This artist must be driving physicists bonkers. He certainly doesn't understand string theory, nor does he particularly want to; he likes his "silk and gold dust" version of quantum mechanics just fine.
I approve heartily of any efforts to make science seem more available to the public. It's great that physics has so captured Keats' imagination. However, something doesn't seem quite right about his glib, bizarre conglomeration of ideas. He comes across as a little unclear about the realities of both science and real estate.
The part of this piece that shines is the interview with the customer who bought extradimensional real estate. He was a very fortunate choice as an interviewee: an ordinary guy with a great sense of humor. His wisecracks will stay with the listener much longer than Keats' airy pronouncements.
Levinson tells aspiring novel writers exactly what they don't want to hear: successful writing isn't about glamour, accoutrements, and inspiration. That night out with your friends does not mean your mind will be clearer and your ideas fresher the next day - it just means another night spent not writing. What makes this piece more than inspirational fluff is its universality - it's not about novels, it's about the near-impossibility of pursuing any dream in the face of everyday life. I found it simultaneously depressing and inspiring. It's a well-done piece, but I wouldn't want to hear it while driving to work in the morning.
Comment for
"NatureWatch 12/18 - 12/22/06" (deleted)
As a former elementary school science teacher, I have a weakness for anything that takes everyday phenomena way back to basics and delivers a straight-up explanation. The "Winter Solstice" piece (12/22/06) dispels one of the most pervasive pieces of scientific disinformation: that seasons are caused by the Earth being "closer" or "farther away from" the sun. Hopefully, though, the fact that seasons come from the Earth's tilt instead of its orbit shape isn't news to most listeners... I would worry that this piece aimed almost too low. However, it's short and contemplative enough that it doesn't seem as condescending as it might.
Comments by Molly Wilson
Comment for "Speculations: Real Estate meets String Theory"
Molly Wilson
Posted on December 13, 2006 at 05:15 AM | Permalink
Review of Speculations: Real Estate meets String Theory
This artist must be driving physicists bonkers. He certainly doesn't understand string theory, nor does he particularly want to; he likes his "silk and gold dust" version of quantum mechanics just fine.
I approve heartily of any efforts to make science seem more available to the public. It's great that physics has so captured Keats' imagination. However, something doesn't seem quite right about his glib, bizarre conglomeration of ideas. He comes across as a little unclear about the realities of both science and real estate.
The part of this piece that shines is the interview with the customer who bought extradimensional real estate. He was a very fortunate choice as an interviewee: an ordinary guy with a great sense of humor. His wisecracks will stay with the listener much longer than Keats' airy pronouncements.
Comment for "How To Write a Novel - a 3-minute primer"
Molly Wilson
Posted on December 13, 2006 at 04:51 AM | Permalink
Review of How To Write a Novel - a 3-minute primer
Levinson tells aspiring novel writers exactly what they don't want to hear: successful writing isn't about glamour, accoutrements, and inspiration. That night out with your friends does not mean your mind will be clearer and your ideas fresher the next day - it just means another night spent not writing. What makes this piece more than inspirational fluff is its universality - it's not about novels, it's about the near-impossibility of pursuing any dream in the face of everyday life. I found it simultaneously depressing and inspiring. It's a well-done piece, but I wouldn't want to hear it while driving to work in the morning.
Comment for "NatureWatch 12/18 - 12/22/06" (deleted)
Molly Wilson
Posted on December 13, 2006 at 04:11 AM
Review of NatureWatch 12/18 - 12/22/06 (deleted)
As a former elementary school science teacher, I have a weakness for anything that takes everyday phenomena way back to basics and delivers a straight-up explanation. The "Winter Solstice" piece (12/22/06) dispels one of the most pervasive pieces of scientific disinformation: that seasons are caused by the Earth being "closer" or "farther away from" the sun. Hopefully, though, the fact that seasons come from the Earth's tilt instead of its orbit shape isn't news to most listeners... I would worry that this piece aimed almost too low. However, it's short and contemplative enough that it doesn't seem as condescending as it might.