What Did Swords Really Weigh?
You know those scenes in movies like <I>The 13th Warrior</I> where the hero can't even lift a sword? It's BS. A heavy two-handed sword probably weighed about 4 lbs; most single handed blades were under 3 lbs.
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The Elements of Spam
By Strunk, White, and Factotum.
The Fantasy Novelist's Exam
Before you try to get that fantasy novel published, take this simple test.
Big, Beautiful, Fluttering Hands
A contributor to our <a href="http://forum.stereophile.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?Cat=">forum</a> has made a fine argument for the case that "the future of high-end audio, if it has one at all, is inexorably linked to video." And he cites my recent discussion of the <a href="http://www.burwenaudio.com/BURWEN_BOBCAT.html">Burwen Bobcat</a> as proof.
John Atkinson Gets a Shout Out in The Guardian
Although to paraphrase Mason Williams on winning an Emmy Award, "It's like being kissed by a girl with bad breath—you appreciate the honor, but . . . ."
When Does Human Maturity Set In?
A Dartmouth study suggests the brain doesn't stop developing at 18. Of course, women have been saying that about guys for years. Now there's proof.
Bad Astronomy Gives Good Rant
Phil Plait, over at <I>Bad Astronomy</I> is outraged over the meddling of George Deutsch in NASA's press releases about science matters. Deutsch, a 24-year-old political appointee and <A HREF="http://scientificactivist.blogspot.com/2006/02/breaking-news-george-deu… dropout</A>, is entitled to his opinions on scientific matters, of course, but it does seem—shall we say presumptuous?—to insist on editing real scientists on matters of scientific "accuracy."
Great Last Lines Deserves Props Too
Okay, last week we gave a shout out to great first lines; now let's give the last line some.
The Malevolent Conspiracy Behind Conspiracy Theories
Do conspiracy theories displace critical engagement with public life in favor of a fascination with the private lives and personal interest of a mistrusted class (specifically politicians)?
Stuff That Makes You Go Hmmm
I did some work for Muzak once and made the mistake of calling it "music" within the hearing of my boss. He corrected me, "It is a work enhancement technology." Muzak, he explained, was designed to operate subliminally and different programs were designed to have different effects. Office music was designed to keep you focused and working briskly, whereas shopping music was designed to chill you out and make you linger, perhaps to buy more.