I'm terribly excited to head to the local bookstore to pick up Sam Kean's new book on the periodic table today. For some strange reason, I find the periodic table a fascinating symbol of humanity in our continuing attempts to understand the universe around us. There is much more than just chemistry wrapped up in its columns and rows. Maybe I've read too much Oliver Sacks. Nevertheless, I try to convey that sense of awe to my students. You can read more about Kean's book on this NPR segment about The Disappearing Spoon. Good stuff.