archive

Some stories are too good to be true

From New Scientist, here are five things humans no longer need. From Scientific American, an article on the science of irrationality: Why we humans behave so strangely (and more and more on Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely and Nudge by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein). A review of Symmetry: A Journey Into the Patterns of Nature by Marcus du Sautoy. In science, as in life, some stories are too good to be true. A review of Beyond the Hoax: Science, Philosophy and Culture by Alan Sokal. Intelligent Life is in praise of short plays: Cultural quickies might help to topple the image of theatre as an elitist, hoary old dame who only comes out at night. In praise of liberal guilt: It's not wrong to favor Obama because of race. It's not personal: Critics should understand that not supporting Clinton isn't an attack on feminism. From HNN, an article on Hillary Clinton and the possessive investment in Whiteness. Why they fought on: A review of Diehard Rebels: The Confederate Culture of Invincibility by Jason Phillips. A stepchild of imperialism in 1898, it's Puerto Rico’s moment in the sun. Edward Skidelsky reviews Reappraisals by Tony Judt (and more and more). What, me host? Why was guileless Jimmy Fallon hired for Conan’s late-night desk? Are cable TV writers cribbing from Foucault? Not exactly, but Scott McLemee is keeping an eye on them anyway.