Interesting Stuff: Early July 2010

Here is my pick for this half of the month:

• The story of a writer who forgot how to read.
• A popular geology book review that tempts me. (Actually, it’s the front cover image that does most of the tempting.)
• Comedy video of the month.
• Serious video: Benoit Mandelbrot’s TED talk. The content isn’t particularly new for fractal lovers, but it’s a treat to hear it from the horse’s mouth.
• A really good article about masturbation.

That last item gives me an excuse to say that in an ideal world, there would be more sexual content on this blog. Not very much, mind you, but ideally I believe sexuality should be treated the same way as any other aspect of life: as a valid topic to talk about and share personal perspectives on. This would not be from an ego-boosting or thrill-seeking perspective, but from a conviction that sharing the diversity of human experience enriches us all.

Unfortunately, culture — and the memory of unpleasant encounters with people who are content to feel threatened by the unfamiliar — keeps me from being as open as I would like.

I would support the establishment of an International Blog About Sex Week, to give those of us who are naturally shy an incentive to be more forthcoming at least once a year…

[UPDATE: I’ve deleted comments, as extensive revisions to this post have reduced their pertinence. In addition, this post originally included my eclipse photograph, now posted separately.]