Melvyn Bragg’s two recent programmes on the industrial revolution were entertaining, informative and thought-provoking.

Entertaining because Melvyn going full-tilt for one of his guests is always a pleasure, and Pat Hudson gave as good as she got. Was Britain, especially in the north, away from...

There’s more ➢

Sense about Science has replied to my querulous email (blogged here) asking about the possible effects of fermented foods on the immune system and about their different-premises use of the word “chemical”. I reproduce the relevant parts in full:

Our Celebrities and Science review is a light he...

There’s more ➢

I learned two things from Aaron Swartz’s 2010 Review of Books.

1. The guy can read.
2. I can make use of that; five books added to my wishlist.¹

OK, so that’s barely more than 4% of the stack he got through, but I’m not competing. And I should maybe try and do some more reviews myself, as a b...

There’s more ➢

I used to be a fully paid-up card-carrying skeptic, eager to confront and attempt to correct scientific silliness wherever it raised its muddled head. I conferred, I debated, I pointed and counterpointed, null hypothesized and t-tested, and all to no avail. Now I generally save my breath to cool m...

There’s more ➢

Catching up with my electronic “life” after a period of enforced non-connection used to worry me. Had I avoided infection by the latest viral fancy? Did one of my favourite sites feature something incredible, something I just had to share? What if someone had posted something really interesting to t...

There’s more ➢