BBC News has a report today on a conference held by CERN to bring science and religion together around the origins of the universe. It has some choice quotes including:

"Science in isolation is great for producing stuff, but not so good for producing ideas"

From Andrew Pinsent, and from Canon Dr Gary Wilton that the likely discovery of the Higgs boson:

"raised lots of questions [about the origins of the Universe] that scientists alone can't answer ... They need to explore them with theologians and philosophers"

Let me get this straight.

• The concept of atoms is first proposed by Demokritos in around 500 BC and realized by Dalton in 1808.

• Subatomic particles are discovered in the late 19th century, followed by Rutherford's gold foil experiment in 1907 demonstrating that an atom is mostly empty space.

• The Standard Model is built over decades including the proposal by Peter Higgs (and others) of the existence of the field and boson by which particles acquire mass.

• An expensive and extensive search by Fermilab and CERN eventually seems to have discovered the Higgs Boson.

A few highlights.

And after hundreds of years of theoretical and experimental physics it's somehow time to turn this one over to the pros?

Another quote from the conference, this time from Prof John Lennox:

"When Hawking argues, in support of his theory of spontaneous creation, that it was only necessary for 'the blue touch paper' to be lit to 'set the universe going', the question must be: where did this blue touch paper come from? And who lit it, if not God?"

Science may never have all the answers. It may not even be possible. But it's the only way to keep pushing back the boundaries. All the theologians have to offer is that they've discovered God, just outside the current resolution of our understanding. Ad nauseam. Bugger off. 

Add your comment...

Related Posts

• Was there ever any doubt that I would eventually write this post?
• Can I move to a Better Simulation Please?
• Extreme Environmentalism
• Fermi Suicide
• Have we Already Proved that the Simulation Hypothesis is False?

(All Etc Posts)

(Published to the Fediverse as: Religion's Kayne West Tendencies #etc #science #religion #higgs Should we bring science and religion together to probe our understanding of physics or should religion just bugger off? )

Looking down the barrel of the Ordoñez Gun at the Presidio of San Francisco.

The photograph titled "Ordoñez Gun" offers an intriguing perspective of looking down the barrel of a massive gun. The image guides the viewer's eye through the concentric rings of the barrel, drawing focus to a circular window of light at the end, which glows with an ethereal brightness. The ridged textures of the metal interior, marked by the passage of time, lead inward with a mesmerizing spiral effect, evoking both mystery and history. Light dances within the cylindrical confines, creating a subtle play of shadows and flares that accentuates the barrel’s aged, rugged surface. The overall ambiance is one of introspection, as though one is peering into the past through a tangible artifact.

This photograph employs a strong use of leading lines, with the barrel's shape naturally guiding the viewer’s gaze toward the center. The composition follows a tunnel vision effect, creating depth and engagement in its simplicity. The symmetry of the barrel enhances the focal point, making the bright light at the center more compelling. The use of natural light, causing lens flares, adds an artistic embellishment that breaks the monotony of the metal. However, while the strong light at the end serves as an effective focal point, it borders on overwhelming, potentially distracting from the intricate textures within the barrel. Nonetheless, the photograph skillfully balances technical prowess with artistic expression, delivering an aesthetically pleasing and thought-provoking piece.

Add your comment...

Related Posts

• Commute failing to suck this morning...
• Presidio Plaques
• Presidio Theatre
• Sunrise, Ulloa and 15th
• Spire

(Recent Photos)

(Published to the Fediverse as: Ordoñez Gun #photo #presidio Photo down the barrel of the Ordoñez Gun at the Presidio of San Francisco, California. )

Photo of Bernal Heights Park as seen from Mount Davidson in San Francisco.

