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GoodNewsBroadcast uploaded a new video
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When you sit down to watch television or go to the movies, you don't have to look far to see science and engineering hard at work. It's in the high...
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When you sit down to watch television or go to the movies, you don't have to look far to see science and engineering hard at work. It's in the high-tech gadgets used to analyze crime scene evidence, the medicine developed to stop the spread of disease, amazing super powers and phenomenal fight scenes -- it's everywhere. But, have you ever wondered how Hollywood gets it right?
Individuals and families can learn about the science behind Hollywood's crime dramas, superhero feats, medical shows and special effects at the USA Science & Engineering Festival, hosted by Lockheed Martin — the nation's largest celebration of science and engineering that will take place April 28-29, 2012 in Washington, D.C. The festival will feature exhibits, performances and appearances by scientists and organizations that work closely with Hollywood film and TV producers to make sure that they are portraying science and engineering realistically.
One of those organizations is The Science & Entertainment Exchange, a program of the National Academy of Science that puts the likes of Nobel Prize winners on speed dial for Hollywood TV and film producers. "Since we've started, we've facilitated more than 350 consults -- an average of 2 to 3 each week -- for movies like Iron Man 2, TRON: Legacy, Thor, Green Lantern and the upcoming Disney film The Avengers, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive," said Ann Merchant, Deputy Executive Director for the Office of Communications for The National Academies. "We're not the accuracy police, more like the plausibility patrol -- it's not about making a movie a textbook, but we do try to make sure that there are more realistic elements included in the stories on which we consult," continued Merchant.
Several performers at the USA Science and Engineering Festival will give participants the opportunity to experience the science of Hollywood up close and personal, including:
• Learning the science behind the wizardry of Harry Potter and the magic from Hogwart's Academy in demonstrations showing how science can make objects levitate or disappear, from San Diego State University Professor and former NSTA president, Dr. Alan McCormack.
• Simulating the rapid spread of the H1N1 virus through the Walter E. Washington Convention Center -- similar to the epidemic in the movie Contagion -- utilizing bar code and Quick Response (QR) tags as a surrogate for the virus, at an exhibit by the Virginia Bioinformatics Institute at Virginia Tech.
• Competing in robot battles like those seen in the movie Real Steel and operating various other robots throughout the festival, including the robotic tools used to find the Titanic on the ocean floor. Ocean exploration pioneer, David Gallo, discoverer of the Titanic is scheduled to appear at the Festival.
• Touring the vehicles that chase tornados and extreme weather in the popular reality show Storm Chasers. Dr. Josh Wurman, founder of the Center for Severe Weather Research, which operates the Doppler on Wheels (DOW) -- a mobile radar unit that observes tornadoes, hurricanes, wild fires and other phenomena from close range -- will give a talk and meet with fans.
• Exploring how scientists use technology to detect life on other planets and meeting Seth Shostak -- an alien chaser that the movie Contact was based upon.
• Meeting the inventor and inspiration for the Iron Man movies in which he makes a cameo appearance, Elon Musk, who also serves as CEO and chief technology officer of SpaceX, the producer of the Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 rockets.
A festival favorite, Jim Kakalios, will mesmerize the crowd with a presentation on the science of superheroes, explaining the plausibility and the scientific basis for super powers from all of our favorite comic books. Kakalios is the author of the Physics of Superheroes, a book that explains physics principles in an easy-to-understand and often humorous manner.
A physics professor at the University of Minnesota, Kakalios was connected to the filmmakers of The Watchmen by The Science & Entertainment Exchange to consult on the translation of the graphic novel to the big screen for the 2009 Warner Bros. film. He has also consulted for the recent film The Green Lantern and the upcoming film The Amazing Spider Man, in theaters next summer. "The real benefit for me is that I get to interact with fun, nice people [in Hollywood] who are turned on by ideas and they want to do their best to make it realistic," said Kakalios. "When I watch TV or films and I see them get it right, it's like catching a little inside joke. I appreciate it and hope that the audience will learn a little something about science."
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Secrets Every Consumer Should Know about Banking
America Saves Week was started in 2007 by the non-profit Consumer Federation of America to encourag...
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Secrets Every Consumer Should Know about Banking
America Saves Week was started in 2007 by the non-profit Consumer Federation of America to encourage consumers to adopt responsible saving strategies and to take a closer look at their finances. With all of the problems that have plagued the banking industry in recent years, this America Saves Weeks is also an opportune time for consumers to review banking services and their own personal financial situation. New rules and regulations have been instituted to protect consumers and more online options have made banking easier than ever. These changes have also produced many myths about the system, so on Feb. 21st we have finance and banking expert John Rosenfield available to shed some light on the many mysteries surrounding the banking industry, and how the rise of online banking options can help consumer literally protect their own "interest." Rosenfield will also discuss a new survey that sheds light on the banking concerns, fears and customer satisfaction of consumers. WHAT YOU WILL SEE & HEAR:
CHECKING CHOICES--How to choose the checking account that best fits your finances
DRAFT RELIEF--Consumers spend/waste $17.5 billion annually on overdraft loans
SAVING STRATEGIES--Using the latest software to save & relieve stress
Rosenfeld is Executive VP of Retail Deposits Product for TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank®. Prior to joining TD Bank in 2010, he was Managing Director, Online Engagement for TD Ameritrade. From 2001 through 2009, Rosenfeld served in several key leadership roles at Bank of America, including managing the Checking and Fee Income business, leading the International Treasury Services Group, and managing a division of over 500 banking centers.
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GoodNewsBroadcast uploaded a new video
(1 day ago)
Economists have told us that the recession ended in 2009, but most American's are still struggling to pay bills, sinking deeper in debt and taking ...
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Economists have told us that the recession ended in 2009, but most American's are still struggling to pay bills, sinking deeper in debt and taking their credit scores with it. And as the holiday season approaches some Americans are wondering how they're going to pay for holiday gifts without going deeper into debt.
To help, Wells Fargo has designated October as Smarter Credit Month, a time for Americans to really take control of their finances, and learn how to avoid some of the pitfalls that can lead to severe financial problems down the road.
Michelle Thornhill will offer tips on setting budgets that'll get you through the whole year. Many people have low credit scores due to making late payments, having too many current credit cards and spending more than you make. There are several ways to keep your credit in check:
- Pay bills on time
- Keep balances low
- Don't open new credit cards you don't need
- Pay off debt
- Develop a budget
- Save a percentage of every pay check
Through their Smarter Credit Center, Wells Fargo is encouraging consumers to learn how to understand their credit so they can begin to use their credit wisely and achieve their financial goals. The online site offers two-minute videos that will allow consumers to learn about important topics such as the 4 C's of Credit, Establishing and Improving Credit, and Protecting Credit by Preventing Identity Theft.
Michelle Thornhill is the Senior Vice President Diverse Segments at Wells Fargo. Michelle has 15 years of experience developing consumer initiatives for diverse audiences in the financial services and non-profit sector, and has traveled extensively, both domestically and internationally, in support of these goals. Michelle's educational credentials blend finance and public policy, with a BS in Family Financial Management from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a Master of Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.
Interview Source: Wells Fargo
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