tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89523492463487429162024-03-05T02:52:25.921-08:00Science Humourtnicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07769691939475260430noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952349246348742916.post-3327553659311569882014-10-27T09:19:00.001-07:002014-10-27T09:19:52.859-07:00Evolution! Beautiful! Engrossing! ... and gross.Nothing makes science more fun than a catchy song.<br />
<br />
You might recognize this tune.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/N_ywDP2mJzM/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/N_ywDP2mJzM&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/N_ywDP2mJzM&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />tnicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07769691939475260430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952349246348742916.post-9411629301605315662014-05-26T20:39:00.002-07:002014-05-26T20:39:52.330-07:00A University EducationFather Guido Sarducci was a famous character from ... like ... the 70s. Here's a great analysis of what a student gets out of a traditional University Education.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/DRBW8eJGTVs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />tnicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07769691939475260430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952349246348742916.post-73429930809760240542012-05-31T12:45:00.000-07:002012-05-31T12:45:04.866-07:00Creature ComfortsNick Park is famous for his Wallace and Gromit claymation movies. He also did Chicken Run. There's a series called "Creature Comforts" which uses the voices of people on the street around which claymation characters are set.<br />
<br />
Here's one that includes evolution.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://0.gvt0.com/vi/v7ajxjk_H0Q/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/v7ajxjk_H0Q&fs=1&source=uds" />
<param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" />
<embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/v7ajxjk_H0Q&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div>
<br />tnicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07769691939475260430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952349246348742916.post-15995953876823889052012-05-11T15:38:00.001-07:002012-05-11T15:38:33.387-07:00The uncanny valleyFor human simulations - especially androids - there's a term that's used to describe the creepiness in seeing a mannequin that's recognizably human but falls short: The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncanny_valley" target="_blank">Uncanny Valley</a>. Usually the term describes situations where the automaton is really, really close to being a human and is "wrong" in subtle ways (kind of like that old motion-capture movie, The Polar Express).<br />
<br />
This video features original music and the simulation mannequins for medical science students. I would say they're identifiably "human" and not very close. But the Uncanny Valley here is going strong. Suuuuuuper creeeeeepy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/uS6r16GHPFA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />tnicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07769691939475260430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952349246348742916.post-60406267673985882332012-05-02T07:38:00.001-07:002012-05-02T07:38:56.828-07:00Ask Dr. ScienceI wonder why scientists are treated with such disdain?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Elpbs6kb8Ys?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />tnicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07769691939475260430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952349246348742916.post-5165997350078319712012-04-30T21:52:00.001-07:002012-05-02T07:34:15.306-07:00B. R. A. D.That stands for "Berkeley Ridiculously Automated Dormroom" by Derek Low. He even elected to go with that strange Google Glasses soundtrack.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/6x1GkgbVP1I?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />tnicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07769691939475260430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952349246348742916.post-57191673491534720132012-04-30T08:33:00.000-07:002012-04-30T08:33:25.911-07:00Horrible Histories - Natural SelectionI got my first "Horrible Histories" book when I was in London for a conference. I loved the authors' instincts about how to make corny - but not too corny - jokes about history and provide a lot of facts of daily life that aren't captured in traditional history materials. They use alliterative titles like "Rotten Romans" or "The Terrible Tudors" (the latter is the book I bought).<br />
<br />
Well, they have a TV show that is based on snippets taken from the various books. The TV show bounces through the time periods more than I'd like, but they caught the irreverence and wit of the books.<br />
<br />
Here's Charles Darwin. Singing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/UAHvyURiCqY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />tnicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07769691939475260430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952349246348742916.post-19721695755722417172012-04-13T12:04:00.000-07:002012-04-13T12:05:51.382-07:00Pythagasaurus rexI know, I know. You want more math. The <a href="http://universitygenetics-humour.blogspot.ca/2012/01/old-but-still-magnificent.html" target="_blank">Lehrer bit</a> wasn't enough.<br />
<br />
