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Professor Boren,

              

             I have come to realize during the course of this semester something that I could have never imagined. Cockroaches are a very important part of our planets history. While the media and different cultures have given them a "gross" connotation they are no different then many of the other creatures on planet earth. Cockroaches should be given a much larger level of respect and understanding for they have been among the select few creatures that have been living on this planet for much of its duration. There is something about these insects that allows them to survive and adapt to the hardships of the world. This quality can only be found in a small number of other earthlings (i.e. crocodiles). It is for this reason that I am writing this email in support of the cockroach statue on campus. Such a statue will raise awareness of these creatures and the great significance behind their history. Raising awareness of cockroaches and the way our culture portrays them versus what is real may also lead to other levels of awareness throughout science and our society. I believe this is much needed and hope to see one in the near future. 

                                                                  Sincerely, 

                                                                                 Joseph Tempesta

Roommate problems...

Arriving at home to the unanticipated sight of a wet lab would leave me with mixed emotions. First, knowing my roommate it would probably be for some outrageous research involving the most dangerous of ideas but we will leave that aside. Second (with the intelligence and safety of the person aside), I would be immediately intrigued and completely open to help. The ideas laid out in "Biopunk" make absolute sense in my eyes… the more minds the merrier. 

I can only hope that such an idea will spread to many other aspects of life and the world we live in. When you have a small number of specialized minds working on a subject they seem to get skewed a bit (ironic I know). I believe that the specialized nature in which one may work slightly hinders the view of the topic as a whole. Also, when a small (specialized) number of people are the only ones to see and understand a subject it causes inevitable bias. Their own benefit is the first in mind and can direct their thoughts in ways that are less beneficial to people as a whole. We can't blame a person for it nor can we say we would act different in the same situation, but if you allow and encourage a greater (eclectic) number of people to look at the same topic you lower the possibility of bias.  

Fantasy and the Supernatural

When it comes to the fantasy and the supernatural it is hard for anyone to deny that it is entertaining. For me personally I enjoy watching movies that stretch the point of reality for the simple fact that they are entertaining. Fantasy movies are a way for people to expand their creativity and branch out past technologies of everyday life. Creativity, to me, is an important aspect of life and I wish I had more of it. Not only does is provide enjoyment it can take people away from the stress of the world and delve into the wonderful world of (enter your favorite fantasy). In my experience, I find that the most creative people have a greater capacity for knowledge and a greater ability to make connections throughout everyday life. 

Part of me does think that too much fantasy can be hurtful and take away from reality but that is definitely not to say it is a bad thing. There is a reason for everything and I believe that fantasy, the supernatural, science fiction, and reality all play off of each other and make each that much more important. 

The inevitable future

In 1939 the world was at the forefront of a technological era never before seen. With newly developed cars, telegraphs, and radios people were able to travel and communicate at the fastest rate in history. The prediction of the "Radio Controlled Farm of The Future" was one that stuck out to me in The Wonderful Future That Never Was. During this time agriculture was a huge industry in the United States and, like everything else, was happening exponentially faster. I think the idea of one man controlling the entire farm and all of its machinery from a stationary position is awesome even in today’s standards. While we have giant machines that make life on the farm much easier, there is still nothing this efficient. Most farms don’t even pack, can, and ship the product from the same place as they harvest it. The downside to such an invention… It would make some of the least lazy people of today’s world extremely lazy! 

The next prediction that stood our for me was the "Periodic Checkups By Computers." Very recently I noticed an article in an online paper talking about medical implants that monitor your body and can be scanned by computers at the hospital or doctors office. To me, I can't believe such an item is neither available nor possible! It makes me slightly uneasy, as anything foreign actually inside my body seems sketchy (for lack of a better word), but at the same time the simplicity/convenience factor makes such "chips" very intriguing. The people of the early/mid 20th century had great insight to predict such technologies of the future. 

Science Fact or Science Fiction... And Why?

The World’s Fair has always been an interesting topic to me. The time in history in which it developed, following the depression.  By the early 1900’s America had really developed into a solid and lasting country. And now (1939) had survived its first economic depression. The World’s Fair in New York focused on “Building the world of tomorrow” and “peace through understanding.” These themes were an attempt to bring about worldwide peace and collaboration. Technological advancements and the futuristic influences have always been apart of the world fairs.

