Behind the unveiling of J.K. Rowling as the author of a pseudonymously published detective novel lies a messy and not-terribly-precise science called "forensic stylistics". Using specially designed software — or, less often, just a trained eye — experts in the field try to match writing styles and discern the true authorship of disputed texts. But, even when they turn out to be right, as in the Rowling case, their findings are less than exact. Linguist Ben Zimmer explores the field and its usefulness at The Wall Street Journal.
The messy science that spotted J.K. Rowling's secret novel
- COMMENTS
- forensics
- J.K. Rowling
- News
- Science
- social science
Scientists explain our dislike of Daylight Savings Time
Watches are a confidence trick invented by the Swiss. — Chiun, "Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins" Time researchers say we need to better think out how we manipulate time. As… READ THE REST
AI is either going to save us or kill us. Or both.
What am I going to do? I'm both an Accelerationist and a Doomer! For the uninitiated, some very smart people believe AI tech is going to usher in a better… READ THE REST
I hear phantom music when I use a white noise machine, and I'm not alone: understanding auditory pareidolia
I use a travel-size USB-chargeable white noise machine to help me sleep. One odd thing about using it is that I often hear phantom music. Sometimes it's a reggae song,… READ THE REST
Save $169 on a lifetime license to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro and never look back
TL;DR: Revamp your digital world with this incredible lifetime license to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro, with its seamless interface and top-notch security, for only $29.97 (Reg. $199) until 11:59 PM on 1/07.… READ THE REST
Upgrade your tech for the new year with this refurbished iPad Pro, less than half price right now
TL;DR: Save over $350 on a refurbished Apple iPad Pro 10.5" 256GB, plus a free accessories bundle, with this sweet deal on sale for just $315.99 right now. Tech fans, it's time… READ THE REST
Make your rockstar dreams a reality for only $15.97 with this Guitar Lessons Training Bundle
TL;DR: The perfect last-minute holiday gift for an aspiring rocker, the 2024 Guitar Lessons Training Bundle is only $15.97 (Reg. $480) until 11:59 PM on 12/25. It's really never too late to make… READ THE REST