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The Earth could soon have a second sun, at least for a week or two...And, according to a report yesterday, the most stunning light show in the planet’s history could happen as soon as this year. Earth will undoubtedly have a front row seat when the dying red supergiant star Betelgeuse finally blows itself into oblivion.

Gardner, David.

src=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1349383/Betelgeuse-second-sun-Earth-supernova-turns-night-day.html

What is with people making ludicrous claims? I mean, I guess technically it's not wrong to say it could happen as soon as this year. But it's just as likely to take another 100,000 years. Our current models of supernovae and star evolution are not nearly precise enough to say it will happen in the next year or two.

Science making headlines is great. However, I hope for a day when we don't have to sell to the doomsday conspiracy-theorists to get mainstream attention.

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Flying like birds

I just read an interesting article about the flight of birds in the NY Times - http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/04/science/04birds.html?_r=1&hpw

I've always found it fascinating how birds are able to fly so deftly and feel that human's attempts to fly are as of yet, a feeble attempt to fly like birds. What do you guys think? Especially those of you who are aerospace gurus, do you think it will ever be possible for a machine to fly, hover, and land the way a hummingbird can? Or is a bird's ability to fly only possible through biology?

Also, here's some eye candy from the experiments documented in the article - http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2011/01/04/science/04BIRDS-2.html

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Not intellectually or emotionally deep...

just plain funny email I received today from a prank society:

Dear Yale College Student,

  As you are likely aware, this Friday, December 10th marks the date Connecticut will end sale of caffeinated alcoholic beverages like Four Loko.  These beverages pose serious, unknown health risks, and we urge students not to throw Four Loko commemoration events, remembrance parties, or blackout memorial services.  Since it is reading period, and students seem to have developed an attachment to these unsafe beverages, we thought it would be helpful to provide some of the new FDA research on alcohol-laced energy drinks.  It is our hope that students continue to make educated, healthy decisions through Friday.

  -      1280 million people have already died from Four Loko.

-      With each can of Four Loko you drink, you take 25 years off your life.

-      Drinking four cans of Four Loko is really like drinking eight cans.

-      4 out of 5 people in an insane asylum were committed because of Four Loko induced madness.

-      In the time it takes you to brush your teeth, three children have died from Four Loko.

-      One can of Four Loko will power a car for thirty miles; this is considered drunk driving.

-      If you drink a watermelon-flavored Four Loko, a watermelon will grow in your stomach.

-      Four Loko is the number one contributor to climate change.

-      5 out of 4 inner city children were raised by a Four Loko.

-      The number of lokos per Loko has doubled from two to four in the last decade.

  The Four Loko culture on campus has been upsetting to us at the Yale Health Center.  In particular, we are deeply disturbed that a student group would sell these pro-Loko t-shirts.  To the Yale community: do not buy these t-shirts.  If you are in Bass Cafe between noon and 4:00 today, do not buy them.  It is distressing that students would create something so hilarious about a topic so grave.  So please, consider the safety risks, and do not buy these shirts.  Do not buy them for ten dollars.

  Sincerely,

  James M. Perlotto, M.D.

Chief of Student Health and Chief of Athletic Medicine, Yale Health Center

Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine

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The Ape in Me

I was pulling out of a parking space in the lot behind Octane a few days ago, when I looked to my left, where there was a large, silvered (mirror-like) window. Looking in the window, I could see the reflection of my entire car, but not myself in the car. Of course, I could see my car respond to every turn of the steering wheel I made. I had a moment of extreme cognitive dissonance, where I suddenly felt like my "self" included the car.

As children, we partially identify our sense of self by seeing (directly or through mirrors) what aspects of our environment change when we direct our body to move. Even as adults, if we're not certain that a reflection is ours, we'll wave our hands or shift our heads in a distinct way in order to determine if the reflection matches our movements.

If we begin to integrate sensory inputs from remote sensors (for example, cameras on multiple UAVs) directly into our normal complement of sensory input, will our brain alter our sense of self to be more abstract? Direct integration of alternate sensory input doesn't seem all that far in the future, considering the technology BrainPort is developing. By mapping the video from a camera to a grid of electrodes stimulating the tongue, BrainPort has been able to augment the visual capabilities of blind people. Considering the plasticity of the brain, it doesn't seem too far-fetched to consider humans as becoming clouds of sensory input.

Thoughts?

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After a long break, I present to you an interesting (and somewhat creepy) video of one man's animatronics works. Also, the music is Bjork's "Army of Me".

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The chances for life on this planet are 100 percent...I have almost no doubt about it

Steven Vogt, UC professor of astronomy and astrophysics (CNN article)

Most of you have probably seen mention of this in the past few days, it's been getting a surprising bit of media coverage. New Goldilocks planet discovered! 100% chance of life! What the hell? Aside from the inherent humor in the "almost no doubt" about a 100 percent certainty in the above quotation, there are several problems with this conclusion.

