This is a big deal: several Italian scientists were convicted for multiple manslaughter after a 2009 earthquake. And in amongst the cries and straw-men about “You can’t try someone for not being able to predict an earthquake!” there’s an interesting story. I recommend this summary, and this article in Nature (if you can get past the paywall). They do a better job than I could, largely because I am... »
The internet is great, isn’t it? With the right idea and some technological know-how, a person can tap into billions of people’s minds and unearth their opinions, expertise, or talents. Sometimes this ends up with cool citizen science projects like SETI@Home, sometimes it ends up with really stupid memes, but it’s always fascinating to see what vast pools of the population will c... »
Statistically speaking, I wonder how often art happens by accident? Or is it only art if it is photographed or documented? I present to you this image from the Boston Globe: Is the accident the art or is the photographer, Winslow Townson for The Boston Globe the true artist? The original story from the Globe is here. »
Had two emails after a gig the other week. One said, ‘Really enjoyed your set – when are you next in London?’ The other said ‘you’re F**King Sh*tt I hope you get turned into meat’ (ironically this latter email was apparently inspired by my jokes about irritating Buddhists). The gig itself had gone okay, everything got a laugh, and I was surprised to have such a ... »
