Rock, Paper, Scissors

I was reading about the Exploratorium's latest After Dark event -- which focuses on Rock, Paper, Scissors -- and I came across the World RPS Society, an organization dedicated to the promotion of the game.  I definitely have to learn more about the people who run this group: I think it's fascinating.

Pirates and the Jolly Roger

As a longtime resident of North Carolina, my interest is piqued whenever I hear or read about Blackbeard, the fearsome pirate who terrorized maritime traffic along the state's Outer Banks.  As a kid, I loved the stories of Blackbeard tying lit fuses in his beard, so when he boarded his victims' ships he would strike even more fear in their hearts.  I also really loved Blackbeard's version of the Jolly Roger: the skeleton stabbing a heart seemed extra diabolical, and frankly, very creative.

And so I was heartened to find the following web posting about the Jolly Roger.  Read it and fear the flag!