Doomsday Clock on the Move
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has told the world what time it is (from a distance to nuclear doomsday perspective!) since 1947, when its famous clock appeared on the cover. Since then, the clock has moved forward and back, reflecting the state of international security. In 1957, we were "two minutes to midnight." In 1998 we were at nine minutes to midnight following INdia and Pakistan's nuclear testing. Now scientists have moved the hands of the clock ahead by two minutes, to "seven minutes to midnight." Look around the world today -- are you surprised? Check the clock.

Changes in the English Language during the Renaissance
The Renaissance was mainly about rediscovering the classics, but it was also the time in which modern philosophy, natural sciences and historiography have their roots. Latin and Greek -- more precise languages -- made a comeback, and English evolved in the process.

Linguistics & Archaeology
Archaeologists attempt to reconstruct the history of cultures by the analysis of traces which remain in the present. In much the same way, historical linguists attempt to reconstruct languages of the past. By comparing different languages we are able to show if they are related. By reconstructing the changes which have taken place in a language we are able to discover something of the past history of its speakers.

Linguistic Phenomena/Devices
Here is a list of some of the lesser known linguistic phenomena and devices used in English writing. Many folks actually know what most of these are, but the names may be unfamiliar. The list doesn't include the well-known devices (like synonym or metaphor). Also left out are extremely rare or poetic devices (like hypallage) and terms referring to common linguistic errors (like anacoluthon), although the line between device and error is sometimes a blurry one.

No more Stephen King books?
Stephen King's work has been a sometimes guilty/sometimes not so guilty pleasure for me since I was a kid. So much so, that picking up a new novel by the horror writer always makes me feel all warm and fuzzy with childhood nostalgia, no matter how gruesome the story is. But it seems he's getting
ready to shut down the word factory for good. Which is fine, if his speculation that he has nothing left to say is true. It's nice to see someone go out at the top of his game.

Pop culture at its best and worst
According to Martha Bayles in an article in the Wilson Quarterly, "The most serious problem facing popular culture: the democratization, now on a global scale, of what I call "perverse modernism." To the familiar vices of popular culture--notably, vulgarity and kitsch--perverse modernism has added a new twist: a radically adversarial stance toward society, morality, and art itself. That stance has gone from being the property of a tiny avant-garde a century ago to being part of the cultural mainstream today.

The Food Timeline
Ever wonder what the Vikings ate when they set off to explore the new world? How Thomas Jefferson made his ice cream? What the pioneers cooked along the Oregon Trail? This fascinating food timeline provides a tremendous list of the origins of specific foods, as well a number of recipes.

Booze is good for the brain? I hope so.
Alcohol can help prevent dementia, according to a recent Dutch study. People who have between one and three alcoholic drinks a day can reduce their risk of dementia in later life by up to 70 per cent.

BOOZING WITH THE BOSS? HOW ABOUT WORKMAN'S COMP?
What to do for that hangover? Take an aspirin? South Korea, where corporate culture is especially dedicated to late-night carousing, has another remedy: Apply for workman's compensation.