In her collection titled The Land of Little Rain, Mary Hunter Austin, known for her early 20th century writings about the Native American community, presents an enchanting view of Southwestern California and its Indigenous inhabitants. Scholars often praise Austin for her “detailed descriptions of the wild creatures and landscapes [that] she observed so lovingly.” Yet, if we … [Read more...] about Admiration or Patronization? A Look Into Mary Austin’s Ecologically Noble Savage
Archives for April 2025
From Wool Dresses to Bikinis: The Swimwear Glow-Up
Imagine stepping onto a beach in the 1800s, only to find women wading into the water in full-length wool dresses and men sporting what looked like long underwear. Fast forward to today, and the swimwear scene couldn’t be more different—think bikinis, swim trunks, and rash guards. Swimsuits have come a long way, not just in style but in what they say about society. In … [Read more...] about From Wool Dresses to Bikinis: The Swimwear Glow-Up
Lyapunov Functions: Proving the Stability of Equilibrium Points of Dynamical Systems
Welcome back. In today’s blog post, I am excited to discuss Lyapunov functions, which can prove the stability of equilibrium points of a broad class of dynamical systems, including nonlinear systems. Lyapunov functions generalize the concept of energy from mechanical systems. If a pendulum is damped, then its downward position is a stable equilibrium point, and its energy will … [Read more...] about Lyapunov Functions: Proving the Stability of Equilibrium Points of Dynamical Systems
Nanotechnology in Cosmetics: Revolution or Risk
When producing cosmetics, chemists are always searching for ways to make products with maximum efficiency. Better UV penetration, deeper color pigment, or smoother application, all of these factors are goals as new products come out. However, there is one branch of science that the beauty industry has started to invest in, to make this possible: nanotechnology. Nano refers to … [Read more...] about Nanotechnology in Cosmetics: Revolution or Risk
The Cult of Chrome Hearts
Chrome Hearts is a luxury brand that has captivated the hearts of fashion enthusiasts with its blend of Gothic aesthetics, rock-and-roll influences, and high-quality craftsmanship. Founded in 1988 in Los Angeles by Richard Stark, Leonard Kamhout, and John Bowman, the brand started as a niche label catering to motorcycle enthusiasts. Over the years, it has transformed into a … [Read more...] about The Cult of Chrome Hearts