This is the obituary I delivered on November 1, 2025, for my brother’s wife, Lydia, who was killed in a plane crash on October 21, 2025. In Christian tradition, yesterday was All Hallows’ Eve. For ancient Christians, it was a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection in preparation for the two days to follow: AllContinue reading “Eulogy for Lydia Marie (Settle) Laws”
Tag Archives: Writing
Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift, and Me: The Observer Effect
In physics, scientists have to account for the observer effect—that is, the observation of something fundamentally changes its state. This is particularly important in the study of quantum mechanics. A common example for us lay people is taking a tire pressure—doing so reduces the tire’s pressure. Likewise, in physics, observing non-luminous material typically requires theContinue reading “Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift, and Me: The Observer Effect”
I Think It’s an Important Message
Near evening, the author has just finished and printed his first novel. It is about a white football coach in a black part of San Antonio. The author’s father is preparing for trial, so they are sharing the office. “Dad, can you read the trial scene for me? I want to make sure it isContinue reading “I Think It’s an Important Message”
His Smile Lit Up a Room and Other Things to Say at My Funeral 