I was somewhat taken aback by my portrayal as a “prankster” for my search for a lower rotator magnet for my small hadron collider. (“Free-wheeling VashonALL captures the Island’s attention,” May 16.) The exploration of the nanosphere is no laughing matter here on the south end. I take issue with my portrayal as a prankster and the false information reported in your paper.

While the entrance to the tunnel complex IS in my backyard, the actual accelerator and proton synchrotron extend beneath Gig Harbor (the upper tunnel is leaking under Colvos Passage, but I think I have that under control). Also, to the nosey person poking into my scientific business, my methods for keeping hydrogen in its liquid state are my own and will not be disclosed to anyone.

Acting on a tip from another forward-thinking person, I found the magnet I sought in building No. 2 at Grannies — at a real bargain, I might add. Like our wonderful credit union, The Tahlequah Hadron Collider project (THC for short) is something all Islanders can be proud of.

By the way, I have released myself of membership and interest in VashonALL, as the trigger-happy new moderator censored my last post offering plans for a working distillery. The distillery was designed for manufacturing ethanol from cattails for use as a fuel in automobiles. This person thought that Island teenagers would procure the plans and set up a moonshine still. Teenagers are much smarter than that. There are many cottage industries that are far more profitable.

— Tab Tabscott, Nanospherist