Some scientists left their laser alone all day, and this is what happened

That's right, I've been learning about generating clickbait! Taking a break from my usual jumble-sale philosophy and eclectic-humour-based blogging (that's right, this is generally supposed to be funny), this time there's a dose of Science for your enjoyment. It's unusual academic practice but a colleague and I recently wrote a paper together. An enjoyable and … Continue reading Some scientists left their laser alone all day, and this is what happened →

Winter Olympics Trash-talk

Just to give you some idea of what will follow, my working title was "The Wanker Olympics". So if you find yourself at the end of this piece, wondering why you have wasted up to 5 minutes of your life on this axe grind, you only have yourself to blame. Jagged peaks, powerful storms followed … Continue reading Winter Olympics Trash-talk →

Bridgerton. And other TV things.

Imagine, dear reader, that you have been to the pub. As ever, your intention is to bump elbows over half a pint before cycling home like the low carbon hipster European that you are. Of course you end up staying for 7 pints and eating a small packet of flavourless crisps for dinner before realising … Continue reading Bridgerton. And other TV things. →

6 Nations for n00bs

A social guide to appearing knowledgeable about the Six Nations. For those who know nothing about rugby, but don't want to look like an alcoholic who's only joining in for the beers. Step 1: Understanding the conversation There have already been weeks of TV shows and podcasts building up to the start of the tournament. … Continue reading 6 Nations for n00bs →

Can Governments Buy Friends?

Since 2015 it has been UK law that the government must spend 0.7% of UK GDP on foreign aid. Needless to say, this is a controversial subject. When the headlines discuss how the foreign aid budget has been used to invest in private hospitals and upmarket Brazilian gyms it is understandable that people get angry. … Continue reading Can Governments Buy Friends? →

The Unreasonableness of The Average Tea Drinker

Like many people my insides were forced to convulse this week by an American guide to brewing British Tea. Repeated below for your horror. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0j13qYUqXU Beyond controversial Now you expect ol' grumpy Southern Oatcake to go on a 15 paragraph monologue on how this is the latest reason to escape from American cultural oppression. But … Continue reading The Unreasonableness of The Average Tea Drinker →

Lockdown Podcast Review

I thought that Lockdown would free up hours upon hours of extra time for the greatest podcasters to find new ways of thinking, dig out the most intersting stories from their field or really think about the way in which they keep us entertained. I envisioned the finest and funniest minds, transferring their most polished … Continue reading Lockdown Podcast Review →

Corona Lock Down Diary

... of a friend of mine. Of course. Who is variably referred to in the first, second and third persons. Friday 3rd April. Was when I intended to write this but the days have been sliding by and it didn't happen, OK! 0900: After half an hour of alarm snoozing finally arise to prepare for … Continue reading Corona Lock Down Diary →

Decline and Fall (of the Internet)

The internet is coming in for a lot of love in these covid times as we all come to the realisation that we never have to meet our colleagues or extended family in person, ever again! And in the midst of global financial ruin it has been great news for stockholders in everyone's new favourite … Continue reading Decline and Fall (of the Internet) →

Dear Albania Reloaded

In October 2018 I spent a week in Albania and Kosovo. I did 2 hours of research, all on Albania, by watching The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan and Dear Albania by Eliza Dushku. The former was very useful as it recommended a Raki bar with a frighteningly varied selection. The latter was less useful for … Continue reading Dear Albania Reloaded →