Maintained by the ScienceBlogs Overlords, Page 3.14 points you in the direction of some of ScienceBlogs' finest offerings, plus the tastiest tidbits of science news and opinion from around the web.
This time around, we're talking to Carl Zimmer of The Loom.
What's your name?
Carl Zimmer
What do you do when you're not blogging?
Write magazine articles, books, and various other pieces of dead-tree media. Or investigate anthills with my daughters.
What is your blog called?
The Loom
What's up with that name?
It's one of my favorite passages from one of my favorite books, Moby Dick. The cabin-boy Pip has fallen into the ocean and sees more than he can handle:
"...among the joyous, heartless, ever-juvenile eternities, Pip saw the multitudinous, God-omnipresent, coral insects, that out of the firmament of waters, heaved the colossal orbs. He saw God's foot upon the treadle of the loom, and spoke it; and therefore his shipmates called him mad."
How long have you been blogging, anyway?
Three years.
Where are you from and where do you live now?
Born in Connecticut and returned there three years ago.
Would you describe yourself as a working scientist?
Working science writer. I try to explain that to people who write to me desperate for medical advice.
Any educational experiences or degrees you'd like to mention?
Degree in English, and lots of on-the-job training at my first science writing job, at Discover.
What are your main academic interests, in or out of your field?
Biology's my game--anything that evolves.
The last book you read?
I've got two open on the desk: Life on Other Worlds, for my next book, and Mr. Bloomfield's Orchard, a wonderful book about mushrooms and other fungi. We're being overrun by stinkhorns.
What is your idea of a perfect day?
Turning a lousy rough draft into something I'm not ashamed to show my wife.
What's your greatest habitual annoyance?
Lousy rough drafts.
Who are your favorite heroes of fiction?
Leopold Bloom.
Your favorite heroes in real life?
Doctors Without Borders
What's your most marked characteristic?
You'd have to ask someone on the outside, looking in.
What's your principal defect?
A weakness for the grotesque.
What quality do you admire most in a person?
Wanting to know more.
Who are your favorite writers?
John McPhee, Mark Twain, and a shelf full of others.
What would you like to be?
Maybe a leatherback turtle. Just for a day.
Comments
i like the picture! much better than your other one! cooler.
Posted by: razib | October 9, 2006 10:57 AM
And here I thought you were a science geek. But you sound like a writer to me! : )
Posted by: Carolyn | December 4, 2006 7:25 PM
Thanks You
Posted by: define | September 23, 2008 9:04 PM
I never would have believed I would need to know this, but thank goodness for google, right?
Posted by: hardware compatibility | January 14, 2010 5:20 PM
What a breath of fresh air to take my mind off after a horrible day. Great article that really gets the idea covered. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: aqua detox | April 8, 2010 3:13 AM
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it. Look advanced to far added agreeable from you! By the way, how can we communicate?
Posted by: Laureen Wargo | March 25, 2011 12:31 AM
What a wonderful blog you have. I love how you write and make everything simple and easy to understand. Thank You!
Posted by: Drusilla Bouy | April 3, 2011 7:43 PM
The shape of a clock can be almost any shape and are round or rectangular. There are watches pendant ring. Pocket watches are back together.
Posted by: swiss rolex watches | April 5, 2011 7:35 PM
The classic Louis Vuitton Discount Replica Handbags have conquered me a long time. And this afternoon, I was determined to buy a cheap bag vulgar face.
Posted by: Louis Vuitton Handbags | April 7, 2011 11:32 PM
Swiss rolex watches have been manufacturing since 1839. It was founded in Geneva, Switzerland, and since the beginning of his reputation spread as a manufacturer of luxury watches in Europe and the world.
Posted by: swiss rolex watches | April 8, 2011 9:20 PM
To sew. Make sure the seam is straight, uniform and sloppy as ever. The seam is always clear and must pass quality control. Replica Designer Handbags and accessories are always real and not compatible seam is uneven.
Posted by: Louis Vuitton Handbags | April 12, 2011 3:30 AM
They have on their laptops, purses, cell phones, to wear make-key and cell-i. The designers have done everything, and tote bags quality children who are in great variety to meet this need. These Hermes Replica Brand Bags are readily available online.
Posted by: Hermes Replica Brand Bags | April 13, 2011 1:15 AM
1. Blue-Blue is like the ocean. It is quiet and strong, depending on the color blue. The light blue is calm, while the dark blue symbolizes the strength and confidence. Most women who are attracted by the color blue authoritarian character.