Looking back at some history, the Gliese 581 system is actually not a new discovery. In fact, several other planets in the very system have generated buzz in the community for possibly being in the Goldilocks region and harboring life. Here's an article from 2007 about Gliese 581c:

http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/070424_hab_exoplanet.html

Notice the similarities. This planet, along with a few siblings, have all come and gone as further data was analyzed. The vast majority of planet discoveries like this are based on Doppler effects, which happens to give minimum masses. So the 3-times Earth mass figure everyone's freaking out over is a minimum estimate, not a conclusive number. Also, the Goldilocks zone is not just a function of the parent star, but also depends on the planet itself. For example, if we were on Gliese 581g looking towards this solar system, we would probably freak out over Venus and Mars just as much as Earth. Both planets are roughly Earth sized, and from only looking at the Sun, within Goldilocks distances. However, Venus's atmosphere creates extreme hot temperatures instantly boiling any chance of water, whereas Mars' lack of an atmosphere (relatively) makes surface water impossible.

Let's look at another number. Gliese 581g orbits its star in something like 37 days. That puts it very close to the star, enough to where it is most definitely tidal locked. That's like the moon to the Earth, where the same face is always pointed towards us. It's a simple product of gravitational forces, so provided physics works the same there, it's pretty much certain. What does that mean? For one, there's no day-night cycle, which would wreak havoc on life as we know it. Oh, and there's a really really hot side and a corresponding really really cold side. There would, however, be a moderate zone somewhere near the boundary. Also, IF there is a significant but not excessive atmosphere, convection could transfer some of the heat from the hot side to the cold side.

Sorry for such a negative take. I was rather annoyed by the sensationalist optimism of most media sources covering this finding. It is, in the end, an amazing discovery, and I hope that future data supports the possibility of water and life. You think conclusive evidence for water on the planet would generate more interest and funding for space exploration?

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stamps of disapproval

a witty collection of stamps from a recent RISD alum; I imagine 3 years of critiques can breed sarcasm/resentment :)

http://www.heatherkphillips.com/index.php?/thesis/stamps-of-disapproval/

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Did Your Parents Have To Act Mad?

First: watch this:

http://www.ted.com/talks/jeremy_rifkin_on_the_empathic_civilization.html

I recently worked at a summer camp for boys which was a fascinating exploration into youth development. There was a strong emphasis on "natural consequences" and being very hands off. When boys got into arguments or were doing something stupid we'd let them (as long as it didn't lead to serious injury which did not include splinters, bloody scrapes, or bruises).

All that being said, there were several times when the boys would perform an action they "knew" was bad. We also "knew" it was "bad", mostly cussing, or hitting, maybe even nudity. But we all do these things, and we all know there is a level of social stigma attached to them, but often don't care to correct the person. Many times it's funny, and it's easier to laugh than to get mad (especially when it's a mess they make) 

But what then determines if the action is bad? Half the time I just wanted to roll my eyes or fall on my back giggling- but the boys know they're supposed to be reprimanded. 

So what do you do, they're following your example in theory, You're the big brother, the one who knows what's right and wrong, and if anything being with 150+ 10 year olds, it's that right and wrong don't mean a whole lot when you put them out in the woods, it becomes more about being full, or tired, or hot, it's not "right and wrong" it's more about being satisfied. 

If these kids were to emulate me, then they would only be more confused about the nature of how we interact; and if we emulate that, then this is going to be one fun circle of logic.

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It boils down to this: ketchup -- yes, that All-American, red, tomato-based, goopy sauce -- came from southeast China, centuries ago, via the British Empire. (Back then, of course, it was neither red, tomato-based, nor perhaps even goopy.) In fact, even the word ketchup is Chinese. Blew my mind.

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Shanghai World Expo: Shiny but Hollow

The first I heard about the World Expo was actually on this blog, thanks to Joe's recommendation that I visit during my stay in China this summer. And I was not in the minority, considering most Westerners have no clue that a World Expo has been underway for almost four months now. However, hop 12 hours East and you can't go a day without word of the Expo! Seriously, I was in a mall in Beijing and there were about 20 locals crowded around a tiny tv in the back of a shop, watching looped video coverage of the Expo...and I passed them in the same spots 35 minutes later...

Luckily, this July I spent six hours on a Sunday traversing the over 5 square kilometer Expo ground, and came away with the awe of having just seen the greatest carnival ride of my life. I was ready the whole time for a guy to hop out from behind a screen and say "ahaha you caught us, it's all just smoke and mirrors." Because there was something just off about the whole thing. The fairgrounds and architecture themselves were mind-blowing, don't get me wrong. Some of the most diverse, creative and just plain amazing architecture I've ever seen. From Denmark's spiraling white conch shell-like building (that visitors could bike up) to England's perplexing explosion-y structure (it's like someone put a gaussian blur on what would have been a boring grey cube), viewing the structures was worth the price of admission alone...which was about $25 USD for the day, pretty reasonable.

And of course China made sure that their pavilion dominated the rest, with a massive red pagoda that housed within it a series of pavilions for each province. These provincial pavilions were each the size of another country's entire structure! Surprisingly, the wait to get into the China Pavilion was only about 30 minutes (compared to the average wait time of over 1.5 hours for any other country's pavilion). And inside was one of the greatest displays of technology I've ever seen, with bright lights and swirls of neon everywhere. It was definitely something for the Chinese people to be proud of...and they were. The Expo teamed with Chinese people, especially the China Pavilion, to the point where our group of 10 were often the only foreign delegation to be seen.

