Appears in collection : Mikefest : A conference in honor of Michael Douglas’ 60th birthday

I give a qualitative description of a few problems in theoretical physics that I’ve thought about in recent years (the variety of ideas and techniques has a good overlap with some of Mike’s past interests). Topics will include a quantum field theory approach to determining Ricci flat metrics on K3 surfaces, D-brane models of theories of fractons, and a preliminary foray into theoretical biology.