-
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: January 2010
To describe, or not to describe…
In a recent post, Chad at Uncertain Principles addresses an interesting criticism of one of his posts. In short, he attempted to summarize the essential features of quantum mechanics that set it apart from other, classical theories of physics. As … Continue reading
Posted in Physics
3 Comments
ResearchBlogging editor’s selections: Noble savages, dark materials, and artistic science
I’m a little delayed this week, because I’m at a science conference in San Francisco and, surprisingly, internet access is somewhat scarce. Nevertheless, here are this week’s selections: Were the Maya noble savages? Everyone knows that the Mayan civilization collapsed … Continue reading
Posted in General science, Science news
Leave a comment
Visiting San Francisco!
This post chronicles two firsts: my first trip to San Francisco and my first iPhone-written post! I’m in town to attend Photonics West and meet with colleagues; today the wife and I were wandering around to see the sights. I’ll … Continue reading
Posted in Personal, Travel
2 Comments
Richard Marsh’s A Spoiler of Men
I have yet to be really disappointed by the works of Richard Marsh (1857-1915)! Over the Christmas holiday, I spent some time reading A Spoiler of Men (1905) , which has recently been reprinted by the always great Valancourt Books, … Continue reading
Posted in Horror, Mystery/thriller
2 Comments
Scienceblogging-related news!
Back from ScienceOnline 2010, I’m currently suffering from a nasty cold and pretty much comatose. Partly from both of these factors, I’ve been remiss in noting a few bits of scienceblogging-related news: The Open Lab 2009 results are out! The … Continue reading
Posted in Science news
2 Comments
ResearchBlogging editor’s selections: Prehistoric ballistics, prehistoric food delivery, a big boom and chemophobia
Prehistoric ballistics, or Mythbusters meets archaeology. The Mythbusters have been amazing promoters of science, but who knew that they actually do peer-reviewed science? Julien Riel-Salvatore of A Very Remote Period Indeed describes a collaboration between archaeologists and Mythbusters to answer … Continue reading
Posted in General science, Science news
Leave a comment
Slender loris at the Duke Lemur Center
ScienceOnline 2010 had a variety of “lab tours” to attend on Friday afternoon. With all the options available, I chose to return to the Duke Lemur Center that I visited last year! I wanted to show my wife the lemurs, … Continue reading
Posted in Animals
Leave a comment
Back from ScienceOnline 2010!
Well, I’m back home from ScienceOnline 2010! I only stayed for the first day of the conference this year, but I enjoyed all of the sessions that I attended and collected a lot of food for thought. It was especially … Continue reading
Posted in Personal
2 Comments
The Giant’s Shoulders #19 is up!
The nineteenth edition of The Giant’s Shoulders is up at The Renaissance Mathematicus! Many thanks to Thony C. for assembling a great edition! The deadline for the next edition is February 15th, and it will be held at The Lay … Continue reading
Posted in General science, Science news
Leave a comment
Off to ScienceOnline 2010!
After work this evening, the wife and I will head off to ScienceOnline 2010. We’ll probably be arriving around 9:00, too late to make the ‘early bird’ event, but I plan to pop by the hotel bar soon after to … Continue reading
Posted in Personal
Leave a comment
Skulls in the Stars 