The nice thing about this mathematical controversy is that everyone can understand it. Τ (tau) equals Π times two. The circumference of a circle is 2Πr where r is radius of that circle, so it also equals Τr. Another way to express this … Continue reading
From Alfred Wintle, dated 6th February 1946: From Lt. Col. A.D. Wintle. The Royal Dragoons Cavalry Club 127 Piccadilly W.1. To the Editor of The Times. Sir, I have just written you a long letter. On reading it over, I … Continue reading
The fruit from this tree ferments in the bellies of the animals that eat them. Then they get pissed, in rather human ways…
Both from Letters of Note. Sagan first, from 1981. The Explorers Club was continuing to accept women members, so Sagan wrote as follows – in belated acknowledgement of International Women’s Day I’ll copy this one in full: Dear Fellow Member … Continue reading
Here.
One for the Reader: this blog reprints letters from famous people. Here’s one from Marilyn Munroe, in hospital after being sprung from a padded cell by her ex-husband, Joe DiMaggio, a year before her death. Or a very strange 10 year-old … Continue reading
The plural of “octopus”. At least, a plural of “octopus”: Via.
Two splendid reviews of Simon Heffer’s book about The Correct Way to Write, both pdfs by actual, real linguists: David Crystal and Geoff Pullum. Let me quote the opening paragraph of the latter: Simon Heffer enjoys writing in the manner … Continue reading
No, there isn’t a missing “n”. Apparently, they find salt and other mineral deposits to lick. Via Astropixie.
Here’s an amazing find: The find – which has become known as the Faddan More Psalter – was a fragmented illuminated vellum manuscript encased in an unusual leather binding, a book of psalms dating back to the late Eighth century. … Continue reading