why scientists often don’t like media scientists
Discussion around the Today Programme on Radio 4 talking about dumbing down science in response to this piece in New Scientist by Kathy Sykes.
Includes audio.
Oh My God: Documentary film by Peter Rodger
A journey of epic proportions, shot over two-and-a-half years across 23 different countries, “Oh My God” asks people from all walks of life, from celebrities, to the religious, to atheists and the common Man – the question – “What is God?”
IMDB (Thanks Houdinia
Clog show cancelled due to bad feng shui
One of Hong Kong’s tallest skyscrapers has refused to host an exhibition of clogs put on by a Dutch charity because of worries the clunky footwear will bring bad luck, a report said.
The Cheung Kong Center refused to give the go ahead to the show, which was organised by the Dutch consulate, because of feng shui.
Manchester/harrogate
Machester was lovely: the first night in Salford’s Lowry Theatre complex involved me trying to get up to speed: the combination of a day off and a hotel massage (turned out to be just head and shoulders etc but appreciated nonetheless) left me rather too chilled. The second night I was on better form, an the run there felt pretty good.
Last night we were in a huge barn of a conference centre in Harrogate, a beautiful Yorkshire town that is entirely new to me. It was a tricky room to play, lacked a lot of atmosphere in comparison to previous nights, but all was good. The start was marred by my mic pack dying on me, so Coops had to come out and replace the deficient piece of technology, which involved all sorts of untuckings and inelegancies. Shame, as it kicked the show off with a struggle, and it’s very hard getting the pace and tone back to where it should be if you start off like that.
Am just leaving the delightful Hotel du Vin in Harrogate, sadly having not had the opportunity to visit the famous Betty’s Tea Shop over the road, which I’m sure would appeal to every red-blooded male amongst you.
My throat has been tricky, as I do have a tendency to shout when I don’t need to (on stage at least). Been swigging lots of hot water and all the right things. Seem to be getting better.
Right, off to Blackpool in the drizzle. Nice.
X
A stolen chapter from Ben Goldacre’s book Bad Science
Over at Denialism Blog is chapter of a rather great book by Dr Ben Goldacre – It’s run by Mark Hoofnage who writes:
In order to help spread the word about a dangerous altie quack and HIV/AIDS denier who is responsible for probably hundreds of thousands of unnecessary deaths from AIDS in Africa, I’m reproducing The Doctor Will Sue You Now, here on denialism blog.
The chapter, removed from Ben Goldacre’s new book Bad Science due to libel litigation from the quack, Matthias Rath, in response to Goldacre’s description of his activities in Africa and around the world. Another profile of a crank, this one goes a long way to show the extent to which denialism can damage a country and even cost thousands of lives.
It’s fascinating reading, and important for people to know about. And make sure to check out Ben’s book!
Brain Games: Deep Leap
Here’s a rather addictive game to help get your noodle going. Deep Leap is a sort of scrabble for one against the clock – I only managed a piddling 429 (someone managed over 1100 points for one word!) – it’s rather addictive.
Tam London
TAM: The Amaz!ng Meeting London. Join James Randi, Phil Plait and special guests for a celebration of science, critical thinking and entertainment in the heart of the city.
TAM London will be held on 3 – 4 October 2009 at the Mermaid Conference Centre, Blackfriars. Registration is not yet open, but you can join our mailing list, Facebook group or Twitter feed to be notified.
Walking brain cells
The journey undertaken by newly generated neurons in the adult brain is like the cellular equivalent of the arduous upstream migration of salmon returning to the rivers in which they were hatched. Soon after they are born in the subventricular zone near the back of the brain, these cells migrate to the front-most tip of of the olfactory bulb. This is the furthest point from their birth place, and they traverse two-thirds of the length of the brain to get there.
South Korean experts claim to have cloned glowing dogs
SEOUL, South Korea – South Korean scientists say they have engineered four beagles that glow red using cloning techniques that could help develop cures for human diseases. The four dogs, all named “Ruppy” – a combination of the words “ruby” and “puppy” – look like typical beagles by daylight. But they glow red under ultraviolet light and the dogs’ nails and abdomens, which have thin skins, look red even to the naked eye.
Merlini breaks world record on Sakhir grid
David Merlini is his real name. Any resemblance to Merlin the magician is purely coincidental, but he is considered the spiritual heir of Harry Houdini, the legendary escape artist of the early 20th century, also born in Budapest, albeit 104 years earlier.
The stunt: Merlini was lowered into a tank on the Sakhir start line by a small crane, his aim to spend as much time as possible underwater without breathing, remaining entirely visible from beginning to end. The target was to beat his own world record from last year of 20 minutes 39 seconds and to push past 21 minutes.
F1 (Thanks Neil)
