The Transit of Venus May 26, 2012
Posted by Geek 20/20 in Science, News.Tags: astronomy, science, physics, space, NASA, venus
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On the 5th and 6th of June, Venus will travel on her orbital path between the Earth and Sun.
Why is this news? Good question! The next time this event will occur it will be 2117! So now is the time to test theories and add to our ever-increasing knowledge of the universe.
Why is this of astronomical importance? The atmosphere of planets or exoplanets cause the light from the star(Sun) to bend. Compounds and elements that are present in this atmosphere can be detected.
When can I see this rare sight? In the UK the transit of Venus can be view on dawn the 6th June.
For more information look at the Astronomy.co.uk website.
8 ways scientists are like pirates May 21, 2012
Posted by Geek 20/20 in Science.Tags: humour, science, study, teach
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Scientist or pirate? They have more in common than you might think.
- Leadership positions (professor, PI), assume and confer substantial autonomy, even in an institutional context.
- Research is often state sponsored, but not state controlled.
- A lab operates on merit. The “crew” (Ph.D. students, post-docs) choose their own captain to follow. Advancement through the ranks is actively encouraged.
- Spoils of victory (these being glory and honor in science) are shared.
Hints from the wise: part 3 May 12, 2012
Posted by Geek 20/20 in Lifestyle.Tags: exercise, friend, ideas, sports
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Hello all! It’s been a while since my last post. I apologise most profusely.
In this post I’d like to share a conversation I had with a friend.
Netball: A women’s netball game had been planned. Sounds riveting. However,when I saw the list of organisers I thought, “Ugh, young kids – so not going”
That weekend I shared my views with one of my good friends.
“So?” she replied her voice tinted with disapproval, “you talk to me and I’m a lot older than you.”
“That’s because I’m different.” I grinned but believed my statement was true, “young girls freak me out.”
“That’s your first problem. These girls as young women and not a set or group. I know some of them would like to get to know you.”
I didn’t respond with a promise to go but that netball night I was at the park.
It was fun! I am a bad player but didn’t care. There was a range of girls and ladies. Between games I chatted with a young lady about exercise and college.
It was an important life lesson. Does anyone have similar stories to share?
The Sun’s weather April 24, 2012
Posted by Geek 20/20 in Science, Teaching.Tags: astronomy, NASA, physics, science, space, teach, weather
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NASA scientists explain the various phenomena of space weather.
The Tale of the Title April 18, 2012
Posted by Geek 20/20 in Books, Lifestyle.Tags: angels, audio drama, books, literature, title
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I have come across a few books whose title alone are awe-inspiring.
Lonely Bones: I began listening to the audio book with my family. The reader’s chilling tones freaked us out. We didn’t finish it.
That Hideous Strength: The last book in CS Lewis’ comic trilogy met all my expectations. Weaving science fiction with Arthurian mythology, it is my favourite modern fairy tale.
This Present Darkness: Frank Peretti’s 80′s tale of spiritual warfare, prayer and believers under fire. I used to sit for ages and trace my fingers over the golden embossed cover.
The Boy called It: My friend got our whole ‘set’ (We were in our late teens) to read David Peltzer’s life story. This is the only book I’ve shamelessly wept over. His writing style is so wonderfully child-like and doesn’t let the reader become comfortable.
The Battle Hymn of a Tiger Mother: I love this title, it is so imaginative. I am reading this mother’s memoir. There are many similarities between her stories and my family’s.
The Hunger Games: I haven’t read the books but the title has stuck with me since the trilogy was recommended on an online forum over a year ago. Just hearing it increases my heart rate.
Have you read or seen any striking book titles?
