Monthly Archives: April 2007

The Newtonian elephant, and other creative errata

Posted on April 5, 2007 by cicada

Scribd – They didn’t study Some more great stuff I’ve been meaning to post – these classics will resonate with anyone who has ever taught a science course. Especially the teacher’s comment that reads “I wish I could give you … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Frivolity | 2 Comments

Is the term paper dead?

Posted on April 5, 2007 by cicada

Cut-and-Paste Is a Skill, Too (washingtonpost.com) According to Jason Johnson, maybe we shouldn’t try to fight plagiarism any more: Research papers — of varying lengths, written without the instructor’s direct supervision — are an academic staple. They’ve been a successful … Continue reading →

Posted in Education | Comments Off

What should the female brain look like?

Posted on April 4, 2007 by cicada

Language Log notes that the British softcover edition of Louann Brizendine’s The Female Brain is out, and the cover art differs significantly from the US hardcover edition. Such differences are not unusual, but what is interesting here is the change … Continue reading →

Posted in Biology, Books, Science | 10 Comments

That’s one way to decide

Posted on April 4, 2007 by cicada

For everyone sleeplessly pondering this right now (or is it just me??) – proof that Harvard is better than Yale. Whew. Glad that’s sorted. Now I can relax and eat some Triscuits.

Posted in Department of the Drama | Comments Off

But I thought I was a nihilist

Posted on April 4, 2007 by cicada

Apparently only my Puritanical upbringing keeps me from teetering into hedonism. And given the completely frivolous, overpriced shirt I bought this afternoon, I think my inner Bentham was having an off day.   You scored as Utilitarianism. Your life is … Continue reading →

Posted in Frivolity | 2 Comments

A barrage of art/book links

Posted on April 3, 2007 by cicada

Le Mont Solaire Mont Saint-Michel, 2006 Things are getting away from me, so here’s a list of especially good art & book links I’ve collected from the past week. One of my favorite blogs, Proceedings of the Athanasius Kircher Society, … Continue reading →

Posted in Artists & Art, Books, Littademia, Museum Lust | 2 Comments

Giger would be proud

Posted on April 2, 2007 by cicada

Biomechanical arm tattoo 2006 Anil Gupta Inkline Studio This amazing tattoo is the work of Anil Gupta, at New York’s Inkline Studio. Go to the Inkline site for a larger view of this piece (on its owner), and check out … Continue reading →

Posted in Artists & Art | 4 Comments

Home decorating with lost masterpieces

Posted on April 2, 2007 by cicada

Last year, two missing altarpieces by Fra Angelico were discovered in Oxford. You’d think they’d have been tucked away in a forgotten treasure room at the Bodleian or something, but no, they were hanging behind the guest bedroom door in … Continue reading →

Posted in Artists & Art, Books, Museum Lust | 4 Comments

The Disturbing Case of Darwin and the Nazi Powerpoints

Posted on April 1, 2007 by cicada

Sisters High School Biology Teacher Fired Over Controversial Curriculum (Bend Weekly News) Veering from Evolution (Bend Bulletin) It’s not often you see a biology teacher fired for claiming evolution is a crock. But that’s what happened to Kris Helphinstine, in … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Science | 2 Comments

Special High Class! Non-Poisonous!

Posted on April 1, 2007 by cicada

While moving, I found this flashy old box of watercolors in my grandmother’s paint box. I know nothing about the company that made them, but they were still functional after several decades. And very Special High Class, of course. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Artists & Art, Frivolity, Uncategorized | Comments Off