tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66629963037630055132024-02-02T09:38:16.462-08:00The definitive hostde·fin·i·tive host (duh-fin'eh-tiv)
n.
1) An organism where a parasite undergoes the adult and sexual stages of its reproductive cycle
2) Someone you go to for interesting stories and/or facts, and puts on one hell of a dinner party
3) This blog, devoted to science and other geeky subjectsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14078172037636957159noreply@blogger.comBlogger177125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662996303763005513.post-1213398348316673782013-12-12T13:01:00.002-08:002013-12-12T16:38:53.499-08:00The science of Smaug the Terrible<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://heirsofdurin.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/filmsmaug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://heirsofdurin.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/filmsmaug.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://heirsofdurin.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/filmsmaug.jpg" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Earlier this year, when the television show Game of Thrones came back on air, I wrote a blog post about how (if possible) dragons could exist. But, Game of Thrones is not the only medium where dragons dwell.<br />
<br />
I am, of course, talking about the second Hobbit film, The Desolation of Smaug (pronounced sm-OWW-gh) which features a gigantic fire-drake with an ego to match who is known by many names: Smaug the Golden, Smaug the Impenetrable, Smaug the Magnificent, Smaug
the Tremendous, Smaug the Terrible, Smaug the Stupendous, The Dragon
Dread,
Trāgu, Lord Smaug.<br />
<br />
But could dragons exist? Read on and find out!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
**</div>
<br />
<br />
In fantasy, dragons are practically omnipresent - good guys train them, bad guys abuse their power, they horde gold, kidnap princesses, murder thousands of people ... or are simply a myth in the world's history.<br />
<br />
But, that is in a fantasy world – what about on Earth (or an Earth-like planet)? Could dragons exist?
<br />
<br />
According to Professor John R. Hutchinson of The Royal
Veterinary College in London, UK, the discussion all comes down to size
and gravity.
When a land animal increases in mass, gravity quickly dominates all its
activities because of the various pressures it exerts on the animal’s
body (but an animal in water is a very different story, just compare an
elephant - the largest animal on land - with a blue whale, the largest
animal in the ocean).<br />
<br />
Now imagine an animal the size of
a dragon – one long-dead in Game of Thrones was described as possessing
jaws so big that it could swallow a mammoth whole and eclipse whole
towns with its shadow. For much an animal to exist, it would need large
bones to support its weight and muscles to move it, not to mention huge
stores of energy to move and support such a large creature.
<br />
<br />
“Inevitably, the range of extreme activities that
animals can do decreases as they get larger,” says Hutchinson. “So
elephants don’t jump or gallop, whereas mice do; and large flying birds
don’t whiz around like hummingbirds.”
<br />
<br />
One of the most identifying characteristics of a
dragon is its ability to fly, but the problem of size rears its ugly
head once again. As flying animals get bigger, their wing size needs to
increase just as much, if not more.
<br />
<br />
“[A dragon] would need immense wings to support its
weight,” said Hutchinson. “A lot of weight is wasted in that heavy tail
and hind legs as well as the bulky head, too — those don’t help the
dragon fly well at all. So at best such a smallish dragon would be a
clumsy flier, and would have a hard time taking off.”
<br />
<br />
“If we move to a 500, let alone a 5,000 kilogram
dragon, flight basically becomes out of the question in Earth’s gravity.
So, one needs to invoke magic to explain a flying dragon.”
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://api.ning.com/files/E4fi7Ad1Rxy-p9VicBe0h09UKfjgMq1mKdz0ndWHeeLMYUg2fpaRsItyfG4vTOsu7wdX3leXC71pc19ftX3mBTxk4-hSepF4/Emilia_Clarke_Mother_of_Dragons.png?width=737&height=520" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://api.ning.com/files/E4fi7Ad1Rxy-p9VicBe0h09UKfjgMq1mKdz0ndWHeeLMYUg2fpaRsItyfG4vTOsu7wdX3leXC71pc19ftX3mBTxk4-hSepF4/Emilia_Clarke_Mother_of_Dragons.png?width=737&height=520" width="320" /></a><a href="http://api.ning.com/files/E4fi7Ad1Rxy-p9VicBe0h09UKfjgMq1mKdz0ndWHeeLMYUg2fpaRsItyfG4vTOsu7wdX3leXC71pc19ftX3mBTxk4-hSepF4/Emilia_Clarke_Mother_of_Dragons.png?width=737&height=520" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source</span></a></div>
<br />
Therefore,
in a world without magic, it looks like a dragon of any size would not
be able to grow to such mythic proportions as described in various
fantasy stories.
But, what about if dragons were built like birds?
<br />
<br />
The largest bird found today is the California condor,
with an average weight of 10 kilograms, a length of just over 4 feet
and a wingspan of over 10 feet having been recorded (which is two and a
half times its length!).
<br />
<br />
Conservatively, let us say that a dragon weighs 50 kg,
and if it follows the same construction and weight distribution as a
condor, than it would clock in at just over 20 feet in length and a
wingspan over 50 feet.
<br />
<br />
Large? Sure. But theoretically possible.
<br />
<br />
But bigger dragons, like those described in Game of
Thrones would be more like 500 kg, which would make their length 200
feet (or about two-thirds of a football field) with a wingspan of 500
feet (or the height of a 50-storey building!)
<br />
<br />
Suffice to say, even if it could exist, the physics
alone would not allow such an animal to move, much less have enough
energy to fly.
<br />
<br />
While dragons would not be able to fly or reach such
massive size described across the globe, what about the other impressive
characteristic of a dragon – its ability to spew fire?
<br />
<br />
According to Hutchinson, dragon fans will be disappointed once again.
<br />
<br />
While some animals, such as bombardier beetles, can
excrete a hazardous and incendiary-type of fluid from their bodies on
rare occasions for defense, fire-breathing it is not.
<br />
<br />
“Intensely hot flame takes massive amounts of energy
to produce and to be hot enough to damage flesh, it would thus cook the
dragon from the inside out anyway,” he adds. “I don’t see a realistic
way that a very large animal could breathe some sort of fire-like
substance. Tiny animals might get away with something like that on a
small scale with chemical cocktails, but a huge animal would neither be
able to fuel the energy needed to breathe fire nor avoid scorching
itself. Again, magic (or a good imagination) is the only option to allow
for such a creature.”
<br />
<br />
With fire-breathing going up in a puff of smoke along
with monstrous size and ability to fly, what are we left with to satiate
our need for dragons?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01633/komodo-dragon_1633027c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01633/komodo-dragon_1633027c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01633/komodo-dragon_1633027c.jpg" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Komodo dragons and Pterosaurs.
<br />
<br />
Komodo dragons are the largest living reptile on the
planet, growing up to 10 feet and 150 kilograms, able to run up to 20
kilometres per hour and dive up to 15 feet. While not able to breathe
fire, Komodo dragons do have a bad bite, filled with dangerous bacteria
and venom – which they use to incapacitate and even kill prey with a
single bite.
<br />
<br />
Pterosaurs, on the other hand, were flying dinosaurs
existing millions of years ago. Hutchinson says that they could weigh 50
to 250 kilograms, have wingspans up to 36 feet and when standing, could
be up to 18 feet (thanks to Brian Switek, paleontological guru for help
with those numbers). Sadly, as with all dinosaurs, they have long since
gone from this world. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/01/images/090107-pterosaur-picture_big.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/01/images/090107-pterosaur-picture_big.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/01/images/090107-pterosaur-picture_big.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source</span></a></div>
<br />
“We
have had large sort-of-dragon-like animals in the past in the form of
pterosaurs or even sort-of-giant eagles and vultures, but a real dragon
in the sense of classic or modern fantasy just ain’t going to ever
happen.”<br />
<br />
Sadly, science tells us that dragons are
merely a fantasy, but it doesn’t stop millions of people loving them.
Just because dragons are an impossible flight of fancy on Earth, in the
lands of Westeros and Middle Earth, anything is possible.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14078172037636957159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662996303763005513.post-90626761525356400492013-11-03T14:46:00.000-08:002013-11-03T14:47:24.573-08:00NaNoWriMo - The ReturnNovember is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo, for short), and I've participated in it for the past number of years, but with a slight twist.<br />
<br />
The purpose of NaNoWriMo is to force you to write a 50,000 word novel in just four short weeks.<br />
<br />
But I've never done that.
I always used NaNoWriMo to further the creation of my own novel, "The Black."<br />
<br />
I came up with the idea for the novel when I was in journalism school, and I started writing it on this very blog. It was fun, interesting and I knew exactly where I was going. Until about chapter two or three, where the book I ended up writing did not resemble the one that I had begun.<br />
<br />
So, I decided to stop and spend some time thinking about exactly what I wanted my novel to be. I sat down and wrote an extremely complex timeline, then a plot summary, character descriptions, etc. My book was perfectly laid out in about ten pages. All that was left was to write it.<br />
<br />
So, I basically took what I wrote previously as a guide, and started from scratch. Since then, I have been working on it on and off for years.<br />
<br />
My problem is this - as a writer and journalist, I spend all day writing, editing, reading and researching for work. So, when I get home, doing the same thing for hours can often feel like a bit of a chore. Sometimes, the words would just flow and I would have no problem writing and writing for hours at a time. Other times, I'd struggle to complete just one- if that.<br />
<br />
That is not to say that I do not enjoy writing, as I do. If I didn't, I wouldn't be a writer and a journalist. <br />
<br />
So, I used NaNoWriMo to not necessarily start a new project (though I do have two other ideas for a novel and a short story that I'm keeping in my back pocket), but to force myself to continue writing "The Black."<br />
<br />
And it worked, but I am nowhere even close to being done. At all.<br />
<br />
But this month, I am going to try something different.<br />
<br />
Instead of continuing to write "The Black," or even a new novel or story, I'm going to devote all that time to a new project I am developing. This project will require a lot of preparation, research and a whole host of other stuff.<br />
<br />
But, I am extremely excited about it, and think it could incredible. And I have some amazing people that have offered their skills, expertise and extensive experience to help me out with this.<br />
<br />
What is it?<br />
<br />
Well, that will remain a secret for now, until it launches.