Okay, here you go!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q5cab4NMHsY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />tnicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07769691939475260430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952349246348742916.post-54411262330445906952012-03-30T15:47:00.003-07:002012-03-30T15:47:49.667-07:00Ads with animalsOkay, so this totally ain't science. But they use animals! Good HD action in them, too!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/LuVPnW0s3Vo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/gBnvGS4u3F0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/mgCIKGIYJ1A?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://3.gvt0.com/vi/9OX8_7l4rf8/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9OX8_7l4rf8&fs=1&source=uds" />
<param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" />
<embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9OX8_7l4rf8&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div>
<br />tnicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07769691939475260430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952349246348742916.post-59015955229930288112012-03-22T14:30:00.001-07:002012-03-22T14:52:23.927-07:00More physicsIf you liked the sublimation of hot oil shown by William Shatner in my other <a href="http://universitygenetics-humour.blogspot.ca/2011/11/eat-fry-love.html" target="_blank">posted video</a>, you might be a physics nerd. Here's a video (in real time!!) of what happens if a railroad sealed container isn't vented properly. It was emptied out and the hot gas remained inside, displacing volume. The gas cooled, reducing the volume inside.<br />
<br />
Safety dictates that the workers would have to keep a vent open after emptying it to avoid this problem. This was a safety demonstration to show the public the power of our atmospheric pressure!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/2WJVHtF8GwI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Note that air pressure works differently from gravity. If you forgot in what ways, you can watch this. Note that <a href="http://universitygenetics-humour.blogspot.ca/2012/01/physics.html" target="_blank">not everyone</a> has a great control over gravity.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/sTZqlb46oHQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />tnicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07769691939475260430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952349246348742916.post-48036184012325614492012-03-14T07:26:00.003-07:002012-03-14T07:27:43.496-07:00Five Minute UniversityOh, I can't believe I left this out!<br />
<br />
Father Guido Sarducci was a hit on Saturday Night Live. I don't know what other classic bits he's put together, but I must say this is my favourite by far!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/kO8x8eoU3L4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />tnicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07769691939475260430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952349246348742916.post-51830157353584959322012-03-07T06:48:00.001-08:002012-03-07T06:48:23.473-08:00The cyber-conductorMy kids are playing at the Jubilee Auditorium tonight for the Kiwanis festival. It'll be a long night: they start at 4 pm and go to 9:30. Penny's out of town tonight, so it's just us three... I'll take the kids out for a treat afterwards. I know Tim's a bit under the weather - had a sleepover on the weekend (therefore no sleep) and then went skiing with his class yesterday. A total phlegmball today.<br />
<br />
So I was happy to see this cute piece to show them when we get home! Thanks to Rob Willard, a friend from Stampede band a few decades back, who put this on his Facebook page!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/CFltd2838gc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />tnicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07769691939475260430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952349246348742916.post-51576010669937064012012-02-02T13:31:00.000-08:002012-02-02T13:34:27.014-08:00Julie Child: cook, spy, and biologistNo joke: you might have heard of this famous chef through the 2009 movie <i>Julie and Julia</i> and so you might be familiar with her expertise in French cuisine. She also served during World War II dealing with sensitive documents and even helped with research into shark repellant.<br />
<br />
This video once was used in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's "Life in The Universe" gallery (it's since been closed and the video is no longer available there). Some clever soul saw a great opportunity to make a joke regarding "primordial soup" by having it explained by a world-famous chef!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/7pt0rIZ3ZNE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />tnicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07769691939475260430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952349246348742916.post-46671461795619118922012-01-25T12:11:00.000-08:002012-01-25T12:11:54.525-08:00Physics!No, not really. In fact, this video is completely anti-science. But it makes me feel good after watching it! I'm a big fan of Christopher Walken, and don't mind Fatboy Slim. In the interest of the theme, though, note how Christopher <i><b>defies</b></i> gravity.<br />
<br />
