The proper way to deal with crocodiles

Reality catches up to fantasy

Laser-powered destruction of boats and ships was all predicted by Hanna-Barbera's Jonny Quest back in 1964.  Check out the entire series to see what's coming next.

Rock-A-Bye Bear

I have a higher quality DVD version of that classic Tex Avery cartoon from 1952 [without the annoying laugh track]. My brother and I used to laugh so hard at the "burp scene" whenever we saw it in rerun on Saturday mornings in the 1960s. I'm putting it here a propos to nothing in particular.  I just don't ever want to lose touch with that classic piece of genius.

What Do Electrons Look Like?

I've begun to wonder what naked electrons might look like in my advanced middle age. They certainly have shapes and symmetrical features. But are they really invisible? X-rays and other electrons can partially locate them and give us complex maps of their densities.  Here's an unusual depiction of benzene, a six-sided ring of carbon atoms with six hydrogen appendices:

Electron density map of benzene

If pondering what electrons in molecular orbitals look like is weird, consider empty electron orbitals, i.e., virtual orbitals.  Something really bothers me about virtual orbitals: they're not there there. It really is like something that's invisible--like the invisible monster in this Jonny Quest link.