The photograph titled "Bernal from Davidson" captures a serene view of Bernal Hill, nestled amidst the urban sprawl and lush greenery. The hill emerges prominently, wrapped in earthy tones and topped with a modest cluster of trees, which crown its rounded peak. In the background, the expansive, shimmering waters of a bay stretch towards the horizon, reflecting a pale, atmospheric blue under the vast sky. The foreground is dominated by a canopy of pine trees, their dark foliage offering a striking contrast to the lighter hues of the hill and water. Distant cranes and ships docked along the bay hint at a port, adding an industrial touch to the landscape, while the scattered buildings speak of a vibrant city life interwoven with nature.

The photograph employs a classic landscape composition, utilizing layers to create depth and lead the viewer's eye from the foreground to the horizon. The placement of Bernal Hill centrally draws immediate attention, serving as a natural focal point. The choice of a high vantage point allows for a sweeping perspective that captures the harmonious interaction between urban and natural elements. The tonal contrast between the deep greens in the foreground and the gentle blues of the bay adds visual interest and balance. One critique might be the slight haziness in the distance, which softens the crispness of the far-off elements and could be interpreted as either a technical limitation or an artistic decision to evoke an ethereal mood. Overall, the image succeeds in presenting a tranquil yet dynamic vista, inviting viewers to ponder the coexistence of nature and urbanity.

Add your comment...

Related Posts

• City by the Bay
• Bernal in Bloom
• San Francisco from Mount Davidson
• Path
• San Francisco from San Bruno Mountain

(Recent Photos)

(Published to the Fediverse as: Bernal from Davidson #photo #bernal Photo of Bernal Heights Park in San Francisco as seen from Mount Davidson. )

Many crows form a gyre in the sky over the Presidio of San Francisco.

In the photograph titled "Crow Gyre," the viewer is greeted by a vast expanse of sky in a soft, cerulean blue that dominates the frame. Against this backdrop, a flock of crows spirals in loose formation, scattered like ink dots on a painter's canvas. The birds, rendered almost as silhouettes, convey a subtle sense of motion as they wheel and dance through the air. Their scattered arrangement suggests a natural choreography, lending the image a sense of poetic freedom. The spacing between each bird invites contemplation, drawing the eye across the canvas of sky, encouraging thoughts of open spaces and the boundless possibilities they represent.

The photograph adopts a minimalist style, embracing the simplicity of a single element set against an uncluttered background. The composition is centered yet dynamic, with the crows distributed across the frame, creating a natural balance that avoids rigidity. This open composition works well to evoke a sense of tranquility. However, while the minimalist approach is compelling, the lack of a focal point might leave some viewers searching for an anchor within the frame. The color palette is limited yet effective, accentuating the textures and shapes of the crows. Overall, the image is evocative, though enhancing contrast might deepen the details and accentuate the birds’ forms against the sky, adding further drama to this ethereal scene.

Add your comment...

Related Posts

• Crow, Sutro Tower
• Merced
• Pelicans
• Clouds Over The Farallones
• Hummingbird

(Recent Photos)

(Published to the Fediverse as: Crow Gyre #photo #crow Photo of a crow gyre in the sky over the Presidio of San Francisco, California. )

Updated September 22, 2012 to add a few more photos:

 

Endeavor (OV105) flying over San Francisco with her escort:

 

Endeavor over Alcatraz:

 

Endeavor making the second of two passes over the Golden Gate Bridge:

 

Crowd watching Endeavor at Crissy Field:

The photograph captures a majestic scene where the Space Shuttle Endeavor makes a striking passage over San Francisco, dwarfed against the iconic silhouette of the Golden Gate Bridge. The bright sky acts as a vast, serene canvas, dotted only by the small escort aircraft ensuring safe passage. The shuttle, proudly carried atop a Boeing 747, glides with a quiet dignity that contrasts beautifully with the hardy, muscular presence of the bridge’s towering pillar. The cables of the bridge create a delicate web, lending a sense of intricate artistry to this moment in time. The low-lying fog creeping in the background hints at San Francisco's famous weather, adding an ethereal layer to the composition.

