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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: Sports
Back in the air!
The weather has finally been getting nice enough again to get some consistent skydiving in and not freeze one’s ass off at the same time! The following video is actually back from January, but I finally got around to uploading … Continue reading
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Swoop bowling!
This is my busy class day today, so I don’t have time for a detailed post. However, a friend of mine sent me a video of his recent skydiving exploits, which he refers to as ‘swoop bowling’. I present the … Continue reading
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‘Fusion Man’ tools across the Channel
I’ve previously mentioned the exploits of Yves Rossy, aka “Fusion Man”, a daredevil who had successfully built and tested a jet-powered wing. Now, according to CNN, Rossy has taken a flight across the English Channel! The 22-mile flight from Calais … Continue reading
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Bill Murray makes a skydive!
(h/t my Mom) For the opening of the 50th Chicago Air & Water show on Friday, actor Bill Murray decided to take the plunge and make a tandem skydive! The raw footage of his skydive can be seen at the … Continue reading
My photo in Parachutist Magazine!
I’m famous! The balloon jump I did a couple of months ago, with video and pictures, made it as a photo in Parachutist, the official USPA (United States Parachute Association) publication. Here’s the relevant page: That’s me leaping out in … Continue reading
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Skydiver takes out marching band
Ouch. On Thursday, a parachutist went off course during a jump at Fort Riley, Kansas, and crashed feet first into the 1st Infantry Division’s marching band. Three band members were significantly injured during the landing; video of the crash can … Continue reading
Posted in ... the Hell?, Sports
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Lawn chair ballooning lives on!
Via CNN, I learn today that Kent Couch of Bend, Oregon managed to fly 200 miles from Oregon to Idaho in a lawn chair ‘powered’ by helium balloons. Such stories have long been ‘urban legend’ fodder, ever since the first … Continue reading
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Unconventional skydives: balloon jump!
A couple of weeks ago I attended Skyfest 2008, a large skydiving convention (‘boogie’) which had attendees from all over the country. They also had a number of unconventional aircraft, namely helicopters and hot air balloons. I decided to make … Continue reading
Posted in Physics, Sports
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Unconventional skydives: beach jumps!
Over Memorial Day weekend, i went with a group of friends to a skydiving party (‘boogie’) at the Emerald Coast Skydiving Center, which is near the Gulf Coast. The fun of this particular boogie is the ability to skydive over … Continue reading
Grounded!
Well, I’m back from my skydiving adventure at the Memorial Day Boogie at Emerald Coast Skydiving Center. Just like last year, the staff was friendly and helpful, and I managed to get eight jumps on the beach. There’s nothing like … Continue reading
Posted in Sports, Travel
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