New scientific study says, most scientific studies are flawed. The study doesn’t prove or disprove any particular studies, but instead looks at all the obstacles facing most studies (small sample size, small effect, etc.). Still, it’s hard to read about it with a straight face. (NewScientist: “Most scientific papers are probably wrong,” by Kurt Kleiner […]
A fast & furious rundown
Charisma Explained. No, really. A British study lays bare the components of charisma. The BBC News Magazine article gives a few pointers (open body posture, let people know they matter, develop a genuine smile, be forceful and articulate, &c.). (BBC News Magazine) And lack thereof. Another study shows that people are more likely to make […]
Posted by Ben on August 22, 2005
https://www.swordbilled.com/a-fast-furious-rundown/
Yet Another Mad Cow resource
The New Scientist Special Report on BSE and vCJD. Updated with the latest articles and info. Also has a timeline, web links (as opposed to…?), and briefing notes.
Posted by Ben on August 10, 2005
https://www.swordbilled.com/yet-another-mad-cow-resource/
Non-breaking News
Sleep improves memory. Are you surprised? Probably not. (EurekAlert: “Study shows how sleep improves memory”)
Posted by Ben on August 4, 2005
https://www.swordbilled.com/non-breaking-news/
Old Boston
Lots of old photographs of Boston on an urban planning website. (via MeFi)
Posted by Ben on August 2, 2005
https://www.swordbilled.com/old-boston/
Oh Pure and Radiant Heart
Oh Pure and Radiant Heart, by Lydia Millet, ends up being a disappointment, but only because the last few hundred pages pale in comparison to the incomprehensible brilliance of the first 250. Honestly, the beginning is outstanding, so it’s not really Millet’s fault that the rest can’t compare. Once you bring the three forefathers of […]
Posted by Ben on August 1, 2005
https://www.swordbilled.com/oh-pure-and-radiant-heart/
Always good advice (or, what not to do when stealing a valuable painting)
There was no one in sight, a guaranteed getaway, and loot worth millions. So it must have seemed all too easy to make off with a high-priced painting from a cargo warehouse at Kennedy International Airport two weeks ago. Except, the authorities said, for two small details: 1. It was all captured on videotape. 2. […]
Posted by Ben on July 26, 2005
https://www.swordbilled.com/always-good-advice-or-what-not-to-do-when-stealing-a-valuable-painting/
Belligerent packaging
Did you know… Fears of food tampering predate even Snow White and the wicked Queen with her apple. No, really! Yes, so with a title of “But the Dang Thing Won’t Open,” of course it’s going to be at least partially a tounge-in-cheek article. The article–on the trials and tribulations of product packaging–is, if not […]
Posted by Ben on July 22, 2005
https://www.swordbilled.com/belligerent-packaging/
January 1st Is Meaningless.
May 18th, however, has all the meaning in the world. Well, not quite. A tutor (and specialist in Happiness) has devised a formula to determine the best day to come up with resolutions that have the best chance of being achieved. And that day, according to the formula, is May 18th. I personally don’t have […]
Posted by Ben on July 22, 2005
https://www.swordbilled.com/january-1st-is-meaningless/
Ah… TV (only four more miles…)
It’s like one of those friction-operated flashlights, where you have to squeeze to get light. Except for the fact that the light is television, and that instead of squeezing, you have to walk. It’s a prototype pair of shoes that bestows upon the wearer one minute of TV time for every 100 steps taken. (New […]
Posted by Ben on July 18, 2005
https://www.swordbilled.com/ah-tv-only-four-more-miles/