Posts from the ‘Legends’ Category
Sep 21
Universe by Kroitor and Low
Quite simply breathtaking. ‘Universe’ by Kroitor and Low combines impeccable film-making with scientific wonder. One the films makers Roman Kroitor went on to found the IMAX system of film-making.
While the film is cited as a major inspiration for Stanley Kubrick’s ’2001: A Space Odyssey’ its maker is cited as the origin of one of science fiction’s most memorable concepts. During a conversation between Kroitor and Warren S. McCulloch the film-maker argued against the concept of living things simply being highly complex machines;
‘Many people feel that in the contemplation of nature and in communication with other living things, they become aware of some kind of force, or something, behind this apparent mask which we see in front of us, and they call it God.’
As George Lucas confirmed the inspiration for ‘The Force’ in Star Wars can be put down to this simple line by Roman Kroitor.
RIP Christopher Hitchens
Spent my lunch break ploughing through Hitch videos on youtube. Here is one of his finest moments. NB not one for anyone who is a fan of bearded sky fairies.
Niels Bohr had the best utilities company in the World… probably
In 1922 Niels Bohr received the Nobel prize for his work on sussing out the structure of atoms. For his outright brilliance he was given a house next door to the Carlsberg brewing company, and had a pipeline running from the brewery into the house so that he could have a never-ending supply of fresh beer on tap. Quite right too.
Aug 18
Amundsen wanted to get to the north pole by using a sled pulled by polar bears
Anyone any thoughts on the authenticity of this article from the New York Times?
Via New York Times
Bjork’s new album is narrated by Attenborough
Available as an iPhone app apparently, whatever the blazes that is…
Jul 20
Newton’s eye and the needle
Isaac Newton was a relentlessly curious and rather odd individual… not least as he is famous for discovering gravity; something that was always there and helping us to understand it even though we still don’t understand it. While his countless theorems have helped us shape an understanding of the lovely place we live, some of his other experiments are a tad more unusual. A fine example being the time he shoved a large bodkin needle into his eye socket and eased it behind his peeper to see what effect it would have. Apparently it causes one to see colourful concentric circles, and to use some pretty colourful language too one would warrant.
