Making lists to increase diversity in public office
Along the lines of my recent post about improving the number of science-literate politicians, I got to thinking about increasing diversity in politics.
Science at Home: Exploring color with baby-safe paint
This infant and toddler-safe paint contains just 3 ingredients! Easy, messy fun with your little one.
Big Reaction: A waterfall of light with Fluorescein
This riotous stream of oozy green color is produced by dropping Fluorescein dyes into water or alcohol. It’s an organic compound, the same stuff you find in highlighter markers.
An ode to scientifically literate politicians
With rampant anti-intellectualism running wild in the current administration, here are some anecdotes from a time when the White House’s chief occupant was more science-literate.
Big Reaction: Microwaving Ivory soap
The key to this reaction is using Ivory soap. This type of soap has little air pockets throughout (it floats in water). The microwave excites trapped water molecules, transferring heat to the air pockets. The air rapidly expands, creating the foam growths.
An app to organize your Secret Santa
I made a thing! I designed an app to help people organize Secret Santa gift exchanges from afar.
Removing white oxidation from plastic eyeglasses
Oxidation has discolored my favorite pair of eyeglass frames, leaving them clouded by a filmy white layer. I’ve managed to restore the frames using household items. Here’s how I did it.
Big Reaction: Woodburning without a branding iron
Here’s a chemical reaction for the DIYer. Ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) mixed with water can be used as a “paint” to transfer designs to wood. Apply a little heat from a heat gun, and bam, instant woodburned art.
Bring some Gemütlichkeit to your apartment
I’ve been thinking about ways to make our apartment feel more homey. There’s a German word, Gemütlichkeit, which roughly translates to coziness, or snuggliness perhaps? That feeling of comfort when you arrive home.
New tax plan will devastate graduate students
The latest tax reform bill, passed this Thursday by the House of Representatives, will devastate American competitiveness in science and tech. The bill would see taxes on graduate students increase by, on order, a staggering $10,000 per year.