Blog Archives
A Funny Thing Happened with Pluto
(CBC News/NASA)
While researchers have no direct evidence of the object, they did see strange perturbations in the orbits of objects deep in the Kuiper Belt — the group of icy bodies in Pluto’s part of space — that seem to suggest the existence of a planet one to 10 times more massive than Earth that orbits the sun every 10,000 to 20,000 years.
–Miriam Kramer, “How to name the possible ninth planet in our solar system,” Mashable
This deep-space discovery/observation is an exciting revelation. The universe continues to surprise us in ways that reinvigorate our sense of exploration. Looking up at the stars at night, flickering at distances that seem deceptively close is an experience in itself. To read today that, potentially, a ninth planet in our solar system may be been spotted behind the curtain of space should make anyone’s mind expand to new horizons.
In a cool way, this discovery validates the incredible space journey depicted in the space operatic epic Interstellar from 2014. Without revealing any spoilers, one of the planets they visit (as seen in the trailer) is covered in ice with relentlessly freezing temperatures. And, as mentioned in the quote above, the potential new planet would likely have similar conditions. Not even opening the debate to whether or not astronauts could one day step foot on this planet-like discovery, one of the important first questions to ask is how long would it take to travel through space to Pluto and into its orbit?
The most advanced propulsion systems we have today [2015] require 10 to 15 years to deliver a 1.6-kilogram (3.5 lbs.) spacecraft into Pluto orbit.
–Tim DeBenedictis, “What Would It Take to Send People to Pluto?” Space.com
Whether or not we this mysterious planet-like mirror of Earth is deemed a planet, the fact that this is a scientific debate and that manned missions to Mars and Pluto are being considered with various scenarios and logistics spells an ambitious future for humans.
Or a doomed future for the people of Earth.
Hopefully, Interstellar isn’t entirely accurate in this regard.
Also, Goofy could work as a name for this prospective planet hanging around Pluto.
Why not have a sense of humor about this that’s literally out of this world?
Zooming Through the Looking Glass
The next several months could redefine the future of transportation in the 21st century.
The startup company Hyperloop Technologies — which takes its name from Elon Musk’s proposed invention but has no direct connection to him — announced today that it will build a test track for the ultra-fast transportation service in North Las Vegas, Nevada…The company plans to test its custom designed electric motor to speeds of up to 540 km/hour (about 335 mph) on a 1 km (about 0.62 miles) long track.
—, “The Hyperloop Will Begin Testing in Nevada in 2016”
Airfares continue to increase and flying attire and attitude have become far too casual, trains have limited rail systems and nobody wants to use (or at least admit) that they’ve traveled on a Greyhound bus. Like energy, alternatives to traveling from Point A to Point B are actively being explored. The Hyperloop is just the latest example that proves innovation is where the brightest future resides.
The consequence of living in a minute-to-minute (even second-to-second) society has undeniably reached the transportation sector. People crave immediacy.
Here is a video illustration of future travel that would break the (speed) limits as we know them today.
Ladies and gentlemen: The Hyperloop.
If the forthcoming tests during the first part of next year are positive for this Jetsons-like method of conveyance, the public’s reaction and inquiry will be aimed directly at Hyperloop’s team at 100 miles per hour.
Well, technically 335 miles per hour.
Science’s Super Sitcom Septuplet
“The Big Bang Theory” has one of the best (if not the best) ensemble casts on television today. From the original gang of Howard, Leonard, Penny, Raj and Sheldon (don’t overreact Sheldon, it’s alphabetical), the past 6 1/2 seasons have proven that each character is capable of individually and collaboratively spurring terrific fits of laughter for hilarious entertainment.
In recent seasons, the show has successfully incorporated the love of Howard Wolowitz’s life, Bernadette, the slightly clumsy microbiologist, and Sheldon’s girlfriend and Penny’s BFF Amy Farrah Fowler (TVs Blossom!) into the mix as regulars.
7 (+ or -) an ever-changing value of comedic variables has become known as “The Big Bang Theory’s” Law.
And then there are the outrageously funny and mindful mothers. The dynamic of Leonard and Sheldon being the perfect son for the other person’s Mom is thoroughly enjoyable to watch. Plus, Raj’s parents cannot be ignored. However, the two of them seem to be preferring the opposite these days regarding their marriage…
It’s probably a safe bet that two of the biggest surprises yet to come in this series center on Howard and debuting his Wheel of Fortune-genius Mother to the public and identifying his absent Father and his actual back story.
The former will be funny for sure (so there are two CBS sitcoms that focus in some way on hiding the identity of a mother?), while the latter will bring emotional tears to everyone’s eyes. But these two mysteries won’t be solved or happening for years to come.
Whether it’s Wil Wheaton (“Wheaton!!”), reluctant comic book store owner Stuart or Penny’s former boyfriend/karaoke singing maestro Zach, the roster is deep for the CBS King of Sitcoms. The character lineup for “The Big Bang Theory” is equivalent to the periodic table, which has all the elements you need and, thankfully, has not been fully disclosed yet to the audience. There is still a lot more show left and many more elements to mix into this batch of hilarity.
Plus, we cannot forget about Dr. George Smoot, Bill Nye the Science Guy, Bob Newhart and this guy named Stephen Hawking.
That’s not too bad a list of guest stars (yes Sheldon, that’s sarcasm).
As is usually the case for popular sitcoms, the goofy, complementary characters tend to develop into audience favorites with funny, zany quirks (Nicolas Cage anyone?) and outrageous double entendre one-liners that only Raj can deliver with absolute comedic precision.
Spoiler Alert Warning!
The episode from last night ended with one of the interactive qualities that has resulted from the show’s popularity and clever writing: must-have merchandise! First, it was a singing Soft Kitty (My Mom can attest that it’s awesome). Then, it was the red “Bazinga!” t-shirt, Howard’s belt buckles, etc. However, as mentioned above, the best item may have premiered yesterday evening around 9:29 p.m. EST in the show’s closing moments. In the form of an apology to best bud Howard, Raj debuted to the world light-wait for it (yes, this CBS sitcom crossover reference totally works here)…saber belt buckles that glow in the dark!
The awkward double entendre moment between happily clueless Raj and cognizant Howard was priceless!
Here are the two questions that need to be asked: How comically perfect are Howard and Raj? And second, when will those glowing light saber belt buckles be for sale!?
From creative belt buckles to a trademarked three-knock protocol to new favorite characters, “The Big Bang Theory” continues to evolve with a bigger bang each week.
Like students in science class, the sitcom’s millions of fans anxiously await for the teacher or professor to perform his or her next entertaining experiment. There’s a certain unpredictable chemical imbalance going on in Pasadena and it feels great to watch those elements shake around in the beaker every Thursday night at 8:00 p.m. on CBS.
P.S. One more important inquiry: Anyone else notice Penny’s last name has never been revealed…
Jimmy's Daily Planet 