Word of the Day
Propensity (n., pro-PEN-sih-tee)
A tendency (often innate) to do things a certain way, like lens flares to J.J. Abrams.
Gif of the Day
Link of the Day
The Kid Should See This Holiday Gift Guide
There's a lot of good holiday gift guides floating around these days. The Wirecutter's "Special Gifts for your Favorite People" guide is great, and so is Cool Tools' variety of recommendations. But the guide from The Kid Should See This is fun for both adults and kids.
There's a nice variety of things here: books, puzzles, games, tinkerings, and sciencey things. A lot of them are reasonably priced too. And they include a quick writeup to let you know what's special about the items. Here's a sample writeup:
I’m a big fan of using big words and real scientific terms with kids, yet there’s something super charming about this book by Randall Munroe (of xkcd fame). Thing Explainer: Complicated Stuff in Simple Words explains ISS, microwave ovens, skyscrapers, submarines, elevators, the sun, and a lot more by only using the 1,000 most common words in the English language.GiftsChristmasThe Kid Should See ThisxkcdLast-minute shoppingQuick writeups. Meta.Young and young at heart
For kids and adults who don’t know the discussed facts, the simple descriptions may shed some light. For kids and adults who do, the descriptions can be like a humorous alien translation that makes you rethink everything with a new, very literal point of view. Excellent diagrams. Lots of wonder, deadpan humor, and actual information. Connecting the dots for all ages in a variety of ways.