But if you know me (or follow this blog), you'll have a pretty good idea what it is about ... *cough* animals *cough.*<br />
<br />
Stay tuned!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14078172037636957159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662996303763005513.post-82241740430416895522013-10-19T10:50:00.001-07:002013-10-19T19:02:04.280-07:00Screaming without a voiceThis has been an interesting week, filled with fun, sun and revelations.<br />
<br />
This was going to be a post about all the fun I had in Miami at Science Online Oceans last week. But it’s not. It was going to be a post about my experiences with the science online community in Miami, which I count myself lucky to be a part of. But it’s not. It was going to include photos of what I did, including seeing alligators, herons and more. But it’s not.<br />
<br />
As fun and exciting as that was, in light of recent developments, it doesn’t really seem all that important right now.<br />
<br />
For those who are not aware, an important figure in the science online community, who acted as a mentor to many of us, has resigned his position in midst of statements from women whom he had sexually harassed. <br />
<br />
This is how this horrible situation came to light:<br />
<br />
On Monday, writer Monica Byrne added a note to her blog post from last year about an experience with sexual harassment. In that note, she identified the man as Bora Zivkovic, the editor of Scientific American’s blog network and a major force in the online science community (<a href="http://monicacatherine.wordpress.com/2012/10/09/this-happened/">http://monicacatherine.wordpress.com/2012/10/09/this-happened/</a>).<br />
<br />
In her post, she describes that during a coffee meeting to discuss her pursuit of science journalism, Bora constantly veered the conversation into the area of sex and extra-marital affairs. Understandably, she was uncomfortable, but due to his influential position, she kept silent. <br />
<br />
Afterward, Bora followed the coffee conversation with a Facebook message, where he said that it was great to meet her and, as for all the sex talk, he wrote, “why not.”<br />
<br />
Following that, she communicated with him detailing her feelings and what he was doing wrong, which he eventually apologized for. “He said he’d been very busy recently, but that he was very sorry," she wrote. "... He’d been in the midst of a “personal crisis” at the time, which was now “happily resolved.””<br />
<br />
The online science community was already in the midst of another incident last weekend, also involving Bora, Scientific American, with the addition of the blogger Danielle Lee (<a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor/2013/10/14/danielle_lee_called_an_urban_whore_how_scientific_american_bungled_the_racist.html">http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor/2013/10/14/danielle_lee_called_an_urban_whore_how_scientific_american_bungled_the_racist.html</a>). This incident is what inspired Monica to out Bora as the harasser in her post.<br />
<br />
When this allegation against Bora came out, people in the community were shocked, appalled and very vocal about it. Others were more understanding, saying that one incident isn’t a trend, and that the man made a mistake. <br />
<br />
Then, others started writing about similar experiences on Monica’s blog. Some dismissed them as simply getting on the bandwagon and trying to get attention, while others perked up their ears.<br />
<br />
Maybe this is real, they said. Maybe this has happened before, but people were afraid. Maybe, just maybe, the man who we all revere in this community is not all he is cracked up to be.<br />
<br />
But, Bora did post a note on his website when this news came out, acknowledging that this situation with Monica occurred (<a href="http://blog.coturnix.org/2013/10/15/this-happenned/">http://blog.coturnix.org/2013/10/15/this-happenned/</a>). So they were no longer simply allegations, but were true.<br />
<br />
In his post, he wrote, “It is not behavior that I have engaged in before or since. I hope to be known for my continued professional and appropriate support of science writers rather than for this singular, regrettable event for which I am deeply sorry.”<br />
<br />
And people accepted this apology, and it seemed to have been dealt with internally at Scientific American a year ago when the incident occurred. But, the conversation didn’t stop. <br />
<br />
The organizers for the ScienceOnline conference, which I have been a part of for years, issued a statement on Wednesday detailing the role of Bora going forward. He was an integral part of putting the conference together over the past several years, but due to his admission of guilt, he resigned from his position with them.<br />
<br />
Kathleen Raven, a friend of mine from the Science Online conference, posted on her website (<a href="http://sci2morrow.com/2013/10/16/mixed-up/">http://sci2morrow.com/2013/10/16/mixed-up/</a>) her experiences with harassment. Though she does not name her harassers, her points that describe the harassment she'd dealt with for years stuck a chord in everyone.<br />
<br />
Then, Hannah Walters, a friend I have known for years, and whom I profoundly respect and admire, wrote a post about her experience with Bora (<a href="https://medium.com/ladybits-on-medium/857e2f71059a">https://medium.com/ladybits-on-medium/857e2f71059a</a>). Her post, entitled “The Insidious Power of Not-Quite-Harassment,” deals with harassment from Bora that is made from an off-hand inappropriate joke, discussing sexual experiences and more. <br />
<br />
After these two posts were put online, the community could no longer deny that Bora had been sexually harassing women for years and that something had to be done. There was shock, anger and sadness rippling through our community. But most of all, there was support, respect and kindness for the women who came forward and brought these dark secrets that they have been carrying around to light.<br />
<br />
Bora tweeted on October 16th: "No need to defend me. Kudos to <a class="twitter-atreply pretty-link" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/monicabyrne13"><s>@</s><b>monicabyrne13</b></a> and <a class="twitter-atreply pretty-link" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hannahjwaters"><s>@</s><b>hannahjwaters</b></a> for having the courage to speak up. I was wrong. I am sorry. I am learning."<br />
<br />
Then, on Friday, Kathleen, who had written a post detailing harassment throughout her life, wrote another post describing two particular experiences with harassment (<a href="https://medium.com/the-power-of-harassment/3e809dfadd77">https://medium.com/the-power-of-harassment/3e809dfadd77</a>). In her post, which I highly encourage everyone to read, even though it is a difficult one, she goes into great detail of exchanges she had with Bora where he crossed the line repeatedly, made overt sexual comments, kissed her, propositioned her and more.<br />
<br />
It was one of the only things in my life that I read and was so emotionally impacted by, that I was in stunned. And from my conversations with other people, I was not the only one to be shocked, disgusted and mortified that someone had to experience such harassment.<br />
<br />
This caused many people to further question their interactions with Bora, indicated by the hashtag on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=typd&q=%23ripplesofdoubt" target="_blank">#ripplesofdoubt</a> on Twitter. And when it became sad and negative, people began tweeting with the hashtag <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23ripplesofhope&src=typd" target="_blank">#ripplesofhope</a> to inspire.<br />
<br />
Then, later on Friday, Scientific American released a statement saying that Bora had resigned from his position of Blog Editor for the magazine. You can read the statement here: <a href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/pressroom/pr/corporate-press-releases/2013/bora-zivkovic-resigns-from-scientific-american/">http://www.scientificamerican.com/pressroom/pr/corporate-press-releases/2013/bora-zivkovic-resigns-from-scientific-american/</a><br />
<br />
This is not over, and the conversation about preventing this behavior needs to continue. Not only in the online science community, but every community. <br />
<br />
Hopefully, if we can take anything away from what has been revealed here about a man many people considered a colleague, mentor and friend, is that complacency is the enemy. Looking the other way and not speaking out are the wrong way to handle anything, especially harassment.<br />
<br />
I am proud to be a member of the science online community, and have so many friends that I depend on, trust, respect and admire. But we must move forward, evolve, and make things better for the future.<br />
<br />
I do not know how we can accomplish this, but I look forward to moving forward - together.<br />
<br />
To everyone in this community: my friends, colleagues and those I have not yet had the pleasure to meet, I support you. We support you. Always.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14078172037636957159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662996303763005513.post-79182660470907109702013-09-14T15:50:00.002-07:002013-09-14T16:00:49.077-07:00Traditional (and not so traditional) traditions<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pics.imcdb.org/0is585/vlcsnap2011092410h00m45.5264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="168" src="http://pics.imcdb.org/0is585/vlcsnap2011092410h00m45.5264.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pics.imcdb.org/0is585/vlcsnap2011092410h00m45.5264.jpg" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As the sun sets on Yom Kippur, millions of Jews will prepare to break the fast on one of the holiest days in the entire Jewish calendar year.<br />
<br />
Yom Kippur is known as the "day of repentance," where Jews fast from sundown to sundown in order to repent for their sins of the past year. It is a day of reflection, personal growth and the letting go of the petty gripes that most people hang on to.<br />
<br />
As a kid, I understood what the point of it all was, but I truly didn't understand <i>why</i> such a thing was important until later. It was just a day where I didn't eat, and I hated it. But I still did it. But why?<br />
<br />
Because, it was tradition.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/gRdfX7ut8gw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Like all families, mine had its own little traditions - which restaurants we would go to for a birthday, what celebrations we went to to see the extended family, etc.<br />
<br />
But as time goes on, some traditions fade away, while new ones evolve in their place and take over.<br />
<br />
For example, as a kid, during Passover (the holiday when Jews don't eat bread), my brother and I would watch "The Ten Commandments" over and over and over again - and it was a long movie, at 220 minutes (or around 3 hours and 40 minutes)!<br />
<br />
My mom would come in, rewind the video, press play and get a few more hours of peace from her twin boys, which was probably sorely needed. <br />
<br />
But the best tradition, and one that I still follow to this day, is one that my brother and I made up way back in 1999/2000.<br />
<br />
As I have mentioned in previous posts (such as <a href="http://davidmanlysblog.blogspot.ca/2012/06/my-love-of-literature.html" target="_blank">this one</a>), one of my favourite books is Animal Farm by George Orwell. I read it at least once a year, and have for decades. And while the book is a favourite of mine, the animated movie version was never that good. I think we watched it once, but never finished it.<br />
<br />
Then, one year, I saw an ad on ABC that a new version was coming with animal puppets created by Jim Henson's company, with such notable actors like Kelsey Grammar, Ian Holm and Sir Patrick Stewart voicing them. We waited and waited, but didn't hear about it until its premiere date in early October 1999.<br />
<br />
And it was fantastic! It held very close to the book and the voice and puppet effects were superb.<br />
<br />
The trailer for the movie can be found at: <a href="http://youtu.be/LAeKX5n-5IE">http://youtu.be/LAeKX5n-5IE</a> (For some reason, it was not working to put it into the blog - sorry!)<br />
<br />
The following year, on Yom Kippur, my brother and I could not decide how to waste our time until we could eat again. When looking through our VHS movies, I stumbled upon our copy of Animal Farm, so we watched it.<br />
<br />
The following year, the same problem - this time, my brother found it and jokingly said that we should watch it. I agreed, and so we did. Again and again and again, year after year after year.<br />
<br />
So, for the past 13 years, whether we were in the same city or not (or even fasting or not), Daniel and I continue to watch Animal Farm - it has become our tradition!<br />
<br />
Whether a tradition is thousands of years old, or just a few years, they help us feel connected to everyone else who does them, establishing a sense of community and togetherness, no matter where you are.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14078172037636957159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662996303763005513.post-79011540563713808452013-08-06T14:43:00.000-07:002013-08-06T15:00:08.955-07:00Biting the hand that feedsI have always loved sharks – there is something about the majesty and mystery that surrounds them in the ocean depths that has always fascinated me. No other fish or aquatic animal has managed to capture my attention more than the shark.<br />
<br />
Maybe it has to do that they are relics from the age of the dinosaurs, or perhaps that they come in such a variety of shapes and sizes that there is always one more to learn about.
No matter the reason, when I first heard of Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week,” I was immediately drawn in. I have written about my love of Shark Week before (<a href="ttp://www.labspaces.net/blog/233/The_Best_Week_of_the_Year" target="_blank">see here</a>), and for the longest time, I was an avid watcher.<br />
<br />
I admit, I wouldn’t watch everything, but I would tune in for most of it.<br />
<br />
Over the years, however, Shark Week began to slowly drift away from the science aspect like flotsam and jetsam, idly meandering towards a more cavalier reality show-esque presentation. But I would still tune in for shows that focused on the science of these amazing creatures.<br />
<br />
Then, like the telltale dorsal fin, I began to hear rumblings of what was coming for Shark Week 2013. Not only would there be a live show, but also a documentary about <i>C. Megalodon</i> – an extinct shark that could have measured up to 60 feet long and possessed a bite strength that could rip a car in half. <i>C. Megalodon</i> was, in every sense of the word, a giant of the deep.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7f/Megalodon_jaw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7f/Megalodon_jaw.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just look at those Megalodon jaws! <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14405058@N08/2289004690/" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But the special, entitled “Megalodon: The Monster Shark That Lives” is the worst kind of travesty against science, education and general good taste.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/science-sushi/2013/08/05/shark-week-jumps-the-shark-an-open-letter-to-discovery-communications/" target="_blank">Christie Wilcox</a> and many others (including <a href="http://wilwheaton.net/2013/08/discovery-channel-owes-its-viewers-an-apology/" target="_blank">Wil Wheaton</a>!) have written about this today, but I thought I would add my voice to the growing uproar. <br />
<br />
The “documentary” (or mockumentary, as I will be calling it from now on), focuses on the hunt for an animal that has been extinct for millions of years. The show states that ships have gone missing, unfossilized teeth have been found and that a whale carcass (with a giant bite in its flesh) was found. But there is not a single shred of evidence to substantiate the claims made on the show.<br />
<br />
Now, <i>C. Megalodon</i> did exist and it was an awe-inspiring animal, and shows on the network have tackled it before. In fact, the Mythbusters built a fake <i>C. Megalodon</i> to determine just how strong it could be. And that was a great show, as it was rooted in science fact, not fiction.<br />
<br />
The fact is that everything in the mockumentary about <i>C. Megalodon</i> was 100 per cent false – the stories, the accounts, the footage – everything. Even the scientists were paid actors.<br />
<br />
The entire show was a gigantic lie, put on a network that prides itself on being, according to their corporate website, “the world’s #1 nonfiction media company.<br />
<br />
The only thing Discovery did do during the <i>C. Megalodon</i> show was flash a brief disclaimer at the end of the show that lasted for approximately four seconds. You can see it in all its concise glory on <a href="http://gawker.com/shark-week-opens-with-fake-megalodon-documentary-1028053485" target="_blank">Gawker</a>. <br />
<br />
Due to the uproar, a Discovery Channel executive producer has said a statement about how viewers feel betrayed by the network.<br />
<br />
“With
a whole week of Shark Week programming ahead of us, we wanted to
explore the possibilities of Megalodon,” Michael Sorensen, executive
producer of Shark Week, told FOX411 in a statement. “It’s one of the
most debated shark discussions of all time, can Megalodon exist today?
It’s Ultimate Shark Week fantasy. The stories have been out there for
years and with 95% of the ocean unexplored, who really knows?”<br />
<br />
Sorry Michael, but that doesn’t fly. No one says Megalodon is still alive, go ask a scientist.
