Tag Archives: Kepler

Do-It-Yourself Ranking: How We Measure

When I first became a professor, I taught chemistry and physics. Both are traditional sciences with well-defined prerequisites. For physics you must first learn about mechanics (Kepler, Newton, etc.); in chemistry you have to start with the periodic table before … Continue reading

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Naming Seasons and Weather Events

Thursday, September 6th in New York City was really hot and humid with temperatures well above 90oF. The next day the temperatures plunged to mid-70s and stayed there for several days, with almost constant rain. Today (Saturday, September 15th), while … Continue reading

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Hanukkah, Thanksgiving and the Drake Equation

I recently finished celebrating Thanksgiving and Hanukkah with my family; enjoying the wonderful meal, lighting the 2nd Hanukkah candle and thanking God both in English and Hebrew. Following this, we also prepared to celebrate the end of the semester, and … Continue reading

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The Physics of Sustainability

Here is a key paragraph from  President Obama’s inauguration speech on Monday, January 21st. 2013: For now decisions are upon us, and we cannot afford delay. We cannot mistake absolutism for principle, or substitute spectacle for politics, or treat name-calling … Continue reading

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