The “True Nature of the Force” is Way More Complicated Than You Think It started off pretty simple—there was a young man who wanted to become an agent of good, like his father before him. He would use a mystical energy known as “the Force” to become powerful enough to defeat darkness. Once he did, the universe would be restored to its balanced state, freedom would spread throughout the galaxy, and all would be well. But you know what? Balance is not good triumphing over evil. While George Lucas may have based the general outline of Star Wars on western mythology, the Force itself resembles faiths and spiritual ideas from all over the world from Zen Buddhism and Taoism to audio fragments from an Arthur Lipsett film in 1963. For the record, Lucasfilm has stated officially (in the Power of the Jedi sourcebook) that the “correct” philosophy where the Force is concerned is the one held up by the Jedi Order in the prequels. So let’s actually consider how the Force seems to operate in the Star Wars universe. And this right here?
Here's what fruits and vegetables looked like before we domesticated them Next time you bite into a slice of watermelon or a cob of corn, consider this: these familiar fruits and veggies didn't always look and taste this way. Genetically modified foods, or GMOs, inspire strong reactions nowadays, but humans have been tweaking the genetics of our favourite produce for millennia. While GMOs may involve splicing genes from other organisms (such as bacteria) to give plants desired traits – like resistance to pests, selective breeding is a slower process whereby farmers select and grow crops with those traits over time. From bananas to eggplant, here are some of the foods that looked totally different before humans first started growing them for food. Wild watermelon Alvaro/Wikimedia Commons This 17th-century painting by Giovanni Stanchi depicts a watermelon that looks strikingly different from modern melons, as Vox points out. Modern watermelon Scott Ehardt/Wikimedia Wild banana Genetic Literacy Project Modern banana Domiriel/Flickr Creative Commons Wild eggplant Wild carrot
Attic Loft In Stockholm, Sweden - Part 1 Attic Loft In Stockholm, Sweden. Here is another gorgeous rooftop retrofit from one of the many the generous attics of the old city of Stockholm. The modern and stylish house offers an open floor plan with windows that give plenty of daylight. Via house idea — Melina Divani Melina Divani is the owner and creator of Decoholic.org. Practical Physics This website is for teachers of physics in schools and colleges. It is a collection of experiments that demonstrate a wide range of physical concepts and processes. Some of the experiments can be used as starting-points for investigations or for enhancement activities. Many have links to carefully selected further reading and all include information and guidance for technicians. Physics is a practical science. Good quality, appropriate physics experiments and investigations are the key to enhanced learning, and clarification and consolidation of theory. We have published a new set of resources to support the teaching of practical science for Key Stages 3-5.
22 Killer Personal Development Resources You're Missing Out On You’ve got the personal development itch once again. You know the feeling. Maybe you want to be more productive, finally tackle that goal of yours, or start waking up earlier. So you go to Google or your favorite personal development blogs. Maybe if you still haven’t found what you’re looking for you try searching for a Youtube video or ask your Facebook friends if they know of any good sites. And that’s it. Sometimes you find what you need, but you still have a sense that there’s got to be more. And that’s where you get stuck. Today I hope to change that by sharing with you 22 of the killer personal development resources you’re missing out on. 1. I know, you thought Reddit was just for gamers, atheists, and students – but that’s a misconception. 2. Mindbloom.com is a nifty personal development web application. 3. Lately, it seems there have been hundreds of eLearning websites popping up across the web. 4. 6. Stumbleupon is another excellent resource for personal development. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Open Source Physics Computational Resources for Teaching The OSP Collection provides curriculum resources that engage students in physics, computation, and computer modeling. Computational physics and computer modeling provide students with new ways to understand, describe, explain, and predict physical phenomena. Browse the OSP simulations or learn more about our tools and curriculum pieces below. Tracker The Tracker tool extends traditional video analysis by enabling users to create particle models based on Newton's laws. Learn more about Tracker Curriculum Packages OSP curriculum packages combine computer simulations with tutorial materials and student worksheets. Browse curriculum resources by topic and learn how to customize packages Featured Curriculum Package Ghostly Images JS Package The Ghostly Images Package contains Javascript models and worksheets for 1D kinematics to illustrate the connection between motion diagrams ("ghostly images") and position-time plots. EJS Modeling Learn more about EJS Tools
Scientific Speed Reading: How to Read 300% Faster in 20 Minutes (Photo: Dustin Diaz) How much more could you get done if you completed all of your required reading in 1/3 or 1/5 the time? Increasing reading speed is a process of controlling fine motor movement—period. This post is a condensed overview of principles I taught to undergraduates at Princeton University in 1998 at a seminar called the “PX Project.” I have never seen the method fail. The PX Project The PX Project, a single 3-hour cognitive experiment, produced an average increase in reading speed of 386%. It was tested with speakers of five languages, and even dyslexics were conditioned to read technical material at more than 3,000 words-per-minute (wpm), or 10 pages per minute. If you understand several basic principles of the human visual system, you can eliminate inefficiencies and increase speed while improving retention. First, several definitions and distinctions specific to the reading process: You do not read in a straight line, but rather in a sequence of saccadic movements (jumps).
125 Great Science Videos: From Astronomy to Physics & Psychology Astronomy & Space Travel A Brief, Wondrous Tour of Earth (From Outer Space) - Video - Recorded from August to October, 2011 at the International Space Station, this HD footage offers a brilliant tour of our planet and stunning views of the aurora borealis.A Universe from Nothing - Video - In 53 minutes, theoretical physicist Lawrence Krauss answers some big enchilada questions, including how the universe came from nothing.A Year of the Moon in 2.5 Minutes - Video - The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has been orbiting the moon for over a year. The footage gets compressed into 2 slick minutes.A Day on Earth (as Seen From Space) - Video - Astronaut Don Pettit trained his camera on planet Earth, took a photo once every 15 seconds, and then created a brilliant time-lapse film.Atlantis's Final Landing at Kennedy Space Center - Video - After more than 30 years, the space shuttle era comes to a close. Video runs 30 minutes. Physics Biology & Chemistry Environment, Geology and & Ecology
ANIME DOCTOR WHO! - Timey Wimey Awesome - Geek Week The Psychology, Biology and Politics of Food Professor Kelly D. Brownell, James Rowland Angell Professor of Psychology and Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health Description This course encompasses the study of eating as it affects the health and well-being of every human. Texts Main Texts Brownell, Kelly D. and Katherine B. Pollan, Michael. Course Packet Anton, Anthony and Lane Hoss. Beckman, Mary. Berman, Richard. Bittman, Mark. Brownell, Kelly D. and David S. Brownell, Kelly D. and Derek Yach. Brownell, Kelly D. and Marion Nestle. Brownell, Kelly D. and Robert R. Brownell, Kelly D. and Walter C. Casagrande, Sarah S., Youfa Wang, Cheryl Anderson and Tiffany L. Council of Better Business Bureaus. Darmon, Nicole and Adam Drewnowski. Davies, W. Eaton, Boyd S. Faiola, Anthony. Falbe, Jennifer L. and Marion Nestle. Gearhardt, Ashley N., William R. Hamm, Michael W. Horrigan, Leo, Robert S. Institute of Medicine. Jenkins, David J.A., Cyril W.C. Kersh, Rogan and James A. Kher, Unmesh. Kluger, Jeffrey. Lappe, Frances M. Mead, Margaret.
Marvel Super Heroes: What The--?! GEEK WEEK