<br />
<br />
This is dis-heartening, and deeply offensive to me, not only as a fan of sharks, but also as a biologist and a fan of the Discovery Channel.<br />
<br />
I have lots of memories of watching high-quality Discovery Channel programming with my parents, sister and brother. I used to sit in front of it for hours and just sit transfixed, absorbing the knowledge, all while being entertained. Isn’t that the goal?<br />
<br />
It got to a point that friends and family kept joking that I should get my own show about animals, like Steve Irwin (a hero of mine). And I wanted one, more than anything.<br />
<br />
Sorry Discovery, but <i>C. Megalodon</i> has long since gone the way of the dodo, the dinosaurs and your scientific integrity.<br />
<br />
You have lost a supporter of your network, as you have tarnished your own reputation with myth disguised as fact during a time where you can spread the word about sharks and educate people about these wondrous animals. You ripped the heart out of Shark Week – now it is just chum for the bottom feeders.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14078172037636957159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662996303763005513.post-67318759657102599512013-07-16T13:16:00.001-07:002013-07-16T13:16:31.613-07:00Man of Steel - ReduxLast month, I wrote a review for Man of Steel entitled <a href="http://davidmanlysblog.blogspot.ca/2013/06/man-of-steel-shows-its-rust.html" target="_blank">"Man of Steel shows its rust,"</a> which pointed out the errors that the movie made with continuity, tone, and most importantly, science. Specifically, I questioned the logic that was put into the film, how some important facts were never explained and that the rules that were explained to the audience were routinely bent, broken and otherwise disregarded.<br />
<br />
You can read my full review <a href="http://davidmanlysblog.blogspot.ca/2013/06/man-of-steel-shows-its-rust.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Recently, the website <a href="http://www.howitshouldhaveended.com/" target="_blank">How It Should Have Ended</a> (which is a brilliant website and I highly recommend you visit it) did their take on Man of Steel. Their response is so perfect that I must share it here, since it would solve practically all the problems I brought up. <br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14078172037636957159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662996303763005513.post-80326188425736896902013-07-03T15:39:00.001-07:002013-07-03T18:36:47.937-07:00The true mythBooks are extremely important to me, and they have been ever since I learned to read.<br />
<br />
When my parents taught me (and my twin brother, Daniel), we took to it slowly, like a nervous cat testing the water. It took a while to get my brother and me interested in reading - for a long time, we were content being read to before bed.<br />
<br />
But as my Dad has said numerous times since: "Once you started reading, you didn't stop."<br />
<br />
As I started to read, I began to devour books so fast that my parents could not stock my bookshelf fast enough. So, I would re-read books over and over again, until the new shipment came in.<br />
<br />
At school, I would plead with my parents to purchase a bunch of books from the book order forms for me, take books out of the library by the cartload and purchase books at the bookstore every time I was within running distance of one (which was often).<br />
<br />
The more I read, the more I wanted to continue reading. I loved the escapism inherent to being transported to another world or life, the "a ha!" moment of a mystery novel, the well-crafted pun, etc. I became a reading machine.<br />
<br />
In fact, I started reading adult books long before anyone in my class moved beyond The Babysitter's Club and Goosebumps. My very first adult book was, naturally, Jurassic Park. And the books only got bigger and more complicated - such as Clan of the Cave Bear, Stephen King's It and more. I started to experiment with different genres, narrative styles and themes, but always returned to two types: horror and science.<br />
<br />
I relished the challenge of trying to understand what was going on in the universe that was created within my mind, and I honed my reading skills to the point where I became an extremely fast reader.<br />
<br />
My passion for the written word could explain why I decided to go into journalism and why I am currently working on two very different novels and a short story in my spare time.<br />
<br />
But it was not until university, where I took an English class on a whim, that I really learned what it was to investigate literature.<br />
<br />
In that class, all about Gothic literature (naturally), we explored three types of horror stories - vampires, werewolves and witches. We carefully dissected one of my favourite books, Dracula by Bram Stoker, and the hidden literary agenda slowly began to unfurl. Suddenly, a red flower was not simply an ornamental thing, but it served a purpose. The random encounter with a character was part of a greater plan. The path of the hero was written out long beforehand. And while the characters, events and situations differ, a large majority of stories shared a similar structure - known as "The Hero's Journey" (or the "monomyth").<br />
<br />
I've been wanting to write something about "The Hero's Journey" for a while, but could not think of a "novel" way to do it (if you'll pardon the pun). Then, I found a video on YouTube, and I realized that I could not do it any better, or in a more original way, than this video did with puppets.<br />
<br />
It's more common than you think - from Star Wars to the French Connection, from Harry Potter to Happy Gilmore. Watch and see! <br />
<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14078172037636957159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662996303763005513.post-13600571767100516522013-06-19T08:45:00.001-07:002013-06-19T08:46:16.696-07:00"Man of Steel" shows its rust<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.legendary.com/uploads/films/man-of-steel/mos_glyph_hires.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.legendary.com/uploads/films/man-of-steel/mos_glyph_hires.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.legendary.com/uploads/films/man-of-steel/mos_glyph_hires.jpg" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This weekend, I saw what is expected to be one of the big "blockbuster" hits of the summer, Man of Steel.<br />
<br />
Keep in mind that I will be discussing key plot points and specific moments from the film, so there will be spoilers ahead.<br />
<br />
The story of Superman is very well known, and the movie doesn't break any huge new ground in originality - Superman is an exile on Earth and must (literally and figuratively) rise to the occasion when his adopted home is in trouble. But his origin story does get a bit of a buff, as is the director’s (Zack Snyder) and producer’s (Christopher Nolan) right.<br />
<br />
What is new to the franchise is in the first 30-ish minutes of the film when you really get a sense of the Kryptonian civilization. And boy is there a lot of talking - and a giant dragonfly/lizard hybrid.<br />
<br />
Jor-El, played by Russel Crowe, grabs the MacGuffin (the Kryptonian Codex) and sends young Kal-El to Earth with it imbued within his cells. We are later told that the codex contains the information for the entire Kryptonian civilization within it.<br />
<br />
Here is my first gripe - and this is taking for granted that everything you see in the movie is possible, such as interstellar travel, flight, etc.<br />
<br />
But if Clark has every Kryptonian within his cells, he'd have their DNA. And how can billions of people's DNA exist within every single cell of an individual? Wouldn't the cells simply die from too much "stuff" in their cells, even if the DNA were inactive? Or wouldn’t the cellular machinery just destroy the foreign matter?<br />
<br />
This is, of course, taking for granted that Kryptonian cells and their DNA behave similarly to that of humans. <br />
<br />
And this leads to my biggest issue with the movie - the Kryptonian powers on Earth.<br />
<br />
In the movie, we are told that Kryptonian powers on Earth are caused by our sun being younger than the one on Krypton, and that their Kryptonian cells will absorb the radiation from our yellow sun, granting them "Godlike" powers. We are also told that the gravity is weaker on Earth than it is on Krypton, which implies that flight (or super-bounding, as the case may be) and super-strength will be possible.<br />
<br />
Now in the comics, Clark is super-strong pretty much from the outset, even as a baby.<br />
<br />
But in the movie, Clark grows up on Earth, and we see his powers (X-ray vision, super-hearing and heat vision) develop when he is in elementary school, I guess around grade 5 or so. We *are* told that the other students think he is weird because "his mom
won't let him play with anyone." But it is never made clear because he
is super-strong, or because he is an alien, and the Kent's don't want
anyone to get to close - lest they discover his secret.<br />
<br />
He learns, from his parents, how to control them and focus only on one thing at a time. Therefore, based on that information, the solar radiation seems to take around 10 years or so to affect Kryptonian biology and grant super-powers.<br />
<br />
Remember that, it becomes important later.<br />
<br />
When Zod and his cronies arrive on Earth, they are equipped with airtight battle suits. We know this because they explicitly say that Earth’s atmosphere is dangerous to them. And due to the change in gravity from their home planet of Krypton, each soldier is super-strong. We see them flip trucks into houses and throw Ma Kent like a rag doll.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smhttp.14409.nexcesscdn.net/806D5E/wordpress-L/images/Zod-Man-of-Steel-e1365676949469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://smhttp.14409.nexcesscdn.net/806D5E/wordpress-L/images/Zod-Man-of-Steel-e1365676949469.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zod, in all his glory. <a href="http://smhttp.14409.nexcesscdn.net/806D5E/wordpress-L/images/Zod-Man-of-Steel-e1365676949469.jpg" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, this would seem to hint that their prison ship had Krypton-like gravity. Ok, fine. Moving on.<br />
<br />
But why didn't the increased gravity affect Clark and Lois when they were brought upon the ship? We do know that Lois needed a breathing apparatus to survive the Kryptonian “atmosphere” and that Clark became weak because of that – so if the ship did have stronger gravity, wouldn't Clark and Lois have to struggle to adapt to it?<br />
<br />
And, if this is how they are so strong, how is Clark super-strong? <br />
<br />
He wasn't on Krypton long enough to get used to the gravity. He was there for what appears less than a day. And even if the ship that carried him did have artificial gravity, you would think that after 33 years on Earth, his body would have acclimated to the decreased gravity of Earth (like he did with the atmosphere).<br />
<br />
So, if the lesser gravity isn’t the cause of the super-strength and flight of Superman, it must be the solar radiation from our yellow sun.<br />
<br />
During a battle with Zod, Clark damages Zod’s helmet, causing the Earth air to 'infect' Zod, granting him super hearing and x-ray vision.<br />
<br />
But how did the solar radiation affect Zod so quickly? It happened practically instantaneously – his helmet was damaged, he tore it off and voila, sensory overload caused by the sudden onset of super-powers.<br />
<br />
His laser vision, however, only appeared at the final battle after much longer exposure to Earth's yellow sun. But only his head was exposed to the sun, except for the last few minutes of the battle, when he tore his battle suit off. How much solar radiation could he possibly absorb through his head in one day?<br />
<br />
And how did the sun affect Zod so quickly, but it took Clark about 10 years or so to gain X-ray vision, super-hearing and heat vision? The same thing happened with Faora (the female henchman), so it obviously was not strictly a Zod thing.<br />
<br />
And if Zod was super-strong, super-fast, able to withstand super-punches that would make a normal person’s head explode like a watermelon being hit with a hammer, how was Superman able to snap Zod’s solar radiation enhanced bones in his neck?<br />
<br />
Wouldn't the enhancements bestowed upon the Earth's yellow sun create super-bones? You can't have Zod have all the super-powers that Superman does, except for that without a reason.<br />
<br />
Granted, in the comics, Clark does get bones broken by other super-powered beings, such as Doomsday. But that only happens when he is dramatically out-powered and out-classed, not when someone has the exact same power set.<br />
<br />
I am not saying that I disliked the movie in any sense of the word, but when you establish a certain mythology (the same or different than in the comics), there is only a certain amount that can fall under "suspension of disbelief." Things still need to be explained, and the rules of the universe spelled out.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://wp.patheos.com.s3.amazonaws.com/blogs/deaconsbench/files/2013/06/Man-of-Steel_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://wp.patheos.com.s3.amazonaws.com/blogs/deaconsbench/files/2013/06/Man-of-Steel_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://wp.patheos.com.s3.amazonaws.com/blogs/deaconsbench/files/2013/06/Man-of-Steel_01.jpg" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There are other science-light areas of the movie that bothered me – like Clark defeating the gravity beam by sheer force of will, the gravity weapon itself, the gateway to the phantom zone being conveniently close enough to the planet to be damaged by the explosion, etc.<br />
<br />
But, during the visually stunning final battle, one thing struck me more than anything else – isn’t Superman supposed to PROTECT people?<br />
<br />
Think about the countless battles that occurred in Metropolis. Did Superman save more than a handful of people? Did he seem to care at all about the safety and security of the citizens in the office buildings, the crowds in the street … anything?<br />
<br />
The amount of wanton destruction during the final battle was insane. Countless buildings were torn apart by nigh-invincible beings with super powers battling it out with blatant disregard for human life.<br />
<br />
How many buildings fell during the battle? How many office floors and infrastructure was damaged?<br />
<br />
Superman is supposed to be one of the bravest and selfless superheroes in the galaxy – willing to sacrifice himself for anyone else, to lay down his life if necessary. Sure people die all the time, and he cannot possibly protect everyone.<br />
<br />
Wouldn’t Superman try to save at least some people? We do see him save some people on the oil rig, the school bus as a child, and a few others – but after that, Superman does not appear to care about anyone else. <br />
<br />
He does care about those four people in the final scene with Zod and Lois Lane, but do those few lives counter-balance the hundreds of thousands that died and the millions that were most likely injured in the battles of Smallville and Metropolis?<br />
<br />
And couldn’t Superman have moved the battles to a less densely populated area, like the middle of the ocean or the Arctic? Or destroyed the gravity machine in Metropolis, thereby preventing the damage is causes, instead of the one in the middle of Indian Ocean (which is totally isolated), since they are linked?<br />
<br />
No, because it wouldn’t have been as pleasing to the moviegoer.<br />
<br />
And that is the whole argument in a nutshell: It is a movie, and is strictly popcorn entertainment. But just because it is, doesn’t mean it cannot make sense and abide by the rules of the universe that has been created – or is that asking too much?
