Chef Wojciech Popow extracts 'old book smell' for culinary use, raising questions about the tangible and intangible value of physical books.
Essence of Old Books
The Paradox of Fear: Why AI Terrifies Us More Than Climate Change
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and climate change are two of the hottest button issues facing society today. While both have far-reaching implications for our lives and well-being, it's intriguing that while both are generating a significant buzz, AI is surpassing climate issues in generating fear of being an existential threat to humanity. People are busy enjoying... Continue Reading →
So long and thanks for all the frogs
It seems incredible that it was three weeks ago that I dragged my overstuffed bags past the sun room and caught a final glimpse of the frog pond I created, observed, fretted over, and about which I’ve shared in couple of times in blog posts. As we gear up for a new life in Kansas... Continue Reading →
World Rainforest Day, June 22
Today, June 22, is World Rainforest Day. It's a day I'm happy to observe. Over the years, I've had the great good fortune of visiting, and occasionally working in, some of the world's most majestic rainforests. The arching canopies tinting everything beneath with a wash of green, the the constant hum of insects punctuated occasionally... Continue Reading →
Headlines from Earth Part II: Climate, PFAS & New Hope for Rainforests
The recent post I wrote about planetary issues was so popular that I've decided to do another one. Like before, it's hard to keep up, because things are changing rapidly. And, like before, much of the news - frankly - isn't great, although within that, there's reason for hope. Ocean Temperatures. The world's oceans have... Continue Reading →
International Bat Appreciation Day
In case you missed it, International Bat Appreciation Day was April 17. It's easy to overlook, crammed up against Earth Day on April 22 (today, in fact). The bat appreciation celebration was founded by Bat Conservation International (BCI) in 1982 to recognize the importance of protecting them. And they truly do deserve our appreciation. Far... Continue Reading →
Headlines from Earth Part I: Marine Biodiversity, Ozone & The Anthropocene
Every few days I sit down to write a post on what's going on in the global environment and discover more that's happening. But no wonder. Planetary conditions are changing rapidly. According to the United Nations, the human population hit 8 billion on 15 November 2022. The live calculator "World-o-Meter" shows that in the intervening... Continue Reading →
Wild Love: A Valentine’s Day Natural History
Valentine’s Day is almost upon us. But we’ve had warning - the decorations started going up in stores the day after Christmas. As a holiday, though, it almost keeps pace with Christmas. The first incarnation of the celebration may go back to Ancient Roman times, with the fertility festival of Lupercalia. St. Valentine himself could... Continue Reading →
This Is Not My Blog Post. Or, Why the Giraffe Has Two Necks.
What you are about to read is not my writing, not all of it, anyway. It’s been generated by an AI bot with prompts from me. I’m using "frase" technology, because I'm too impatient to wait to be let into the ChatGPT website. So, you get onto frase and scroll down (way down) to the... Continue Reading →
2023: A Case for Optimism
The beginning of a new year often makes people philosophical, thinking about what has or hasn't worked the year before and what they resolve to improve. Most of this is positive, at least for me. Lately, though, and I imagine also for many, it's getting easier to let those thoughts become tinged with concern for... Continue Reading →
ERIC DORFMAN 