Author Archives: cicada

The science of Confusapedia

Posted on February 27, 2007 by cicada

Ok, so the science entries on Conservapedia are easy targets – finding mistakes is like shooting fish in a barrel. And quite a few of my fellow science bloggers have engaged in target practice lately. But not all the entries … Continue reading →

Posted in Biology, Education, Science | 4 Comments

Jesse Peper

Posted on February 25, 2007 by cicada

(title unknown) Jesse Peper Jesse Peper’s surreal paintings mix totemic animals like fish, birds, and snakes with religious iconography and the dark bloom of decay. He’s also the featured artist at Juxtapoz this week.

Posted in Artists & Art | 2 Comments

Flowcharts of science

Posted on February 25, 2007 by cicada

Adventures in Ethics and Science: Scientific and unscientific conclusions Janet Stemwedel at AES has collected a LOT of perspectives on the scientific process and interpreted them as flowcharts. Not only are they geek-chic, they give me nostalgic fuzzies of teaching … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Science | Comments Off on Flowcharts of science

Poem of the Week: WH Auden

Posted on February 24, 2007 by cicada

In honor of Auden’s centenary, York cabbies will be reciting his verse to their passengers. I expect most of the passengers will at least know who Auden is; if New York cabbies did the same, maybe not! Take this quiz … Continue reading →

Posted in Frivolity, Poetry, Science | Comments Off on Poem of the Week: WH Auden

But isn’t your truck impressive enough already?

Posted on February 24, 2007 by cicada

Ok, I thought I lived in hicksville, but I have never seen artificial testicles on a truck before. Yet according to this WaPo article, they’re so pervasive, legislation has been proposed to regulate them. The example below the fold is/are … Continue reading →

Posted in Frivolity | 2 Comments

When disease is inevitable

Posted on February 23, 2007 by cicada

As every American knows, our health care system is exasperating. I recently left a job; fortunately, I’m healthy and relatively young, so obtaining temporary insurance was not a problem. But for those who have been seriously ill – either physically … Continue reading →

Posted in Biology, Science | 6 Comments

Awww! Euww!

Posted on February 20, 2007 by cicada

Two works by artist Adam Brandejs: Genpets (www.genpets.com) and Flesh Shoe. Only one is adorable; both are creepy. Genpets are currently starring in the exhibit “It’s Alive! A Laboratory of Biotech Art” at the Montserrat College of Art Gallery in … Continue reading →

Posted in Artists & Art, Biology, Science | 5 Comments

Every axiom hums under a toy

Posted on February 20, 2007 by cicada

Now there’s a proverb for the ages. . . or a random sentence generated with the procrastinatory Random Sentence Generator, which also suggests random words of various types (nouns, verbs, common, obscure, etc.) Be warned: if you choose “obscure” words, … Continue reading →

Posted in Biology, Frivolity, Words | 1 Comment

Medieval Tech Support

Posted on February 17, 2007 by cicada

A monk who doesn’t want to upgrade. Via Lawgeek. Update: At this point, the YouTube link isn’t working; the content may have been pulled. Sorry.

Posted in Books, Frivolity | Comments Off on Medieval Tech Support

The most beautifully obscure library in the world?

Posted on February 16, 2007 by cicada

Just looking at this photostream makes me feel like I’m in an Umberto Eco novel! This is the Real Gabinete Portugues de Leitura (Royal Portuguese Reading Room) in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Founded in 1837 with books sent over from … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Museum Lust | 3 Comments