Eyeglasses 101
Saturday, February 16th, 2008During his eye exam last week, the Optometrist told my son that his new prescription would correct his vision to better than 20/20. Today when we picked up his new glasses he asked me exactly what that meant. As with many of the questions my kids routinely ask me, I thought it better to research [...]
Astronauts go for a Long Walk
Friday, February 15th, 2008Shuttle Atlantis Astronauts Rex Walheim and Stanley Love resumed work today outside the International Space Station. It is anticipated that this, the last of three space walks completed by the pair on their eleven-day mission, will last about six and a half hours.
Atlantis docked with the International Space Station on February 9th, becoming the first shuttle to dock to the pressurized [...]
It’s a Convertible?!
Friday, February 15th, 2008I saw this featured on Fox News this morning and thought it was pretty cool.
Building on a legacy of contributions to humanity including the Swiss Army Knife, and the Cuckoo Clock, the ever inventive Swiss now give us the sQuba, a car that runs on land and underwater. And it’s a convertible!
The concept car was developed by Swiss designer [...]
Berry Sneaky!
Friday, February 15th, 2008The next time you bite into a piece of fruit you better look twice!
Scientists have discovered a parasite that disguises an ant as a fruit.
When tiny, microscopic parasites called nematodes infect a gliding ant, they turn the end of the ant’s abdomen bright red. In the sunlight, it looks like a juicy berry.
Steve Yanoviak, Tropical [...]
How Fast is….
Thursday, February 14th, 2008the speed of light?
A. the speed of light in a vacuum is about 670,616,629.2 miles per hour or 983,571,056 feet per second, which is about 186,282.397 miles per second, or roughly one foot per nanosecond.
the speed of sound?
A. In dry air with a temperature of 21 °C (70 °F) the speed of sound [...]
3 Common Questions (and answers) about Space
Thursday, February 14th, 2008
1. How fast does the Earth turn?
A. The circumference of the Earth at the equator is 25,000 miles. The Earth rotates in about 24 hours. Therefore, if you were to hang above the surface of the Earth at the equator without moving, you would see 25,000 miles pass by in 24 hours, at a speed [...]
3 Science Jokes
Thursday, February 14th, 2008
Q: Why do chemists like nitrates so much?
A: They’re cheaper than day rates.
Q: What’s the most important thing to learn in chemistry?
A: Never lick the spoon.
Q: Where does bad light end up?
A: In a prism.
Great Science Magazines for Kids
Thursday, February 14th, 2008If you are stuck for gift ideas for the science minded youngster, consider giving him or her a subscription to one of these great science magazines for kids. After receiving a sample subscription to Kids Discover Magazine, I bought my son a one year subscription and he loves it!
I will keep this site updated with [...]
The House of the Future - 21st Century Edition
Wednesday, February 13th, 2008My last post featured 1957’s take on the “the House of Tomorrow”. In 2005 the Science Channel produced a two part series depicting an updated view on what our domiciles might be like in the not-too-distant future. It’s called Deconstruction: House of the Future.
Host and Carpenter Steve Hanneman of HGTV’s Designed to Sell guides us [...]
What 1958 thought 2008 would look like…
Wednesday, February 13th, 2008On my page entitled “The Mission” I describe some of the influences in my childhood that fired up my own love of science. I was, and still am, a huge fan of Walt Disney and his ever optimistic vision of humankind’s future and how science will serve to make our lives better and better.
It’s a [...]
