Clayton Calculates: The feasibility of a hedgehog running over water

Hello readers! This week’s post is a response to a reader request. Harry (aged 27) has asked me to investigate the feasibility of a hedgehog running over water, if that hedgehog could run very fast. Some of you may have already guessed the inspiration for this enquiry, as it relates to a franchise that is … Continue reading Clayton Calculates: The feasibility of a hedgehog running over water →

Van Helsing (2004) is worse than I remembered

Hello readers! Do you remember the film Van Helsing, from 2004? It starred Hugh Jackman as a legendary vampire-slayer, and also had Kate Beckinsale in it. Count Dracula was the main villain, but there were plenty of other enemies. Frankenstein was in it. So was the Wolf Man. Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde had a … Continue reading Van Helsing (2004) is worse than I remembered →

Six-minute summary: Ada Lovelace

Hello readers! It’s time for a six-minute summary. Ada Lovelace was one of the first computer programmers – an impressive achievement, given that she was born in 1815, well over a century before the modern concept of a "computer” was established. She worked with the eminent mathematician Charles Babbage, who had designed an “Analytical Engine” … Continue reading Six-minute summary: Ada Lovelace →

The blog is two years old!

Hello readers! On the 27th November, this blog reached its second anniversary. We now have two whole years of miscellaneous waffle in the post archives, all tangentially related to fantasy and science fiction. This week I’m taking the opportunity to look back over the last twelve months, picking out my favourite posts and acknowledging some … Continue reading The blog is two years old! →