Science funding standoff/solar flare headed for earth
February 15, 2011
Credit: NASA
First of all, I must make the point that these solar flares and coronal mass ejections we’re talking about will NOT harm us. At most, these can cause disruptions with satellite communications, but nothing more. On Sunday the sun belched forth an M-class (medium) solar flare with earth in the crosshairs. The stream of charged particles from the eruption is expected to reach earth sometime late tonight, and could create auroral displays visible as far south as the great lakes area. The sun is capable of flares much more powerful, that would create auroras visible all the way down here in TN, but they’re rare. I do expect there to be one or two of that magnitude in the next few years, however, as the sun is climbing toward its next period of maximum sunspot activity, known as solar maximum. It is possible that tonight’s flare could be more powerful than expected, and the resulting aurorae visible this far south, but it’s highly unlikely. If you’re in Canada or the northern US, however, I recommend going outside and looking north tonight. You just might get a treat. (Via space.com and spaceweather.com)
UPDATE: Apparently this same sunspot region produced another, more powerful flare last night. This time it was an X-class flare, though still not powerful enough to cause aurorae visible this far south. (Via Bad Astronomy)
Obama’s proposed budget for 2012 is basically in direct opposition to the Republicans’ ideas. The biggest area of contention will no doubt be science and education spending. Obama wants to boost funding for most everything science-related, which I applaud of course. But of course, Republicans want to make huge cuts in most everything science-related. It’s incredibly sad that most Republicans these days take such anti-science, anti-reality stances on issues. These proposed budgets are simply the beginnings of what will likely be a long, knock-down drag-out battle between the White House and Congress, and I hope there can be some concessions that will allow us to continue to grow in the areas of education and technology without vastly increasing the national debt. Granted, even a modest cut in the defense budget would probably take care of all these problems, but will that ever happen? Hell no. (Via NewScientist) Also, check out this nice infographic created by LiveScience.
Make-Out with Violence on Netflix/Bit Funk at Mai tonight/Vids from last Powerbrrrd show
January 27, 2011
If you have Netflix, I strongly recommend putting the phenomenal, Nashville-made film Make-Out with Violence in your queue right now. It just recently officially became rentable, so take advantage of that and get it. Seriously, go do it, here’s the link. I’ve mentioned this movie before, so you should at least have some clue about it if you read this blog somewhat regularly. If you’ve already seen it, at least go into your Netflix and give it a 5-star rating (or whatever you think it deserves) because these people deserve it. They deserve to finally start making some of their money back on this film. Also, Yewknee and We Own This Town report that the soundtrack is out now on vinyl. Clearly, the 40-something tracklist had to whittled down quite a bit to fit onto a vinyl LP, but from what I understand they kept the best of the best. Grab it here.
One of my favorite electronic producers/remixers is coming to town tonight at Mai. Yes, the amazing BIT FUNK will gracing Nashville with his slick, smooth, and funky style of nu-disco. Seriously, I flipped a lid when I first heard he was coming. It’s part of the monthly “VITAL” series hosted by my buds at Vitalic Noise. I heard there will be confetti cannons. And fog. And whatever else your disco heart desires. Seriously, be there. Robot Ears and Vitalic Noise DJs will open up. Starts around 10, only costs $6 to get in ($8 if you’re a young’n), and get this- 100% of the door money is going to Global Tribe, a very worthy cause. If you need more reasons to come, check out Bit Funk’s Soundcloud. I dare you not to dance.
*UPDATE* APPARENTLY BIT FUNK HAD TO CANCEL DUE TO THE SNOW IN NYC PREVENTING HIS TRAVEL. BUT JENSEN SPORTAG IS FILLING IN, WHICH IS A VERY FITTING REPLACEMENT.
Finally, just a quick mention that our friends in Diarrhea Planet were kind enough to take some video of the final Powerbrrrd show last friday at Springwater. Also, our friend at Dixie Downturn were kind enough to blog about it, so head over and watch them there. We love you, DD and DP!
La Paz Late Night presents: FREEZE OUT!
January 13, 2011
This Saturday marks the return of the resurrected La Paz Late Night series. Justin Katerberg (Vitalic Noise) and I have been working hard on this one, so please do at least make us part of your evening plans this Saturday night. We’ve got a very special guest DJ filling in for Potamus, who’s out of the country this month: Myrryrs. Recently signed to Discobelle and Idiot House records, they’ve been blowing up the House/Minimal world in the past few weeks. Cover is a meager $2, and we’ve got $2 jello shots, $4 margaritas, and $2.50 PBRs to help loosen your ass for the dancefloor. La Paz is on Elliston Place, just a block up from Exit/In. We are your unique break from the trend, or your pregame for sticking with the trend. We won’t dissapoint!
“Like” us on facebook, rsvp to the event page and invite your friends, and follow us on twitter.
Myrryrs EP “House Theory” on Beatport.