Posted by: Louis Vuitton Handbags | April 13, 2011 5:28 AM
LED Clock uses a diode that emits light. There is usually to press a button to display the time. The numbers on the screen in red.
Posted by: swiss rolex watches | April 15, 2011 2:14 AM
Yes the ipad overall is the best available tablet without a doubt but that doesn't make it magical. The device is great and easy to use for kids but a lot of kids these days are good with all sorts of technology. Sales figures also don't make it magical. I hated when Apple called it that when they announced it and still do.
Posted by: Arthur Fliger | April 27, 2011 4:38 PM
Hola, he estado mirando por el blog y no encuentro una forma de ponerme en contacto contigo. Me podrías decir una forma, por favor? Muchas gracias.
Posted by: Brandon Treichel | May 26, 2011 5:30 AM
I just wanted to comment and also declare that I really enjoyed reading your site here. It actually was really useful I digg the way you create! Keep on and I’ll come back to read more in the future
Posted by: can you cash in pensions | June 8, 2011 8:13 PM
Nice post and thank you for being so kind to post them here.so I really believe you will do much better in the future.
Posted by: montserrat hotels remax | June 25, 2011 3:18 PM
Whats up, I am having a hard time attempting to rank high for the words "victorias secret coupon codes"... Pls approve my comment!!
Posted by: Victorias Secret Coupon Codes | July 6, 2011 12:15 AM
Could not manage to can see this in my man or women computer
Posted by: Roxie Aland | July 6, 2011 12:39 AM
Hi,
ich habe Ihre Webseite bei der Suche nach digitalen Bilderrahmen im Internet gefunden. Schauen Sie doch mal auf meiner Seite vorbei, ich habe dort viele Testberichte zu den aktuellen digitalen Bilderrahmen geschrieben.
Posted by: Hipolito M. Wiseman | July 16, 2011 11:41 AM
timtop hip hop
Posted by: wind energy pros and cons | July 18, 2011 6:25 PM
Have you ever thought about including a bit bit more than just your ideas? I mean, what you say is vital and everything. But its got no punch, no pop! Possibly for those who added a pic or two, a video? You possibly can have such a extra highly effective blog if you happen to let individuals SEE what youre talking about instead of simply studying it. Anyway, in my language, there aren't a lot good source like this.
Posted by: tu van seo | July 23, 2011 6:17 AM
It’s great that you type it all out when I need it deeply to get out from the hell. I try to let my love go but I can’t do so whatever I do.
Posted by: Wichita KS Massage | July 30, 2011 12:13 AM
Super Artikel! Ich freue mich auf weitere Beiträge zu dem Thema.
Posted by: internetseite bei google eintragen | September 14, 2011 10:13 AM
One other important part is that if you are a mature person, travel insurance with regard to pensioners is something you should make sure you really consider. The more mature you are, a lot more at risk you happen to be for making something negative happen to you while in another country. If you are certainly not covered by many comprehensive insurance plan, you could have some serious challenges. Thanks for expressing your advice on this weblog.
Posted by: Chirurgia plastyczna | September 27, 2011 9:51 AM
Thanks for your tips about this blog. One particular thing I wish to say is that purchasing electronics items in the Internet is not something new. In fact, in the past 10 years alone, the market for online consumer electronics has grown significantly. Today, you will find practically just about any electronic device and gizmo on the Internet, including cameras plus camcorders to computer components and game playing consoles.
Posted by: Perfumy | September 27, 2011 6:13 PM
Um kurz vor 3.00 Uhr confrontation ich dann fertig und öffnete mode Tür von Zimmer 306. Das Zimmer combat wieder dunkel. Ich betrat es leise.
Posted by: toiletten | October 13, 2011 12:20 AM
We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your website provided us with valuable info to work on. You have done an impressive job and our entire community will be thankful to you.
Posted by: Elton Rogian | October 14, 2011 8:39 AM
Beyond Bodybuilding – Book Review. August 22nd, 2011. Goto comments Leave a comment. One of the biggest problems with strength training for mountain
Posted by: andrew peltier chico california | October 16, 2011 4:57 AM
I entirely agree along with your details. The steps of listing within your post are very valuable for getting this complications resolved.
Posted by: watch cameras online | November 8, 2011 1:03 AM
Hi, of course this paragraph is in fact nice and I have learned lot of things from it on the topic of blogging. thanks.
Posted by: Klimt Paintings | November 22, 2011 1:22 AM
I often read your blog admin try to find it very interesting. Thought it was about time i show you , Sustain the truly great work
Posted by: Gino Cormican | November 24, 2011 10:42 AM
yeah hot carb on carb action! (You'll find the recipe at the PPP blog: Creamy Vegan Mac & Cheese Pizza! And you will go looking for it; resistance is futile.
