A team at Harvard set 15 pendulums of different length in motion at the same time and filmed the result. The website with the info is here
If you just want to check out the video, here it is below. It's really pretty cool (from a geek perspective anyway)
.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
Play
While not the kind of music people would probably associate me with, I do have a liking for *some* dance/electronic/trance type stuff. I've just re-discovered what an amazing album Play by Moby is. It's totally awesome. I got it when it first came out, and played it to death, and this is probably the first time I've listened to it in years.
It's so good when you go back to something on a whim, and it resonates.
If you've never heard this album (and how could you not have?), then do your ears a favour. It's dance music for people who don't do dance music. Remember, this is the guy who's also done hardcore (as in punk) stuff as well (Animal Rights).
So, what are you waiting for?
It's so good when you go back to something on a whim, and it resonates.
If you've never heard this album (and how could you not have?), then do your ears a favour. It's dance music for people who don't do dance music. Remember, this is the guy who's also done hardcore (as in punk) stuff as well (Animal Rights).
So, what are you waiting for?
Monday, March 05, 2012
Buchanan Castle
Yesterday we headed up to Drymen to do a walk starting from the car park on Stirling Road, and heading out into the countryside, before looping back and into Drymen again.
The highlight of the walk is the spectacular ruin of Buchanan Castle. In castle terms, it's not that old - it was built in 1854, and serves as the seat of the clan Graham.
During the war, the castle served as a hospital, and it's most famous patient was probably Rudolph Hess, as he was treated here for the injuries sustained when he crash landed in Scotland.
After the war, the roof was removed to avoid paying rates on the building, and as a result, the weather took it's tool on the interior, and gave us the stunning ruin that still stands today.
The highlight of the walk is the spectacular ruin of Buchanan Castle. In castle terms, it's not that old - it was built in 1854, and serves as the seat of the clan Graham.
During the war, the castle served as a hospital, and it's most famous patient was probably Rudolph Hess, as he was treated here for the injuries sustained when he crash landed in Scotland.
After the war, the roof was removed to avoid paying rates on the building, and as a result, the weather took it's tool on the interior, and gave us the stunning ruin that still stands today.
Buchanan Castle
The rest of the walk takes you out into some beautiful countryside. We found a really nice spot to stop for lunch, next to a small waterfall on the Doghouse burn.
Despite the threat of rain, the weather was really nice, and when there was no shade from the trees, it was actually pretty warm.
I've put a route map up on the Walk Highlands website in case anyone fancies giving it a go. It's as accurate as any of these "click on a map to plot your route" things is. Apparently you can download the route for your gps if you want.
Anyway, a really nice 10k walk in a stunning part of the counrty.
Friday, March 02, 2012
My SF collection. The state of the nation.
I need to have a book cull.
Plain and simple. There’s not
enough room on the shelves any more.
When this realisation finally filtered beyond the barrier in
my brain that says, “No! You can never get rid of books”, I started scanning to see just what
(potentially) could go, and when I worked out what it was, it came as a bit of
a shock.
Charles Stross, come on down. You’re books and my bookshelf are about to
part company.
Why is this a shock?
I’ll tell you. Charlie’s books
are a good read. In fact, they’re a
great read. BUT, will I be re-reading them?
Possibly not, so they’re prime candidates for eBay (unless anyone
reading this fancies them, £1.50 each or 5 for £5 (I’ll list them later). The reasoning behind their imminent demise is
quite simple. Although they are cracking
reads – and they cover the whole spectrum of sf, from space opera to cybercrime
and virtual worlds – they don’t give me the certain thing that the SF books I
love do. And that is a sense of
wonder. It’s not there. I’m sorry Charlie, it’s not. You’re books are very clever, but I can’t
help feeling that there’s almost too much going on. There’s no real sense of awe, and that’s what I loved about SF when I
first picked up Asimov* and started reading.
Don’t get me wrong, I will continue to read your books as
and when they come out, but as to whether they get permanent residence
alongside the Moorcock, Heinlein and Reynolds, that will be decided on a book
by book basis.