Although many of the assumptions/predictions, if you will, of the World Fair in 1939 were surprisingly accurate, the overall portrayal of the future seemed more science fiction than fact.  The names of the dividing sectors of “democracity” for one give the immediate outlook of a fictional story. “Centerton, Millville, and pleasantville,” to me, sound like cities in I-Robot or a Sunday morning cartoon.  There are many points in the pamphlet where the portrayal of the world becomes to perfect for any person to fully accept. “You will miss the slums, and all the crime that breeds in the slums, all the nervous discomfort of overgrown cities and the smoky air and the dark rooms and sunless streets and the noise, you will miss all these....” Such description, implying that “democracity” will put an end to poverty and slums is only possible in the world of Willy Wonka where chocolate flows from waterfalls. Don’t get me wrong the ideas of the World Fair are intriguing to me and I do understand such rhetoric is in fact the point of the World Fair but we’re talking about science fiction not fact.

On the other hand Orson Wells and the “War of the Worlds” broadcast, which to me is far more fictional of a story then the ideas portrayed at the World Fair, seemed to deliver a feel of science fact and reality. People in the 18^th and 19^th century dramatically increased the study of astronomy and greatly increased the question of extraterrestrial life. This continued through the early 20^th century as technology continued to grow.

In 1938 the Orson Wells broadcast hit the radios of homes all across the country. Starting as what seemed to be a public service announcement he grabbed the attention of radio listeners everywhere (don’t forget this was a time before TV). Many Americans received their news from the radio broadcasts and when the “War of the Worlds” story came through many took it for just that. The fact aspect of the broadcast was greatly increased by the projection more than the story itself. It reminds me of the “moon hoax.” When news of such magnitude is given in a serious matter it is inevitable that some will take it for truth, no matter how far fetched or outrageous. When the news fits into the cultural questions and beliefs the number of believers increases dramatically and that is exactly what happened here.

            

Benjamin Franklin

http://www.npg.si.edu/exh/franklin/chamber.htm

For the Fred Jones Jr. Museum I chose to display a portrait of Benjamin Franklin. He is a well known man of science and the history of the United States. Benjamin Franklin explored a large range of talents including music, science, and the founding of a nation. I find him most interesting because of his wide range of talents and endeavors. Everything from music to the founding of a nation, Benjamin Franklin worked elegantly to perfect them all. 

In this photo Franklin is shown in what seems to be mid thought listening to the signal bells beside his chair. We all know Franklin to have invented electricity with a kite and key. Here, outside his window, shows yet another electrical invention of his known as the lightning rod. He uses this invention to direct the electricity into his house, allowing him to experiment with the electrical energy. The bells, noticed by his chair, were used to signal the connection of lightning to the pole. Along with his experiments the lighting rod was used to protect peoples homes. In the 1700's electrical fires were a great cause of house fires so Franklin came up with an idea to redirect the electricity into the ground, rather than the home. The rod, pointed to the sky, was connected to a cable that stretched from the pole deep into the ground. The lightning was thus attracted to the pole and (hopefully) not the house and lives were protected. 

I enjoy this portrait for the fact that it encompases much of, what I believe to be, Franklins persona. It shows his elegance, intelligence, and lack of fear all in the name of science and his beliefs. Benjamin Franklin is an important figure to understand. Whether it be his scientific endeavors or his political influence, his donations to our current society and that of the future hinge largely upon the research and knowledge he has bestowed upon us.

Einstein

http://curiousphotos.blogspot.com/2009/01/albert-einstein-63-rare-unseen-pics.html

       











          This picture of Einstein stuck out to me due to the usual serious nature in which I picture Einstein. When talking about the extreme knowledge and impact his work had on science itself it, to me, it is releaving to see him in such a relaxed mannor. It shows that Einstein, below his wealth of knowledge, is a normal man with a great passion. While his intelligence is obvious his ability to goof off makes room for the average person to connect with him.
          Science is a very tedious subject to study. Filled with bonds, chemical formulas, and fusing atoms it takes a special mind to find interest in such studys. For such a serious and impactful subject there seems to be no room for anything less then the most serious of scientists. When you are talking about less than a one percent margin of error any amount of mistakes are crucial. The picture of Eintein however shows that even in the most serious of subjects and feilds of study that one must find room for relaxation or room for humor. I believe that even the slightest laugh or joke greatly helps the minds ability to think further and without it anyone would go crazy.
         Behind the serious nature of scientists themselves lies a world of laughter and humor. No one has to be serious all the time and Einstien proves it. He is arguably the most influencial man in the history of science. If he can joke around and make funny faces, so can everyone else.