de Sa Majesté.

Qui est l'empereur Napoléon V ?

L'une des premières photographies officielles du prince impérial Louis, un peu après son baptême.

L'empereur Napoléon V est né Louis Napoléon Simparte, le 22 octobre 2002 au palais des Tuileries, en plein cœur de Paris. Lui et sa sœur jumelle, Hortense Rose Simparte, portent alors le titre d'Enfants de Francesim. Il désigne depuis le XIIIe siècle les enfants légitimes du monarque français. Les jours suivants, Louis et Hortense sont baptisés à Notre-Dame de Paris, par l'archevêque de Paris.

Dès sa naissance, le jeune prince impérial est d'ores et déjà premier dans l'ordre de succession au trône et il est donc associé rapidement aux apparitions publiques et activités de la Couronne. Bambin, il a assisté à la visite d'Etat de l'empereur David de Pierreland en Francesim. Un peu plus tard, à l'âge de 8 ans à peine, Louis fait son premier discours public à l'occasion des événements napoléoniens.

A gauche : 1er portrait officiel du prince impérial portant l'uniforme de la garde impériale. A droite : Les Enfants de Francesim reçoivent leurs premiers cours d'équitation à l'écurie de Versailles.

Très tôt, Louis a manifesté un grand intérêt pour une carrière militaire. Il porte d'ailleurs depuis son plus jeune âge des uniformes de divers régiments dont il fait partie. Encore aujourd'hui, le jeune empereur possède une grande garde-robe d'uniformes, qu'il préfère porter à la place des tenues civiles d'apparat. Rien d'étonnant pour un Napoléon.

Louis et Hortense ont un parcours scolaire moderne, puisqu'ils ont été formés dans des écoles privées parisiennes illustres comme Sainte-Barbe. D'un caractère sociable et charmeur, Louis a toujours eu le profil d'un leader charismatique. Contrairement à sa soeur Hortense, plus calme et timide, Louis s'est toujours entouré d'amis rapidement. Peu d'informations sont connues de cette période de leur vie, selon le souhait de feu l'empereur Napoléon IV.

Portrait officiel des Enfants de Francesim pour leurs 18 ans. Le cliché a été pris au château de Meudon, la demeure officielle des princes impériaux de Francesim.

L'an dernier, Louis et Hortense célébraient leurs 18 ans. Une année très riche pour les Enfants de Francesim : Hortense a participé à ses premières activités royales, tandis que Louis a mené de front le projet d'alliance maritime entre l'empire de Pierreland et l'empire de Francesim. Il a inauguré avec le duc Felipe le sous-marin Henry, qui allie le savoir-faire des deux armées.

Le prince impérial et le duc Felipe le jour de l'inauguration de l'alliance maritime Francesim-Pierreland.

Portraits des Enfants de Francesim réalisés à l'Ecole Polytechnique. Ils sont dans le grand uniforme de l'école, qui participe régulièrement aux défilés militaires.

A la fin de leurs engagements respectifs, les jumeaux sont entrés ensemble à l'Ecole Polytechnique et sont devenus des polytechniciens. Ils ont terminé leur année et ont participé au gala de fin d'année qui a eu lieu au début de l'été à l'Opéra Garnier.

L'Ecole Polytechnique offre à la fois une formation militaire, scientifique et économique.

Si Hortense souhaite continuer son cycle scientifique à l'Ecole Polytechnique, Louis va se tourner après le couronnement vers l'Ecole navale de Francesim, qui forme les officiers de la marine.

Pendant son année à Polytechnique, Louis devient Napoléon V à l'âge de 19 ans, suite au violent décès de son père dans une embuscade en plein Paris.

La mort de l'empereur Napoléon IV est encore entourée de mystères, une enquête est en cours. Elle donnera lieu à un procès impressionnant, où beaucoup se demandent si l'empereur Napoléon V souhaitera y siéger en tant que juge - ses pouvoirs impériaux le permettent, théoriquement.

C'est durant la période de deuil que Napoléon V officialise sa relation avec la future impératrice Charlotte. En réalité, Leurs Majestés Impériales se connaissent depuis l'âge de 3 ans et ont grandi ensemble. Fait peu connu, Charlotte a accompagné Louis à l'Ecole Polytechnique et a même participé aux formations militaires ! "Charlotte m'a toujours impressionné, elle a beaucoup de prestance, d'allure, et des mots toujours justes, une personnalité assurée." confie Napoléon durant le festival de Cannes, où le couple a annoncé leurs fiançailles. Il reconnaîtra aussi qu'il a longtemps eu des sentiments pour sa belle (depuis plusieurs années), mais qu'il n'a jamais osé les avouer avant la mort de son père. La tragédie lui aurait fait réaliser qu'il doit profiter de chaque instant de la vie.