(* Asimov, for all he was probably the first SF writer I
read, and still occasionally read, I don’t collect. This is purely because, to me at any rate,
his books come over as very dated now, whereas, there are others from the same
period, who’s stories time has been kinder to.)
Thursday, March 01, 2012
Books of late
Just finished reading The Woman in Black, and really enjoyed it. Good old fashioned ghost story, of the kind they jsut don't write any more. (well, obviously they do, or I couldn't have read this book, but you know what I mean)
Might have to dig out the M R James soon and give that a re-read.
At lunchtime today, I nipped into the library in GOMA, and took out The Kraken Wakes by John Wyndham. It's just one of a host of classic sf/fantasy/horror, that I should have read but haven't. So.... time to catch up then.
Kindle reading is currently A Game of Thrones.
Might have to dig out the M R James soon and give that a re-read.
At lunchtime today, I nipped into the library in GOMA, and took out The Kraken Wakes by John Wyndham. It's just one of a host of classic sf/fantasy/horror, that I should have read but haven't. So.... time to catch up then.
Kindle reading is currently A Game of Thrones.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Cassini mission. Saturn fly-by.
Why is it that classical music is just perfect for scenes like this. An animation made up of composite images from Cassini. No cgi involved.
Simply breathtaking.
5.6k Saturn Cassini Photographic Animation - Expanded, Improved from stephen v2 on Vimeo.
Simply breathtaking.
5.6k Saturn Cassini Photographic Animation - Expanded, Improved from stephen v2 on Vimeo.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Rambling about rambling
There was more ramblings in the countryside again at the weekend.
Saturday saw us heading to Lochwinoch, but taking a detour to Glennifer Braes, when the weather took a turn for the worse. By the time we reached the Braes, the rain was off, and stayed off until we'd done our walk and were back at the car. Result.
On Sunday, Simon came over, and the three of us headed to Aberfoyle again, to do another walk that started from the car park, Doon Hill.
From the name, you'd expect a hill, but it's more of a "bump", as it's really not that big, and there's no slog involved getting up it.
At the top, there's a tree that local legend says the spirit of the Rev Robert Kirk is imprisoned in, when it was captured by the faries, when he died at that spot in 1692. Apparently he incurred their wrath by publishing a book about them (Secret Commonwealth).
The route also passes the remains of the church where he preached, and his grave can be found at the back of the church. Meanwhile, out front, there's two mort safes, which were used to stop resurectionists from stealing freshly interred bodies.
All in all a great wee walk, and we had a really nice day for it.
Saturday saw us heading to Lochwinoch, but taking a detour to Glennifer Braes, when the weather took a turn for the worse. By the time we reached the Braes, the rain was off, and stayed off until we'd done our walk and were back at the car. Result.
On Sunday, Simon came over, and the three of us headed to Aberfoyle again, to do another walk that started from the car park, Doon Hill.
From the name, you'd expect a hill, but it's more of a "bump", as it's really not that big, and there's no slog involved getting up it.
At the top, there's a tree that local legend says the spirit of the Rev Robert Kirk is imprisoned in, when it was captured by the faries, when he died at that spot in 1692. Apparently he incurred their wrath by publishing a book about them (Secret Commonwealth).
The route also passes the remains of the church where he preached, and his grave can be found at the back of the church. Meanwhile, out front, there's two mort safes, which were used to stop resurectionists from stealing freshly interred bodies.
All in all a great wee walk, and we had a really nice day for it.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
An open letter to George Lucas
Dear George.
I hope you don't mind me calling you George, Mr Lucas sounds so formal, especially since I've lived with your magnus opus since I was at school. Yes, Star Wars changed my life, and is probably one of the reasons I have grown up with a love of science fiction.
I loved the original trilogy. So you can imagine my delight when I heard that episodes 1 - 3 were actually going to be made. I was like a little kid again, waiting impatiently for the movies, and when they came......oh dear. What can I say. Three little words that really spoiled these movies for me. Jar Jar Binks.
Yes, the floppy eared, obviously thick, creature from Naboo was an utter abomonation. The hate sites sprang up (Jar Jar Binks must Die), and I completely understood where they were coming from.