Don't try this at home!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/XQ7z57qrZU8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />tnicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07769691939475260430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952349246348742916.post-62523068737527052032012-01-23T12:11:00.000-08:002012-01-23T12:11:37.140-08:00Old but still magnificent<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tom Lehrer is a comic musician and has had a few great pieces. This is the classic: The element song. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/GFIvXVMbII0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And if you've seen that already, how about THIS educational ditty?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/DfCJgC2zezw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>tnicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07769691939475260430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952349246348742916.post-60534777306336490552012-01-18T09:37:00.000-08:002012-01-18T09:37:44.455-08:00Brinicle of DeathThis isn't really humour - especially not for the starfish it affects! But it certainly is "science".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/lAupJzH31tc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
The temperature of the briny water is below freezing - of normal water - so it remains fluid. It also becomes dense enough to sink. It causes the less salty water outside to freeze solid to form the "brinicle". Coooooool.tnicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07769691939475260430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952349246348742916.post-10405972110913019362011-12-31T12:33:00.000-08:002011-12-31T12:33:17.464-08:00Old but always relevant: The Medieval Help DeskIntroducing ... "The Book".<br />
<br />
I'm getting an iPad and was thinking about whether my mother, an avid reader, would do well with something like that. Or a Kobo or Kindle. Then I remember what it's like when the scrabble game on her computer isn't loading fast enough. I get a call: "I don't want to be a bother, but..." and, after I explain that I can get over there after picking up my kids from band practice and get some water boiling for supper, and also get the grades in for class, she'll prod "Well, yes, those are all important things, but if you were just to pop over for a minute, you can do all those things afterwards".<br />
<br />
And then when I realize she's off to Arizona tomorrow, I imagine myself trying to talk her through technical assistance on one of those toys. Then I want to cut my wrists. I'll let her stick with the bound book. We'll both be happier.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/xFAWR6hzZek?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />tnicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07769691939475260430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952349246348742916.post-82783581898366959542011-12-28T21:01:00.001-08:002011-12-31T12:38:11.337-08:00Art!!!!!I love cleverness. I don't understand art, but I know what I like. <br />
<br />
This is clever use of shadows. The first panel is the day view. You can see the statue clearly in this park in Kaunas, Lithuania during the daytime. Dots on the wall behind seem out of place. At night the carefully-place street light adds context by putting the statue's shadow in position by the dots on the wall! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcDoFSwW0dcmumhMdloiexxMxJQBLhRd1g3eeyJHZ5wOBObL2ns9x-3XlXD0LNqJQ2g9SbQMqC25LXWAUu-5ZJxeTirPMpnTcs15jV45fPH0AiIXuOuDEzXuVCPNDK-UwS_we4iIy5KSy/s640/blogger-image-1638406564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcDoFSwW0dcmumhMdloiexxMxJQBLhRd1g3eeyJHZ5wOBObL2ns9x-3XlXD0LNqJQ2g9SbQMqC25LXWAUu-5ZJxeTirPMpnTcs15jV45fPH0AiIXuOuDEzXuVCPNDK-UwS_we4iIy5KSy/s640/blogger-image-1638406564.jpg" /></a></div>tnicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07769691939475260430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952349246348742916.post-77176313804639786422011-12-28T08:15:00.000-08:002011-12-28T08:15:14.504-08:00"The Sliver of Perception"This cartoon from the <a href="http://abstrusegoose.com/421" target="_blank"><i>Abstruse Goose</i></a> very cleverly points out why science is so important.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://abstrusegoose.com/strips/if_the_doors_of_perception_were_expanded_everything_would_appear_as%20it_is-infinite.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://abstrusegoose.com/strips/if_the_doors_of_perception_were_expanded_everything_would_appear_as%20it_is-infinite.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
(Via Pharyngula)</div>tnicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07769691939475260430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952349246348742916.post-14772528340703231312011-12-27T10:36:00.000-08:002011-12-27T10:44:04.668-08:00ArachnogigglesWhen I was growing up, I loved the "Hinterland Who's Who" spots that came on during commercial breaks. It's got a very distinctive flute solo that announced when it was to begin, then the announcer would go into some detail about the habitat of the featured creature. We'd get some interesting facts and after about a minute of education, back to animated mind-candy.<br />
<br />
It was so Canadian. It was just like a film loop - sometimes the sound wouldn't quite synch, there were lines scratched into the celluloid, and the picture jumped a bit. I can imagine some grant of $50 being handed to a graduate student in ecology to put these together with the available equipment of the time.<br />
<br />
