Random Thoughts

Lithotomy: A Painful Operation Inspired The 18th-Century Equivalent Of A Horror Movie Soundtrack

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Article - The Conversation - Oct 30 2014 - 10:37am

The Perks And Perils Of Writing A 50,000 Word Novel In A Month

Ready, set, type! Maksim Kabakou /Shutterstock By Sally O'Reilly, The Open University ...

Article - The Conversation - Nov 1 2014 - 12:54pm

Peer Review Is Not What It Used To Be- Unless It Is

Open access journals charge a fee to publish an article and make the content free to read. Traditional journals charge a subscription- they say the cost is needed because of 'added value' and that open access publications like PLOS One are not do ...

Blog Post - Hank Campbell - Nov 11 2014 - 12:53pm

Wired World In 2015- Read My Prediction

Wired magazine devotes a special issue each November to a "What's Next?" for the upcoming year- and that means it is time to think about what will happen in the world of science in 2015. Wired asked me to make a solid prediction, kind of lik ...

Blog Post - Hank Campbell - Nov 13 2014 - 3:03pm

Violence, Sex And Taboo: The Original Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales Back In Print

Jacob and Wilhelm were Grimm. Wikimedia Commons By Marguerite Johnson, University of Newcastle Fairy tales have a tumultuous and fragile history. They originated as tales told by “folk”. They were passed down over generations to while away long winter nig ...

Article - The Conversation - Nov 24 2014 - 8:49pm

2014 Retrospective: In Defense Of Treble, It's Not Really All About That Bass

In a popular pop music song called "All About That Bass", accomplished songwriter Meghan Trainor took center stage in a video and America by storm. With an engaging 1940s sound (1) and a positive body image message, it was quickly embraced. Well, ...

Blog Post - Hank Campbell - Dec 9 2014 - 9:52pm

Thanksgiving Science 2014

Tomorrow I will be eating and science will barely be on my mind. It will be on some minds. Some people will be trying to find a creative way to make vegan turkey, or free-range stuffing, and generally avoid all chemicals. Good luck with that. Thanksgiving ...

Article - Hank Campbell - Dec 3 2014 - 12:23pm

Why I'd Say "Yes, Yes!" To The Bad Sex Award

Best to keep it under the covers? Lisa S. By Sally O'Reilly, The Open University ...

Article - The Conversation - Dec 4 2014 - 8:51pm

Diet Is Over

Four months ago I started a diet, as my weight had gone above my comfort zone (77kg, when my optimal weight is of about 70kg). I basically implemented a regime (which has worked in the past) of about 1300 calories a day, cutting mostly on extras (desserts, ...

Blog Post - Tommaso Dorigo - Dec 4 2014 - 4:27pm

Method Research: George Orwell Really Did Have A Stint In Jail As A Drunk Fish Porter

Not Hitler. This is Edward Burton, also known as Eric Arthur Blair, also known as George Orwell By Luke Seaber, University College London ...

Article - The Conversation - Dec 6 2014 - 11:26am