Le couple impérial a partagé avec nous de rares clichés photographiques de leurs années avant l'ascension de Napoléon V.

Charlotte apporte beaucoup de joie au jeune empereur, qui apprécie ses conseils et "l'esprit Mortemart". Car l'impératrice Charlotte est un membre de la célèbre et noble famille française des Rochechouart-Mortemart. L'esprit Mortemart est une expression bien connue, qui vante l'humour caustique, naturel et fin de la famille. L'entourage du couple impérial reconnaît volontiers que Charlotte a hérité de cet esprit si caractéristique, qui a l'art d'en donner aux autres.

Premier portrait officiel de l'empereur Napoléon V et de l'impératrice Charlotte mariés. L'empereur porte l'uniforme de la garde impériale, et l'impératrice a réutilisé la robe de mariage de Madame Mère afin de rendre hommage à sa nouvelle famille.

Début juin, l'empereur épouse Charlotte. Un mariage qui a pu paraître assez précipité au-vu du jeune âge des mariés. Cependant, Napoléon V a toujours assuré qu'il souhaitait être couronné aux côtés de Charlotte. Pour cela, il devait passer par l'autel puisque le sacre est une cérémonie en partie religieuse. Madame Mère a soutenu la détermination de son fils et est ravie pour lui. Après tout, "les deux se cherchent depuis qu'ils sont enfants, ça allait forcément arriver un jour ou l'autre" assure-t-elle. Charlotte semble avoir été bien accueillie par sa belle-famille, bien que certaines rumeurs soupçonnent une mésentente entre l'impératrice et Madame Hortense.

Après un voyage de noces bien mérité en Polynésie française, les amoureux se dévouent désormais intégralement aux préparations du couronnement. C'est une année marquée par de nombreux bouleversements pour l'empereur, qui a su courageusement faire face aux épreuves de la vie. Sans nul doute, l'après couronnement sera le début véritable du règne de Napoléon V, et nous avons hâte de voir quelles seront les prochaines initiatives de l'empereur.

[materialsscienceandengineering]

Self-sensing cantilever design enhances microelectromechanical system performance in challenging environments

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are tiny devices that integrate various components, such as miniature sensors, electronics and actuators, onto a single chip. These small devices have proved highly promising for precisely detecting biological signals, acceleration, force and other measurements. Most of the MEMS developed to date are made of silicon and silicon nitride. While some of these devices have achieved promising results, their material composition and design limit their sensitivity and versatility, for instance limiting their use in wet environments. In a recent Nature Electronics paper, researchers at Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) introduced an innovative cantilever design for MEMS based on a polymer, a semiconductor and ceramic. Cantilevers are tiny flexible beams that can adapt their shape in response to external forces or molecular interactions, thus potentially serving as sensors or actuators.

Read more.

[aedesluminis]

Carnot's letter to his son Sadi, dated 18 April 1814

— Centenaire de Lazare Carnot 1753-1823 notes et documents inédits publiés par La Sabretache (1923), p. 114

Antwerp, 18 April 1814 My dear Sadi, I learnt with extreme pleasure that the battalion of the Ecole Polytechnique had distinguished itself and that you acted honourably during your first experience on the battlefield. When I am recalled, I will do everything to make it easier for the Minister of War to give you permission to visit me. You will learn to know a beautiful country and a beautiful town, where I had the satisfaction of a tranquil life, during the calamities which afflicted so many other places. Farewell, my dear Sadi, I embrace you with all my heart: write me soon and as often as possible.

[officalroyalsofpierreland]

The Highlander Exclusive: Oliver At 25

HRH Prince Oliver of the Scots, Duke of Rothsey has been seen more on the world stage recently with the news of his engagement to HIH Madame Hortense of Francesim (@empiredesimparte) and year abroad taking a certification course at the Ecole de Polytechnic in Paris with the French Army. Known as Gàrlach or Little Rouge by the family, let's look back on the future King's first 25 years.

Who is the Duke of Rothsey

Born Oliver Alexander David James on 15 May 1999 at St Mary's Hospital in Glasgow, Scots to the then Duke and Duchess of Rothsey. Oliver was the long awaited for child of the Scots-Pierreland Union and was the cause for national rejoicing as the next generation of the royal line was secured.

(Above: As a toddler, a photo taken on one of many visits to his Uncle in Pierreland by his future Aunt, Empress Katalina)

The young prince was given a very sheltered and quiet childhood, with his parents deciding to raise him alongside his paternal cousin for most of the year and then spending his summers with his maternal cousins.

