Route maps in flight magazines
Today I travelled with Lufthansa. This has been a long time I have not flown with this airline. When I picked up the flight magazine and started looking at the company’s routes, an old story came to my mind. A few years ago I was travelling to Mauritius...
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My first amateur astronomy photos
I have attended many workshops and conferences. But the one I am attending in Santiago at the moment is the first one where I have the opportunity to practice astrophotography. Although I have been observing with many telescopes in the world (and in space)...
Science and non-science project funding
As mentioned already in a previous blog, being in an academic environment opens up the possibility to meet new people from different backgrounds and experience. A few month ago, a new researcher arrived at my institute in Grenoble. She has a dual philosophy-science...
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Rehearsal, critics, and presence
When we rehearse, either in preparation of an important scientific presentation or for a play, we have to leave our pride at home. Most critics are advices to get the best out of us. At our play rehearsal, a few fellow actors or actresses seem to have...
Lab's Days
I was recently attending a retreat of my current institute at a very nice location in Annecy. The aim of the retreat was to summarize the main results obtained the last five years but also the successes and problems that occurred. Each team showed their...
Foreign language and living abroad
One of the keys for an enjoyable life in a foreign country is the mastery of the language. Many complain that economic migrants tend to stay within their community, do not interact much with the local population, or do not speak well the language of the...
Thinking outside the box
Thinking inside the box is easy and brings a sense of security. Thinking outside the box is more challenging but it is the essence of progress. We praise innovations in technology, science, design, or art, but at the same time our societies tend to be...
Learning to watch and to speak
I would have never predicted that I would like so much my creative hobbies. By devoting the same focus and determination that I had to learn mathematics, physics, chemistry, or doing research I endeavor to master creative photography or acting. I like...
Deadlines and procrastination
I recently changed my email signature with a quote from one of my favorite philosophers, Lucius Annaeus Seneca. The quote says “It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that they are difficult.”. Having...