The photograph utilizes a balanced composition, with the bridge pillar on the right creating a strong vertical line that anchors the dynamic movement of the shuttle. The rule of thirds is deftly applied, with the main action occurring in the upper left third, attracting the eye naturally across the image. The contrast between the shuttle’s white against the azure sky intensifies its visibility and importance, creating a sense of awe and reverence. My appreciation lies in the harmonious interplay between human engineering and natural beauty, though I feel that a slightly wider frame might have enriched the context by showing more of the bridge or the surrounding cityscape, providing a greater sense of place. Nonetheless, the photograph succeeds in capturing a moment both historic and visually captivating.

Add your comment...

Related Posts

• San Francisco
• ISS over San Francisco
• Golden Gate
• Bay Snaps
• GGB

(Recent Photos)

(Published to the Fediverse as: Photos of Space Shuttle Endeavor visiting San Francisco #photo #endeavor Photos of OV105 (Space Shuttle Endeavor) visiting the San Francisco Bay Area in September 2012 before heading down to Los Angeles. )

Get $1 off two Bounty Paper Towels, seen while watching the September 17, 2012 episode of The Daily Show on TiVo. Hard to imagine how expensive a full roll must have been.

The photograph captures a moment frozen in time on a television screen, featuring a vintage digital interface from a TiVo device. Dominating the screen is the date "September 17, 2012," set against a backdrop that appears to be an artistic rendering of the Earth, with swirling blues and blacks suggesting the planet seen from space. Below this celestial canvas, a promotion pops awkwardly to the forefront: "Get $1 off two Bounty Paper Towels." This notification is encased in a modern digital announcement bar that conceals part of the screen, humorously juxtaposing an everyday commercial offer with the grandiosity of the cosmic scene above. Below the offer, the iconic TiVo progress bar and basic controls sit quietly, confirming that this is indeed a brief glimpse back into how home media was consumed during this time.

The composition speaks to the playful clash between the mundane and the monumental. The decorative background embraces an ethereal quality, while the advertisement, encased within standard digital interface elements, asserts itself with bright, utilitarian clarity. From a compositional perspective, the photograph captures this contrast beautifully. However, what notably restricts the artistic appeal is the lack of focus and clarity in the image, with pixelation apparent and colors somewhat muted, diminishing the visual impact. Moreover, the humor and charm lie in the incongruity, as the grand backdrop is humorously undercut by a mundane paper towel offer. While the setting might not have significant artistic value, the image succeeds as a snapshot of digital nostalgia and a commentary on the commercial nature of modern media consumption.

Add your comment...

Related Posts

• How does Hulu manage to suck so badly and the missing app for cord cutting
• Hope for Hulu?
• Real Time
• Diary of a Living Room
• Echo Show Me The Door

(Recent Photos)

(Published to the Fediverse as: Worst special TiVo offer ever #photo #tivo Worst special TiVo offer ever - some very expensive Bounty Paper Towels )

The last time we refreshed our earthquake supply kit was because of a smell. It turned out a water container had burst. This rusted most of the cans, and then the became a domestic Superfund Site. 

Given the current subscription commerce trend - get a new belt shipped by FedEx every four hours - I think there's a small business or a very interesting nonprofit here. 

Deliver a 10-day disaster survival kit every couple of years. Pick up the old one a few months before the food expires and donate it to a homeless shelter. Repeat until the next big one strikes and the kit is actually needed. Different levels for different family sizes, pets, special needs, etc. 

As usual any of my billionaire readers who are interested in funding this should drop me a line. 

Add your comment...

Related Posts

• Subscription Economics
• 1,000th Post!
• Coronavirus Hikes: March 2020
• NatureBox
• Meeting Defragmenter

(All Etc Posts)

(Published to the Fediverse as: Earthquake Supply Co. #etc #lazyweb #earthquake A startup idea to deliver earthquake supply kits, refreshing regularly and donating supplies to the homeless before everything expires. )