Some things help one to mark time. For my little science blog, Nikon’s small worlds competition is one of these. As previously mentioned, each year the competition takes in entries of the best microscopy on the web, and then hurls awards at the ones it likes the most. And so, without further ado, this year’s […]
General
Shaming Lassie
I’m not sure if you’re familiar or not with the hilariously wonderful site Dogshaming. —- Now that you’re back here, having just spent an hour giggling at it, welcome! My partner and I don’t yet have our herd (or pack, whatever) of dogs*, so I’ve offered up another image instead. Lassie. Because, well**, she just […]
Engaging early- and mid-career scientists
Those involved in New Zealand’s science scene may have heard of Stratus, ‘a network of emerging and early career University of Auckland researchers’, which was launched in 2008. Well, there’s a new kid on the block - allow me to introduce WEMCR, or Wellington Early- and Mid-career Researchers. WEMCR is currently led by 5 researchers […]
Of bikes and buses
Bill’s post today on Wellington buses, and why he chooses to drive his car instead, is a timely one. While his post looks primarily at the time he saves by not using public transport, I thought I’d focus on something else: its cost*. Now, don’t get me wrong - I’m a big fan of public […]
It’s Ada Lovelace Day!
Today, October 16th, is Ada Lovelace Day. Ada Lovelace, for those who didn’t already know (and you all do, right? * wink *), also called Augusta Ada King, Countess of Lovelace, is one of the shining stars in mathematics and computer history. Yep, you heard right - a _girl_ was incredibly good at maths :P […]
Kilts and unicorns
Yesterday, I found out two wonderful, astounding things. First: one of Scotland’s two national animals is the unicorn*. Yes, folks, you heard me correctly - a nation known for being mad and extremely hardcore, has as one of its representatives a creature now seen in some of the naffest art in human history :P Secondly, […]
New books in Science, Technology and Society
As we all know, there’s something of a profusion out there of books about science, technology and society in its myriad forms. Sorting through this heap can be something of a difficult task, and so it’s with some delight that I’ve just heard about the New Books in Science, Technology and Society initiative. It ‘aims […]
Hey girl. Did you know I like the macabre?
Hey Girl. I just found out something pretty cool. Dead Man’s Bones, to which I am currently listening, is a very happy find. The songs from the eponymous album (2009) are about zombies and ghosts and monsters, and have a deliciously cute macabre edge to them. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnEkboR86h0&feature=list_other&playnext=1&list=ALHTd1VmZQRNoKvLr1A16wEhKubCsE6_P0[/youtube] Some songs are very 50s diner schmaltz. Others […]
voodoo woman, the first iterations
I’ve very recently (the last day or two) taken up therapeutic colouring-in. Basically, whenever I feel like throwing something through or at something or someone, I spend a bit of time colouring in a picture. And it’s working! Anyhoo, herewith some of my first iterations. Original illustration courtesy of the Color Ink Book […]
Why DID the chicken cross the road?!
Why did the chicken cross the road? No, despite what some think, it’s neither the oldest* nor the worst joke of all time. Hell, it’s not even a joke - it’s an anti-joke. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6nSOgsI_vo#![/youtube] In this awesome video, YouTube Channel VSauce’s** Michael Stevens looks at the world’s most famous anti-joke, explaining WHY it’s so […]