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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
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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The comics moment that most inspires me: Suicide Squad
Update: Forgot to say “thank you” to my Dad for mailing me my complete “Suicide Squad” collection, which made this whole post possible! I suspect that people who don’t read comics fail to realize how much kids can be inspired … Continue reading
Posted in Entertainment, Personal
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RIP Goldie, 2002(?)-2015
This morning, at about 8:45, our beloved cat Goldie passed away. Only the day before, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor that was affecting her movement and cognitive functions, and she had deteriorated rapidly over the course of the … Continue reading
Posted in Animals, Personal
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#365 papers, part 2!
I’ve joined a group of folks on Twitter who have vowed to read roughly a paper a day, and will summarize my reading here occasionally. Part 1 can be read here. Links are provided for those with university access who … Continue reading
Posted in Optics, Personal
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Ann Gregory, RIP (1974-2014)
One of the joys of twitter is getting to meet so many kind, interesting, and varied people from places all over the world and getting to share, at least a little, in their lives. One of my favorite of these people … Continue reading
Posted in Personal
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“Count Like an Egyptian” over at The Finch & Pea!
For those who just can’t get enough of my writing (anyone?), I wrote a guest post over at The Finch & Pea about the book Count Like an Egyptian by David Reimer. Check it out! Not only do I discuss … Continue reading
Posted in Mathematics, Personal
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Coming soon: The Complete Guide to Science Blogging!
It’s finally been officially announced, and I’m delighted to share the news here: in early 2015, The Complete Guide to Science Blogging will be published! Edited by amazing science communicators Christie Wilcox, Jason G. Goldman and Bethany Brookshire, this book will … Continue reading
Posted in Personal, Science news
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Our Lady of Pain, by John Blackburn
(Over the next couple of days, I’m going to catch up on a few book posts. More detailed science posts in the works!) I’m happy to report that one of John Blackburn’s best books, Our Lady of Pain (1974), is … Continue reading
Posted in Horror, Personal
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20 books that have stayed with me
A meme was going around on Facebook in early September, which I present as was assigned to me by my friend Ryan Cagle of Valancourt Books: In your status, list 10 books that have stayed with you in some way. Don’t … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Personal
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