An interview with a woman who had a 'bionic ear' implanted. She went from complete deafness to hearing things other people can't.

The strange story of a guy who posted himself home.

A list of embarassments Microsoft has suffered because of ignorance of geography and cultural misunderstandings.

I'm in Cambridge, U.K., today is the end of the workshop that brought me here, happening at the Newton Institute. It's been fun and quite productive! With this my summer travelling season ends.

A review of Roger Penrose's new book. I had the pleasure to help him with some references on quantum information!

Reading groups are a phenomenon in England. An atypical one has won a prize -- all male, they meet in a pub and have quite lively (OK, swearing) literary discussions. What one member says:

"Despite the brickbats from workmates - 'I know people who haven't read a book since primary school' - Owen has no regrets: 'It's an excuse to drink with male colleagues. It was this or a morris dancing troupe.' "

An article about Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, whose music I like a lot.

A Guardian review of Ruy Castro's book on Garrincha.

On a book debunking the myths surrounding the original Olimpic games.

A controversial essay on drug use in sports.

I'm on holidays in Rio de Janeiro, hence the silence here. Fittingly, here's an apology of idleness.