In yet another report worth seeing both for the factual content and the entertainment value, John Oliver addresses some problems with science, including insufficient replication, doubtful forced results (“p-hacking”), and especially sloppy science reporting in the media, notably on morning … Continue reading
As today’s edition of the XKCD comic strip reminds us, the Opportunity rover has been exploring Mars since January 25, 2004 — way, way longer than the 90 (Martian) days it was originally designed for. The twin rover Spirit, which … Continue reading
As you’ve probably heard, Sir Terry Pratchett, best known as a writer of satirical fantasy novels, has died at the age of 66, surrounded by his family, with his cat asleep on his bed. He was diagnosed eight years ago … Continue reading
(Updated) Today’s XKCD has a rather disturbing graphic showing the total mass of land mammals on Earth divided into humans, our pets and livestock, and everything else. There’s not much of everything else. As the Explain XKCD site points out … Continue reading
It was about 11 degrees Fahrenheit (-12 Celsius) when I got up yesterday morning, and it was not much warmer when I dropped off my car for service and walked to my office building. It reminded me a little of … Continue reading
The frequently excellent web comic XKCD takes issue with those who complain about excessive use of cameras: Fair enough, but this doesn’t apply to complaints about interfering with others, as when people in front of you hold their cell phones … Continue reading
The Perseid meteor shower will occur this weekend, and just in time for it, the XKCD web comic offers a table of annual meteor showers: Link: http://xkcd.com/1249/ by … Continue reading
The popular web comic XKCD has a nice graphic illustrating the changing makeup of Congress, by party and ideology, over U.S. history. Click on the image below (or this link) for a larger, more readable version, or click on one … Continue reading
The deserved popular XKCD web comic strip makes a good point here that had occurred independently to me after seeing videos of the terrible Japan tsumani last year: Efforts to discourage use of the term “tidal wave” misguided, because while … Continue reading