Binks aside (please lets leave him aside), I didn't think they were bad movies. I enjoyed watching Anakins' journey to becoming Dark Helme.....Darth Vader.
Then there was the "special editions" of the original trilogy. Utter travesty. The races and creatures cgi-ed in, to tie in with the new movies, stuck out like a sore thumb. I own them, of course I do, but do I watch them? Nope. I watch the original editions.
Now the point of this letter George. You're releasing the movies in 3D. In fact, as I type this, The Phantom Menace is already out. Now, I know everyone in the movie business seems to have a hard-on for 3D, but believe me, if it's not been shot on a 3D camera, it pretty much sucks.
You're dry humping the cash cow now George. Seriously, stop it. Please.
Now here's the hypocritical part of this letter. Will I go and see the movies in 3D? Hell yeah. You know I will. I've bought into Star Wars since I was 12, and I'm almost 46. Like a junkie I'm hooked. (I've managed to avoid the Clone Wars, but only because I hate the style of animation). There's also the fact that the attack on the Death Star in A New Hope (if the 3D is done well) will be utterly amazing. Just make sure it doesn't suck like the cgi additions to the special additions. And hey, if I'm going to see one, I may as well see the set.
So there you have it George. A Star Wars addict pleading with you to please stop messing with my childhood memories.
Thank you and goodnight.
I hope you don't mind me calling you George, Mr Lucas sounds so formal, especially since I've lived with your magnus opus since I was at school. Yes, Star Wars changed my life, and is probably one of the reasons I have grown up with a love of science fiction.
I loved the original trilogy. So you can imagine my delight when I heard that episodes 1 - 3 were actually going to be made. I was like a little kid again, waiting impatiently for the movies, and when they came......oh dear. What can I say. Three little words that really spoiled these movies for me. Jar Jar Binks.
Yes, the floppy eared, obviously thick, creature from Naboo was an utter abomonation. The hate sites sprang up (Jar Jar Binks must Die), and I completely understood where they were coming from.
Binks aside (please lets leave him aside), I didn't think they were bad movies. I enjoyed watching Anakins' journey to becoming Dark Helme.....Darth Vader.
Then there was the "special editions" of the original trilogy. Utter travesty. The races and creatures cgi-ed in, to tie in with the new movies, stuck out like a sore thumb. I own them, of course I do, but do I watch them? Nope. I watch the original editions.
Now the point of this letter George. You're releasing the movies in 3D. In fact, as I type this, The Phantom Menace is already out. Now, I know everyone in the movie business seems to have a hard-on for 3D, but believe me, if it's not been shot on a 3D camera, it pretty much sucks.
You're dry humping the cash cow now George. Seriously, stop it. Please.
Now here's the hypocritical part of this letter. Will I go and see the movies in 3D? Hell yeah. You know I will. I've bought into Star Wars since I was 12, and I'm almost 46. Like a junkie I'm hooked. (I've managed to avoid the Clone Wars, but only because I hate the style of animation). There's also the fact that the attack on the Death Star in A New Hope (if the 3D is done well) will be utterly amazing. Just make sure it doesn't suck like the cgi additions to the special additions. And hey, if I'm going to see one, I may as well see the set.
So there you have it George. A Star Wars addict pleading with you to please stop messing with my childhood memories.
Thank you and goodnight.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Climb every mountian (come on, sing along)
Yesterday started of with a karate class. Saturday classes involve bo staffs, and the occasional bruised shins, and are really good.
After karate, there was some film noir, in the shape of Murder My Sweet. Plots in these movies can be (a) convoluted, and (b) tenuous at best. But what the hell, they're fun, usually overacted, and are a great way to kill a couple of hours.
Fast forward a couple of hours, and it's off the the Green Chilli Cafe for a really nice meal. They were even happy to deviate from the set menu to give Karen greater choice (she's coeliac), at no extra charge. Brownie points for that guys.
Back home, and the night was rounded off with more martial arts, as Wesley Snipes roundhouse kicked vampire ass. Result.
