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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: Silliness
The oldest LOLcat?
While researching another science post, I came across the following image: The image is from The Harmsworth Monthly Pictorial Magazine, vol. 1 (1898-1899), at the end of the introduction to the magazine by Alfred C. Harmsworth. This seems to be … Continue reading
Posted in ... the Hell?, Animals, Silliness
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Merry Christmas
We arrived in Chicago on the 23rd, just ahead of a nice ice storm. Things were a bit of a mess afterwards, but very pretty: Merry Christmas to those celebrating, and happy holidays to everyone else! As my usual Yuletide … Continue reading
Posted in Personal, Silliness
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It’s confirmed; my cats are trying to kill me
I never believed it when people told me that their cats are trying to kill them. Well, I never believed it until last night. The wife and I were watching television, and I got up to make some popcorn. While … Continue reading
Posted in Animals, Silliness
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DougJ of Balloon Juice won the internets yesterday!
I don’t usually like making short posts without adding much substance, but I couldn’t let this one go by. DougJ of Balloon Juice wrote yesterday about people’s desire to see Dick Cheney actually run for President in 2012. His choice … Continue reading
I saw Steve Carell way back when… I think…
My mind, in particular my memory, often works in bizarre ways, especially when it comes to film and television. I’ve regularly identified movies and television shows that I’ve never even seen from a split second clip during the flip of … Continue reading
Posted in ... the Hell?, Silliness
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Karl Marx to get his own show on MSNBC
Just announced earlier today on Olbermann’s show: Philosopher, political economist, historian, sociologist, humanist, political theorist, and revolutionary Karl Marx joins MSNBC as host of “Karl’s Komments,” premiering on Monday, April 6. “Karl’s Komments” will air weekdays, 6-7 p.m. ET. The … Continue reading
Posted in ... the Hell?, Silliness
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University of Chicago undergraduates vs. Westboro Baptist!
I did my undergraduate work at the University of Chicago, and though I can vouch for the fact that we all took ourselves way too seriously in general, it turns out the kids there now are okay! The homophobic Westboro … Continue reading
Posted in ... the Hell?, Religion, Silliness
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Is it worse, or better, than a creationist on the school board?
Once again the folks at The Onion have demonstrated their satirical genius! They ‘report’ on an Arkham, MA school board member who is pushing to add the unspeakable, sanity-shattering dark arts to the curriculum: “Fools!” said West, his clenched fist … Continue reading
Posted in Lovecraft, Silliness
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Bush finally gets that monument in Iraq!
Well, right-wing pundits were convinced that Iraqis would be so grateful to Bush for liberating their country that they’d construct statues and name streets after him. It’s taken some time, but finally a monument related to Bush has shown up … Continue reading
Posted in Politics, Silliness
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Nazi zombies threaten Austin, TX!
… at least that’s what a pair of electronic road signs warned drivers on Wednesday: Station KXAN in Austin has the details. Apparently a group of enterprising prankster hackers changed the messages on the road signs to warn of a … Continue reading
Posted in ... the Hell?, Silliness
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