Antiqua Vesicae

This photograph depicts the union of sun and earth in life through photosynthesis. Facilitated by solar energy, algae build silica frustules which eventually sink to the seafloor, becoming diatomaceous earth, the chalky substance which traces out the vesica piscis shape found in this image.

Now available for purchase. 

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The Etymology and Meaning of Anode and Cathode

The terms “anode” and “cathode” were first published by Michael Faraday, F.R.S. in 1834. A delightful (and highly recommended) historical account of how these words were conceived by Faraday and his associates can be found in Faraday Consults the Scholars: The Origins of the Terms of Electrochemistry by Sydney Ross [1]. As scientists have learned about how electrochemistry works, the definitions have evolved somewhat. The following is a brief summary of their etymology and their meaning as it stands today in electrochemical circuits. In the course of my own study of electrochemistry, I thought other students may find this information helpful in keeping everything straight.

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Cooking chicken with a powerful slap

A question has been going around social networks: If kinetic energy is converted to thermal energy upon impact, how hard do you need to slap a chicken to cook it? One response suggested raising the chicken’s temperature to 400 °F, which is far too hot, and it used an “average slap energy” that was not explained. Here then, is my analysis.

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Schrödinger’s Cat, a sonnet

Should quantum physics e’er be standardized,
when taken in a thought experiment,
its terms of meaning judged and analyzed,
absurdity prevails, not merriment.

A cat both dead and living cannot be.
That was the point old Erwin tried to make.
To measure is to interfere, you see,
some photon must be thrown to cause a quake.

Awareness cannot of itself crash waves;
By heat and light, the box became a grave.

St. Mary Lake in Glacier, Montana

A view of St. Mary Lake in Glacier National Park, Montana. St. Mary Lake parks the transition from the great plains to the Rocky Mountains, in an abrupt 5,000-foot (1,500 m) altitude change. Little Chief Mountain rises above the west end of the lake. Now available for purchase.

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Externsteine: a reflection

It is midsummer, and dozens of people have come to this place, known as Externsteine, to celebrate the longest day of the year. Situated in the northern forests of Germany, Externsteine is a remarkable landmark which draws many visitors year-round. It is a unique location with unusual features—qualities which make Externsteine a beautiful and spiritual place to visit any time of year. Traveling to Externsteine can be a renewing, relaxing, and empowering experience, especially for busy urbanites that might need to get away.

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Photograph prints: “begotten, shall rest”

A portrait of the mysteries of birth and death by Joseph Thiebes entitled “begotten, shall rest” is now available in several sizes, formats, and substrates including metal, wood, framed prints, and greeting cards.  Click here to see and acquire this work from 2013.

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