Mad Virgin Arse Builds Skull Duvet
Skull Caps And Genomes by Carl Zimmer (The Loom): Recent genetic research says that between 1-4% of the human genome is derived from Neanderthals. Zimmer - who (unlike many science journalists, I suspect) has actually read and understood the research paper (rather than just reported the press release) - neatly puts this research into context, and explains some of the other interesting findings and what they mean for our understanding of humanity.
Like A Virgin by Emily Maguire (The Monthly): Great article which discusses the reasons for the fetishisation of virginity in society, and what virginity actually means to the real live teenage girls these days (e.g., those for whom the concept most matters).
Bedbugs In The Duvet by Marshall Sella (New York Magazine): The numbers of bedbugs are skyrocketing in New York (and elsewhere, such as - I discovered - the Inner West of Sydney), and though they are traditionally seen as a menace to the poor, these days the jet set are almost more likely to be at risk, and often do not wish to contemplate destroying their collection of first edition books infested by bedbugs. [via]
Mad Or Machine? by Meera Lee Sethi (Inkling): The modern world and our reliance on previously unimaginable technology has some interesting effects on the way that people with schizophrenia relate to the world - and obviously, in a world where Facebook deliberately sells your private information to companies whether you like it or not - sometimes schizophrenic thoughts about the world aren’t so far-fetched as they might seem on first glance. [via]
How To Build A Time Machine by Stephen Hawking (Daily Mail): If you can get past the slightly embarrassing writing style, it’s Stephen Hawking writing about time machines! Prepare for physics to blow your mind. [via my little brother]
Ass vs Arse by Piers Kelly (Fully (sic)/Crikey): Australians, Kelly argues, should sit on their big fat arses and make an ass out of themselves (a fascinating look at the linguistics and etymology of the word “arse”).
