Brian Greene calls attention to the transformative, inspirational effect that science can have on our lives if we only take the time to explore and understand it. Money quote: “The wonder of the cosmos transcends everything that divides us.” Check it out. - J
Asides
I’ve just added a new widget to our sidebar: the 350 Challenge Badge. The premise is simple: Brighter Planet is offsetting 350 pounds of CO2 emissions in Tropophilia’s honor. That’s the equivalent of 100 lightbulbs burning for one day, or two weeks’ worth of car emissions. Small, but it’s something, and we’re happy to participate. -T
If you’re coming here from Sarah’s blog, welcome! Hope you like what you see and, if so, that you’ll think about subscribing to Tropophilia above. Enjoy your stay. - J
Things are bad on the other side of the world. Myanmar has been ravaged by nature, and its government is so far reluctant to accept outside aid. Regardless, Google has set up this page to help direct donations to UNICEF and other relief organizations. Please consider contributing as you are willing and able. — J
In a comment to one of our most popular posts, I suggested that books may be the vinyl records of the future — collectors’ items in a digital age, kept for reasons of nostalgia and “high fidelity.” John Battelle picks up the same theme in this thoughtful post, but points instead to magazines as the LP’s successor. A great, quick read. — J