(Above: Princes Oliver & Magnus as children at Gleanalmond Academy) Oliver attended the Co-Ed boarding school Gleanalmond Academy with his cousin, Prince Magnus of Argyll. There the Princes grew a close circle of friends filled with the children of other nobles and politicians, with the circle being known for it's vow of silence in terms of speaking about the young princes.

Little is known about his teenage love life, it is rumored that Prince Oliver had one serious girlfriend for a year who was introduced by a friend. However, his life and role changed on the death of his grandfather, King James XX.

(Above: The immediate Royal Family on the Coronation of Alexander III)

At the age of 15, Oliver became the heir to the throne and invested as the Duke of Rothsey. The young heir continued with his schooling and his summers with his Pierreland relations, where he enjoyed sailing with his Uncle David and playing music with his cousin Edmund.

(Above: Teenaged Prince Oliver boating on a summer trip with his Valois relations)

At 18, Prince Oliver attended the University of Saint Andrews, gaining a 4 year degree in Political Science before attending the Scots Military Academy (SMA) Officer Training Course. Upon finishing the course, he joined the Royal Household Cavalry Blues & Royals with his cousin Prince Magnus.

(Above: Prince Oliver graduating the SMA with his good friend Lord Callen MacDonald)

Prince Oliver also did a year of cross training with the Royal Navy & Royal Air Force, gaining his pilot's wings. Prince Oliver then took the suggestion of his Uncle David and signed up for certification course at the Ecole de Polytechnic.

Francesim Era

(Above: Oliver meeting HIM Napoleon IV in Versailles at the start of his time in Francesim)

Prince Oliver's time in Francesim was mainly spent at the Ecole Polytechnique, where he supposedly mainly spent time with the then Princess Hortense of Francesim. Oliver was often seen in the company of the young French beauty, the two often seen in the library together with the Prince helping with scientific concepts while the young Princess assisting the Scot with writing in the much more formal French prose. Prince Oliver was a pillar of strength to the Simparte siblings following the death of Napoleon IV. There are stills from the funeral where Oliver introduces Hortense to his parents, showing the strength of their relationship at that point.

After Francesim & Relationship with Hortense of Francesim

(Above: Oliver and Hortense attending events together such has the reception for the Wedding of Napoleon V & Empress Charlotte (left) as well as the Investiture of Crown Prince Louis of Pierreland (right)) The pair conducted much of their relationship over long distance, with the pair flying back and forth between Edinburgh & Paris to conduct engagements and support each other. This culminated in the pair announcing their engagement, with their wedding to take place after the Coronation of Napoleon V.

(Above: Never before seen image of Prince Oliver & Madame Hortense taken by a friend)

The pair is looking to split their time between Paris and Fort Collins, to fit with Oliver's military life and Hortense's continued studies post marriage.

[platinum-iridium]

oh clocked the ecole polytechnique shooting episode immediately

[blackbird2000world]

AI for Architects

There is a clear role for AI in the field of Architecture which is to support Architects  by providing an intuitive, reliable, and up to date basis for the calculable and legislative aspects of practice, leaving architects free to determine what is pleasing to human beings, that is, delight.

Human beings are the sole arbiters of what is pleasing to human beings.

The institutional, professional and social frameworks for the practice of architecture enable the socialization of insights into what is pleasing . That is the education of taste.

It is useful to clarify the difference between the positive and arbitrary beauties as defined by Claude Perrault. For him, the positive beauties should be taken for granted as a logical, rational and reliable support to the arbitrary beauties, which rely solely on taste. Positive could be seen as scientific areas such as structural integrity, affordability, functional fit , and compliance with codes of practice and legislation. Arbitrary would include that which is pleasing and appropriate. It was clear to Perrault that the arbitrary beauties are much more important because they are developed in the ever changing world of shared human experience.

Taking the full list of Vitruvian categories of what constitutes architecture, ie. Order, arrangement, eurythmy, symmetry, propriety, economy.; or the summary by Sir Henry Wooton in the more commonly known ‘Commodity firmness delight’, these can be divided into positive and arbitrary characteristics. Attribute the support of positive beauties to AI, leaving architects free to determine the overall framework of goals which any particular work should embody. This parallels the division between the Ecole Polytechnique and the Beaux Arts.

Far from being trivial, good taste is the very goal of the whole process and it relies on the whole structure of social and institutionalized sharing of comparisons between products by human beings for human beings, engaging the full array of sensibilities embodied by us.

We should ensure that AI remains the servant of architects, who could remain the arbiters of appropriateness, and judges of relative success in delight.