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14078172037636957159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662996303763005513.post-81617397673411652302013-05-14T15:24:00.001-07:002013-05-14T15:24:20.667-07:00In defense of othersEarlier this week, a friend sent me a short email with a newspaper article attached describing a new branch of scientific research that was quite interesting. The article was well written, easily accessible and extremely interesting – a true joy to read. However, there was one large issue - not with the content or photos within the article, but with what my friend wrote in the email.<br />
<br />
In the text of the email, which had the article attached, was one sentence: “I think this girl is too pretty to be a scientist.”<br />
<br />
Go back and read that sentence again if you don't mind and let it sink in.<br />
<br />
My friend said that the researcher in the photo was “too pretty” to be believed to be a real scientist. What does attractiveness have to do with being a good researcher?<br />
<br />
I asked my friend what was meant, and I was told the reasons why. I had a slight hope that the comment was meant as a joke initially, but based on their explanation, it was clear that they genuinely meant it!<br />
<br />
So, I wrote an email reply, which I have pasted here, in full.<br />
<br />
<b>NOTE: I have elected to keep out the name of my friend, as well as their gender </b><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />______</div>
<br />
Hi,<br />
<br />
Honestly, I do not even know where to begin with that comment you sent me.<br />
<br />
Firstly, I want to thank you for sending me that article, it was really interesting. But my issue is not with that, but the comment you sent along with the article, that the woman in the photo was “too pretty” to be a scientist.<br />
<br />
This is a huge issue to me, and has really surprised me that you genuinely think that way. Why would a woman’s physical appearance have anything to do with her intelligence or ability to perform really cool and interesting research?<br />
<br />
Are you implying that only “ugly” people can do science? Or that attractive people have better options in life than to explore the mysteries that surround us?<br />
<br />
Why does someone’s appearance dictate his or her level of intelligence?<br />
<br />
I ask these questions not to attack you, but to illuminate the problems associated with such a bizarre comment. You may have meant the comment innocuously, but even so, even saying such a thing concerns me.<br />
<br />
See, this type of discussion is one that has been brought up numerous times, and has been a large talking point in the Science Online conferences that I have attended. Female researchers and scientists (both using their real names and pseudonyms) have shared their stories about comments on their blogs/articles discrediting them because of their gender, their perceived “attractiveness,” their relationship status and more – all of which is total B.S.<br />
<br />
I have had the distinct pleasure to know and befriend dozens upon dozens of female scientists and/or researchers of every background you can imagine from countless nationalities, demographic backgrounds and expertise. But one thing stays the same – they are all incredible. Every single one deserves countless praise and support for doing what they do and dealing with this type of bias.<br />
<br />
I admit that this type of discussion has never cropped up in my comments in my blog or any of the other writings I have done, but I do have some idea how it feels. I think most people have been singled out at one point in their lives by something: a personality quirk, a passion, an outfit, a hairstyle, the people you choose to associate with, and countless others.<br />
<br />
Singling someone out for his or her gender, attractiveness, sexual orientation or the like is just silly. If you don’t like someone personally, that’s one thing. But, to spit venom at them simply because of who they are or whom they choose to be is cowardice in my book.<br />
<br />
How would you feel if you had people commenting on your writing saying that you cannot be trusted because of your gender, sprouting insulting words at you, saying that you are crazy, incompetent or worse.<br />
<br />
Would you be able to handle it? <br />
<br />
Judging someone by his or her perceived attractiveness (which is subjective and varies from person to person anyway) is ridiculous. If you’re going to comment on a researcher, comment on their work, methodology and the like, not if you’d like to get them into bed or not.<br />
<br />
That kind of attitude is disgusting, inappropriate, old fashioned and sexist. I thought you were better than to fall into such petty traps as those.<br />
<br />
Cheers, <br />
<br />
David<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
______</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Originally, I held off on posting this, until I got a response from my friend that convinced me otherwise. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This is what my friend wrote:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
David,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am sorry - I did not mean anything by that comment. But I can see how it came off that way, and that was wrong of me.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Did I judge that girl by her appearance? Yes I did, as we all do when we see someone walking down the street. It is wrong, silly and juvenile, but I will not shy away from something we all do.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
What I will try to do is think of what others would think of my comments made to myself before making them heard.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It is a small step in trying to change, but I hope that is enough.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
______</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I leave this question to you - Is pointing out the problem enough, or should I (and everyone) make people realize the problem and be the better for it?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If my friend does what he/she said, that's one small step in the right direction.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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But is it enough?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14078172037636957159noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662996303763005513.post-67039800996308497252013-04-28T11:47:00.002-07:002013-04-28T11:48:32.924-07:00Just a little quiz<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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As regular readers of this blog are aware - I am a very big proponent of science education.<br />
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Not only because it is a subject I enjoy learning about, but also because it helps me understand the world around me and taught me how to think analytically. My education in science has dictated much of my career path, from me pursuing it in university with the idea to become a zoology professor to getting my Masters of Journalism degree so I could learn to share my enthusiasm for the subject with others.<br />
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Not that I know everything there is to know about science - that is one of the beauties of the subject. Every day more experiments are published, theories explored and ideas thought up. Every day more knowledge gets added to the fields of science, and it constantly changes - you could even say it evolves.<br />
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I try to keep on top of most of it, and I usually succeed in my major fields of interest: biology, zoology, ecology and the like.<br />
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Earlier this week, I stumbled upon an online quiz from the Pew Research Center, in co-operation with Smithsonian Magazine. The Pew center define themselves as "a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public
about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world."<br />
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Their online quiz was designed to test scientific knowledge for a random samples of Americans. While the main study is completed, you can still take the test and see how well you did comparatively.<br />
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While the test was designed for the U.S., it is a good way to gauge your knowledge on various fields of science - from nanotechnology to climatology.<br />
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You can take the quiz here: <a href="http://www.pewresearch.org/quiz/science-knowledge/" target="_blank">http://www.pewresearch.org/quiz/science-knowledge/</a><br />
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And once you do, please let me know how you did! Either in the comment section below, Facebook, Twitter, Google <complete id="goog_20147494">+, </complete>email, etc...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14078172037636957159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662996303763005513.post-70836261902031767042013-04-18T13:28:00.000-07:002013-04-18T13:29:02.001-07:00SPACE!As many of you know, a Canadian is currently in space, in charge of the International Space Station. His name is Commander Chris Hadfield, and not only is he up there right now, but is letting us tiny Earthlings know about it!<br />
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Hadfield is also tweeting from space, sharing glorious photos from a viewpoint that many of us will never have the opportunity to see.<br />
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If you look <a href="https://twitter.com/Cmdr_Hadfield/media/grid" target="_blank">here</a>, you can see all the wondrous photos he has taken of every continent and make yourself feel simultaneously very small and yet so very large.<br />
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But that is not all Hadfield is doing up there. He is also doing science!<br />
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The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has its very own channel on YouTube and is constantly putting videos up there for Hadfield explaining how the ISS works, experiments that are going on and simple activities that become a bit of a chose in space - such as eating, shaving, sleeping and even crying!<br />
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Here are just a few examples of the videos (click <a href="http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUaartJaon3LV-ZQ4J3bNQj4VNVG2ByIG" target="_blank">here</a> to see them all).<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14078172037636957159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662996303763005513.post-19920838176544305662013-03-30T09:45:00.002-07:002013-03-30T09:47:51.321-07:00Here be dragons!<br />
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On Sunday March 31, 2013, the epic series Game of Thrones returns to HBO, with a rabid fan base already behind it. Full disclosure – I am a huge fan of the show and books in which they are based, and the show is probably one of the best on television, in my opinion.
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The show takes place in Westeros, an Earth-like analogue with a wide array of people living, loving, fighting and killing to achieve what everyone wants – power. Some want it, while others are afraid to lose it and others are content just to stir the pot and see what happens.
The show is equal parts political drama, medieval period piece and fantasy. In fact, the fantasy part is fairly muted at the beginning, but only increases in occurrence after one notable event at the end of the first season/book.
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**Beware, very mild spoilers ahead for season and book one of Game of Thrones**
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The event in question involves one of the most prevalent fantasy creatures – dragons.
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In Westeros, dragons have been dead for hundreds of years, along with the magic that accompanied them. However, once the dragons come back, magic awakens as well.<br />
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But, that is in a fantasy world – what about on Earth (or an Earth-like planet)? Could dragons exist?
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According to Professor John R. Hutchinson of The Royal Veterinary College in London, UK, the discussion all comes down to size and gravity.
When a land animal increases in mass, gravity quickly dominates all its activities because of the various pressures it exerts on the animal’s body (but an animal in water is a very different story, just compare an elephant - the largest animal on land - with a blue whale, the largest animal in the ocean).<br />
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Now imagine an animal the size of a dragon – one long-dead in Game of Thrones was described as possessing jaws so big that it could swallow a mammoth whole and eclipse whole towns with its shadow. For much an animal to exist, it would need large bones to support its weight and muscles to move it, not to mention huge stores of energy to move and support such a large creature.
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“Inevitably, the range of extreme activities that animals can do decreases as they get larger,” says Hutchinson. “So elephants don’t jump or gallop, whereas mice do; and large flying birds don’t whiz around like hummingbirds.”
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One of the most identifying characteristics of a dragon is its ability to fly, but the problem of size rears its ugly head once again. As flying animals get bigger, their wing size needs to increase just as much, if not more.
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“[A dragon] would need immense wings to support its weight,” said Hutchinson. “A lot of weight is wasted in that heavy tail and hind legs as well as the bulky head, too — those don’t help the dragon fly well at all. So at best such a smallish dragon would be a clumsy flier, and would have a hard time taking off.”
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“If we move to a 500, let alone a 5,000 kilogram dragon, flight basically becomes out of the question in Earth’s gravity. So, one needs to invoke magic to explain a flying dragon.”
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<a href="http://api.ning.com/files/E4fi7Ad1Rxy-p9VicBe0h09UKfjgMq1mKdz0ndWHeeLMYUg2fpaRsItyfG4vTOsu7wdX3leXC71pc19ftX3mBTxk4-hSepF4/Emilia_Clarke_Mother_of_Dragons.png?width=737&height=520" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://api.ning.com/files/E4fi7Ad1Rxy-p9VicBe0h09UKfjgMq1mKdz0ndWHeeLMYUg2fpaRsItyfG4vTOsu7wdX3leXC71pc19ftX3mBTxk4-hSepF4/Emilia_Clarke_Mother_of_Dragons.png?width=737&height=520" width="320" /></a><a href="http://api.ning.com/files/E4fi7Ad1Rxy-p9VicBe0h09UKfjgMq1mKdz0ndWHeeLMYUg2fpaRsItyfG4vTOsu7wdX3leXC71pc19ftX3mBTxk4-hSepF4/Emilia_Clarke_Mother_of_Dragons.png?width=737&height=520" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source</span></a></div>
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Therefore, in a world without magic, it looks like a dragon of any size would not be able to grow to such mythic proportions as described in various fantasy stories.
But, what about if dragons were built like birds?
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The largest bird found today is the California condor, with an average weight of 10 kilograms, a length of just over 4 feet and a wingspan of over 10 feet having been recorded (which is two and a half times its length!).
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Conservatively, let us say that a dragon weighs 50 kg, and if it follows the same construction and weight distribution as a condor, than it would clock in at just over 20 feet in length and a wingspan over 50 feet.
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Large? Sure. But theoretically possible.
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But bigger dragons, like those described in Game of Thrones would be more like 500 kg, which would make their length 200 feet (or about two-thirds of a football field) with a wingspan of 500 feet (or the height of a 50-storey building!)
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Suffice to say, even if it could exist, the physics alone would not allow such an animal to move, much less have enough energy to fly.
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While dragons would not be able to fly or reach such massive size described across the globe, what about the other impressive characteristic of a dragon – its ability to spew fire?
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According to Hutchinson, dragon fans will be disappointed once again.
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While some animals, such as bombardier beetles, can excrete a hazardous and incendiary-type of fluid from their bodies on rare occasions for defense, fire-breathing it is not.
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“Intensely hot flame takes massive amounts of energy to produce and to be hot enough to damage flesh, it would thus cook the dragon from the inside out anyway,” he adds. “I don’t see a realistic way that a very large animal could breathe some sort of fire-like substance. Tiny animals might get away with something like that on a small scale with chemical cocktails, but a huge animal would neither be able to fuel the energy needed to breathe fire nor avoid scorching itself. Again, magic (or a good imagination) is the only option to allow for such a creature.”
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With fire-breathing going up in a puff of smoke along with monstrous size and ability to fly, what are we left with to satiate our need for dragons?
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<a href="http://lepotta.com/images/2013/02/komodo-dragon-wallpapers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://lepotta.com/images/2013/02/komodo-dragon-wallpapers.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://lepotta.com/images/2013/02/komodo-dragon-wallpapers.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source</span></a></div>
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Komodo dragons and Pterosaurs.
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Komodo dragons are the largest living reptile on the planet, growing up to 10 feet and 150 kilograms, able to run up to 20 kilometres per hour and dive up to 15 feet. While not able to breathe fire, Komodo dragons do have a bad bite, filled with dangerous bacteria and venom – which they use to incapacitate and even kill prey with a single bite.
