Thursday 24 May 2018

Consider the Cactus

How succulents took over the world.


The Mysterious Fairy Circles of the Namib Desert


A scientist is trying to understand a natural phenomenon that has eluded explanation for decades. (I have another theory— I think they're a result of mycelial invasion byTermitomyces schimperi, the delicious termite mound mushroom of Namibia).



Wednesday 23 May 2018

Monday 21 May 2018

Human Race Just 0.01% of All Life But Has Eradicated Most Other Living Things

Groundbreaking assessment of all life on Earth reveals humanity’s surprisingly tiny part in it as well as our disproportionate impact.


The Sad Decline of Barnes & Noble

The iconic bookstore chain, by trading books for cafés and Legos, has forgotten its telos and guaranteed its downfall.


Our Aquatic Universe

We know that the universe is awash with watery moons and planets. How can we pinpoint which of them could support life? Also, if you've never played Seedship, you must.


Pleasure, War, and the Mad Torment of Lord Byron.

Reminiscent of an excerpt from my second Cartwheels book, Between the Cartwheels:

‘The Greek War of Independence had consumed, and eventually killed, Lord Byron. In bizarre homage, this was where the Hero in the history of Western Civilization went from the Homeric, through the Socratic, to the Byronic. The hero of deeds, and then convictions, became the hero of romance. He possessed great talent and passion, distaste for society and its institutions, and a lack of respect for rank and privilege (although he had both). He had a secret past, and had been thwarted in love by social constraint. His character was flawed, arrogant, overconfident and, ultimately, self-destructive. He lived in rebellion and exile.’

My buddy Steve of the Jacuzzi once remarked that Byron had been a bit like me.



Phages are Making a Comeback.

He was dying. Antibiotics weren’t working. Then doctors tried a forgotten treatment.