Random Thoughts

Live Blogging The Science Of Ghostbusters

I won't bore you with an introduction but I'll just say "Ghostbusters" is one of the funniest movies of all time. So I decided to live blog it, but just the science parts. Let me know how I did. Opening:  Great movies open with somethin ...

Blog Post - Hank Campbell - Jan 26 2026 - 5:07pm

Turning 60

Strange how time goes by. And strange I would say that, since I know time does not flow, it is just our perception of one of the spacetime coordinates of our block universe...  The thing is, on February 5 I will turn 60. An important date for anybody- I co ...

Article - Tommaso Dorigo - Feb 3 2026 - 10:16am

Banning Coffee Didn't Make The French Less French

Legislation to restrict guns is a lot like legislation to restrict abortion- it's a tough sell at the federal level because of that pesky Constitution so it requires a friendly court and and a lot of lawyers. States, of course, can do it more easily. ...

Article - Hank Campbell - Feb 17 2026 - 9:41am

If You Don't Like Math, Blame Pollen

Epidemiologists say that pollen can cause worse outcomes for students in math, chemistry and physics. Allergic rhinitis, an allergic reaction to things such as dust, pet hair, and pollen, is common. Epidemiologists link that to cardiovascular health and ev ...

Article - News Staff - Mar 5 2026 - 4:30am

Travel With Two Infants

The other day I traveled with Kalliopi and our two newborns to Padova from Lulea. After six full months in Lapland- a full autumn and winter, in fact- I needed to get back to my original office, and take care of other business at what has become my second ...

Article - Tommaso Dorigo - Mar 21 2026 - 12:54pm

No Danger, How A Stranger Can Be A Game Changer- A New Book About Making 'Small' Talk

The future career arc for my house is a library bed-and-breakfast. It will be just like it sounds; every bedroom is also a library, as is the house. Except not a government library, with sterile walls and floors that echo, the whole thing will be comfortab ...

Article - Hank Campbell - Mar 23 2026 - 11:39am

A Chess Study Requiring Backpropagation

The following position is a win for white. But how? It seems like white is able to grab a knight for free. However, that would be not a wise idea, as the c4 pawn would then be free to run down to become a queen. You can easily convince yourself that 1.Nxd8 ...

Article - Tommaso Dorigo - Mar 30 2026 - 3:49am