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Pterosaurs, on the other hand, were flying dinosaurs existing millions of years ago. Hutchinson says that they could weigh 50 to 250 kilograms, have wingspans up to 36 feet and when standing, could be up to 18 feet (thanks to Brian Switek, paleontological guru for help with those numbers). Sadly, as with all dinosaurs, they have long since gone from this world. <br />
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<a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/01/images/090107-pterosaur-picture_big.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/01/images/090107-pterosaur-picture_big.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/01/images/090107-pterosaur-picture_big.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source</span></a></div>
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“We have had large sort-of-dragon-like animals in the past in the form of pterosaurs or even sort-of-giant eagles and vultures, but a real dragon in the sense of classic or modern fantasy just ain’t going to ever happen.”<br />
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Sadly, science tells us that dragons are merely a fantasy, but it doesn’t stop millions of people loving them. Just because dragons are an impossible flight of fancy on Earth, in the land of Westeros, anything is possible.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14078172037636957159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662996303763005513.post-57005529322483000652013-03-09T09:43:00.000-08:002013-03-09T09:43:39.539-08:00Short and sweetEvery since Science Online 2013 ended, I have been very busy with a variety of things including work, developing some super-secret side-projects and more. But being busy is often a double-edged sword.<br />
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While these projects are developing and turning into some fantastic stuff that I am sure you all will enjoy - it has left me with little time to read the ever-increasing amount of books I endlessly accumulate and post on this blog.<br />
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But, take heed loyal reader, as I have not forsaken you.<br />
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Over the past week and a half, I've been communicating with experts in various fields, and asking them questions that can come up in normal conversation - for example: How can black holes exist if we cannot see them? Or, how hot is magma locked in the Earth's core?<br />
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The process is simple - I ask an expert in a field four questions. They pick two and answer each in four sentences of less so that anyone can understand.<br />
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I hope to continue this series going, so if you have any ideas for experts or questions to ask, please do so in the comments!<br />
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<b>Man, that's heavy</b><br />
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The first expert is David Shiffman, a shark conservationist and ecologist graduate student in Florida. He blogs regularly at <a href="http://www.southernfriedscience.com/" target="_blank">Southern Fried Science</a> and tweets at <a href="https://twitter.com/WhySharksMatter" target="_blank">@WhySharksMatter</a>.<br />
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<u>Question 1</u>: Since it is right there in your Twitter handle, I must ask - Why <b>do</b> shark matter?<br />
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<u>Answer</u>: Many species of sharks are top predators in their food chains. Top predators can influence their ecosystem both by regulating populations of prey, and by influencing the behavior of prey. In short, they help keep ocean ecosystems healthy.<br />
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<u>Question 2</u>: How can whales grow so big in the water, but the biggest animal on land (the elephant) is only a fraction of that?<br />
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Answer: The answer to this is simple- gravity. There's a limit to how big things can get on land because after a certain point they get too heavy. Water provides increased buoyancy. Blue whales are bigger than the biggest land dinosaurs ever were.<br />
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<b>Short, stocky and strong</b><br />
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This leads perfectly into our next expert, Brian Switek, a freelance science writer who spends his life getting to know anything and everything he can about dinosaurs. He blogs at <a href="http://phenomena.nationalgeographic.com/blog/laelaps/" target="_blank">National Geographic</a> and is on Twitter as <a href="https://twitter.com/Laelaps" target="_blank">@Laelaps</a>. <br />
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<u>Question 1</u>: Who would win in an arm wrestle, an average man or a <i>T. rex</i>?<br />
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<u>Answer</u>: There would be no question. <i>Tyrannosaurus rex</i> would win. Estimates based on bio-mechanics indicate that the arm of <i>T. re</i>x was about three and a half times more powerful than that of the average person. The arms of <i>T. rex</i> were short and stocky, but very powerful.<br />
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<u>Question 2</u>: How did mammals survive the extinction event 65 million years ago and the dinosaurs didn't?<br />
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<u>Answer</u>: Actually, dinosaurs did survive. Avian dinosaurs - birds - escaped extinction and carry on the dinosaur legacy today. And even though mammals also survived, many mammal lineages died out in the catastrophe. Exactly why birds, mammals, and other creatures persisted while the non-avian dinosaurs died out, however, is a mystery that hinges on how climate change, volcanic activity, and asteroid impact translated into pressures that changed the world.<br />
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<b>Invisible doesn't mean it's not there</b><br />
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The final expert is Matthew R. Francis, a physicist and science writer who writes at <a href="http://bowlerhatscience.org/" target="_blank">Bowler Hat Science</a> and tweets at <a href="https://twitter.com/DrMRFrancis" target="_blank">@DrMRFrancis</a>.<br />
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<u>Question 1</u>: How do we know black holes exist if we cannot see them?<br />
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<u>Answer</u>: We can't see black holes directly, but many of them are surrounded by matter - mostly gas stripped off stars or from other sources. When that gas falls toward the black hole, it forms a fast-rotating disk, that heats up and emits a lot of light in the form of X-rays and radio waves. So, even though black holes don't emit any light of their own, they can be some of the brightest objects in the Universe.<br />
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<u>Question 2</u>: What does E=mc^2 actually mean in terms of everyday life?<br />
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<u>Answer</u>: "E= mc^2" literally tells us that mass is a form of energy, and anything with mass will have that energy even if it's not moving. Most of the mass of your body is in the protons and neutrons in its atoms, but those are made up of the smaller particles known as quarks. The mass of a proton is a lot greater than the mass of the quarks that make it up; the rest of the mass comes from the energy that binds the quarks together. In other words, "E=mc^2" is responsible for most of the mass of your body!<br />
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Thank you very much to Brian, Matthew and David for all their help, time and effort - and remember, if you have any ideas for experts or questions to ask, please let me know in the comments.<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14078172037636957159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662996303763005513.post-59606469348426759242013-02-13T13:39:00.003-08:002013-02-13T13:39:34.122-08:00Journalism's RISK-y FutureIn the weeks since Science Online 2013, a lot of discussion has been taking place over how exactly science is communicated to the public and how we (as scientists, journalists, reporters, etc...) can improve it.<br />
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Imagine the game of RISK, the game of world domination, where warring fractions of different colours try to conquer the world through brute force and military strategy. The same can be said to showcase how some people think of the future of journalism.<br />
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See, the people in Print Town believe that “print is king,” while the denizens of the Online Realm believe theirs is the fastest and therefore superior method of getting a message across. The citizens of Radio-ville think their way of communication sounds superior, while the folks in TV Land believe they look the best.<br />
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Everyone is fighting everyone else for which area is the best and which will be able to survive the longest.<br />
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But who is right? Who is wrong? And is there a middle ground?
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The short answers are, at least from my perspective: Everyone. No one. And yes
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I used to identify myself as a “text monkey,” just science writer extraordinaire <a href="http://phenomena.nationalgeographic.com/blog/not-exactly-rocket-science/" target="_blank">Ed Yong</a> stated proudly during the conference. And I still mostly do, as I work in print and have had some success in that realm. However, I took a course during my Masters program that introduced me to online journalism – a field where I blogged, Tweeted and Facebooked regularly, but didn’t give much journalistic credence to.
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But I quickly fell in love with it.
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A professor once described online journalism as the great mixing pot, taking the best (or sometimes worse) of each discipline and displaying it all for people to see. And I quickly became proficient in it, even doing my Masters thesis in multimedia. I was able to use print, but also radio and TV to supplement what was written, and the resulting product was quite impressive.<br />
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I was still ever the resident of Print Town, but my allegiance was quickly shifting.
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Despite my reservations about which medium I wanted to use in my future career, I knew exactly what field I wanted to go into – science journalism.
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Science journalism, however, is an all-together different beast than straight-up news. Every genre of writing has jargon, experts and a certain amount of background knowledge to understand – but science also has a distinct stigma as being extremely complicated, hard to digest and simply, I hate to say it, boring.
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That’s not to say it cannot be done well!
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There are plenty of examples of good science writers out there - just look at the work from the <a href="http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/" target="_blank">Scientific American Blog Network</a> (especially <a href="http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/scicurious-brain/" target="_blank">Scicurious</a> and <a href="http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/context-and-variation/" target="_blank">Kate Clancy</a>, who blow my mind on a near-constant basis), as well as <a href="http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/superbug/" target="_blank">Maryn McKenna</a>, <a href="http://deborahblum.com/" target="_blank">Deborah Blum</a>, <a href="http://boingboing.net/author/maggie_koerth_baker" target="_blank">Maggie Koerth-Baker</a>, <a href="http://sciencetrio.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">DeLene Beeland</a>, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/talk-nerdy-to-me" target="_blank">Cara Santa Maria</a>, <a href="http://phenomena.nationalgeographic.com/blog/laelaps/" target="_blank">Brian Switek</a> and the list goes on and on and on. Everyone listed here and the countless others I did not name are doing fantastic things in print, radio and multimedia. Every time I read something of theirs, it makes me realize how far I have come and strive to go even farther.<br />
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But with the good, there is also the bad.
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I’ve given lectures in the past on how to communicate and write about science effectively for the general public. In so doing, I’ve read through countless good and bad articles with the goal of helping advise researchers, public relations people and more on how to avoid common problems associated with science writing. Recalling these lectures naturally lead me to my store of examples, one of which I will share.
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This here (<a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/the-lay-scientist/2010/sep/24/1">http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/the-lay-scientist/2010/sep/24/1</a>) is a piece from The Guardian, which magnificently lampoons traditional science journalism. <br />
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What Martin Robbins does so expertly is show how shoddy and Mad Libs-esque science journalism can be when it is done poorly. Take practically any science piece in your local newspaper and you will various methods Robbins described in full view for all to see.<br />
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There are a large number of people that struggle for a career in this industry (myself included), and every bad piece placed on the news, read in the paper or put online tarnishes what hard-working writers are trying to achieve.<br />
<br />
How can this be solved?<br />
<br />
I am no expert, but supporting good science writing and communication is a great way to start. The same can be said for pointing out when science (or really any discipline) is tortured on the rack of bad reporting or writing. Read and share good articles with others, be aware of what constitutes good writing and/or reporting and never stop discussing about the fantastic science that is constantly going on around you.<br />
<br />
Take a breath, relax and think to yourself - is this worth the effort?<br />
<br />
If so, don’t be afraid to roll the dice and take the risk.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.mylot.com/userImages/images/postphotos/723218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://images.mylot.com/userImages/images/postphotos/723218.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is the juice worth the squeeze? <a href="http://images.mylot.com/userImages/images/postphotos/723218.jpg" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14078172037636957159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662996303763005513.post-59159748369924219822013-02-10T12:48:00.002-08:002013-02-10T12:50:40.125-08:00Science Online 2013 - The Return to North CarolinaAnother year, another Science Online conference under my belt, but this year’s was quite a bit different than last year.<br />
<br />
To the uninitiated, Science Online can seem like a daunting experience – 450 scientists, journalists, bloggers, social media hounds and more discussing science communication. It’s very intimidating, even for veterans that have been to every single one of them.<br />
<br />
But, it is a good group. Everyone is incredibly friendly, accommodating and willing to talk to you. As we were told on the first day, as soon as you get here, your associations leave with you. Reporters mingle with scientists, bloggers talk with accomplished writers and the passion from each and every one of them is almost palpable.<br />
<br />
Last year, I was new. I had no experience at such a conference and I was dreadfully nervous about meeting people that I had been conversing with on Twitter for the past few years. But, my fears were ill founded. The friendships I had made with people online easily transferred to in person. Even “big” names in the industry, such as David Dobbs, Ed Yong and Carl Zimmer are just people (impressive as they may be).<br />
<br />
As great as the sessions are, the best part of this conference is the socializing and reconnecting with what is almost an extended family. Last year was like meeting old friends I never knew I had, but this year was like reuniting with old friends - yes, friends.<br />
<br />
All of the sessions I attended were quite good, and I tried more of a varied selection from last year. I attended sessions on how to explain difficult topics, improving press communication, issues of identity and the Internet and more.<br />
<br />
My session, co-moderated by the lovely Jeanne Garabino, went extremely well. Our talk on using first-person narrative to communicate science fostered a lot of discussion and interest – I even heard from many people that they wished it could have go on for even longer! For a full report on what was said in my session, please see my wrap-up post <a href="http://davidmanlysblog.blogspot.ca/2013/02/what-is-your-story.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
I also actively tweeted a lot more during this conference, which helped me chat with more people at the conference, sometimes without even seeing them. I was even asked to live-tweet the “online identity” session by some friends of mine, in order to have a record of the topics covered. And I was honoured to do it!<br />
<br />
A few memorable moments:<br />
<ul>
<li>Talking with Ed, Liz and Erik about infectious diseases </li>
<li>Engaging in a live-tweet battle with a worthy adversary, which lasted the entire conference. And even though I conceded, we have become very good friends (though a new rivalry has been born) </li>
<li>Having far too much fun joking and tweeting with my Twitter nemesis </li>
<li>Learning from a mathematician how to calculate if a number really is prime (only at Science Online, folks!) </li>
<li>Celebrating Lou Woodley’s birthday with a large group of friends </li>
<li>Trading stories with Kiley </li>
<li>Meeting a fellow Canadian at lunch who went to the exact same High School!</li>
<li>Dancing with Melanie like nobody's watching, even though they were</li>
<li>Singing and shouting “She blinded me with science” on stage at the open mike night and practically ruining my voice on day one</li>
<li>Watching an insurance salesman hit on a friend of mine and fail miserably </li>
<li>Singing Broadway songs with SciCurious, a pseudonymous blogger </li>
<li>Asking to sign copies of “The Best Science Writing Online 2012,” where my twin article was featured (STILL shocked and honoured about that)</li>
<li>Coming up with two different session ideas with two different people for next year before the conference was even over </li>
</ul>
Science Online 2013 was an amazing time and a special thanks to Karyn Traphagen, Bora Zivkovic and Anton Zuiker who organized the conference and everyone I met or didn't have the chance to - I am already counting down the days until next year!
