I found this site while doing research on the ball games played by the Aztecs, Mayans and other Mesoamerican civilizations. It seems to be someone’s personal site, so I’m not sure I’d consider it the final authority on anything, but it gathers a fair amount of interesting material on the Aztecs in one place, as well as the ball game itself. I already noted in a tweet that the (vaguely understood) rules of the game resemble Quiddich from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books. I smell a plot, but it might just be some interview I missed revealing the whole scheme.

On The Pump Handle at Scienceblogs, Kim Krisberg has an article on a study by the USDA on its Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. The study indicates that in schools that provide fresh produce outside of mealtimes, children eat more fruits and vegetables and report more of a taste for such foods. Their total calorie intake remains the same, but nonetheless it is a pleasant surprise.

Finally, Ethan Siegel meditates on how far we’ve come as a species, and the way forward in the millennia to come. It’s a heartfelt and moving piece, and I recommend you read it.