This is a great sendup of the old HWW set. In the originals, there was no experimentation being done on the creatures, but you'll see why that's important here:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/sHzdsFiBbFc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />tnicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07769691939475260430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952349246348742916.post-40333451406143739552011-12-22T12:09:00.000-08:002011-12-27T10:37:27.535-08:00Touchscreen frogYou'll want to clean your screen protector if you play this game with your pet frog!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/LbNl3J8HXw4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />tnicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07769691939475260430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952349246348742916.post-29389016437989415112011-12-14T08:52:00.000-08:002011-12-14T08:56:29.651-08:00Is this humour? Or just sad?I don't know where to put this, but "Humour" seems to somewhat fit. There's a sad letter sent out by an incompetent teacher and a classic "Snap - yo' mama" response from someone with intellect and objectivity. The original letter is a rant from an "educator" who apparently doesn't even know the state's requirements for teaching and - even worse - is in a position of authority. Here's the original letter from Ricky Line, a school superintendent in Kentucky:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3qw-Vh8Za0AstFjdq-BMZWjFXpVJrL5sQupg8zURRvcnRM3m1uyFaYemTVk4XP5HTCdGTxuZlGNmRCG1wd5TZlD6kFXsIwxnKDUvn6E4A4DbHVzh5Jmx6t25cv0q0BJBnyjG513tnGgR/s1600/pg+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3qw-Vh8Za0AstFjdq-BMZWjFXpVJrL5sQupg8zURRvcnRM3m1uyFaYemTVk4XP5HTCdGTxuZlGNmRCG1wd5TZlD6kFXsIwxnKDUvn6E4A4DbHVzh5Jmx6t25cv0q0BJBnyjG513tnGgR/s1600/pg+1.png" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
(Continues after the fold)</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCqivLQfymp4aZsnZiA78JZcFHgzXEdC815DqFttr-KkzskYu9UXTUIgWeOzkqFa9DNFqjr1EprCkkTsR7TeBXBPSTg3Z4-mJ7HZhkTAtoo0xU3PMKa2H5LMagTFRN42ZtXaaIDyswM3Dj/s1600/pg2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCqivLQfymp4aZsnZiA78JZcFHgzXEdC815DqFttr-KkzskYu9UXTUIgWeOzkqFa9DNFqjr1EprCkkTsR7TeBXBPSTg3Z4-mJ7HZhkTAtoo0xU3PMKa2H5LMagTFRN42ZtXaaIDyswM3Dj/s1600/pg2.png" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0-4abOB6ayHTHKz2ouRSBbW1OrVElHXS3VbTr9aDJG1ZpwuhWHczDSMQNLDVXPUfSY8FsJVKQbv9LsYbKtLM6Ad39nDoYkCLcS9PEWsMn598PTZ1ItBzrxO9UzNIKLhX0uksw0Y2QvQK/s1600/pg3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0-4abOB6ayHTHKz2ouRSBbW1OrVElHXS3VbTr9aDJG1ZpwuhWHczDSMQNLDVXPUfSY8FsJVKQbv9LsYbKtLM6Ad39nDoYkCLcS9PEWsMn598PTZ1ItBzrxO9UzNIKLhX0uksw0Y2QvQK/s1600/pg3.png" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mr. Line comparing himself to a patriot willing to put himself at risk of death for personal beliefs is pretty comical, but the truly FUNNY part is the response. The respondent, Kentucky Commissioner of Education Terry Holliday, went to the lawyers to draft an appropriate response. In it are the basic facts that I use in Introductory Biology when doing the evolution part, and it's something that's part of high school curriculum when taught by a competent scientist. One part of the letter bothers me - it states that facts cannot become theories, and I think it's meant the other way, which is more relevant: theories cannot ever become facts. I also think the term "counterproductive" should have read "batshit crazy", but that's why I do poorly in administrative duties.</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Dear Ricky, </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Thank you for your patience in waiting for our response to your attached letter expressing concerns on the end-of-course exam content for biology. We wanted to give you a thorough and accurate response, and it took some time for research to be completed by our legal and curriculum staffs. I am copying the members of the Kentucky Board of Education on the response, since they also were e-mailed a copy of your letter.<br />
In science, a theory is a statement of general ideas that explains many observations by natural means. To a scientist, the word “theory” is a very precise term to identify a concept that has great utility in explaining phenomena in the natural world. Ideas only rise to the level of a theory in science if they have withstood much scrutiny and are exceptionally useful in explaining a wide variety of independent observations. Any theory can be altered or replaced if new observations or new scientific evidence cannot be adequately explained by it. In science, facts never become theories. Rather, theories explain facts. No theory is immune to revision or replacement should new evidence surface. There is a substantial difference between the "everyday" meaning of the word "theory" and the scientific meaning of the word. An idea is often labeled a theory for the purpose of painting it as little more than a guess. This use of “theory” demonstrates a lack of understanding of the scientific meaning of the term. Referring to biological evolution as a theory for the purpose of contesting it would be counterproductive, since scientists only grant the status of theory to well-tested ideas. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Additionally, science is not a system of belief. To ask if a scientist ‘believes’ in the theory of evolution is an improper question because the term ‘belief’ implies a position or opinion based on faith. A biologist would properly say he/she understands and acknowledges the evidence supporting the theory of evolution. Belief is an act of faith and is not necessarily concerned with the availability of supporting evidence. For this reason, beliefs are not considered to be within the realm of science. Moreover, the federal courts have ruled that creation science, a religious concept or belief, is not science at all. [See Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District, 400 F.Supp.2d 707, 764 (E.D.Pa.2005); McLean v. Ark. Bd. of Educ., 529 F.Supp. 1255, 1259 (E.D.Ark.1982) (dismissing “creation science” as “simply not a science”).] Therefore, it is not considered relevant content for a purely science classroom. