Free Republic

Today, you might already know, is the winter solstice. That means for people living in the Northern Hemisphere, it's the longest night of the year. However, as science blogger Colin Schultz points out, tonight will also be the longest night ever. At any location in the Northern Hemisphere, in other words, tonight's period of darkness will be slightly longer than any other, ever — at least, since the planet started spinning right around the time it was first formed some 4.5 billion years ago. The reason is that the rotation of the Earth is slowing over time. Every year, scientists...

The gentle buzz of snoring is among the most annoying sounds known to woman. Especially when it happens shortly after a passionate encounter. Yesterday scientists explained exactly why it is that men have a tendency to nod off after making love. Apparently, it's nothing to do with wanting to avoid a cosy chat with their partner. According to the scientists, they are simply tired out. 'As frustrating as it is for most women that their male partners just roll over and fall asleep after sex, men aren't entirely to blame,' said Dr Neil Stanley, director of sleep at the University...