Had to get there for about 9am when it was opening at 10am because it was sold out and they only had about 50 extra tickets. There was a choice of lectures and presentations from two different theatres. We spent most of the day in Theatre two.
The Hero of the Zero - Fame lab Winner Tom Whyntie talks humorously about the Large Hadron Collider. He explains why finding nothing in this very expensive on-going project may turn out to be a very exciting and helpful result after all. This was a very informative and at times, rather funny look at science and the intentions behind this project. The possible outcomes we explained with honesty and genuine appreciation for all perspectives. A great start and I now understand quite a bit more with regards to what they're actually doing!
The Lying Ape - Brian King and Harry Witchel reveal the amount of deceit that surrounds us. These two, very sadistic men spend the first part of the lecture informing us how necessary and crucial lies are to holding our society together. Social lubrication I believe they refer to it as. THEN! They spend the second part of the lecture telling us how to spot a lie. What the hell are they thinking?? Interesting in places but they didn't go into too much depth with the concept which was a little disappointing, was expecting a little more. But still, a very interesting talk.
The Top 10 Bonkers thins about the universe - This was the main reason I came along to the festival. To meet Marcus Chown. Marcus is without a doubt one of my favourite authors. Having read "The universe next door" "The never ending days of being dead" and "We need to talk about Kelvin" I am always blown away with how interesting he can make certain concepts, but mostly, how accessible and easy to understand Marcus makes some of the heavier, more complicated science. Marcus gave his talk and I was able to chat with him for a while afterwards while he signed books. He is a very modest and humble man, far too humble in my opinion! I asked Marcus a few questions about his knowledge of Anthony's work and was surprised he knew so little. I gave him as much of a summary as one can give in a few minutes and we discussed several other things such as consciousness and it's effect on time and quantum variables. I must say It was a real pleasure to meet Marcus and I hope at some point he'll have the time to look at Anthony's work and drop by on the forum.
Science Story - Michael Moesly's BBC2 series, Science Story, gives us a summary of the evolution of scientific theory focusing mainly on Newton and Hooke. A very polished speaker (obviously) and great to listen to. He gave a great analysis of the famous apple falling from a tree story which has been amplified throughout the centuries because of its very reductionist appeal to years of hard work. Our society really is all about instant gratification forever isn't it.
Climbing the tree of Physics - Three young scientists (including Tom from the first talk) discuss how different branches of scientific theory need to come together to explain different things. I was expecting a lot more from this talk, we ducked out early of Michael Mosely's talk to come see this, not sure why. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't as good as it should have been. Had I known about the last talk we were going to we would have ducked out early from this one too.
The Miller's Tale - Ben Miller is interviewed by Steve Mould about abandoning a PHD in quantum electro-dynamics for a career in TV. As well as fronting Armstrong and Miller he writes on science and takes place in science programmes. Ben discussed the struggle to include some science sketches in his shows, the idiocy of Homeopaths and his interest in the future of science. The night before we came here I had a fairly early night. I could have put on 1 out of 200 old videos full of old TV shows I had recorded but by some strange coincidence I put on Paul Merton the series from about 10 years ago. In some of these sketches was of course, Ben Miller. I stayed behind afterwards to chat with him which was a real bonus to finish the day on. He was very impressed that this was pointed out as he said this was his first ever job in t.v. We discussed the brilliance of Paul Merton. I pointed out how wonderful it is when Paul Merton starts any sentence on Have I got news for you with the words "Is it....(this)" or "is it.....(that)" which was appreciated and agreed with. Look out for his new book, if it's named "From infinity to one" I would like a bit of credit, in fact, all of it! I was tempted to ask him for some tips in blending science and stand-up but I didn't want to ruin the moment by becoming "that guy" = A giant man whore.
A fantastic day out for £10!! Shall definitely be going next year.
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