Links for 2010-04-29

"Students who are thinking about sleeping late and skipping that morning class may have a new incentive to roll out of bed at one Arizona university this fall.

Northern Arizona University will install an electronic system that detects when each student with an ID card walks through the door to some large classrooms. The system will produce an attendance report for the instructor."

"One of the most fascinating archeological finds in Russia has been the discovery of hundreds of "birchbark documents" (messages written on the bark of birch trees with a sharp stylus) that were created from the 11th to the 15th century.

The birchbark documents of Novgorod are a major source for information about life in Medieval Novgorod because they are not the writings of church theologians or political leaders, but rather, personal messages, IOUs, love letters, shopping lists, and so on. One of the most fascinating items, in my mind, is a collection of children's drawings that have been unearthed. "

"Since March 30, when the LHC at CERN first collided protons at an unprecedented total energy of 7 TeV (7 trillion electron volts) the machine has been steadily moving from crawling to walking. Last Saturday, I'd say it took its first steps, and like any toddler, will soon be running. "

"Do you think Science is cool? Do you want to share your passion for science with others? Here is your chance to inspire thousands of people to be more curious, and to care about science & engineering the way you do: create a short video that explores the question "Why is Science Cool?"

We are seeking videos that are creative, surprising, and "contagious" in terms of spreading your enthusiasm about science to others. Videos might explore a scientific concept, show us the wonders of nature, give us a glimpse into the future, show us what scientific discovery has done for us in the past or will do for us in the future, introduce us to a great scientist or engineer, tell us why you think science is so cool or simply show us why we should care about science and/or engineering."

"Summer is coming, here in the northern hemisphere at least -- it's that whole "tilt of the axis of the planet" thing -- and with it comes the Summer Blockbuster Season, in which Hollywood rolls out its big guns in an attempt to lure you and your money into the movie theater to see stars and explosions and lasers and what not. So it's perhaps not entirely surprising that the other day I was asked which scifi films I was looking forward to this summer.

What was surprising -- at least to the person who asked me the question -- was my answer: "What science fiction films?" Because between the first of May to Labor Day, there's maybe one science fiction film coming out each month."