Today, we headed to Aberfoyle, and went a walk up Craigmore. It's a nice wee hill, and it's a decent walk. Just shy of the summit is as wall that used to support a tramway that was there way back in the mists of time. I can't remember off-hand why there was a tramway halfway up a hill (some local industry), but if I find out I'll update this post.
Anyway, from the top of Craigmore, there were some stunning views. I think this is Ben Ledi. I checked the direction and looked on a map, and it's in the right direction. As with the tramway, if I'm wrong, I'll correct when I edit it later.
After karate, there was some film noir, in the shape of Murder My Sweet. Plots in these movies can be (a) convoluted, and (b) tenuous at best. But what the hell, they're fun, usually overacted, and are a great way to kill a couple of hours.
Fast forward a couple of hours, and it's off the the Green Chilli Cafe for a really nice meal. They were even happy to deviate from the set menu to give Karen greater choice (she's coeliac), at no extra charge. Brownie points for that guys.
Back home, and the night was rounded off with more martial arts, as Wesley Snipes roundhouse kicked vampire ass. Result.
Today, we headed to Aberfoyle, and went a walk up Craigmore. It's a nice wee hill, and it's a decent walk. Just shy of the summit is as wall that used to support a tramway that was there way back in the mists of time. I can't remember off-hand why there was a tramway halfway up a hill (some local industry), but if I find out I'll update this post.
Anyway, from the top of Craigmore, there were some stunning views. I think this is Ben Ledi. I checked the direction and looked on a map, and it's in the right direction. As with the tramway, if I'm wrong, I'll correct when I edit it later.
Wednesday, February 08, 2012
Fire alarm - This is NOT a test
I was in Strathclyde Uni last night when the fire alarm went off. We were in the Royal College, but the nearest/quickest exit was in the Weir building. Through a set of swing doors and down two flights as opposed to walk along a corridor, and down six flights, so it seemed like the obvious way to go.
Down one flight and we were met by fire fighters coming up! Looks like the alarm that side of the building went off a good bit before the alarm where we were!
When we got outside, fire engines were there with hoses already into hydrants and snaking into the building. You could smell the smoke.
When we walked round and go to George Square, you could see the smoke coming from the building.
Down one flight and we were met by fire fighters coming up! Looks like the alarm that side of the building went off a good bit before the alarm where we were!
When we got outside, fire engines were there with hoses already into hydrants and snaking into the building. You could smell the smoke.
When we walked round and go to George Square, you could see the smoke coming from the building.
Smoke from the Fire at Strathclyde University
This morning, the fire crews are still there. Hopefully no-one was hurt.
Friday, February 03, 2012
Fail
When I got in from work last night, K was knackered and bailed from going to karate. I went from being psyched up to flatlining in about 3 seconds, and replied with "Stuff it, lets have a tv night". So we did.
The souvenir book for Odyssey 2010 also dropped through the door. I've only had a quick skim through it, but it looks good.
Today I'm reading in a old-skool-stylee. ie I've brought a real book out with me instead of the kindle. Hey, I never said having a kindle would stop me buying dead tree editions now, did I?
The souvenir book for Odyssey 2010 also dropped through the door. I've only had a quick skim through it, but it looks good.
Today I'm reading in a old-skool-stylee. ie I've brought a real book out with me instead of the kindle. Hey, I never said having a kindle would stop me buying dead tree editions now, did I?
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
*BOING!*
Yup, had a fantastic sleep last night, and after lunchtime karate, I'm totally buzzing. Great wee adrenaline buzz right after.
Now I'm chilling in the house with a beer, waiting for K to watch her soaps, then we'll stick a movie on.
Now I'm chilling in the house with a beer, waiting for K to watch her soaps, then we'll stick a movie on.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Tired dammit
I'm just so tired this weather. It's crap. I just about have a heart attack in the morning when the alarm goes off at the not horrifically early 6.30am, get up, shower, drink coffee and juice, and get the train at 7.40am.
Once in work (about 8.15), I've got time to grab another coffee before I have to start.
Mid afternoon, I'm feeling lethargic, and by the time I get home at about 5.30pm, I feel like I need a wee sleep.
