String Theory Explained. Well, sort of; and only if you're a duck

The folks over at Discover magazine recently held a contest. The goal? To explain string theory in two minutes or less in a video. Here's the winning entry.

Today is. . .

. . .Blog Action day, and the suggested topic is the environment. While it's hard to dispute man's impact on Mother Earth it is hard to scientifically calculate what we've done. And, just to let you know 'the man' is aware of it, they, too, are working on the subject. At least we don't have to get all crazy about it - at least not for now.

Perhaps this Global Warming thing's for real?

It's Nobel season: please take the time to look at this award. It might cause you to think there's something about global warming, after all. Furthermore, it shows a man can do much more out of office than in, as is the case with President Carter.

Apparently, I'm not a movie freak

54% Movie Freak

From a Digg site seen late tonight. I did, for conversation's sake, get the answers right from questions related to The Blues Brothers, The Good The Bad and The Ugly, The Fifth Element, Soylent Green, and Apocalypse Now.

I've been blogged?!

It might not seem like much but I have to admit it was a thrill to discover I was blogged about by someone else. For those of you who don't know, I have another blog site devoted to photos from the Disney theme parks. More than anything, it's a reminder of the time I've spent in those wonderful confines and it's my hope that someone, somewhere, is able to live vicariously through me. Well, enough of that. The thing here is that I was blogged about by someone else and, I have to admit, it's pretty cool. Here's the link.

Still Lovin' EPCOT

Need I say more?

Screen Savers, Anyone?

Smashing magazine's list of the top screen savers available, including Windows, Mac, and Linux. I'm going to place the Lego one on Hayes' computer. Take a look.

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2007/10/04/screensavers-best-of/

Let's Not Forget Michael Landon's Plug for EPCOT Center

A wonderful pre-1982 teaser film. Just after most of his years in 'Little House on the Prairie', Michael Landon did a few items for Disney and Co.; this was one of them.

Continuting the Celebration

World Showcase Promotional Film.

Key take-aways from this pre-opening film: 9 countries (Japan, Canada, Italy, France, the UK, Germany, China, Mexico, and the US); great concept art for Canada; emphasis on restaurants and shopping in World Showcase; great construction photos and early 1980's feel.

In Honor of EPCOT Center's 25th

EPCOT Center Future World Promotional Film

For those who had the privilege of visiting EPCOT Center back in 1982-1985 you'll hear/see a reference to the Radok Theater; something I missed but would love to hear your comments if you saw it in person. Even better is the reference to the Sperry UNIVAC system!

I (Heart) EPCOT

Tomorrow marks the 25th anniversary of the park's opening; can't wait to see it again in all its splendor.

I (Heart) Crepe Myrtle

I have been inundated by lovely Crepe Myrtles during the summer travel season and am madly trying to find out if a hearty genus exists for my central Indiana location. Based on most arbor sites I'm just on the edge based on my zone of 5B. Any recommendations?

In response to Josh's challenge for a better Vegetarian Wednesday image

Not that there's anything wrong with "Do (A) Vegetarian Wednesday" but I thought it might be read as a bit too racy for some. After all, punctuation can be hard on some readers and I wouldn't want Vegetarian Wednesday to have any sexual overtones.

Vegetarian Wednesday Hits It Big Time

From Tim O'Reilly's mouth on a Web 2.0 article. (Please note it's more tongue in cheek.) Real article found here.

Epcot Center Monorail Preview (25 Years Ago)

And just how cool would this have been to see 25 years ago? Man, bring the magic back!

The Maestro has left the building

Not by any means the best tenor of the last century but certainly the most popular, Luciano Pavarotti single handedly kept opera in the consciousness of many during his spectacular career. I wouldn't want to pass up an opportunity to make sure you had a chance to read about him in his passing.

NY Times

NPR

The Moderate Voice

The BBC

Laser Beam Conundrum

Hayes would like to know what would happen when two equally forceful laser beams, preferably one red and one green from Star Wars, collide head-on. I talked with Hayes about energy, angle of deflection, etc., and came to the conclusion that they would not repel one another but consume each other. Laser beams not fired directly at one another would bounce off the other and change their directory.

I was able to find this reference but, alas, it's not exactly what Hayes wanted to know. Does anybody know?

Hayes's First Day of the First Grade

Here we are just before leaving the house this morning.


Boy am I determined!


Here's my new room and that empty desk is mine!


Now I'm not so sure about this. . .


I wonder how it went today for Hayes.


Alright!

Serendipity and IBM

Some of you know I spent quite a bit of time with IBM from April-June this year and learned lots about them. Let's just say Big Blue is busy on various fronts. A recent post from Josh brought something I discussed with one of their employees a month or so ago. The serendipitous event is Josh's love for data visualization. Josh; I never knew! (I should have asked.)

Anyway, here's an example of IBM+Josh+my iTunes library. Enjoy.

my iTunes library, visualized

NASA Woes

It used to be the only controversy surrounding NASA concerned its dwindling budgets; not anymore. Here's a double whammy from today's NY Times about the space agency.