I've been reading about Nikola Tesla lately. He's a fascinating character who invented a few little things like alternating current, remote control, the eponymous Tesla coil, and radio (Marconi is still commonly credited though Tesla's work predates his). Tesla was also a total kook by all accounts. I'm bummed that I missed PBS's "Master of Lightning" special last year. They have some good information on their website, but gloss over some of his nuttier aspects, like his love of pigeons (columbiphilia). I first became interested in Tesla while reading Strange Brains and Genius by Clifford Pickover, which I would highly recommend if you're interested in learning more about that fine line between genius and insanity.
:: Keith 12:36 [link] :: ::