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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: … the Hell?
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
The great Presidential book-reading race!
At times I’m simply dumbfounded by the idiotic stories the big news organizations can come up with. In a short article titled, “Obama keeping up with Bush’s reading pace?”, CNN’s Political Ticker reported, on June 2, It appears President Obama … Continue reading
Posted in ... the Hell?, Politics
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“Sherlock Holmes” is a real film? Really?
I’ve known for a while that a new version of Sherlock Holmes, starring Robert Downey Jr. as Holmes and Jude Law as Watson, has been in the works. Via The Little Professor, I finally got to see the trailer: WTF? … Continue reading
Posted in ... the Hell?, Entertainment
11 Comments
Destroying the planet… with science!
When the Large Hadron Collider was fired up for the first time back in September, it caused much wailing and rending of clothes by people who were convinced that the device would create miniature black holes which would destroy the … Continue reading
Posted in ... the Hell?, History of science, Physics
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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
2 Comments
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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Adventures in iRiff-ery!
I’ve been a fan of Mystery Science Theater 3000 for years. If you’re not familiar, the show consisted of a human host and two wisecracking (puppet) robots ridiculing bad science fiction, fantasy, and horror films, and was generally a … Continue reading
Posted in ... the Hell?, Entertainment
7 Comments
Skulls in the Stars 