If I do, it means I can't get to sleep when I do go to bed, and invariably wake up knackered because I haven't got to sleep till about 2.00am.
If I don't have a wee sleep, then I'm out like a light by about 10.30/11.0pm, and sleep like a log till about 5.30/6.00am, when I try and squeeze in that last little (half) hour of sleep, and *bang* wake up when the alarm goes off as described in the first line of this post.
Weirdly, if I'm on holiday, my sleeping routine seems to sort itself out, and I can get up and bounce out of bed at stupid-o'clock.am regardless of how late I went to bed the night before.
It's Scotland's climate that's screwing me up, I'm sure of it. Oh where's my lottery win so I can emigrate?
Once in work (about 8.15), I've got time to grab another coffee before I have to start.
Mid afternoon, I'm feeling lethargic, and by the time I get home at about 5.30pm, I feel like I need a wee sleep.
If I do, it means I can't get to sleep when I do go to bed, and invariably wake up knackered because I haven't got to sleep till about 2.00am.
If I don't have a wee sleep, then I'm out like a light by about 10.30/11.0pm, and sleep like a log till about 5.30/6.00am, when I try and squeeze in that last little (half) hour of sleep, and *bang* wake up when the alarm goes off as described in the first line of this post.
Weirdly, if I'm on holiday, my sleeping routine seems to sort itself out, and I can get up and bounce out of bed at stupid-o'clock.am regardless of how late I went to bed the night before.
It's Scotland's climate that's screwing me up, I'm sure of it. Oh where's my lottery win so I can emigrate?
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Saturday mooch
Yesterday we headed down to Castle Semple at Lochwinnoch, and did a walk through the surrounding countryside, of just under 4 miles. There was a really nice little pond, that should have had a kelpie living in it (maybe she was just hiding).
Once on top of the hill, there was a great view taking in three lochs.
Probably the highlight was coming across a couple of young deer. I managed to get the camera out and just get a photo of them.
Before hitting the cycle track that lead back to the car park, there was the ruins of a little 16th century church. There's a few graves inside the church, and it's in a really nice setting.
A nice day for going out for a wander.
Once on top of the hill, there was a great view taking in three lochs.
Probably the highlight was coming across a couple of young deer. I managed to get the camera out and just get a photo of them.
Before hitting the cycle track that lead back to the car park, there was the ruins of a little 16th century church. There's a few graves inside the church, and it's in a really nice setting.
A nice day for going out for a wander.
There really should be a selkie in this photo
If you look carefully you can make out a small deer.
(Hint - look for the white tuft of the tail)
View from the hill overlooking the loch
Ruins of a 16th century church.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Stuff of late
Not been up to a great deal lately.
The Antibiotics did the trick, so I can breathe again, which is good. The karate is still going strong, so I'm knackered. I'm liking this a lot more than I did the running, because there's some cerebral stuff as well as the physical. That's not to say I didn't like running, which, I really need to start doing again, just not to the extremes that I was previously. It had got to the stage where my life was dictated by training schedules and race calenders. Not good, especially when you're partner doesn't run. Makes a social life a bit difficult.
In the next month, there's the Glasgow SF convention Satellite 3 which I'm really looking forward to. I managed to avoid being on the committee this time, and ended up volunteering to run a game of Do You Worship Cthulhu, being on a genre Celebrity Deathmatch style panel, running a quiz, and being in charge of tech ops. I'd probably have got off lighter if I'd been on the committee!!!
The Antibiotics did the trick, so I can breathe again, which is good. The karate is still going strong, so I'm knackered. I'm liking this a lot more than I did the running, because there's some cerebral stuff as well as the physical. That's not to say I didn't like running, which, I really need to start doing again, just not to the extremes that I was previously. It had got to the stage where my life was dictated by training schedules and race calenders. Not good, especially when you're partner doesn't run. Makes a social life a bit difficult.
In the next month, there's the Glasgow SF convention Satellite 3 which I'm really looking forward to. I managed to avoid being on the committee this time, and ended up volunteering to run a game of Do You Worship Cthulhu, being on a genre Celebrity Deathmatch style panel, running a quiz, and being in charge of tech ops. I'd probably have got off lighter if I'd been on the committee!!!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Quackery
Well, I went to the doctors, and am now on antibiotics. The capsules are actually so big, I'm not sure if I should swallow them or stick them up my arse.
