On a Time to Play

In lieu of a Saturday Morning Classic Cartoon post, here is a wonderful interactive site for you to enjoy – and probably learn something. Special thanks to Alex for finding this gem earlier this year.

A couple of notes for you before you get to play. The image below is what you probably will see first after clicking the link. Notice the following:

• The Scroll bar, which located at the bottom of the interactive field (at within as shown), is for zooming in and out
• Click any image to learn more
• It may take time to load, and the Start button will display the loading status
• Once loaded, click Start

The universe is a wonderful place, so enjoy and savor. To start your exploration, click here.

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On Fractalicious

This week’s posts have been a diversion from my routine while focusing on small things – and as we know, the microscopic world is detailed and fascinating.

Fractals are a geometry concept. In simple terms, a fractal is a shape within an object that takes the shape of the entire object. A piece of a rock from a mountain that looks like the entire mountain; a part of a tree branch that when magnified looking like the entire tree; or in section of a coastline that looks similar to the entire coast. Yes, fractals are about shapes.

The mathematics for fractals goes back into the 1800s, but Benoît Mandelbrot paper about the coast of Great Britain in the 1960s brought fractals into modern light. Today, artists use fractals and fractal-like patterns in art create fractal art by using mathematical algorithms to created objects, images, animations, and other visual representations most commonly through fractal software.

Once you see this fascinating video, it will not take long to see how fractals fit into this week’s theme. Enjoy the images.

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On a Scope

Yesterday’s post provided a snapshot of the microscopic world in the human body. It’s amazing to think that we transport along a wonderland no matter where we go. So that gave me an idea – another trip journey.

Today’s trip is a bit more advanced because besides regular microscope views, this video offers one of my favorites – electron micrographs. Enjoy the journey. Any favorite stops along the way?

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On a Close Look

Another weekend is in the books. How was yours?

Cincinnati weather has been July-mode muggy, but also soggy. My yard is so wet and the grass is so high, by the time it dries out I will need a combine to cut and bail!

Nonetheless, we had a good weekend. Besides our normal Friday night ballroom, it was Flying Pig Marathon weekend, which means a lot of activity downtown. No – we aren’t runners, but we walked 4-5 miles along the riverfront parks Saturday, enjoyed a late lunch at a unique restaurant, and played pool Saturday night. We haven’t played in a while – yep –  my wife won the first two games. My form was coming back in game 3 until I scratched on the 8-ball. Ouch! Since I won game 4, my wife decided to retire as champion for the night.

Alright – for your Monday Morning Entertainment, here’s a short look at the incredible small world. Enjoy – but more importantly, have a good week.

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