There's a treasure trove of programming on YouTube. Many shows I remember fondly have ended up there. On subbing-free Wednesdays, I'll present a random video that I loved back in the day. Some of these may not have aged all that well. If you have some time, come on and take a trip down memory lane with me.
The Day the Universe Changed. When I saw various episodes on PBS as a teen, I remembered how much I had enjoyed science back when I was a kid. It's one of the reasons I majored in physics in college.
It's a show about the history of science. It takes some "modern" concept (the show came out in 1985, so now their modern is 30 years out of date) and traces how it came to our understanding. Many times, it's almost a miracle that we know anything at all.
What I loved about this show was how funny it was. At least, I found it funny in how various ironies played out. James Burke had a way of describing things (in that very British way) to highlight how very human the scientific process can be.
Once upon a time I wanted to get all of these episodes on video, then DVD. Now, some are on YouTube.
(Turns out that I can buy this now. Isn't the internet grand?)
This episode is titled "Infinitely Reasonable", and it's one of the reasons that my blog title resonated with me. (I can't say it's why I started calling my blog Laws of Gravity, but it was definitely a contributing factor.) It's 45 minutes, but it passes fast if you enjoy this sort of thing.
I adore James Berke! What a joy he's still active. is the leading figure in the development of the Knowledge Web, to be the digital realization of his books and television programmes, and which will allow the user to travel through history and create his or her own connections (quoted directly off the Wikipedia article) plus a mobile app called 'Connections'. Be well, my dear!
ReplyDeleteOops. I didn't read that before posting. ~grin~ I left out "He" before the quote. Anyway...
DeleteHe's done some interesting and different stuff since TDTUC.
DeleteI think I remember that show. Isn't it awesome you can find shows on YouTube, NetFlix, and Amazon now? Although I admit I buy fewer sets now since I can see them for free anytime.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to check this out when I have more time; have never heard of James Berke or this show.
ReplyDeletebetty
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
ReplyDeleteSo true.
Delete"Many times, it's almost a miracle that we know anything at all."
ReplyDeleteIsn't that the truth.
This show sounds like something my significant other would love. I'll have to tell him about it. Also, I love the title of that episode.
Yup, I enjoy this sort of thing. Definitely going to have to watch that at some point.
ReplyDeleteWill give this a watch when I get home!! :)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely worth your time.
DeleteI haven't heard of this show before, but it looks fascinating (I don't have 45 mins to spare, sadly but I made it a third of the way through).
ReplyDeleteI remember watching this on the BBC back in the day. I've got about half way through this episode and will come back to it - definitely worth a look! By the way, I have just noticed in your right-hand panel, "Student Name of the Week". Da Dream? You're kidding, right?!
ReplyDeleteKidding? Not at all. She's an interesting girl, doesn't stand out too much in class, but she can talk. I take it you missed my theme from the last couple weeks. Annointed... It was truly bizarre to hear that as a name called across a room (another student called to him for some reason).
DeleteThanks for sharing. Shall watch this for sure.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely worth your time.
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