“Ammonia" and “Acetylene”

In “Ammonia” Miles wrote:
First published January 31, 2024

I held this until February 2 so that I could do my biannual fund drive on Groundhog's Day, with a major new paper (two new papers, now) to salt it in. Just seemed like the thing to do. But I couldn't make the diagrams I wanted of Ammonia with Gimp and don't have Photoshop anymore, so I had to beg for pro bono help from a friend. Leading to some delay. Most of you know I only do this twice a year: post a simple reminder that donations are welcome. I don't do daily fund drives like most on the internet, don't do intrusive advertising or pop-ups, and don't bother you with merchandise, either. I think too much of you, and myself, to bother you with any of that. Some imagine I can do this because I am privately wealthy—a trust-fund kid or something. Nope. I have been living hand-to-mouth for almost 40 years now, and although my paintings still give me a small income, the balance has been made up for about ten years by my readers like you. My science, art, and history readers help make this possible, allowing me to drive around the mainstream gatekeepers in several fields. I know that some of you have already donated in the past month or so, and I thank you for needing no reminder. The rest of you I thank in advance.