The last time I had mentioned the Higgs boson in connection with the naming of the particle. But what is the Higgs boson? Particle physics is hard to comprehend because it deals with the extremely small. We, middle-sized creatures, are not equipped to comprehend the infinitesimally small or the infinitely large. Moreover, them itty-bitty things lie in the domain of quantum mechanics — which according to Feynman, if you believe you understand QM then it means that you actually don’t. QM is useful but incomprehensible. Thus, human comprehension is not a precondition for human utility. Also, although there’s little utility in it, attempting to comprehend advances in high energy physics can be fun. So here’s something just for fun.
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Fun Stuff
Visual Perception Lessons
Our brains create the what we observe the world to be. A pretty awesome set of lessons on visual perception from the Mind Lab. Start with “Lesson 1: Illusion of an Uninterrupted World” by clicking on the thumbnail picture. The second lesson is on “Constructing a 3-D World from 2-D Images.” The next lesson is “Visual Interpretation of the Physical World.” And finally, “Perception beyond Sensory Input.” The web is amazing. There’s so much out there to learn. Have a fun weekend.
May I have a large container of coffee
That could be the mnemonic for 3.1415926, the first few digits of pi. Have a happy pi day (3/14) and contemplate Euler’s identity.
Accordion, Vivaldi, and Sand Animation
And now for something entirely different. Accordion, Vivaldi, and Sand Animation.
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A Favorite video from YouTube Play: “Lucky by All India Radio”
Go check out the videos shortlisted for playing at YouTube Play celebration event at the Guggenheim Museum. What’s that?
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First of May
First of May always reminds me of that song. It is one of my all-time favorite love songs. And like the best love songs, it is exquisitely sad. Continue reading