Speaking of "stick it up your arse", that's exactly what the practice receptionist can go do. When I made my appointment, she had my old address on record. When I gave her my new one to update the records, she told me that I was outside the catchment area, and the doctor would have a word with me about that. He didn't. He's ok with it, so up yours nursie.
She got her revenge though, she still hasn't updated my records as I found out when I tried to collect my prescription and the address was wrong.
Anyway, the pills seem to be doing the trick. Now all I need is a lottery win and my life will be complete.
Speaking of "stick it up your arse", that's exactly what the practice receptionist can go do. When I made my appointment, she had my old address on record. When I gave her my new one to update the records, she told me that I was outside the catchment area, and the doctor would have a word with me about that. He didn't. He's ok with it, so up yours nursie.
She got her revenge though, she still hasn't updated my records as I found out when I tried to collect my prescription and the address was wrong.
Anyway, the pills seem to be doing the trick. Now all I need is a lottery win and my life will be complete.
Friday, January 13, 2012
TFI Friday
Seriously. The week started off not bad, then ground to a halt somewhere mid Wednesday, and never picked up momentum again.
It's now Friday afternoon, and all the energy has been sucked out of me. Having seriously blocked sinuses doesn't help, and when I called the quacks this morning to make an appointment (I don't want this going into my chest), I got a stroppy practice nurse telling me I was now out of the catchment area. So it looks like I'll be forced to find a new doctor. Never mind, there's a shitload of them on Paisley Road West, so it shouldn't be a problem.
I didn't make karate last night, as I was at the monthly sf meet-up (Trout). I didn't stay long, just a couple of hours (the blocked sinuses again), but there was a fairly big turnout, and I caught up with some people I've not seen in ages.
Right, 2 hours to go then it's off home for the weekend, which will feature a karate class and a meal out (tomorrow) and some vegging and watching Gone With The Wind and some film noir (Sunday).
It's now Friday afternoon, and all the energy has been sucked out of me. Having seriously blocked sinuses doesn't help, and when I called the quacks this morning to make an appointment (I don't want this going into my chest), I got a stroppy practice nurse telling me I was now out of the catchment area. So it looks like I'll be forced to find a new doctor. Never mind, there's a shitload of them on Paisley Road West, so it shouldn't be a problem.
I didn't make karate last night, as I was at the monthly sf meet-up (Trout). I didn't stay long, just a couple of hours (the blocked sinuses again), but there was a fairly big turnout, and I caught up with some people I've not seen in ages.
Right, 2 hours to go then it's off home for the weekend, which will feature a karate class and a meal out (tomorrow) and some vegging and watching Gone With The Wind and some film noir (Sunday).
Thursday, January 05, 2012
Weird dreams
Lately I've been having some weird dreams (how about a shower head under the dash on the passenger side of the car, so you can wash your hair en route to work?), but last nights is really bugging me.
In the dream, I was dj-ing in a warehouse sized club, and doing a mashup of The Orb's Little Fluffy Clouds, and Slayer's South of Heaven. Now I'm going nuts thinking about it and if it would actually work. I'm getting to the point where I think it could be do-able, and still be listenable.
Any takers?
In the dream, I was dj-ing in a warehouse sized club, and doing a mashup of The Orb's Little Fluffy Clouds, and Slayer's South of Heaven. Now I'm going nuts thinking about it and if it would actually work. I'm getting to the point where I think it could be do-able, and still be listenable.
Any takers?
Well the holiday season is definately over
On the way in to work this morning, I took a wee detour through George Square. The Christmas lights are still up and lit, but they are starting to dismantle the whole Christmas village thing that had been set up. Here's a couple of pics. One is of the lights, and the other of the big wheel. The ice rink had already been dismantled, and most of the tent's/stalls are away as well.
Christmas Lights in George Square, Glasgow
The big wheel. Or as I call it the Glasgow Aye, Right!
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