Acknowledgements

 

 

    There are always diamonds in the rough. In that light, I remain indebted to Emilio Panarella, (editor of Physics Essays), the one whom always maintained an open mind. Moreover, his integrity remains second to none. Unto him I say: What an arduous lonely road I walk; even so, I thank thee for the coble stones beneath my feet.

 

   There are also others whom I will tip my hat to, because they showed me respect: Herman Merte, with whom I had several great email conversations, although my first paper on nucleation did not enthrall him; I suppose it is a case of not being able to teach an old hound, new tricks. And Frank Lambert, whom took the time to respond and discuss. In some ways, I feel bad for dethroning his beloved entropy.

 

   Thanks, also goes out to Alexander Driega, who was my often helpful, consummate, theoretical antagonist for various durations. And Bonnie Bonaventura, who helped me reformat my first paper. And, Chris Sheehan who helped with my third paper and lets just say, it’s the thought that counts. And Julie Vladimirovich for helping me write a tricky French version of an abstract. Certainly her linguistic talents are rarely matched. And a very special thanks goes to William Humphries  for his paying it forward, to a perfect stranger.

 

   Least I forget my parents. I thank my mother Elizabeth, and my father Kenneth both of whom are no longer with us. I wish I could say that they fully believed but I cannot. Even so, they provided something to land on whenever I crashed, and subsequently burned.

 

   Of course, I was never completely alone in this endless adventure. I actually talked over most of what I wrote with my German Shepherds. First there was Ben who listened intently about DCI. Then Elsa, the brilliant one, who helped me figure out nucleation. And least I forget the impertinent one: Ruby