About Joe McClain
Posts by Joe McClain
Getting it right
On February 28, 2011

Writing about research for public consumption—and getting it right—involves a continual balancing act between accuracy and clarity. Accuracy versus clarity is at the heart
Who knew?
On January 7, 2011

I learned just a few minutes ago that the official name for Rogers 100 is ISC 1127. Not that I ever expect to hear
1,000 Giddy Arcana*: Fruit flies have champagne tastes
On November 12, 2010

Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana. But what fruit flies really like is champagne. That’s right—champagne.
Chromium-doped beryl…in seven letters
On October 18, 2010

You may not have to be a chemist to solve this puzzle, but if would help if you have logged some serious lab time.
No cats were killed in the writing of this blog
On September 7, 2010

To you, it may be a humble pontoon boat, but to the scientists involved, it’s a research vessel and deserving of a worthy scientific
1,000 Giddy Arcana*: Bond. Flemish bond.
On August 30, 2010

In the beginning, there is the artifact. Interpretation of what historians refer to as “material culture” enables someone to draw inferences about the everyday
The real story on Thomas Jefferson
On August 25, 2010

It must be book season. In today’s mail, I received a copy of Susan Kern’s new book, The Jeffersons at Shadwell. I’ve already written
You Can’t Make This Stuff Up Dept.
On August 24, 2010

The calendar and thermometer both say “no, no” but the presence of students on campus is a sure sign that summer is over. Regina
Ladies and gentlemen, heeeere’s J.C.
On March 24, 2009

I was walking down Jamestown Road on the Monday of Spring Break when a car swerved my way and came to a stop. Usually