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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. -
Category Archives: Personal
Coming soon! Science Blogging: The Essential Guide
Have you ever wanted to start a blog to write about science, but don’t know how to get started, or how to build an audience for your blog, or just how to survive the rough-and-tumble nastiness that the internet can often … Continue reading
Posted in General science, Personal
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Spoiler-filled Star Wars thoughts and open discussion thread
So — I saw it last night. It was amazing. In fact, I saw it just in time, as this tweet of mine indicates: Left theater, walked by little kid blurting out MAJOR movie spoiler. Saw the film JUST IN … Continue reading
Posted in Entertainment, Personal
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“Science Chamber of Horrors” talk at the Schiele Museum
On October 29, 2015, I was invited to present a Science Cafe at the Schiele Museum in Gastonia, NC, based on my “Science Chamber of Horrors” Tumblr! I think it went well and I appreciated the invitation to speak there. … Continue reading
Posted in General science, History of science, Horror, Personal
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My Google Hangout Seminar on Invisibility Physics!
In lieu of more substantial writing on the blog, here’s a link to another presentation I gave! I was invited to give a Google Hangout Seminar at the University of Central Arkansas on “How Not to be Seen: The History … Continue reading
Posted in Invisibility, Optics, Personal
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“Falling Felines and Fundamental Physics” Presentation!
For the new student convocation at UNCC this year, I was asked to give a “Thinking Matters” presentation for the new freshmen, in which I talk about some sort of interesting topic to, well, get the students thinking and excited … Continue reading
8-year blogiversary!
Just a short note: August 14th marked the 8-year anniversary of my first post on this blog! My first post, on August 14th, 2007, was titled “Educate or bust,” and that still kind of exemplifies what I’m trying to do … Continue reading
Posted in Personal
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Dr. SkySkull in China, part 4: the Silk Road Museum
Still have a few posts on China to write, even though I’ve been back for over two weeks! Can’t let all of these photos sit on my laptop with nothing to do. My last day in China was a Saturday, … Continue reading
Posted in Personal, Travel
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Dr. SkySkull in China, part 3: the Terracotta Army
There have been two books sitting on the shelf in my office for as long as I can remember. They are picture books about the Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, constructed to serve the … Continue reading
Posted in Personal, Travel
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Dr. SkySkull in China, part 2: the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
I arrived in Xi’an late on a Saturday night, two hours later than expected due to a weather delay flying out of Beijing. So I was pretty exhausted on Sunday, but that didn’t stop me from wanting to get out … Continue reading
Dr. SkySkull in China, part 1: Overview
The blog has been quiet this past week because I’ve been literally halfway around the world! I was invited to China to give a pair of scientific talks and plan out some collaborative work. The trip was productive and fun, … Continue reading
Posted in Personal, Travel
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Skulls in the Stars 