Built on Facts

Apollo 11 launch
July, 1969

Today is the 4th of July, the day the United States of America celebrates its independence. It’s a unique and beautiful country, and I’m glad I had the good fortune to be part of it.
For much of its history the country was a bit of a scientific backwater, contributing modestly to [...]

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As far as I can tell, the word “physics” occurs twice in the Shakespeare canon. Once in The Winter’s Tale, and once in Macbeth. Here’s the latter:

LENNOX
Good morrow, noble sir.

MACBETH
Good morrow, both.

MACDUFF
Is the king stirring, worthy thane?

MACBETH
Not yet.

MACDUFF
He did command me to call timely on him:
I have almost slipp’d the hour.

MACBETH
I’ll bring you [...]

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Memorial Day in the US is the day we honor and remember those who have fought and died for our country in the armed forces. I think we should also remember the scientists whose efforts have also helped preserve freedom. Here’s just a few from WWII.
Robert Watson-Watt, a British scientist who pioneered the [...]

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