The Science of Monet
Before we left New York City, we finally made it to the New York Botanical Garden. What finally kicked us into gear to make the trip was a special exhibition about Monet’s Garden at Giverny (It closes October 21). Though Monet can sometimes loom on the edge of a giant Impressionist cliche, I’ve always been [...]
Pondering medium and “The Cave of Forgotten Dreams”
I’ll admit a kind of mixed relationship with 3D movies. Done well, I love experiencing the depth, but it seems to me that 3D should be an artistic choice for its ability to convey an experience, rather than just a way to make sure that people see a movie in the movie theater. Cave of [...]
Almost Saturday Science Video: A Möbius World
Several years ago, my husband introduced me to Flatland, Edwin Abbott Abbott’s novella about a two-dimensional polygon world that also ventures into a single dimension. The social satire goes far beyond geometry, but it’s also a fascinating mental leap into a world with no depth. In a Flatland-esque homage, Vi Hart has created a video [...]
Science, humanities, and education
On this day before Thanksgiving, my brain simmers as I think about the importance of a well-rounded education for human society, creative innovation, and even curious individuals. In the last few days, David Kroll has cross-posted on his blogs about this move and one prominent response. I’ve already commented briefly on his blog, but the topic [...]
Wondering like an Egyptian
Just over a week ago, I finally fulfilled my inner 9-year-old’s wish: to see artifacts from King Tutankhamen’s tomb. In this case, it was a relatively short journey, to Times Square rather than Egypt. One of these days, I’ll actually see the pyramids and the Sphinx. My fourth grade teacher, Mrs Hairston, introduced me to [...]
Piled higher and deeper
Webb of Science has been on the road this weekend, celebrating a Ph.D. commencement in the family. Congratulations to my sister, the most recent Dr. Webb. To get to the commencement ceremony, we’re having to dodge the marathon (scheduled for the same day?). But outside of the inconvenience, it’s actually pretty symbolic. I often characterize [...]
Traveling the (AMNH’s) Silk Road
Pick up a passport, and travel along an ancient road with silk, haunting melodies and the simmering whiff of oils and spices. At its best, the American Museum of Natural History’s Traveling the Silk Road exhibition evokes as many senses as possible, particularly smell and sound. There’s a wonderful market where you can test your [...]
The business of creative endeavors (including science)
When I was reporting my most recent article for Science Careers– about the financial end of setting up a new academic laboratory– I couldn’t help but think about the parallels to the day-to-day nuts and bolts of my own work. Though I never set up an independent laboratory, it’s clear to me that both freelance [...]
Daily blogging like daily exercise
So, it’s day 31, and I made it! I’ve decided that daily blogging is like daily exercise– it’s much easier to keep going when you’re supported by a group of other people with the same goals and mission. So, I’m grateful for the support of my fellow bloggers and the new friends I’ve made along [...]
Morsels from the blogathon buffet
I’m taking a topical detour today to highlight some of the fun blogging (including some science) happening around the May blogathon. Jennifer Fink over at Blogging ‘Bout Boys posted about a Minnesota case where a judge has required that a 13-year old boy undergo chemotherapy. Talk about a heart-wrenching case and it’s not clear cut, [...]