Burgers winter 2011 mixxxx:
My thoughts on the tragedy in Arizona
January 10, 2011
What I’m saying here has been said many times already since the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, but it bears repeating as many times as possible: stop pointing fingers and end the bitter and hateful climate of politics that’s taken hold of this country. The most important thing is to refrain from automatically associating this shooting with the famous graphic on Sarah Palin’s website and/or the violent rhetoric that’s been tweeted and otherwise shared by prominent right-wing figures. The authorities still don’t know exactly what motivated Jared Loughner to do what he did. The only thing that seems to be certain is that he was mentally ill in some regard. In times like these, rampant emotion and kneejerk reactions are just the kind of things that can snowball and lead to even more violence. Logic and reason are absolutely critical. Until there is factual evidence that Loughner was incited to this violence by the right-wing rhetoric, we cannot make that claim. We must also refrain from blaming Sarah Palin or any other political figure. The only answer to this problem is reconciliation and compromise between the major political parties of this country. Both parties must open their minds and listen to each other, make some compromises, and work together to extinguish the flames of hatred rather than fan them.
BURGERS presents: Winter 2011 Mixxxx
January 4, 2011
Surprise! My new mix is here and it’s ready for your consumption. Like the fall mix, this one is short and to the point. I’m releasing this now as a taste of what’s to come at the next La Paz Late Night presents. This one is next Sat. Jan. 15th and it’s called FREEZE OUT! It’ll be me, Vitalic Noise, and Myrryrs (formerly known as Justin Kase) spinning the same disco/house/electro you grooved to last month at the the tacky sweater party. “Like” us and check out some pics from that party on our Facebook page. Also, you can follow us on twitter: @lapazlatenight.
Tracklisting:
Michael Jackson-Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough (Gigamesh RMX)
Mark Ronson & The Business INTL- Bang Bang Bang (Russ Chimes RMX)
Miami Horror-Holidays (DCUP RMX)
Black Strobe-Me & Madonna (Twelves RMX)
Supermen Lovers-Starlight
Silver Convention- Get Up & Boogie (GoGo Bizkitt RMX)
Radio INK-Physical (GLOVES RMX)
Kraak & Smaak-Dynamite (Boogie Funk Version)
Download/stream below:
Space X successfully launches & recovers Dragon Capsule
December 8, 2010
This morning Space X launched the first full version of their Dragon capsule atop a Falcon 9 rocket. The company’s rocket underwent a successful test launch back in July, and this launch successfully put their Dragon capsule into orbit. The capsule orbited earth for about 3 1/2 hours, then re-entered the atmosphere and splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, where it will be recovered later this afternoon. This was the first successful commercial spaceflight involving re-entry and recovery. The Dragon capsule is under contract to NASA to carry cargo to the International Space Station. Space X is in a battle to also win a contract from NASA to ferry astronauts to and from the ISS once the Space Shuttle is retired next year. A slightly different version of the Dragon capsule would be used for this, atop the same Falcon 9 rocket. This test’s success puts Elon Musk’s Space X much closer to that goal.
I am quite confident that Space X, or whatever other commercial spaceflight company that wins the NASA contract, will be able to cheaply and safely get our astronauts to and from the ISS. There is absolutely no reason NASA should devote more than basic oversight and money to this task. What NASA needs to focus its efforts on now is going beyond the ISS- to asteroids, to Mars, and even farther than that.
In other news, Mozilla has adopted two Red Pandas (aka firefoxes) and is streaming their activities live at http://firefoxlive.mozilla.org. What’s most awesome about this is that they’re being kept at the Knoxville Zoo, right here in Tennessee. I DARE you to watch the videos of them and not smile. (Via Candice Burnside)
Those Darlins prep new album
December 7, 2010
Having a day job prevents me from being timely on these sort of things sometimes, so the rest of the internet has probably already told you that Those Darlins released info yesterday about their next album titled Screws Get Loose, set for a March 29, 2011 release. Back in September when I spent roughly a week on the road with them as part of a photo documentary project, I got to hear most of the new songs played live every night, and I must say I’m very eager to hear how they sound recorded. There’s definitely a shift towards more bluesy, boosey, Stonesy-style songwriting. As mentioned in the press release, drummer Linwood Regensburg contributed to the songwriting this time around, and I’ve also heard he even sings lead on one of the tracks. It’s still Those Darlins through and through, but it seems they’ve shed some of the Carter Family influences for something a little more aggressive and hard-nosed. Indeed, when you tour as much as they have over the past couple of years, it’s going to show in your songs.
In other news, I invite you to experience all of Billy Joel’s greatest hits played at once:
(Via Clusterflock)
The Naked & Famous: riding the Passion Pit waves
November 29, 2010
This band from New Zealand The Naked & Famous are making me pretty happy at the moment. Don’t have their full album yet but from the 2 tracks I’ve heard, they basically sound like a more epic, more robust version of Passion Pit. Basically those are the things that kept me from loving Passion Pit, so for me this band is almost perfect. I know they’ll get tons of Passion Pit references and will probably grow tired of it but it’s too obvious to just ignore- the similarities are there. What’s kind of hilarious is that Pashy Pit’s Angelakos is a dude, but his stratospheric falsetto is in the same register as TNAF’s vocalist Alisa Xayalith. Don’t get me wrong, I like both bands, but honestly TNAF is pretty much what I always wanted Passion Pit to be. I’d put money on them becoming one of the biggest indie sensations of 2011. Check out the video for their hit single “Young Blood”:
Turkey break
November 24, 2010
It’s that time of year again where everyone eats way too much and visits their families. That’s what I’m doing today so don’t expect to see anything on this blog for a few days at least. I do have a review of the new And The Relatives record coming down the pipe, so stay tuned for that.
In the meantime, go have an eyegasm while looking at these selected photos from National Geographic’s photography contest.
steve cross loves music and science 