From marccarlson.
Author Archives: gmcdavid
Boring history
Book Find
After being snowbound for 40 hours we were finally able to get out late Sunday morning. The first event: A family trip to a bookstore. There I found and bought a copy of The Big Con: The Story of the Confidence Man. I had read it decades ago, back in college or even high school. The author, David W. Maurer was a long time friend and colleague of my parents. When I saw The Sting a few years later I immediately noticed how closely it followed Maurer’s book and mentioned that to my father. Dad agreed, but that was done with without Maurer’s permission or any acknowledgement of his work. As noted here, a lawsuit followed.
After all these years, The Big Con still finds new fans, such as Cory Doctorow.
Recent reading
Brother Astronomer: Adventures of a Vatican Scientist. The author is brotherguy.
All are recommended to those interested in the respective subjects.
Xmas v Christmas
From Merriam-Webster ‘Ask the Editors’
As the son of two lexicographers I enjoyed this.
Also see Why Is There an X in Xmas?
Venus Has a Moon?
How the anti-vaccination groups work
Blogger Who Fought Against Anti-Vaccine Group is Under Attack
Some of you may have met Elyse: She has been to Convergence the last two years.
As most of you you know, mia_mcdavid and I have two autistic sons. Both received all the usual childhood vaccinations. mia_mcdavid and I are certain that this was the right thing to do and have no regrets about it.
A little backyard astronomy
Monday Night Irish Class, December 6, 2010
Irish Class, December 6, 2010
Rang Gaeilge, 6ú lá Mí na Nollag 2010
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Scéal Grinn
An Fear A Bhí i gCónaí Faoi Dheifre Agus Ar Deireadh
A Climate Urban Legend
Coldest Winter in 1000 Years Cometh – not.
This claim circulates in the internet and in many mainstream media as well: Scientists have allegedly predicted the coldest winter in 1,000 years for Europe. What is behind it? Nothing – no scientist has predicted anything like it. A Polish tabloid made up the story. An interesting lesson about today´s media.