It’s Friday and time to start the day with some CUTE FRIGGIN’ ANIMALS. First, the most epic slow-motion frog fail (the best part is his little gobbly hands at the end). At the bottom of that page is a bonus ladybug fail. Next, some birdies jumping out of a nest (from Andy). Finally, this is actually the cutest Praying Mantis that I’ve ever seen, for reals. Being Gay at Jerry Falw... »
On April 3, 1860, the Pony Express began its first successful run between California and Missouri. One of the riders (not on that day) was Buffalo Bill. In Defense of Slave Leia – A new perspective on a classic costume. Also, my mom made me wear saddle shoes too, ugh! From Mark H. NRA Task Force Recommends Training School Personnel Who Want To Be Armed – Yay, this should totally end sc... »
Happy April Fools’ Day! Take a minute and remember some of the best pranks you’ve heard of. Creationist stakes $10,000 on contest between Bible and evolution – Haha, oh wait no this isn’t a prank. Risk of Autism Is Not Increased by ‘Too Many Vaccines Too Soon,’ Study Shows – Do you think this will convince parents who still mostly vaccinate their kids but ... »
(Note: The end of this post contains details for the next book club.) Welcome back to the Skepchick Book Club! This month, we read Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief by Lawrence Wright. I’m a huge fan of the New Yorker, so I was excited to read this book because I’ve enjoyed Wright’s other pieces in the past. The book is excellent although can be... »
It’s Friday–time to look at cute animals! First up, we have this adorable rescued sea otter pup (from nowoo). Next, we have a hummingbird snoring (it’s so cute, it hurts), and last, if you are a cat owner, you’ve probably woken up to this before. Justices raise concerns about Defense of Marriage Act defense – Can someone please make Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg immorta... »
On March 27, 1915, Typhoid Mary was put into quarantine and she stayed there the rest of her life. Her story is pretty interesting, and here are some links to a NOVA special and a Radiolab show about her. Canadian Lawmaker Tells Girl She’ll ‘Make a Wonderful Wife for Somebody Someday’ – Oh, Canada. The Chemistry of Kibble – The science of pet food. I was actually riveted by this articl... »
On March 25, 1811, Percy Shelley was expelled from Oxford for publishing The Necessity of Atheism. His father intervened and the school was going to allow him to be reinstated, as long as he recanted his views (which were also anti-war, anti-monarchy), but he refused. The money man behind atheism’s activism – From Heina. Dude, Where’s My Red Wine Pill? The strange saga of resveratrol, ... »
On March 20, 1852, the first edition of Uncle Tom’s Cabin was published. It went from being recognized as an anti-slavery novel to criticized for its use of stereotypes (in modern times). Responses to the Steubenville Verdict Reveal Rape Culture – Of course, this is not surprising, but it is a good collection of (horrible) responses. New poll finds the majority of women voters consider... »
