A helium atom walks into a bar. . .
July 21, 2009 | 11:03 am
Brian Malow is living proof that a science comedian can actually invoke laughs from his audience instead of groans (see his essay in last month’s symmetry ).
Malow also stays on top of current physics issues, such as the growing concern about a worldwide helium shortage. While researching a feature for the current issue of symmetry on the limited supply of helium on Earth and how a helium shortage would affect high-energy physics I came across a five-minute talk Malow gave on the subject.
As part of O’Reilly Media’s Ignite Show, a program with the slogan “Enlighten us, but make it quick,” Malow accepted the challenge to deliver a sharp, short, and witty talk on the world’s dwindling helium supply in front of a live audience.
The Ignite concept allows each presenter exactly five minutes and 20 slides to talk about some subject of “geek culture.” The slides are set to change every 15 seconds, whether a speaker is ready or not. This pushes some speakers to the edge of a furious babble to keep within the time limit. See how Malow is handling the pressure in his helium presentation:
If only more physics lectures were as fun as this one.
Check out other Ignite geek talks such as ”Boiling Water in 5 Steps (Using a Nuclear Reactor),” ”Building a Multiperson Pogo Stick,” and the “Guide to Geek Dating.” They are all available on the Ignite Web site, and a new talk is added every week.
An earlier symmetry blog by David Harris features more information on Malow and video clips of Malow in action.
Calla Cofield
Posted in Uncategorized |
2 Comments »
July 22nd, 2009 at 2:42 pm
The He-4 atom turns to the He-3 atom and says, “Have you lost weight?”
May 5th, 2011 at 4:00 pm
Couldn?t be written any better. Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!