AI, Translations, and the Dominance of the English Language
AI’s potential for translation makes science fiction gadgets an increasingly likely reality. But how did English become the dominant global language, and just what do we mean by “English”?
A PDF Bigger than the Universe
How big can a PDF be?
What if the Earth Suddenly Stopped Spinning?
XKCD’s Randall Munroe has launched a video series around his “What If?” books and today answers the question, what if the earth stopped spinning?
A Salute to Library Book Binding and its NISO Standard
You’re probably familiar with “library binding” of books. But just what does that entail?
When Contractions Don’t Work
Why do some contractions work and others don’t?
A Primer on Logical Fallacies
Sure to come in handy this year, a primer on logical fallacies.
The Year in Review: 2023 in The Scholarly Kitchen
Before we launch into 2024, a look back at 2023 in The Scholarly Kitchen.
Happy Holidays, See You in 2024
We’re off for the holidays, see you in January.
Bird Speed Scale Bar
A data visualization showing the relative speeds of various birds.
Chefs’ Selections: Best Books Read and Favorite Cultural Creations During 2023, Part 3
The beginning of the holiday season means it’s time for our annual list of our favorite books read (and other cultural creations experienced) during the year. Part 3 today.
Out of Office: Thank You for Giving Us a Place to Hang Around
Happy Thanksgiving — we’re off until Monday, but in the meantime, some gratitude via Lucinda Williams.
How Would a Starfish Wear Pants?
Nature provides the answer to a question that has certainly been on your mind — how would a starfish wear pants?
Quantifying Consolidation in the Scholarly Journals Market
We all know the journals market has rapidly consolidated over recent years. But where’s the data? I set out to find some numbers to put behind the common sense.
Fun with Toponyms
Place names tell us all sorts of interesting things about history and people. Also, what is the longest one word place name in the world?
This Year’s Nikon Small World in Motion Video Microscopy Winners
Some beautiful winners in this year’s Nikon Small World in Motion video microscopy competition.