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The author of Skulls in the Stars is a professor of physics, specializing in optical science, at UNC Charlotte. The blog covers topics in physics and optics, the history of science, classic pulp fantasy and horror fiction, and the surprising intersections between these areas. -
Monthly Archives: May 2008
Seiches in Chicago
This is interesting. Only a couple of weeks after I wrote about the phenomena of seiches, powerful winds on Lake Michigan produced a seiche which washed up on the Chicago shoreline (h/t my Mom). This seiche was not devastating or … Continue reading
Posted in Science news
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A couple of days left for the ‘challenge’!
Just thought I’d put out a reminder that the official deadline for the ‘classic science paper challenge’ is only two days away: May 31st. It will probably take me a couple of days to write up a wrap-up post about … Continue reading
Posted in General science
8 Comments
Grounded!
Well, I’m back from my skydiving adventure at the Memorial Day Boogie at Emerald Coast Skydiving Center. Just like last year, the staff was friendly and helpful, and I managed to get eight jumps on the beach. There’s nothing like … Continue reading
Posted in Sports, Travel
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The gallery of failed atomic models, 1903-1913
It is often said that history is “written by the victors”. While this statement is usually referring to the winners of a military or political conflict, a similar effect occurs in the history of science. Physics textbooks, for instance, often … Continue reading
Posted in History of science, Physics
41 Comments
My favorite uses of “mood music” in television and movies
I recently rewatched the season finale of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, and was struck by one particular scene, in which an FBI agent and a SWAT team move in to arrest a terminator, not knowing exactly what they’re dealing … Continue reading
Posted in Entertainment
5 Comments
Robert E. Howard’s Almuric
Hot on the heels of a discussion of various ‘planetary romances’ set on Mars, I turned to Robert E. Howard’s own take on said romances: the tale of the savage world of Almuric: I have to admit, Howard fan that … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy fiction, Robert E. Howard
2 Comments
Keep ’em coming!
I’m currently sitting in a condo on the beach, after a ten-hour drive from home. I managed to find some internet to steal, so here I am! I just thought I’d write a quick note and mention that I’ve updated … Continue reading
Posted in General science
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My accent? I don’t have an accent!
A few weeks ago I stumbled across this fascinating quiz on GoToQuiz. Many of the quizzes one takes online are just silly, content-free distractions (with the exception of the Dungeons & Dragons character quiz I’ve talked about earlier), but this … Continue reading
Posted in Silliness
2 Comments
Vacation time!
Those who read me regularly may have noticed that I’ve dropped off in my postings lately. I’ve been preparing for a trip to Florida to skydive off the Gulf and land on the beach, and much of my time has … Continue reading
Posted in Travel
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Fusion man goes flying, or: How about them jetpacks, eh?
It would be quite remiss of me not to comment on the cool video of Swiss pilot Yves Rossy, aka “Fusion Man”, and his remarkable jet-powered wing. There’s a YouTube video associated with the news story which, although it’s in … Continue reading
Posted in Sports
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