In my whole life, I've never vomited from seeing something disgusting. Does it really even happen, outside of movies and TV? I believe it may be a myth.

The broader the topic, the easier it is, not only to fill a book, but to set the bar pretty high for really great stuff.

Instead, I quietly excused myself and went to the bar, to commune with spirits I know how to relate to.

To me, NASA is kind of the magical kingdom. I was sort of a geek, and you go there, and there are just these wondrously strange things and people.

All good research-whether for science or for a book-is a form of obsession.

Every mode of travel has its signature mental aberration.

All the clothes in my closet are Oakland, California, clothes. You can't wear those anywhere else. The barometric pressure drops and then where are you?