In an Age of Chaos, Some Things Remain Constant. Like, Gravity…
In chaotic times, we must look for reliable things, like the joy of dropping stuff off a tall building…
What We Can Learn About Languages from the Words for Parts of the Body
Because body parts have always been with us, they can tell us a lot about the development of languages.
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?
The 33rd First Annual IgNobel Prize Winners
It’s that time of year again when the big science prizes are awarded. No, not those prizes.
Thoreau and the Office Cubicle
Fretting over work even as you head out on vacation? A new book on Henry David Thoreau may cause you to rethink employment priorities.
The Smithsonian Barbie Letter and the Samizdat of Science Humor
An amusing, if apocryphal, response from the Smithsonian offers a glimpse at the sorts of pre-internet humor scientists would share through their networks.
Chefs’ Selections: Best Books Read and Favorite Cultural Creations During 2022, Part 1
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 1 today.
A History of Encabulation — Advancements From the Turbo Encabulator and the Retro Encabulator Have Led to the Hyper Encabulator
Significant breakthroughs in jargon have enabled the development of the hyper encabulator, sure to serve all your encabulation needs.
Chefs’ Selections: Best Books Read (and more!) During 2021, Part 1
The beginning of the holiday season means it’s time for our annual list of our favorite books read during the year (and more!). Part 1 today, Part 2 tomorrow.
Connecting by Reading: A Selection of Books About Race and Racism, Part 1
Today’s post features several guest authors reviewing books on racism and anti-racism. When we read, we learn.
Ask The Chefs: New Normal Part 2
From binge watching, binge listening, reconnecting with neighbors and old friends, Zoom happy hours or Zoom family game nights, to cooking, exercising, and gardening, we’re all figuring out how to get through our days. What’s your strategy? Part 2 of our answers today.