Was Vermeer's Secret The Camera Obscura?

"Vermeer's Secret Tool: Testing Whether The Artist Used Mirrors and Lenses to Create His Realistic Images". (Via H.R.)

Wolfram's Ambitious New Computational Paradigm

"Sentient code: An inside look at Stephen Wolfram’s utterly new, insanely ambitious computational paradigm"

Counterexamples in Origami

Counterexamples in Origami: Schwarz Lantern

Which Seat Should You Pick at the Movie Theater?

"Which Seat Should You Pick at the Movie Theater?"

From the article:

According to Frey, the audio sweet spot is 2/3 back and in the middle. That’s where audio engineers sit to balance the sound, and where you’ll get the full effect of the chopper buzzing by or the building exploding.

Has a Stopped Clock Ever Really Helped Solve a Crime?

"Has a stopped clock ever really helped solve a crime?"

Short answer: Yes!

Amazon Is The New Santa

Amazon has a "Mechanical Sensei". (Via Jeff P.)

Amazon Drone Questions and Skepticism

The Atlantic is fairly positive on the idea: "A Drone Delivery Expert Answers the Big Questions About Amazon's Plans"

IEEE Spectrum is more skeptical: "Amazon Promises Package Delivery By Drone: Is It for Real?"

Benford's Law And Multiple Choice Tests

"Benford's Law And The Art of Succeeding in Multiple Choice Tests"

Courts, Tech, and Privacy

Some interesting tech-related issues are working their way to the Supreme Court, including searching laptops/electronic devices, compelled decryption, and location tracking.

Billionaire Bunkers

"Billionaire Bunkers: Beyond the Panic Room, Home Security Goes Sci-Fi"

Live-Tweetings Of Private Conversations Are Here To Stay

Forbes: "Why Live-Tweetings Of Private Conversations Are Here To Stay (And May Not Be A Bad Thing)"

Stuxnet Breakdown

Bruce Schneier notes: "Ralph Langer has written the definitive analysis of Stuxnet: short, popular version, and long, technical version"

Geeky Phone Cases

If you're looking for novel Christmas gifts, take a look at these geek-themed phone cases.

And if you use the coupon code "geekpress" during checkout, you will receive free shipping.  (Note: I'm not receiving any kind of compensation for linking to his site.)

It's The Science

Don't argue with The Science:

International Air Travel In The 1930s

International air travel in the 1930s was "equal parts harrowing adventure and indulgent luxury". And no TSA. (Via Howard R.)

Light Posting Notice

Admin note: Because of the holidays, posting will likely be light (or non-existent) until after the weekend. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Inside Rolex

"10 Things To Know About How Rolex Makes Watches"

This Military Infomercial Will Freak the Sarah Connor Out Of You

"This military infomercial will freak the Sarah Connor out of you"

Kano Computer Kit

"Kano Computer Kit Lets Anyone Build a PC From Scratch"

Britain's Idiotic "Opt-In" Porn Ban

"Britain's Idiotic 'Opt-In' Porn Ban"

Underwater Hotel

"Sleeping in This Underwater Hotel Room Is Like Staying in an Artificial Reef"

Well-Spent Coin

"A little girl donates some coins to a street musician and gets the best surprise in return":

Breaking A Basic Rule of Chemistry?

"A study suggests atoms can bond not only with electrons in their outer shells, but also via those in their supposedly sacrosanct inner shells"

Imagining the Post-Antibiotics Future

"Imagining the Post-Antibiotics Future".

Eye-opening quote: [W]ithout antibiotics, one out of every six recipients of new hip joints would die".  (Via Marginal Revolution.)

Bubba's Hover

This is not your father's golf cart: "Bubba's Hover". (Via David Jilk.)

Our Real Overlords

Our real overlords:

Google Middle Earth Tour

Google's Middle Earth tour. (Hobbit-themed, not LOTR.)

An Astrophysicist On Nearby Asteroids

"Ask an astrophysicist anything you want about nearby asteroids!" (See comments section for the questions and answers.)

These Photos Are Actually Paintings

Wired: "These Photos Are Actually Paintings"