Exploring Space is Our Destiny

Initially published in the Raleigh News & Observer November 23, 2016.   Two thousand years ago, effusive in his wonder and reverence, the Alexandrian mathematician and astronomer Ptolemy wrote in the “Almagest”: “When I trace, at my...

Learning the Thunder

Reflecting on the milepost of my 25 consecutive years as a licensed NC physician assistant, the last 20 at Duke, I recalled my black leather medical bag which was a graduation gift. As I’ve been 100 percent hospital-based for the past 22 years, it hasn’t...

Cicadas and Other Cycles

Initially published in the Raleigh News & Observer on February 7, 2016        “Today I will no longer hide my light. Today I hold my head high; and I will look you in the eye and tell you of my wasted years, gifts, talents and experiences.” When I left...

Chasing Crows

Initially Published in the Raleigh News & Observer on 9/14/2016 “Children are a heritage from the Lord.” –  Psalms 127:3 This past spring I witnessed this arresting avian behavior: My attention was yanked skyward as I heard loud, harsh,...

Sell Books and “Colonize the Moon.”

The day before the James Webb Space Telescope was launched (December 25, 2021), I noticed a prominently displayed, handwritten “protest-like” sign with this exhortation: “Buy books from people who want to sell books not colonize the moon.”...