Rockets (and other things) made simple

Robert Krulwich describes xckd's rocket diagram (all explained in words within the most frequent 1,000 used in English) as 'Deep Simple' and wishes there were more accessible explanation around. I was surprised to see 'space' in the top 1,000 words (it's well in, according to the Corpus of Contemporary American English at 522), whereas moon is down at 2471 (and, yes, given that we're diurnal, sun comes in at 1239).

On social science writing

Neuroskeptic, generalising a little unfairly, shows how it shouldn't be done...
In a somatic society which promotes visible, idealized forms of embodiment, men are increasingly being interpellated [sic] as image-conscious body-subjects. Some research suggests that men negotiate appearance issues in complex and varied ways, partly because image concerns are conventionally feminized. However, little research hasconsidered how overweight men construct body projects in the context of weight loss, or how men talk to each other about weight management efforts.


... and how it can be
Modern men face a dilemma: society tells them that they ought to have an attractive body, but they are also warned that being concerned about beauty and body image is a feminine trait. However, little research has considered how overweight men think and talk about weight loss.

[via Dorothy Bishop]

From play to space

Topically, ending with a meteor, this video, 'Words', by Will Hoffman and Daniel Mercadante is all about homonymy. Needs a couple of viewings to take it all in. It's linked to a wonderful WNYC broadcast about language and thought.

[via Mindhacks]