Researchers Prove Shakespeare's Skull Probably Isn't In His Grave (washingtonpost.com) 98
An anonymous reader writes: 400 years after Shakespeare's interment in Stratford-upon-Avon, archaeological researchers scanned his grave with a ground-penetrating radar to confirm a legend that his skull was stolen by grave robbers. Under cover of night, three men crept toward the Holy Trinity Church with dimmed lanterns and an assortment of tools, according to an "anonymous author, who heard it from a guy, who heard it from his uncle Frank, who claimed to be the grave robber himself." The Washington Post reports this story, published in 1879 but believed to have occurred in 1794, now draws more credibility from the radar scan.
Ironically, the grave robbers was said to have been inspired by a British parliament member and phrenologist who'd promised 300 guineas for a chance to examine Shakespeare's skull, but who then reneged after learning it had been stolen from Shakespeare's grave.
found it (Score:5, Funny)
Re: (Score:3)
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Prove it. URL please.
Ultimate irony (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Ultimate irony (Score:5, Informative)
Now that would be amusing. I do find it baffling. They *proved* that it *probably* isn't in his grave. So, in other words, they didn't really prove anything. *sighs*
Proof vs evidence (Score:2)
"Proof" is so often regarded as synonomous to "evidence". S'not.
Re: (Score:2)
Now that would be amusing. I do find it baffling. They *proved* that it *probably* isn't in his grave. So, in other words, they didn't really prove anything. *sighs*
I know, I winced when I saw this headline.
"50% of the time it works every time!"
Re: (Score:2)
"Exactly the same, only completely different."
Imperious Caesar... (Score:2)
Imperious Caesar, dead and turned to clay,
might stop a hole to keep the wind away.
The Ring... (Score:2)
The account describes a ring with the initials "H.S." found in the tomb with Shakespeare. I wonder if it had something to do with his son, Hamnet Shakespeare.
What? (Score:4, Informative)
Prove and probably aren't two words I like to see used together. I guess to a statistician or others who divine the future from tea leaves or entrails it is acceptable.
Re: (Score:2)
Ah good. I'm not the only one to have thought that. Sadly, there are people who think they're the same thing. At risk of waxing philosophical and off-topic, I'd say that this is a problem either in science itself or in science journalism and teaching.
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Reality is determined by consensus, not evidence of fact.
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One of us is fortunate that I can't come through this monitor to get to you. Rather than appeal to my own ego, I'll say it's me that is fortunate. But, in my defense (or is that offense?), I'd try *really* hard to kick your ass for that. ;-)
Seriously, the 'net needs a "slap poster" button. A big ol' mechanical arm, with an oversized cartoon shaped hand attached, comes out and whacks 'em across the jaw. And only I should get access to the button, of course.
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I'm sorry, you disagree with my assessment?
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No. And that's the problem. *sighs* Sadly, you're right - but you SHOULDN'T be.
Reality shouldn't give two shits what we think about it. Unfortunately, people will consider reality whatever they believe it to be. People are stupid.
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People are stupid.
Nah, just political.
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As if there's a difference... If people weren't stupid then they'd... *sighs* Sometimes I hate this planet for the people it has on it.
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It's just a phase. I have to assume that our lifespans are too short to comprehend the slow pace of evolution.
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Well, to be fair, we suck at understanding lots of things - such as large numbers. You can't, well probably can't, picture the difference between 18,953,535,535,353 and 18,953,535,535,354 - and neither can I. Mostly, humans just suck. I'm glad I'm not a human.
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Large numbers of people dress up their malice and claim stupidity. The only really stupid people are the ones that are no good at it.
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You probably should prove it. ;)
"Researchers" (Score:1, Insightful)
Prove ... Probably (Score:3)
When words don't mean anything any more, 1+1 = 3 and Communism = Capitalism (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BadFTesAPzY)
Whatever feels good, you can't be wrong.
What is going on with modern education???
That is the question (Score:1)
To have a head or not have a head
Wat? (Score:3)
How did he expect to get the chance to examine it exactly?
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Research shows (Score:1)
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Dang, I missed that presentation. I had an aunt in Connecticut who was an amateur DeVere supporter.
That word... (Score:2)
I do not think it means what you think it means. "prove that probably"?
Question (Score:2)
Alas, poor Willy... (Score:2)
...I knew him, Horatio: a fellow of infinite jest.
Re: (Score:2)
I've calculated my velocity with such exquisite precision that I have no idea where I am.
Werner Heisenberg and Erwin Schrodinger were driving in a car, when they were pulled over by a cop.
Cop: Do you know how fast you were going?
Heisenberg: No, but I know exactly where I am.
Cop got suspicious and searched the car.
Cop: Do you know you have a dead cat in your trunk?
Schrodinger: We do now, you jerk!
Doh! (Score:3)
"Ironically, the grave robbers was said to have been inspired by a British parliament member and phrenologist who'd promised 300 guineas for a chance to examine Shakespeare's skull, but who then reneged after learning it had been stolen from Shakespeare's grave".
Incidentally proving that the intelligence of politicians has not changed much in 200 years. Where did he expect Shakespeare's skull to be found - in the Taj Mahal?
it was not stolen. It was lent. (Score:2)
A million monkeys (Score:2)
Shakespeare's epitaph (Score:2)
A shame that it wasn't respected.
What the *$^%@ (Score:2)
"Researchers Prove Shakespeare's Skull Probably Isn't In His Grave"
WTF? How do you "prove" something "probably isn't"?
English, motherfucker, DO YOU SPEAK IT?
Two words that don't belong in the same sentence.. (Score:1)