It may be more appropriate to refer to humans rather than architects in the above particularly in a democratic society,  but Architects are specialists in quality of life and determinations of good taste, and it is to this group that these questions are primarily addressed. Architects should not fear the development of AI but as a profession should ensure that it remains a servant and does not become a tyrant.

[trollprincess]

Okay, SO. Some of you may recall when I gave this speech to the town council in March because our gay mayor intends to be a community center and made a point to say, “This will be an LGBTQ+ safe space,” and all the bigots here promptly *lost their shit*.

Anyway, I posted it to my personal TikTok and then promptly got distracted by work/life/stress/being broke/etc., and came back today to see if I have enough Professor videos to make a “Where the heck is Mahm?” video. Aaaaaand that’s when I spotted this:

Aside from the fact that this person did not listen to anything I said at all, or at least has the listening comprehension of a chair, I mostly just rolled my eyes, then went to my FB and wrote this. (Look, writing is my best weapon.)

Anyway, here:

“Okay, let’s try this again, because I know there are a WHOLE bunch of people with reading and listening comprehension so bad their teachers should be ashamed. (Not HERE, obviously, my FB is *heavily* curated.)

“This is a safe place for the queer community” does not mean it’s ONLY for the queer community. It just means you can’t show up and be a homophobic or transphobic dick.

“This is a safe place for the Black community” and “Black Lives Matter” is not ONLY about Black people. It’s about police violence (which affects everyone, even if the cops have always been nice to you) and racism (which affects everyone) and a whole bunch of other aspects of American daily life.

“This is a safe place for women” does not mean it’s ONLY for women. It’s for people who can manage to be mature and kind to others, and not be a sexist harassing douchebag.

Stop shoving “ONLY” into whichever statement you hear that YOU don’t like. It’s not fucking there. It never was. And if you’re hearing it, it’s because someone else telling you you can’t go somewhere unless you can behave like you’ve got some home training and won’t be an asshole makes you angry, because you were PLANNING to be an ass.

That’s YOU telling on yourself.

“But why do you have to SAY it?”

Why? Because THAT was your first reaction. Because when we feel grateful we know a place will be safe, you seem angry we get to have that security. Because if we knew we were safe, we wouldn’t have to acknowledge these things. But we do, because of sexual assaults and hate crimes and mass murders. Because of Ecole Polytechnique and Pulse nightclub and the Charleston church shooting. Because YOU may not need to hear it, but some of us stand in nightclubs with our backs to the walls and our gaze darting toward the entrance, or memorize the Angel drink in bars so we know how to get the bartender’s attention if a guy won’t leave us alone, or have to get “the talk” about how to respond to cops as a kid because you need to be seen as harmless as humanly possible or they’ll shoot you, and even THAT might not work.

My last podcast episode was on the Club Q shooting. A queer club where everyone went for fun and acceptance, ruined by a broken person directing their hate at a vulnerable community. And nearly every survivor account I read mentioned being afraid of another Pulse. We’re afraid of another Pulse, and another Club Q. We’re afraid of another AIDS crisis dismissed because it first hit the gay community, and COVID being dismissed because it majorly hit communities of color and the disabled. We’re afraid because the people who make these arguments are the ones we have to add to our mental list of people who might wish to hurt us. People who don’t want us harmed, or want to harm us? They’re not the ones arguing against these assurances.

We know who to fear. Mostly because they’re never, EVER quiet.”

[bpod-bpod]

Womb to Study

Mouse uterus model allows the dynamics at the time of embryo implantation to be studied in detail

Read the published research paper here

Image from work by Vladyslav Bondarenko and colleagues

European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany & Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland

Image originally published with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Published in The EMBO Journal, July 2023

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[pedanther]

The Calendar of Monte Cristo: Chapter 30

c.1807: Birth of Maximilien Morrel. [R]

1828: Maximilien Morrel graduates from the Ecole Polytechnique as a sub-lieutenant in the 53rd regiment. [R]

August 1829: M. Morrel appeals to Danglars for financial assistance, and is refused. [E]

5 September 1829: The Morrel family are saved from disaster. Edmond turns his face toward vengeance. [E]

[importantwomensbirthdays]

Annalisa Buffa

Annalisa Buffa was born in Italy in 1973. Since 2016, Buffa has been a professor of mathematics at Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne. Prior to that, she was research director and director of the Instituto di Matematica Applicata e Tecnologie informatiche of the Italian National Research Council (CNR). Professor Buffa has coauthored more than 40 papers on computational electromagnetism, applied mathematics, and numerical analysis. In 2015, she won the Collatz Prize from the International Council for Industrial and Applied Mathematics for her use of sophisticated mathematical concepts to make contributions to computer simulation development in industry and science.