Mail & Guardian
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About 40 people from seven South African institutions are involved in the South Africa-Cern programme

An idiot’s guide to subatomic theory

How does one explain the Higgs boson to a layperson, a child, an idiot? Just use this handy guide to selective explanation.

Kermit and the communist plots
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Kermit and the communist plots

The new Muppets movie has been accused of promoting a liberal agenda. But the Muppets have always been lefties at heart.

Not the royal wedding: Wills and Kate cause global stir

In the run-up to the royal nuptials, unreliable reports of global celebrations have been received.

Friendship by the hour

Friendship by the hour

Feeling lonely? Don’t have anyone to go out with? Then a friend-rental service could be just the thing you need.

Sarah Palin’s old-fashioned Palm Pilot

We have all had occasion to write on our hand, either because no paper was available or because we knew we’d probably forget the bit of ­paper.

The anti-blogger

Author Andrew Keen has a particular knack for phrasing his criticisms in a way that allows every blogger to feel personally slighted, writes Tim Dowling.

Now for the dedication …

Like the title and the acknowledgements, the dedication is primarily a challenge faced by authors who have already secured both a publishing deal, writes Tim Dowling.

My life as a penguin

Torquay, on the south coast of England (and a prime British holiday resort), is surely one of the most inhospitable places on the planet. Not if you’re a penguin, though. For the…