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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. -
Author Archives: skullsinthestars
A REAL problem for modern universities
There have been a lot of people of late who have offered suggestions for “improving” the university system, mainly by putting the blame on the faculty. There’s been criticism that the educational system produces “dull” scientists, and the more-or-less perennial … Continue reading
Posted in ... the Hell?
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Yet another phishing fail
Sure, phishing emails are annoying as hell, but they’re often so badly planned out that at least I can drag some entertainment out of them, as well. I’ve posted some of my favorites before, namely the generic university phishing attempt … Continue reading
In defense of those “dull” scientists
The other day, Chad at Uncertain Principles linked to a very odd argument on the site Medical Hypotheses: “Why are modern scientists so dull? How science selects for perseverance and sociability at the expense of intelligence and creativity”, by Bruce … Continue reading
Posted in ... the Hell?, General science
13 Comments
Best wishes to Eric
As a short personal note, my very good friend Eric is in the hospital today for what is considered a “minor” heart surgery. Eric has been a good friend for many years and, without his support and friendship, I arguably … Continue reading
Posted in Personal
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The Linkin’ Log: June 21, 2009
Today seemed like a good day to point out a few interesting tidbits I’ve happened across on the ‘tubes. In no particular order, Tom at Swans on Tea linked to a very cool video demonstrating a genuine magnetic levitation train … Continue reading
Posted in General science
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Invisibility physics: Hiding and seeking, all at once!
When the first papers on the idea of a “cloaking” device came out in 2006, lots of people were immediately worried that the CIA would soon be peering right over their shoulder from the shelter of invisibility cloaks. Many scientists, … Continue reading
Posted in Invisibility, Optics
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Newton and the Counterfeiter available!
I must have been daydreaming for a few days, because I failed to notice until now that Thomas Levenson’s book Newton and the Counterfeiter has been released! This history of science book describes in detail a little-known chapter in the … Continue reading
Posted in General science
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The Giant’s Shoulders #12 is up!
The twelfth edition of The Giant’s Shoulders is up at Thoughts from gut bacteria! Thanks to ecoli for assembling it, and on such short notice! Ecoli is also offering a $20 gift certificate for the most popular entry, so don’t … Continue reading
Posted in General science, Science news
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Bertram Mitford’s The King’s Assegai
Those who have been reading this blog for a while know that I’ve become a really big fan of Bertram Mitford (1855-1914). His novels, written in the late 1800s, are on the surface adventure novels which draw on his experiences … Continue reading
Posted in Adventure fiction, Fantasy fiction
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The anniversary of McCarthy’s downfall
Via Rachel Maddow and Keith Olbermann, I was reminded that today, June 9, is the anniversary of the day that red-baiting Senator Joseph McCarthy was given his comeuppance on national television by soft-spoken lawyer Joseph Welch. In 1954, a series … Continue reading
Posted in Politics
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Skulls in the Stars 