The USA was represented at the Expo, however the government's policy of not funding a pavilion meant that it had to be completely corporate-sponsored. As such, visitors to the USA pavilion were greeted by the likes of Microsoft, KFC and Pizza Hut...even the no-smoking signs were sponsored by Pfizer! And at the end you could purchase cowboy hats, star-spangled beach balls and stuffed buffalos carrying American flags.

Maybe you can start to feel what was wrong with the whole thing? At least in my opinion...there was no soul! Each pavilion was just an exercise in bombast and grandeur, a shiny but hollow shell. Sure it was wonderful to walk around and be dazzled by the amazing architecture and technology, but for an event that brought an unprecedented number of countries together (over 190) I felt and saw almost no exchange of culture, nor honest application of the Expo's theme: Better City, Better Life. I'll admit I was able to enter very few of the pavilions due to the extreme wait times (I'm told it would take over a week to visit all pavilions), and apparently some countries do uphold the theme and spirit of the expo. Russia highlights their advances in nuclear power technologies, including off-shore, floating nuclear power plants.

But overall the pavilions were empty. And in the case of the Finland Pavilion I mean that literally, it was just a massive egg with nothing in it. China was the worst offender, considering it encompassed over 13 pavilions for each province. The wait times for some of these indoor pavilions (though remember they rivaled other countries' pavilions in size) ran over 2 hours, with the payoff often being a ten-minute video extolling the wonderful qualities of the region but not really highlighting any specific cultural elements. Or take the North Korean pavilion, which had almost no wait so we had time to go in, inside was just a small obelisk in front of a photo of a city pasted on the wall. On the opposing walls were a small covered pagoda and a fountain depicting children. None of this had any signage (in any language) indicating what was being viewed or the significance of it. Of course, as with all pavilions, it all ushered into a gift shop at the end, which I did find kinda amusing.

In the end I left the pavilions, and the Expo itself without any great cultural revelation, without any more appreciation of any country, and sadly without even a greater sense of connectivity or spirit or support for global connectivity. I felt really as if I had left a great carnival ride, impressive and striking but ultimately cardboard and forgettable. A World Expo to me should celebrate cultural sharing and global connectivity, as well as usher-in further advances in those realms. But as far as I'm aware, this Expo does neither. If the pavilions could talk, to me they'd be shouting "Look at me! I exist!" Though they'd do it in the most beautiful voice you've ever heard.

(Cuba's Pavilion housed a bar...and that's it)

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And: no comment.

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Craig Mod, expatriate in Tokyo and, importantly, a guy who is very passionate about the craft of books, writes an exhaustive overview of his usage of Kickstarter to fund his new project. Independent editors, publishers, printers, and even fundraisers came together to build a unique and highly _crafted_ book. It the kind of book that Mod believes is capable of deserving physical form in our growing world of digital-format media, and the whole thing is a testament to the power of the Internet to support and fuel people who can convey an honest passion to their interested niche audience. The essay ends with the hope to inspire 50 more people to use these avenues to build their creative projects. What things could you build for $15,000 to make 300 people happy?

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Layer Tennis — Kento v. Joe (part 1)

Kento and I just started playing Layer Tennis. Here's the first part of the round. Commentary is encouraged since it's really the only way to know who wins. Kento had the photographic serve and then it alternates.  I don't know Japanese, but I thought Kento might appreciate some Google Translation. It's supposed to say "water your philosopher twice daily", but "philosopher" is pronounced "kento" so now you get the joke ha ha.  "Doubled Efficiency" says Kento.  Didn't your doctor tell you not to mix medicines? 

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HILObrow has been highlighting posts from the illustrious [BLDGBLOG](http://bldgblog.blogspot.com/2009/05/rentable-basement-maze.html) and one, about the futures of subterranean train networks and the ultimate luxury of rentable, portable, whateverooms, caught my eye. Have $25k to spare and you can hire a planetarium- or shoebox-car to park underneath your house, near your personal escape tunnel, available for casual perusal. Bring in an office when you need it, or a giant aquarium on loan. Maybe instead you could pay $30k and have a different one each month, new and surprising. This sort of thing reminds me of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe or Hogwarts in that I feel like part of the social mythology of a rich, old house is the existence of a secret, wonderful part. Hidden behind a fake wall or behind That One Door is some world outside of our typical experience. All it takes is some amount of bravery and you can stumble down a ladder into tunnels full of mysteries, leading to all the places you once dreamt of reaching.

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These folks make maddening amounts of money. Are they seriously worth that much to corporations? I mean, the article suggests a number of reasons as to why university presidents get spots on corporate boards, but I'm still left skeptic. Corporations must have quite a treasury to spend on keeping a "good image" in this manner. What do you think drives this system? Is it sensible for university presidents to sit on so many boards? Is it ethical?

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Australians do it better.