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14078172037636957159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662996303763005513.post-82036618589438852182013-02-07T08:22:00.001-08:002013-02-07T08:22:28.413-08:00What is your story?<script src="//storify.com/davidmanly/wrapping-up-myscistory.js"></script><noscript>[<a href="//storify.com/davidmanly/wrapping-up-myscistory" target="_blank">View the story "Wrapping up #MySciStory" on Storify</a>]<h1>
Wrapping up #MySciStory</h1>
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Storified by <a href="http://storify.com/davidmanly">David Manly</a>· Thu, Feb 07 2013 08:04:53</p>
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Jeanne Garabino and I did a session at Science Online 2013 focusing in on the uses of first-person narrative storytelling to communicate science. Why don't more journalists and communicators uses personal narrative (namely, using "I") to discuss science? Why are they trained so stringently against its use? What are the pros and cons of using it?<br></div>
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Now it's time for #myscistory with @JeanneGarb and @davidmanly #scio13Matthew R. Francis</div>
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Scientific storytelling. This looks promising. #myscistoryAlex Warneke</div>
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In a session now to learn about using narrative to communicate science. Might try this out. #MySciStory #Scio13Katie Mack</div>
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The #myscistory session at #scio13 starts with one of those storytelling Vonage commercials--as example of personal narrativeEmily Gertz</div>
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We chose this commercial from Vonage, because it really showcased the point of how a personal story (even a small one) can make what you learn a lot more interesting. While not strictly about science, the personal narrative on display really showcased our point.<br></div>
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Unlimited Calling to India with Vonage World - Customer Testimonial - Gitavonage</div>
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Using the commercial as an example, we asked: Why can't you use first-person narrative to "sell" science?<br></div>
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If advertising psychology is using personal narrative to sell products, why don't scientists? #MySciStory #Scio13Jessica Rohde</div>
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#myscistory #scio13 kicking off with a commercial - advertising psychology uses personal narrative to sell products - can science do it too?Haley Bridger</div>
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Can we sell science like a product? Taking lessons from a tearjerker vonage commercial. #myscistory #scio13Rachel Dearborn ϟ</div>
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If advertising psychology--telling stories--sells phone plan, why not use it to "sell" science? #myscistory #scio13Emily Gertz</div>
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But why do first-person narratives make such an impact?<br></div>
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Humans are story driven species says @davidmanly #myscistory #scio13Laura Wheeler</div>
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@davidmanly "We're human, we tell stories." #myscistory #scio13Matthew R. Francis</div>
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The things people remember the most are the stories that impacted them - learning without being aware you are learning #myscistory #scio13Erin Podolak</div>
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#myscistory #scio13 the things you remember most are the stories that impact youHaley Bridger</div>
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Stories in commercials are very targeted to a demographic. We can use similar targeting questions for our own narratives #myscistory #scio13Dr A Roehrich</div>
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So, we came up with our own definition of personal narrative:<br></div>
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On now - #myscistory session at #scio13. "blending the reporting of facts with the writing style of fiction"= personal narrativeJulie Henry</div>
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Jeanne and I came from different education backgrounds (lab researcher & communicator and a scientist turned journalist), but we both noticed that first-person narrative was actively discouraged in both our fields. But why?<br></div>
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"Don't use I - we are story makers not story tellers" is a common theme #myscistory #scio13Dr A Roehrich</div>
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"We are storytellers, not storymakers" said @davidmanly's journalism prof. Don't rewrite history, don't use first person #myscistory #scio13Lou Woodley</div>
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Idea is to blend reporting of facts with writing techniques of fiction..."like spending time in someone else's head" #myscistory #scio13Emily Gertz</div>
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Academia actively discourages use of the first person in scientific papers. Scientists therefore not used to using it? #myscistory #scio13Lou Woodley</div>
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If you want someone who is "not looking for your science," grabbing them with narrative can them into the science. #myscistoryAfternoon Napper</div>
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.@davidmanly: Personal storytelling helps engage audience's emotions, which helps them remember, better #MySciStoryJessica Rohde</div>
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Using personal narrative in science allows readers to spend time in another person's head. @davidmanly #myscistory #scio13Nicholas Mallos</div>
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All throughout our session, the utterly fantastic and amazing Perrin Ireland (@experrinment) "science scribed" to the right of us, taking notes using pictures and words. Was amazing!<br></div>
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Cool real-time story-boarding by @experrinment during the #MySciStory session. #scio13 http://pic.twitter.com/0LdDjrG6Katie Mack</div>
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Science is often told in the third-person, but WHY?<br></div>
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#scio13 #myscistory a lot of science writing is done in the third person! Even courses tell students not to write in the first person!Laura Wheeler</div>
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Why shouldn't technical writing be a little less boring and science writing be really exciting? Use "I" #myscistory #scio13Erin Podolak</div>
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Yes! MT @LouWoodley: Stories can evoke emotional responses...gets the reader involved & makes the message more memorable #myscistory #scio13Meg Rosenburg</div>
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We the each shared a successful example of using personal narrative - Jeanne on pregnancy (read <a href="http://www.doublexscience.org/pregnancy-101-on-the-cervical-mucus-plug-and-why-ive-never-been-more-happy-to-hold-something-so-disgusting-in-my-hand/" class="">here</a>) and me on being an identical twin (read <a href="http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/2011/03/15/mirror-images-twins-and-identity/" class="">here</a>). Sharing personal information makes a story memorable, as you can tell from the tweets below, I don't think anyone will forget Jeanne's!<br></div>
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And now for a moment of TMI brought to you by @JeanneGarb #myscistory #scio13 #mucousplug #yuckPamela L. Gay</div>
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We're hearing about a giant gelatinous ball of booger. #myscistory #scio13 #yumNadia Drake</div>
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Audience laughter as @JeanneGarb recaps the story of her mucus plug - also a popular blog post that people related to. #myscistory #scio13Lou Woodley</div>
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@JeanneGarb just set the record for the number of times a person said "mucous plug" in a 5 minute period. #Scio13 #myscistoryJohn Romano</div>
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#scio13 #myscistory @JeanneGarb talking about mucus and how she tricked people into learning science with her gross story!Laura Wheeler</div>
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I wouldn't say tricked ... <br></div>
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Where's the line between self-indulgent memoir and cautionary tale? A healthy dose of self-deprecation? #MySciStoryJessica Rohde</div>
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#myscistory #scio13 the "real" first person can be electric - grabs the reader by the shirtHaley Bridger</div>
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We then brought up author of "Superbug," Maryn McKenna, who wrote a personal post on her Wired blog about the time she ate contaminated peanut butter (read <a href="http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2012/10/salmo-peanut-butter/" class="">here</a>). Since Maryn never writes in first person, I asked her why she decided to shift for this particular piece - because she "became part of the story."<br></div>
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First person telling grabs the reader and lets them know "it can happen to you" @davidmanly discussing @marynmck post #MySciStory #scio13Dr A Roehrich</div>
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Currently comparing CDC report on tainted peanut butter with @marynmck version on how she contaminated herself #myscistory #scio13Erin Podolak</div>
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Ordinary reporting is dry, detached; personal narrative (ex. @marynmck 's food-poisoning story) engages the reader. #myscistory #scio13Matthew R. Francis</div>
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"Everybody has eaten something from the back of the fridge that you shouldn't have, but you didn't want to go shopping." #myscistory #scio13Emily Gertz</div>
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#myscistory #scio13 Trick to first person- don't let it be a self indulgent memoir. Balance the TMIHeather Reiff</div>
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There is nothing wrong with using third- person days @davidmanly be exciting & use humour #scio13 #myscistoryLaura Wheeler</div>
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#myscistory #scio13 Would you rather hear about a friend of a friend or YOUR friend? Power in the "I"- Do you want to BE Kevin Bacon?Heather Reiff</div>
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"Being the bat shit crazy scientist brings it up a level in impact" There is something special about writing with "I" #myscistory #scio13Erin Podolak</div>
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Being bat shit crazy makes things interesting, to say the least. And, we're all a little "Bat shit crazy" aren't we?<br></div>
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RT @LouWoodley: Does writing in the first person require more words? Could this be one reason it's not used more? #myscistory #scio13Christie Wilcox</div>
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The only way to find out how much you're really willing to share is to try sharing #myscistory #scio13Erin Podolak</div>
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@davidmanly : how much to share? The only way to know is to try it. Humor is easier for many, but comfort is key. #myscistory #scio13Matthew R. Francis</div>
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As useful as writing in first-person is, you should always focus on the story. If you think using first-person will help, give it a try! If not, don't.<br></div>
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RT @DrMRFrancis: real question: does this serve the story? Sometimes taking yourself out is best for the story. #myscistory #scio13skullsinthestars</div>
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Use yourself as the frame but don't become the story- cautions @davidmanly #myscistory #scio13Julie Henry</div>
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@ScienceOnline Caution: Don't become the story. Ask yourself: Is this serving the message [about science]? -@davidmanly #myscistory #scio13Katie Mack</div>
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"Nobody gives a shit about you" but if the you moves the story forward, then use it #myscistory #scio13Erin Podolak</div>
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On being careful with 1st person: "Nobody gives a shit about you." "Except our moms!" "Not mine!" -@huler #myscistory #scio13Eric Bowen</div>
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But if it is so successful, why don't scientists use it?<br></div>
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@ScienceOnline One of the problems we face in outreach is convincing scientists they're interesting. -@BenLillie #myscistory #scio13Katie Mack</div>
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Cosmos was a very successful science TV show that used personal narrative. Scientists hated Sagan for it, everyone else loved it #MySciStoryJessica Rohde</div>
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But, in using first-person, you <b>do</b> need to be careful ...<br></div>
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.@davidmanly: Make sure you never outshine the story you are trying to tell. #MySciStoryJessica Rohde</div>
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Your own memories can be different than the facts, so how you fact check yourself? #myscistory #scio13Erin Podolak</div>
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#myscistory #scio13 memory is malleable - thin line between creative license and fabricationHaley Bridger</div>
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Caveat of 1st person narratives? RT @DrMRFrancis: Memory is fallible; how does one fact-check one's own experience? #myscistory #scio13Lou Woodley</div>
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Be careful of the boundary between taking poetic license with your narrative and outright fabrication #MySciStoryJessica Rohde</div>
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#myscistory "yes you can fact check your own personal narrative." It's not all willy-nilly. #scio13Clare Fieseler</div>
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Still, the people in this room are by and large pro-personal narrative in science communcation. #myscistory #scio13Chris Goforth</div>
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And Perrin never stopped throughout the entire session!<br></div>
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Fascinating watching the story of #myscistory appear live at #scio13. http://pic.twitter.com/zcjPWd3QMarc Merlin</div>
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First-person also helps shine a light and give the personal story behind the science, makes it human and relateable.<br></div>
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#myscistory #scio13 the case for first person: most people don't know scientists - seeing the scientist/writer behind the piece has valueHaley Bridger</div>
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Sound advice, sometimes a fine line MT @amsciam: "Be sure u don't outshine the story you're trying to tell" @davidmanly #myscistory #scio13Sonia Furtado Neves</div>
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If we want students to become scientists, it's easier if they actually know a few- great case for story-telling! #scio13 #myscistoryJulie Henry</div>
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For the love of God will someone say the word EMPATHY!!!! First person narrative. #Scio13 #MySciStoryJohn Romano</div>
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We then introduced an activity - we displayed a list of scientific terms and words for a variety of disciplines (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math, Astronomy & Engineering) and asked the audience to share <i>their</i> stories. "Pitch us your narrative"<br></div>
