Category Archives: science

Eldritch Lore of Lightning, Stars, and Magic

On Facebook, Michael Swanwick mentioned a historical (or maybe apocryphal) episode when the Pope invited Etruscan seers to use lightning magic to defend Rome against Alaric and his Ostrogoths. It’s a pretty good story, whether or not it’s actually history. … Continue reading

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A Stiff Dose of Truth

I can’t positively recommend reading this excellent article (a collaboration between Pro Publica and The New Yorker). It’s full of excruciating medical detail. But if you’re hardy enough to do so, there’s a lot of food for thought. A thought: … Continue reading

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Facts About Fiction

Studies show that most studies don’t show what they show. Still, this is an interesting and well-sourced piece about the connections between reading and empathy. https://bigthink.com/neuropsych/reading-fiction-empathy-better-person/

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Is this SALAMI Intelligent?

This is not exactly new, but it’s always fun to watch Cory Doctorow sticking a pin in the AI-hype bubble. I especially enjoyed the proposal of an Italian ex-M.P. to rename AI as “Systematic Approaches to Learning Algorithms and Machine … Continue reading

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Alpha Ralpha Woulevard

Alpha wolf, schmalpha wolf. Time to slay that zombie idea. https://www.newyorker.com/science/elements/the-myth-of-the-alpha-wolf

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