*While rummaging through the dank bowels of the plumbing section of a major big-box hardware store the other day, my eyes widened as my hand fell upon something amazing. I raised my hand in victory, holding the object up toward the ceiling. I gaped, I gasped, "This is indeed the …
To see a world in a grain of sand,
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
And eternity in an hour.
--William Blake, "Auguries of Innocence."
Observational Exercise: Tracking the Walnut Treasure
A scientist is nothing without the power of observation, because …
*New Sock Weekend (also known as "NSW") is an annual tradition here at the Laboratory.
It begins, calmly enough, by an enthusiastic, if offhanded proclamation: "It feels like a New Sock Weekend." And this is followed by weeks of unalloyed happiness and joy resulting from the wearing of fresh socks …
Not long ago, the tireless Viktor and I were exploring Fort Travis on Bolivar Island on the Texas Gulf Coast.
It is often the case with fortifications that once a good defensive spot has been chosen by one group of people, a fortification will be erected on that spot, put …