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"Pitch us your narrative" activity: choose a science term from a list - what personal story can you tell to explain it? #myscistory #scio13Julie Henry</div>
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.@sciencecomedian's pers.nar. pitch: why do you get cold when you step out of a pool? Evaporation is an endothermic reaction #MySciStoryJessica Rohde</div>
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What is the thing that brings the pieces together? Finding out is the "Eureka moment" #myscistory #scio13Dr A Roehrich</div>
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@cqchoi sez: Math is frikkin' everywhere; recognition was a big eureka moment. #myscistory #scio13Matthew R. Francis</div>
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When you include yourself in a story, passion comes through and a reader will see that #myscistory #scio13Erin Podolak</div>
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Love hearing these anecdotes from people in the #MySciStory session! Keep em comin scientists!Jessica Rohde</div>
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Great closing exercise in #myscistory session - slide of science words, audience asked to recount the personal stories they prompt #scio13Lou Woodley</div>
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"I didn't care about science until it directly affected me- personal narrative is all I have to get people to care." #myscistory #scio13Dr A Roehrich</div>
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For some, the personal narrative is the only way to get people to care. #scio13 #myscistoryAnna Rascouët-Paz</div>
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"There is a market for bat shit crazy" #myscistory #scio13Erin Podolak</div>
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Ha - what is it? RT @ErinPodolak: "There is a market for bat shit crazy" #myscistory #scio13Kathleen Raven</div>
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Just watch any reality tv and you'll know that there is, and probably will always be a market for, the bat shit crazy.<br></div>
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Know when to use empathy... It will help you better relate to your audience. #myscistory #scio13Alex Warneke</div>
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.@DrPeteEtchells Yep, and totally illustrates the point - people gel when they share #myscistory #scio13Lou Woodley</div>
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The audience seemed a little sad that it was over so quick, as there were still plenty of hands left in the air to share their stories.<br></div>
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Super session from @JeanneGarb @davidmanly #myscistory #scio13Laura Wheeler</div>
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Thanks @davidmanly @JeanneGarb for leading an important session on personal narrative in science! #scio13 #myscistoryJulie Henry</div>
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Storytelling at #scio13 #myscistory @marynmck gets first personal. #sciencescribe @davidmanly @JeanneGarb http://pic.twitter.com/0ta3IokkDavid Butler</div>
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Personal narrative session : "you're sharing a small, curated slice of yourself" #scio13 #myscistoryMelissa J Bodeau</div>
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Thank you everyone for a great session about #myscistory!David Manly</div>
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See #myscistory on 1st-person narrative! MT @JacquelynGill: Someone pushes back: "process is boring." Doesn't have to be! #scio13 #scioSDMKatie Mack</div>
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Watched Jurassic Park...fell in love with dinosaur..mammals ate dinoasaurs..Hominids ate mammals...Emily Became a scientist #MySciStory :3Emily Taylor </div>
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ScienceOnline day one http://sfy.co/cDaK #scio13 #myscistory #storify #scio13haulFrank Nuijens</div>
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You people and your stories: the #myscistory hashtag has way more tweets than some of the other sessions. *scrolling* *scrolling*Eva Amsen</div>
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And with that, our session was over! We got a big round of applause, but the biggest was for Perrin, whose finished Science Scribe was a sight to behold!<br></div>
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And now, it's on to Scientific Storytelling, #sciostory! @jeannegarb and @davidmanly #sciencescribe #scio13 http://pic.twitter.com/q0SxcUvMPerrin Ireland</div>
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#sciostory part 2: Pitch Us Your Narrative @jeannegarb @davidmanly #scio13 #sciencescribe http://pic.twitter.com/oGWuySZHPerrin Ireland</div>
</noscript>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14078172037636957159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662996303763005513.post-45088097794752095432013-01-26T10:12:00.003-08:002013-01-26T10:12:22.153-08:00A Tasting MenuIn a few short days, I will be heading off to <a href="http://scienceonline.com/" target="_blank">Science Online 2013</a> - an annual gathering of scientists, journalists, educators and more to discuss science communication in Raleigh, North Carolina. But, it is not your average conference, with presenters reading PowerPoint slides and talking <b>at</b> you. Science online is designed as an “unconference,” where there are no lectures or presentations, but sessions that encourage and are built on <b>discussion</b>.<br />
<br />
I cannot wait to attend and meet up with people that I met last year: collaborators, Twitter friends, fellow writers and more. As cliche as it is to say, we are all like a big family at this conference. Everyone is respectful, kind and absolutely cuckoo for science (I even think that's a requirement on the registration form).<br />
<br />
Last year, I did a session with <a data-screen-name="DrRubidium" href="https://twitter.com/#%21/DrRubidium"><s>@</s><b>DrRubidium</b></a>, where we made people laugh (and think) using Mel Brooks movie clips to inspire and improve blogs. We heard nothing but good things about our session, which spawned numerous conversations with other attendees about future sessions - one of which came to fruition.<br />
<br />
This year, I'm teaming up with <a data-screen-name="jeannegarb" href="https://twitter.com/#%21/jeannegarb"><s>@</s><b>jeannegarb</b></a> to discuss a very specific style of writing and storytelling: first person narrative. She is a fantastic person and writer, and I could not choose a better person to co-moderate with.<br />
<br />
For those of you that follow my blog and my other writings, you will know that I've experimented with this format a bit.<br />
<br />
When I was doing my Masters of Journalism, we were told to avoid using "I" in a piece of reporting, as we are supposed to be objective and not become part of the story. "We are storytellers, not story-makers," my professors would say. In fact, the only time we were told to use first-person was during two specific assignments - one where we had to use first or third-person, and when we had to write an editorial. And it was hard to break the format that had been drilled into us over the course of the program. But, I found I enjoyed it.<br />
<br />
After I graduated, I experimented with the format a bit more in my writings for Scientific American, using <b>my voice</b> to talk about <a href="http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/2011/01/05/the-ferret-hunters/" target="_blank">black-footed ferrets</a>, <a href="http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/2011/03/15/mirror-images-twins-and-identity/" target="_blank">growing up as a twin</a> and more. And those quickly became my most popular articles - the article about being an identical twin even got published in a book entitled "The Best Science Writing Online 2012" (you can order your very own copy <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Best-Science-Writing-Online-2012/dp/0374533342/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1359223157&sr=8-3" target="_blank">here</a>).<br />
<br />
And what do Jeanne and I have in store?<br />
<br />
For that, you'll have to attend our session entitled "Scientific storytelling: Using personal narrative to communicate science" on Thursday January 31 from Noon - 1 pm in room 4. But if not, rest-assured that I will do a conference wrap up post, just like last year (which you can read <a href="http://davidmanlysblog.blogspot.ca/2012/01/science-is-everywhere.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://davidmanlysblog.blogspot.ca/2012/01/science-online-2012-post-mortem.html" target="_blank">here</a>).<br />
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I hope to see you there!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14078172037636957159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662996303763005513.post-82530008579811630412012-12-30T13:38:00.004-08:002012-12-30T13:38:59.793-08:00The world didn't end ... Now what?Whenever one year ends, blogs are filled with posts about the past and what they've learned over the past 12 months. Posts filled with contemplative thoughts about their journey thus far and what they've learned during the past 360-ish days.<br />
<br />
I've done that kind of post before, and while this will be a bit contemplative over the soon to be dearly departed 2012, I'm also going <span style="background-color: white;">to </span>focus on the future - the wide-open space of 2013.<br />
<br />
The past year has been a wild one. I moved to a small town in Canada for my new job and learned some new writing skills to go along with it, I also travelled across North America to find stories for it. My job then changed, and I along with it. I also became rather ill, but got better in time to spend some time with my new niece.<br />
<br />
I went to a science conference as a moderator of a session and met a large number of people who reminded me of why I got into writing in the first place and are a constant inspiration to improve my craft. <br />
<br />
There was a girl (but isn't there always?), but like all good things, it came to an end far too soon. I also got an article published in a book of the best science writing of the year and spent more time writing my novel "The Black."<br />
<br />
Oh, and I grew a goatee and moustache for Movember and decided to keep it after asking my blog readers and friends on Twitter what I should do.<br />
<br />
But what about 2013?<br />
<br />
Well, I will be attending that same science conference as a moderator again (this time about first-person narrative storytelling) and could not be more excited. For something at the end of January, I already expect that it will be one of the highlights of the year.<br />
<br />
But I am also working on something - a new project.<br />
<br />
In the new year, I will give more details, but for now: it's about science communicated simply. It will utilize video and has an artistic component. Obviously, the artistic component is one that I will need help with, as my illustration capabilities are only slightly above stick-figures. If you know of any artists or illustrators that would be interested in helping me with this neat little project and would like more information, please have them contact me either via Twitter (<a href="http://twitter.com/davidmanly" target="_blank">@davidmanly</a>), the comments section below or by <a href="mailto:manlyscienceproject@gmail.com" target="_blank">email</a>.<br />
<br />
I will have another post about the project in the next week or so, but I'd be happy to discuss this with any artists or illustrators interested before then.<br />
<br />
Hope you all have a very safe and happy new year!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14078172037636957159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662996303763005513.post-84977654271997354012012-11-30T15:03:00.002-08:002012-11-30T15:04:03.755-08:00Last November Update - YOU DecideAnd thus ends the Movember and NaNoWriMo great experiment!<br />
<br />
How did I do?<br />
<br />
Well, let's see:<br />
<br />
For NaNoWriMo, I managed to get through a pesky piece of writing that had been bothering me for quite a long time. I could not come up with a good way to get my characters out of a particular situation, but thanks to this (and some help from writing friends), I managed to overcome that hurdle and write what I think is some pretty good stuff.<br />
<br />
Is "The Black" done?<br />
<br />
No, not even remotely. But, I wanted to make a dent and a dent has been made. I will endeavor to write more of it soon and will, of course, keep you all apprised.<br />
<br />
As for Movember, I am facing a bit of a crisis. I do not know if I should shave off what I have cultivated over this past month. So, I thought, who better than my loyal readers and friends to decide for me?<br />
<br />
So, I pose it to you - below are pictures of me in my "clean-shaven" and "Movember" states, and I want you to let me know what you think. Should I go to one extreme or the other? Perhaps some transitional state? Or, should I just let go and grow a full beard?<br />
<br />
The choice, as they say, is up to you.<br />
<br />
Let me know your choice through either the comment section below, a tweet or whatever way you wish to contact me, and I promise that I will follow thorough.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrATAZAwBaE_lGD-LuxN-KqjjPNJlwxOwtbPz75ljWGLvRSbNNHLOKEE84QXoeZDj1nOwaYKBHrUGnNXox8FUmYMtjBT_VwCqzMBhfgU49FK0495N1Ie8pvwcE6Cz-lb754FYlysghI4U/s1600/beard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrATAZAwBaE_lGD-LuxN-KqjjPNJlwxOwtbPz75ljWGLvRSbNNHLOKEE84QXoeZDj1nOwaYKBHrUGnNXox8FUmYMtjBT_VwCqzMBhfgU49FK0495N1Ie8pvwcE6Cz-lb754FYlysghI4U/s1600/beard.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Movember - Doin' It Ginger Style!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrbWDXT4gNqdUBQMCnwOrqDc0tz5UdcIcKqj1VzYxUy1NS0SKcyT77vdlHt3rEhDprN22_q-o0Dpqy4QOM0p2m2YYyQ6R0h_544SC31OI0wMGgKt883lQwGuGeqKB3FCSdmO2FFrUSCB0/s1600/unshaven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrbWDXT4gNqdUBQMCnwOrqDc0tz5UdcIcKqj1VzYxUy1NS0SKcyT77vdlHt3rEhDprN22_q-o0Dpqy4QOM0p2m2YYyQ6R0h_544SC31OI0wMGgKt883lQwGuGeqKB3FCSdmO2FFrUSCB0/s1600/unshaven.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unshaven - Blue Steel (or Le Tigre, if you prefer)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
You have 24 hours to decide ... GO.<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14078172037636957159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662996303763005513.post-81393698431373201302012-11-22T12:36:00.000-08:002012-11-22T12:38:51.778-08:00November Update Part 2 - The Mustache Strikes BackWith just over a week to go in November, I thought I would post another update on how both my November projects: NaNoWriMo and Movember are coming along.<br />
<br />
Firstly, Movember is going quite well. I have developed a very Walter White-esque style of mustache and goatee. And the interest and donations have been staggering! <br />
<br />
I would like to thank every single one of you who have donated to my Movember campaign and helped me raise a total so far of $275!<br />
<br />
But, I think we can do better.<br />
<br />
If you would still like to donate, there is still time to do so, if you are able. Doing so is easy, just follow this link: <a href="http://mobro.co/davidmanly"><span class="mospace-url-label-wrapper"><span class="mospace-url-content">http://mobro.co/davidmanly</span></span></a><br />
<br />
<span class="mospace-url-label-wrapper"><span class="mospace-url-content">I will, as promise, at the end of the month post both a before and after picture here so that you can all gaze at the glorious mustache that has resulted. The colour will definitely surprise you (not brown, like my hair)! </span></span><br />
<br />
As for NaNoWriMo (or National Novel Writing Month) has been going swimmingly! I have written a number of chapters in my novel, The Black, and the plot is progressing along nicely. Recently, I just wrote the most disturbingly dark chapter of it yet, and I was so excited to do so.<br />
<br />
As a treat, here in an excerpt from that chapter, with a few names and other details redacted, so as not to ruin the story:<br />
<br />
<u><b>The Return</b></u><br />
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I was stuck to that
spot, transfixed, staring at the pool of inky blackness that </i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">[REDACTED] </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">eyes had