Posted by: Caso Genitivo | November 24, 2011 5:06 PM
Well this form of info is really worth searching for, good info for readers and a value for you as will definitely demonstrate the quality of the writer. It’s good to receive these kinds of articles around to continue the information feed steady. Helping those who actually can make things properly in the future, good work!
Posted by: Cathey Sojo | November 26, 2011 5:52 PM
Absolutely written subject matter, thanks for selective information. "The earth was made round so we would not see too far down the road." by Karen Blixen.
Posted by: Lucy | November 29, 2011 7:19 AM
I wish more people would write blogs like this that are really fun to read. With all the fluff floating around on the net, it is rare to read a blog like this instead.
Posted by: Rhett Degnan | December 5, 2011 4:10 PM
Being freaky is Cool. But it's a plus if you're a freak with an education!
Posted by: poppy morgan | December 6, 2011 10:28 AM
You might receive read many articles on various articles. However, almost of the time you came to know that content was not up to the mark. This clause is actually related to the issue and features unique info relevant to the theme of the article.
Posted by: Filomena Earwood | December 7, 2011 1:50 PM
Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and aid others like you aided me.
Posted by: Grant Breaud | December 9, 2011 1:32 AM
Great job, please keep on cheap ugg boots.
Posted by: Jess Golkin | December 22, 2011 12:55 AM
I like it, cheap ugg boots.
Posted by: Domingo Trundle | December 22, 2011 12:55 AM
Looking forward to reading more. Great blog post.Really thank you! Want more.
Posted by: Kathy Allen | January 1, 2012 12:51 AM
Im thankful for the post.Really looking forward to read more. Great.
Posted by: Alice Mack | January 1, 2012 12:51 AM
"Thanks for sharing, this is a fantastic post. Cool."
Posted by: Aaron Walls | January 1, 2012 12:51 AM
Neste momento parece Expression Engine é a plataforma de blogs preferida lá fora, agora. (A partir do que Ive read) É isso que você está usando em seu blog?
Posted by: vimax | January 1, 2012 10:24 AM
What is captcha code?, pls provide me captcha code codes or plugin, Thanks in advance.
Posted by: quality sex dolls | January 11, 2012 1:12 AM
Apple now has Rhapsody as an app, which is a great start, but it is currently hampered by the inability to store locally on your iPod, and has a dismal 64kbps bit rate. If this changes, then it will somewhat negate this advantage for the Zune, but the 10 songs per month will still be a big plus in Zune Pass' favor.
Posted by: Matthew C. Kriner | January 12, 2012 1:13 AM
This is really engrossing, You’re a really delicate blogger. I’ve married your rss have and appear saucy to search author of your tremendous install. Also, I’ve common your website in my multiethnic networks!
Posted by: seo | January 14, 2012 1:08 AM
It’s actually a nice and helpful piece of info. I’m glad that you shared this useful information with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Darmowe filmy | January 14, 2012 12:23 PM
People all over the world take the home loans from various banks, just because that's comfortable and fast.
Posted by: home loans | January 16, 2012 4:50 PM
Hey this blog is pretty awesome. I'm glad I ended up here. My first post but be sure that the rest will come as you put up more nice posts like this one. I'm happy for you.
Posted by: Louise Goblirsch | January 26, 2012 12:18 AM
Hello my friend! I want to say that this post is awesome, nice written and include almost all important infos. I would like to see more posts like this .
Posted by: Solita | January 28, 2012 12:21 AM
I used to be suggested this web site by my cousin. I am now not certain whether this publish is written by him as no one else recognize such precise about my difficulty. You are wonderful! Thanks! London Girlfriends, 1a, Mathew Parker Street, London, SW1H 9NE, 028 9343 8121
Posted by: Marta Bundrick | February 8, 2012 12:06 AM
I think this site contains some real fantastic info for everyone. "The human spirit needs to accomplish, to achieve, to triumph to be happy." by Ben Stein.
Posted by: Alexis | February 8, 2012 12:24 PM
Keep up the wonderful piece of work, I read few blog posts on this website and I believe that your website is very interesting and contains circles of excellent information.
Posted by: Madison | February 10, 2012 4:22 PM
I simply couldn't go away your site prior to suggesting that I actually enjoyed the usual information a person provide for your visitors? Is going to be back ceaselessly in order to inspect new posts.
Posted by: Juliet | February 13, 2012 9:49 AM