Over the rainbow: what is it like to be gay around the world?; Guardian, 11/15/13

Paddy Allen And Nicole Jackson, Guardian; Over the rainbow: what is it like to be gay around the world? : "Russia introduces an anti-gay law, while Britain makes marriage legal. So what's it like to be gay around the world in 2013? Men and women from Afghanistan to Uruguay talk about love, the law and coming out to your mum. Roll over the portraits below to see where the interviewees are from, and click to read their stories."

Siding With Google, Judge Says Book Search Does Not Infringe Copyright; New York Times, 11/14/13

Claire Cain Miller and Julie Bosman, New York Times; Siding With Google, Judge Says Book Search Does Not Infringe Copyright: "“It advances the progress of the arts and sciences, while maintaining respectful consideration for the rights of authors and other creative individuals, and without adversely impacting the rights of copyright holders,” Judge Chin wrote in his ruling. “Indeed, all society benefits.”... [Judge Denny Chin] cited the benefits for librarians, researchers, students, teachers, scholars, data scientists and underserved populations like disabled people who cannot read print books or those in remote places without libraries. He said it also helped authors and publishers by creating new audiences and sources of income... Paul Aiken, the executive director of the Authors Guild, said in an interview that the result was “obviously disappointing” and that the authors would appeal. “Google created unauthorized digital versions of most of the world’s copyright-protected books — certainly most of the valuable copyright-protected books in the world,” he said.“Google created unauthorized digital versions of most of the world’s copyright-protected books — certainly most of the valuable copyright-protected books in the world,” he said. Google issued a statement that said, “Google Books is in compliance with copyright law and acts like a card catalog for the digital age — giving users the ability to find books to buy or borrow.”

Fox Says Diversity Leads To Good Ratings And Better Business; NPR, 11/13/13

Eric Deggans, NPR; Fox Says Diversity Leads To Good Ratings And Better Business: "It's easy, when writing about network TV, to be cynical. For example, when I heard the Fox network had been holding annual conferences on diversity, telling top show producers their casts and crew had to feature more people of color, I remained skeptical. What's the catch, I wondered? Turns out, the network began talking about diversity as a business imperative about three years ago, shifting the conversation to the need for TV programing that reflects the multicultural reality of today's world to keep younger viewers... I'm told such casting at Fox is often a result of the diversity sessions, which now include corporate siblings such as FX and Fox Searchlight studios. In the sessions, the case is made that diversity is good business as well as a good deed."

Lack of Diversity In STEM is Dangerous For Our Students; HuffingtonPost.com, 11/11/13

Natalia Chabebe, HuffingtonPost.com; Lack of Diversity In STEM is Dangerous For Our Students: "Perhaps my school and guidance counselor didn't think I had it in me because they didn't see other Latinos excelling in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, collectively known as STEM. According to a 2011 National Science Foundation report, the U.S. science and engineering workforce is comprised of 55 percent white men and just 1 percent Hispanic women. This lack of diversity in STEM is dangerous. It's what makes teachers and students doubt what is possible... It is imperative that we have more diverse individuals leading the way in STEM fields, to give not only themselves a voice, but to speak on behalf of their communities."

The Coach Who Exploded; New York Times Magazine, 11/6/13

Jonathan Mahler, New York Times Magazine; The Coach Who Exploded: "Toward that end, Rice has volunteered his services to the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network. “You know how much courage it takes for a kid to come out in high school?” Rice asked me after his first meeting with a group of gay high-school students in New Jersey. In late July, the organization invited Rice to a daylong professional-development seminar in Chicago. The objective was to help educators make gyms and locker rooms more inclusive."

Senate Bill on Bias Against Gays Finds Support in Mormons; New York Times, 11/7/13

Jeremy W. Peters, New York Times; Senate Bill on Bias Against Gays Finds Support in Mormons: "The bill, which passed by a vote of 64 to 32 with 10 Republicans joining, was a priority of Senator Harry Reid, the majority leader, who, as the Mormon Church’s highest-ranking member in the government, put the nondiscrimination measure at the top of the Senate’s agenda once the government reopened last month. “People shouldn’t be able to fire them because of their sexual orientation any more than you can fire them if they’re Mormon,” Mr. Reid said Thursday in an interview... Mr. Heller, who voted against a similar nondiscrimination measure in 2007 when he was a member of the House, said he was typical of members of his faith who had come around on the issue. “Where American families are becoming more inclusive, I think the same is true of the L.D.S. faith,” he said. “We believe we should treat people with dignity, and you saw that on the immigration reform issue as well. It’s an issue of fairness.”

Wilson Writes the New Ms. Marvel, a Teenage Muslim Shape-Shifter; ComicBookResources.com, 11/5/13

Albert Ching, ComicBookResources.com; Wilson Writes the New Ms. Marvel, a Teenage Muslim Shape-Shifter: "Last month, Marvel Comics teased a "Ms." joining their ranks as part of their ongoing All-New Marvel NOW! promotional and editorial initiative. Tuesday, the New York Times revealed the publisher's new "Ms. Marvel": Kamala Khan, a teenage Muslim shape-shifter. The character will star in a series debuting in February 2014 written by G. Willow Wilson, known for comic book work including "Air" and her World Fantasy Award-winning novel "Alif the Unseen," and illustrated by Adrian Alphona, the original "Runaways" artist recently seen on "Uncanny X-Force."... The "Ms. Marvel" team is quoted as expecting the book to receive some negative reaction from multiple sides. "I do expect some negativity," Amanat said in the article. "Not only from people who are anti-Muslim, but people who are Muslim and might want the character portrayed in a particular light.""