become. There was no trace </i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">[REDACTED]</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">, as if they had been cut out and
replaced with blank space. No only was there no sign of life within them, but
the darkness was so deep that they seemed to drain the colour from the
surrounding areas.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But I could not look
away.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The buzzing background
noise of the klaxon became louder and louder, but there was something else
behind it … music?</i></div>
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[REDACTED]<br />
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And then, the darkness
began to spill forth from </i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">[REDACTED]</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> eyes like black paint, rolling down </i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">[REDACTED]</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> cheeks,
mouth and chin. Covering </i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">[REDACTED]</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> arms and torso, sticking to </i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">[REDACTED]</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> jacket, all the
way down to the floor. Instead of abating, the darkness continued to gush forth [REDACTED] and the
sweetest music I had ever heard came through, but there was a familiar tune to
it, like from a time long forgotten.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A lullaby.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">***</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Intrigued? </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Be sure to stay tuned for more updates as the story continues to develop!</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14078172037636957159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662996303763005513.post-37298256957915544602012-11-11T14:29:00.003-08:002012-11-22T12:12:50.994-08:00A November UpdateWelcome to November!<br />
<br />
Or, as I like to call it, the month of doing .... things!<br />
<br />
There are two things that I am taking a part in this November, and I will be using this blog to keep you, my loving readers, up to date on the progress.<br />
<br />
The first, is that it is National Novel Writing Month (or, NaNoWriMo), in which aspiring and professional writers are encouraged to write a novel during the month of November. There are a few rules, but, I have decided to do my own thing in the spirit of NaNoWriMo.<br />
<br />
I have decided to pick "The Black" back up and start writing it again.<br />
<br />
Now, there is no way that the story will be able to be finished, as it is turning into a long story. But, I hope to be able to put a significant dent into the writing.<br />
<br />
As of today, I have finished 13 chapters and it is amazing how many things keep popping up to write about. My goal is to write a little each day and for one full day on the weekend (at least). We'll see how I am able to stick to that schedule.<br />
<br />
The other thing happening this month is that it is the month of Movember, which is where men grow mustaches of all shapes and sizes, to raise money for Men's health awareness (specifically prostate and mental health issues).<br />
<br />
At work, all of the male employees have decided to band together and grow mustaches and raise money.<br />
<br />
Once the month is done, I will post a before and after picture, so you can fully appreciate the mustache :)<br />
<br />
If you would like to donate to me or my team, you can click the link <a href="http://mobro.co/davidmanly">here</a>.<br />
<br />
See you all soon for another update!<br />
<br />
The Mustachioed ManlyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14078172037636957159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662996303763005513.post-44460155577843044272012-11-01T13:28:00.000-07:002012-11-01T13:28:10.075-07:00A Look BackA year ago today, I started a new job in a completely new environment. Because of that, I was allowed to work remotely in Toronto, until I was able to find a permanent place to stay. But, I first needed to spend five days in the office getting the lay of the land, meeting everyone, etc.<br />
<br />
That is not what this post is about.<br />
<br />
During those five days, I learned that a beloved High School drama teacher of mine had passed away a few weeks earlier and a memorial was being held that week. However, because I had just started a new job, there was no way I would be able to attend and pay my respects.<br />
<br />
Instead, I wrote a little piece in the online Guest Book, which went like this: <br /><br />“Mr. Graham was one of the greatest teachers I ever had the pleasure of being taught by, through not just his attitude and jovial nature, but because he genuinely cared about his students and his subject.
<br /><br />He was a friend who really helped motivate my life in ways I never knew. I think he would be proud to know that he was the first person to mention that I had a way with words ... and started me on the path to become a journalist.
<br /><br />
He shall be greatly missed.”
<br /><br />I was reminded of his passing recently, and because I could not attend and extol his virtues in person they way I wanted to; I decided to write a letter, included below.
<br /><br />While it is directed to one specific teacher, I believe it can apply to any individual who has touched our lives. <br /><br />Thank you.
<br /><br />David<br /><br />**
<br /><br />Dear Mr. Graham,
<br /><br />
I was driving by our old high school the other day, and was instantly reminded of you and your unfortunate passing. It really says something about the teacher you were that you could leave such an impression on someone after so many years.
<br /><br />You were the drama teacher that everyone wanted to have in every subject: engaging, funny, warm, passionate and smart as a whip (which is helpful in a class where so much is dependent on memorization and improvisation). Your class was the highlight for me during those early years, and was a mainstay throughout my academic career.
<br /><br />We met in Grade 9, and from that first day of drama class, you were able to spot something in me. Maybe it was that I used to act in plays and musicals as a kid, or that you found a similar-minded individual, I do not know. But I am glad you did.
<br />
<br />
<br />
And why you decided to call both my twin brother and I Mr. Manly, I will never know, but having a Mr. Graham approved nickname was a badge of honour not many students got to wear.<br /><br />You inspired me to tackle many difficult projects in your class, and here are just a few highlights:
<br />
<ul>
<li>Giving my a monologue of a wine connoisseur and spending countless times with me going over how to pronounce “Chateauneuf-du-Pape” and the right way to sound like a hipster
</li>
<li>Letting me direct a stage version of the classic “To Serve Man” Twilight Zone episode
</li>
<li>Putting me as the “Doctore” in a group commedia dell’arte production with a girl I had a large crush on (thanks for that, by the way)
</li>
<li>Letting me write a play for my Grade 13 individual project based on the Four Horsemen on the Apocalypse entitled “Death comes to dinner”
</li>
</ul>
But most importantly, I want to thank you for mentioning off-handed one day that I had a way with words and am a great storyteller. The quote, while I took it as the compliment it was, it stuck with me.
<br /><br />And when I had to make that decision about whether to pursue drama (which I adore) or biology (which I love) in university, you were happy to sit down with me and discuss it. I still remember your candor and kind words when you said, “Drama is your passion, but science is your life.”
<br /><br />“Never lose that passion and take it with you,” you said, at the end of the conversation, and I have never forgotten that to this day.
<br /><br />
Getting to know you was a highlight of my time in High School, and I am glad that I managed to get to know you before you were taken far too soon. I know that I am not the only student who you influenced, as I am sure you helped everyone just by being the engaging teacher you were.
<br /><br />Wherever you are, I hope you get the best seats in the house: Center-aisle, front row orchestra.
<br /><br />David (AKA Mr. Manly)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14078172037636957159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662996303763005513.post-45824296380152954252012-10-23T06:33:00.000-07:002012-10-23T06:33:31.541-07:00The Return of The BlackIn just over a week, professional and amateur writers from all over the world will be participating in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), which I have missed the past few years. I always heard about it far too late into the month to really do anything about it, but not this year.<br />
<br />
The goal of NaNoWriMo (<a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/">http://www.nanowrimo.org/</a>) is exactly what it describes - write a novel over 30 days. Easy, right?<br />
<br />
Actually, no.<br />
<br />
But this year, I am determined to give it a shot (however, with one minor addition). Instead of writing a novel from scratch, I'm going to pick up my old and dusty copy of "The Black" and continue writing that.<br />
<br />
I figured that, since the article on<a href="http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/2011/03/15/mirror-images-twins-and-identity/"> twins and the search for individual identity</a> that I wrote for Scientific American has been published in The Best Science Writing Online 2012 (buy your copy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Best-Science-Writing-Online-Laboratory/dp/0374533342/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350998921&sr=8-1&keywords=best+science+writing+online+2012">here</a>!), now was a good time to write as much as I could possibly stand.<br />
<br />
For those new to my blog, The Black focuses on Roger Wilks, a lab technician for a big pharmaceutical company. After a series of very unfortunate events, he gets exposed to something that causes him to hallucinate his own past. But, when he begins to run out of past to remember, new memories begin to pierce the veil and drive him slowly insane. He then ends up in an asylum known as "Limbo" where he meets a cast of misfits that help him escape and ultimately, discover his destiny and that life is more than a series of accidents.<br />
<br />
How does that sound?<br />
<br />
I know the entire plot, all the character arcs and the major story beats that I need to get to, the major difficulty is just putting the entire thing down on paper. I've been slowly chipping away at writing this for a few years and while it will probably take longer than one month to write it (as it looks to be a long one), I hope to be able to put a dent in it.<br />
<br />
This blog will serve, for the month of November, as a chronicle of my progress.<br />
<br />
Every week I will update it with my progress, issues that I am having, interesting developments and the like. I will even ask for advice from time to time, which will directly affect the plot.<br />
<br />
I hope you are all looking forward to sharing this neat little adventure with me, and maybe when the month is done, I will put some chapters up for the hive-mind to look at.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14078172037636957159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662996303763005513.post-2047325616694657282012-09-14T06:03:00.001-07:002012-09-14T06:03:07.151-07:00The birds and the beesHuman biology is a marvelously complex conglomeration that incorporates a variety of organs, cells and tissues to create a balanced biological system. But what if that could change? What if you could change your body to that of another animal?<br />
<br />
Some people would choose to be as fast as a cheetah, as strong as an ant or possess the majestic grace of a tiger. But the comedians from the <a href="http://www.ucbcomedy.com/">Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre</a> decided to choose something a little different and selected a more avian trait.<br />
<br />
The UCB created an amazing video that takes a stab at those horrible infomercials you see when you are watching TV at 3:35am and think that, "yes, I could use half-a-dozen egg poachers" or "a neck massage machine using lasers? Yes, please!"<br />
<br />
The most entertaining of those infomercials, however, are often the medical ones. Unintentionally (I hope) filled with bad acting, horrible voice-overs and science that seems more than a little dubious. So, the parody infomercial below ponders the question we have all, I'm sure, asked ourselves at one time or another, "Why can't my reproductive system be more like a bird?"<br />
<br />
For the ladies, the infomercial describes Cloaxia - a once-a-day pill that combines your uterus, urethra and anus into one hole (like a bird's cloaca)!<br />
<br />
And for the men, well, just wait until the end of the video.<br />
<br />
It is mildly Not Safe For Work, but 100% hilarious. So sit back, take two pills and "caw" me in the morning. <br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14078172037636957159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662996303763005513.post-67183451158626909572012-08-31T12:41:00.001-07:002012-08-31T12:41:57.527-07:00News NightAs part of the journalism industry for a few years and being a constant digester of the news before that, I've noticed a distinct change in my opinion of the "news."<br />
<br />
As a child, I would not watch the news very much. My parents would call me in if there was an interesting story, usually about animals (no surprise there), but usually I wasn't that interested. However, I would read the paper every morning, so I would know the bullet points of the big stories happening in the world.<br />
<br />
It was not until the big referendum in Canada back in 1995, when residents of Quebec voted whether or not to separate from Canada and become its own sovereign entity. I remember staying up late and watching the little progress bar swing back and forth from YES to NO. And, at the end, it was a nail-biter: 49.42% "Yes" to 50.58% "No."<br />
<br />
That was the first time I really realized that the news was happening all the time and such stories could have wide-reaching consequences. After that, I began to pay attention during elections. Not that I was a political junkie, but I was relatively informed. <br />
<br />
And when I could vote, I considered it my patriotic duty to voice my opinion through my ballots.<br />
<br />
Does one vote ultimately matter? Can one vote really make a big difference and make my voice heard?<br />
<br />
Not really, in my opinion, as 1/191,000 is not even remotely significant. But I thought of it this way: It is my right to vote democratically, and by expressing my opinion, I have a right to complain. You do not vote, you did not have a right to complain about the electoral process or the results of it.<br />
<br />
I have since come to realize the errors in that statement, but it was a while ago, so forgive the touch of ignorance in that statement.<br />
<br />
I began to pay more and more attention to the media, outside of election time and during big events, once I began my time pursuing my Masters of Journalism. I figured that while I was learning how to be a journalist, I should watch and listen to the pros.<br />
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After about a year to 18 months, I stopped watching the nightly news on a regular basis because of the content. I was angry that most of the newscast was devoted to either scaring the audience or simply telling them what to feel. Be wary of this, be scared of this happening, etc...<br />
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It just became far too depressing.<br />
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I still read numerous newspapers every day, but I stay away from the standard nightly newscast.<br />
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And this clip, from HBO's The Newsroom (which is one of the best shows I have ever seen), perfectly encapsulates why:<br />
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If only the real news were more like television, and isn't that just sad?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14078172037636957159noreply@blogger.com2