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Since college and career readiness is our goal for all students, we would be doing them a disservice by denying them the opportunity to learn science concepts required to obtain that goal. Evolutionary theory is one of the foundational components of modern biology, and it most certainly plays a significant part in college biology coursework. The ACT QualityCore® biology end-of-course objectives are designed to reflect research-based college- and career-ready standards as well as promote more rigor and depth in traditional courses. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Finally, Kentucky’s Core Academic Standards for Science and Core Content for Science Assessment, version 4.1, outline the minimum required content that all students should have the opportunity to learn in order to graduate. The QualityCore® end-of-course test for biology does expand from our current minimum standards. The Kentucky Core Academic Standards and Core Content for Assessment 4.1 contain two (of seven) Big Ideas that are reported under the category Life Science. Those Big Ideas are Unity & Diversity (UD) and Biological Change (BC). The Big Idea of Biological Change contains only content standards related to biological evolution. The concept of evolution already exists within these standards and has been assessed in the Commonwealth since those standards were adopted in 2006. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I appreciate your viewpoint and hope this information assists you in understanding KDE’s position. Thank you for all that you do to positively impact the lives of the students in your school district. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Sincerely, </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Terry Holliday</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
(Via <a href="http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2011/12/12/the-pluto-objection/" target="_blank">Pharyngula</a> and <a href="http://www.evolvingscientist.net/2011/12/someone-got-ahold-of-lines-full-letter.html" target="_blank">The Evolving Scientist</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />tnicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07769691939475260430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952349246348742916.post-57550238371618508492011-12-12T12:36:00.001-08:002011-12-14T08:58:23.631-08:00Tim Minchin: StormOk... profanity warning. But so worth it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://0.gvt0.com/vi/V0W7Jbc_Vhw/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/V0W7Jbc_Vhw&fs=1&source=uds" />
<param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" />
<embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/V0W7Jbc_Vhw&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div>
<br />tnicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07769691939475260430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952349246348742916.post-83355594635720024982011-12-10T15:01:00.001-08:002011-12-12T12:37:30.582-08:00Evolution videosThe only real thing that there is about evolution here is the word "evolution". These videos have good humourous takes on evolution, though, and amuse me - so I thought I'd pay it forward to you. Be aware that there are some strong language and religion issues!<br />
<br />
I'll start with Lewis Black and his rather calm and collected way of describing how he views fossils and young Earth creationism.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/w0gAcbAGPH4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
Next let's look at a beer commercial. Guinness put this together. It's not the best quality, but I was reminded of this by my kids, who saw it a few years ago and still visit the site for old time's sake.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/AAwkCznJjAY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
I just stumbled on this one with Louis CK. It's got less science than the other two, but is pretty funny in my opinion.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/FzHzlMneaeQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />tnicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07769691939475260430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952349246348742916.post-49674796044522703602011-12-05T13:04:00.000-08:002011-12-05T13:04:34.420-08:00OMG - PCR - WTF? ROTFLBio-Rad has classic ads. They embrace the inner nerd and do a fantastic job promoting their products in a fun way. Here's a great one for PCR enzymes! (My thanks to Elise for passing this along, which prompted me to look up their older classics!) They work with the firm CompareNetworks, Inc. who create ads that target the appropriate audience.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/CQEaX3MiDow?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
You want more evidence of their high-quality advertising? Try these:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/x5yPkxCLads?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
And<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/o0WK2EZPlyc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Or<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://1.gvt0.com/vi/zirWo_MJ2kE/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zirWo_MJ2kE&fs=1&source=uds" />
<param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" />
<embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zirWo_MJ2kE&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div>
<br />tnicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07769691939475260430noreply@blogger.com04825 Mt Royal Gate SW, Calgary, AB T3E 7G7, Canada51.012296 -114.13470851.007301 -114.14457850000001 51.017291 -114.1248375