National Novel Writing Month, also known as November, is approaching fast. To celebrate the upcoming publication of Putting the Science in Fiction (On Sale October 16, 2018 from Writer's Digest), ten of the contributors are providing story prompts based on their field of expertise. (Find other essays here.) For the book, I wrote two essays … Continue reading Failure as a Profession
Science
Because of The Hunt for the Red October
Sunday, as I worked around the house, I turned on The Hunt for the Red October. It's been at least a decade since I last saw this, and it was a walk down memory lane. This Cold War era movie was one of the first that I owned in my personal VHS collection. (For the … Continue reading Because of The Hunt for the Red October
Review: Lost in Math
One thought experiment that I love is the Theseus Paradox, which asks the question that if a ship is repaired and all of its old parts replaced, is it the same ship that was originally built or a new one? When looking at modern theoretical physics, I start to wonder if we're approaching a similar … Continue reading Review: Lost in Math
Review: When Einstein Walked with Gödel
Review When Einstein Walked with Gödel Math and philosophy have always been two sides of the same coin to me. One uses numbers and symbols to build logical arguments, and the other uses words as its tools. While the goals look different, they are actually very similar. Both disciplines seek to explain the beauty of … Continue reading Review: When Einstein Walked with Gödel
Good News: Putting the Science in Fiction
I have great news. Writer’s Digest revealed the cover of Putting the Science in Fiction yesterday. This anthology collects essays from Dan Koboldt’s blog series Science in Sci Fi, and I have two essays in the collection. Both essays have been expanded for this edition. I’m proud of the work that I’ve done here, and … Continue reading Good News: Putting the Science in Fiction
Review: Conjuring the Universe
Why do the laws of physics exist? Our universe is not a place of chaos and lawlessness. It and everything within it follow strict rules that shape the universe into a place where we can exist. For some, this indicates a creator, who set everything in motion for us. For other like Peter Atkins, there … Continue reading Review: Conjuring the Universe
Review: The Future of Humanity
Science fiction often sends humanity off planet and out into the universe. Have you ever wondered how as a species humans accomplish this? If the answer is yes, then physicist Michio Kaku has written the book for you.
Review: A Universe From Nothing
Imagine applying the old chicken and egg problem to the universe. Ready? Here goes. Which came first the universe or the laws of physics?
Review: Astrophysics for People in a Hurry
The difference between a good artist and a great one is never a question of competency. No, the great artist reveals the beauty of the subject in a way that creates awe in us whereas the good simply represents. The great reawakens that childish sense of amazement. If this is true, then Neil deGrasse Tyson … Continue reading Review: Astrophysics for People in a Hurry