Science!, Concerts and Libya

[tcpip]

There has been some pretty interesting things in the field of Science! (I blame GURPS for this expression). In a hat-tip to strangedave, the spider-goat returns with the invention of artificial bullet-proof skin. In the pretty-sparkly-science side of things, there is the discovery that candle-flame produces millions of tiny diamonds. Finally, a thirteen-year old discovers a more efficient solar array by using an example from a nature which also requires the sun; a tree-based design.

In the world of the arts, caseopaya and I attended a great triple-gig last Friday night at The Palace (a lovely building but with poor acoustics); The Clouds, The Wonderstuff and Jesus Jones. Each of these bands were pretty significant in the late-80s and early 90s and the crowd certainly reflected people from that period. The Clouds, who have always reminded me of a punk version of Enya, played well but were plagued by very ordinary mixing. Less prone to such problems due to the style, The Wonderstuff, performed an expected beer and cider swilling and stomping set (was it at all surprising to discover that the former drummer of PWEI has joined them?). Finally, my preferred band of the set, Jesus Jones provided their impressive and energetic combination of indie-rock and electronica. I've always appreciated how on the ball for their time they were with broad social and technological change.

Much of the world has been abuzz, understandably, with the changes in Libya. It would seem that "the rats", as Gaddafi has called the National Transitional Council, have taken most of Tripoli. I take the opportunity to point at Lizzie Haw-Haw, an apologist for the Gaddafi regime who spouts complete nonsense. Keep a copy of the promises of the NTC as the new government takes over. Not surprisingly, the people of Syria are now asking for similar assistance, which is pretty much what I predicted some months ago.

Comments

[ariaflame]

Shame the kid's experiment was flawed. I mean kudos for attempting science, but needs to work on experiment design. And media needs to stop blowing stuff like this way out of proportion.

[tcpip]

The lateral thinking involved was poetic, and his dedication to the combination of experimentation and reasoning bodes well for the future.

As for the mass media reporting.. well, believe me they get everything at least a little bit wrong.

And having torn my way through several archive boxes I still can't find the Phantasmagoria Annual that I need.. I still think it's 1988 however..

[ariaflame]

Oh indeed. And experiment design is a skill one has to learn. I doubt anyone gets it right first time. One of the reasons that scientists have been so wary of trying to communicate what it is they are doing to the media is experience of how the media stuffs up the reporting.

Thanks anyway. Do let me know if it crops up.

[ariaflame]

Found that Phantasmagoria. I do have a copy after all.

[tcpip]

Excellent! Now all I have to do is find mine :)

[fluffyblanket.livejournal.com]

I think the المجلس الوطني الانتقالي
(National Transitional Council) should appoint YOU as their first
(A)narchist President .

: D

[tcpip.livejournal.com]

Heheh. I'd happily take up a role as an advisor...

[lifedistilled.livejournal.com]

This is the kind of interventionism I am for - a measured response, support of local rebellion, and a minimalized attitude of "only if it helps us." Liberation of populations/nations (and the ousting of tyrants) is its own reward. Humanity as a whole benefits from it.

[tcpip.livejournal.com]

Certainly, as long as the population itself must be calling for intervention. I can imagine a situation, all too easily, that 'we had to rescue population x from themselves' as an excuse.

There is also the problem of real politik. If there's a place in the world that needs a no-fly zone and international peacekeepers it's Gaza.

[strangedave.livejournal.com]

Wish I had the chance to see the Wonderstuff! Only seen them play once, in 2005 - we went to Belfast (from Scotland) just to see them.

Spider goat, spider goat....

[tcpip.livejournal.com]

There's no doubt about it they're really quite a fun band, although they have their grim moments as well...

I suspect we're going to hear more and more about spider goat. Brave new world.

[mr-figgy.livejournal.com]

I was actually under the impression that the tree-based design had been debunked since, and the mass media was blamed for getting the hopes up of an otherwise bright question-asking kid who happened to be wrong this time.

Source: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/08/blog-debunks-13-year-olds-solar-power-breakthorugh.php

[tcpip.livejournal.com]

I've (recently) heard that as well, but didn't have a reference, thanks for that.

Nevertheless one cannot help but be impressed by the youngster's use of empiricism and rationality. They have a bright future I suspect.

[curufea.livejournal.com]

I'm fairly certain I got Science! from sources other than GURPS (as I don't play it or know anyone who does) - I tend to blame Girl Genius :)

[tcpip.livejournal.com]

I believe there's a working relationship between the Foglio's and Steve Jackson Games, so it's not surprising that there's crossover.

[tcpip.livejournal.com]

And yes you do know people who play GURPS :p

[curufea.livejournal.com]

Na - I know OF people who played it.
I encounter science! regularly in Starblazer, which is FATE and I know people who play that :)

Lizzie Haw-Haw

[tcpip.livejournal.com]

Well there's a surprise. Having reached the heady status of having her posts republished on Information Clearing House, the entire 'blog content has been deleted.

"Sorry, but you are looking for something that isn’t here."
http://lizziesliberation.wordpress.com/

That's what happens when you support dictators.