Graphene, a new form of graphite

Who would have guessed that graphite, you know the stuff that pencil leads and lubricants are made from, would challenge the fundamental laws of physics? Actually it is the newly discovered form of graphite called graphene that has scientists and engineers a buzz. No, I'm not talking about other forms of carbon called buckyballs and buckytubes which in essence are zero and one dimensional forms of graphite. I'm referring to graphene, the two dimensional counterpart of these. It turns out, that graphene is an amazingly good conductor of electricity. Electrons travel through it so fast that their behavior is governed by the theory of relativity rather than classical physics. Combine that with how it fails to react with gases and moisture present in the air at room temperature and you get smart people thinking about connections inside computer chips, chips smaller and faster than anything yet seen. Yes! This means real, viable commercial applications!
But that isn't all. Graphene exhibits effects that were previously thought to occur only in plasma around neutron stars. These effects can now be studied in desk top experiments. But the intrigue continues; graphene contains quasi particles and a unique type known as massive chiral fermions. Particle physics predicts that any particle that has chirality cannot have mass. So a massive chiral fermion is a (massive) contradiction.
This is the stuff that rocks the physics world and you don't have to be a scientist to appreciate the implications especially in the computing world. So why have I only read about this (and borrowed heavily from) in a small article in The Economist, called Smooth operator in the March 18th-24th 2006 edition?
For further reference and some amusing commentary visit Jennifer Quellette's blog Cocktail Party Dreams .

Norma's Post: Gay Adoption

Norma, an erudite experienced blogger (and enthusiastic supporter of new and would be bloggers) at Collecting my Thoughts has an interesting post on Gay Adoption. Better yet is her response to a long winded presumptuous commenter who behind a thin veil of civility reveals their contempt for Norma's well founded skepticism of "experts" and their sometimes astonishing declarations.

As informative and entertaining as some posts may be, I often find the comments and corresponding responses even more enlightening and provocative. Clearly, Norma hit a nerve evoking Spicey Cauldron's comment and resulting diatribe.

During my relatively short time blogging (nearly 14 mos). and the approximately 6 mos. previously spent reading blogs, I have noticed a commonality in comments regardless of the writer's politics and preferences. No matter how reasonable and rational a discussion may begin, it often deteriorates into name calling, with references made to others as moonbats, fascists, bigots, nutwings and at the very least as ignorant. As fitting (and sometimes amusing) as these names may be, it usually indicates the end of well thought out if not intelligent dialogue.

So when did the art of debate end and thoughtful discussion turn into personal accusation?

For the record, I am highly distrustful of "experts" particularly those in the social sciences where there are so many variables. As important as education and experience is (aka credentials), personal bias and myopia exists even in the supposedly objective scientific community. But whatever the "experts"are espousing at this moment in time, I do not oppose gay couples adopting children.

First of all my impression is that the adoption process is long and somewhat arduous. I believe you have to really want these children and you must plan for them. This is based on knowing friends who have adopted children from Russia, Korea and Romania to name just a few. Most of these folks were not "rich" by American standards but all of them were resourceful ( intelligent and presevering). Although this does not guarantee good parenting, it indicates in my mind a very promising beginning.

Regarding my gay friends who have adopted, frankly, I am unaware of all the details but I cannot imagine it was quick or easy . Irregardless, their children seem happy, healthy and secure unable to be distinguished from most other children. They know they are loved, protected, nurtured and appreciated. Sadly, this is more than many other children ever receive even in conventional families.

President Bush in Cleveland

Nice speech President Bush.

Normally I wouldn't have listened to it all, especially the questions and answers that follow. But it is a "snow day" in Denver and my regular routine has been disrupted.

The City Club in Cleveland provided a friendly forum and Mr. Bush demonstrated a comfort and ease, I rarely see. Everything he said seemed very reasonable and I found myself agreeing with him on many things.

He believes in Democracy and the virtures and rewards of self government. He takes the actions and threats of terrorism very seriously and remains stalwartly opposed to the values demonstrated by suicide bombers, and all those who murder, maim ,and threaten innocent civilians (especially children) in the name of religion and salvation.

It will be interesting to hear and read the media's spin.

I see my liberal friends rolling their eyes, if not laughing at my naivete. The "Evil Bush" may not have been exposed but that doesn't mean he has been exorcised.

Unfolding

Music Musings

March is Play the Recorder month and I have been performing with friends and colleagues all along the Front Range. It is the 13th year The American Recorder Society has encouraged its members to play in public forums and show the recorders full musical range and versatility. Over the years we've played at schools, churches, libraries , museums, and coffee shops, almost anyplace that will have us.

Sunday, I participated in a Recorder Faire at Tamarac Square, a small shopping mall in south Denver. There were singers, and players and kids of all ages, big groups, small groups, mixed consorts and even a crumhorn band. I was part of a quartet, with a 15 minute program. We played pieces by Palestrina, Guami, Praetorius, Soderini and Bach, all of it wonderfully pleasing, especially if you like Renaissance and Baroque music.

The previous night, I played with The Colorado Recorder Orchestra. It is a group of 20 musicians, mostly amateurs, but we have some teachers and music majors. Despite the name, I play the recorder (bass) for only one piece. Mostly I play the viola da gamba and I'm the only gambist but there is a lady who plays the sackbut occasionally.

We've only given 3 concerts since my participation but each performance has been well received. In fact, our little group has been invited to tour Japan this November. I was excited and flattered but I also had major reservations. The thought of hauling around a bass viol (the size of a cello) in a small congested, busy country (as well as my personal luggage) has no appeal. I'm not talking rock star or diva status here. I won't have sherpas or handlers. But, I am willing to try so I've decided to go. Rehearsals begin in April.

Besides, the orchestra and my recorder quartet, I play in a viols group once a week and another strings group once a month. A beautiful, small harpsichord that a friend and fellow musician leaves at my house provides lovely basso continuo for trio sonatas. Include my bass viol, a couple of recorders, flutes or violins, and we can make heavenly music (not that we always achieve that lofty goal).

I am anxiously waiting for the completion of a bass viol I commissioned over 2 years ago. The process has taken too long and my excitement and anticipation has been overtaken by frustration and disappointment. I feel I have been penalized for being a reasonable person, that my patience and kindness has been unduly tested. I'm hoping my increasing resentment will not influence my overall appraisal and acceptance of the instrument when it finally arrives. The maker has assured me that I am not obligated to accept the instrument unless I am 100% satisfied. Of course he also estimated a delivery date of 1 year, hmmm over 2 years ago.