Well, at some point this week I ought to get around to preparing for this. I spoke about the Center For Inquiry before, here. Well, the promised talk that I was going to give at some point is on Sunday. If you’re up for some thoughts about the universe on your Sunday morning, do come along. Details at this link. Some of their publicity is reproduced below:
Strings Everywhere?
Sunday, Nov. 2, 11 a.m.
String theory may become crucial to our understanding of some of the most fundamental questions in nature, such as the origin of fundamental particles, the nature of black holes, and the origins of the universe itself.
Clifford Johnson, professor in the Physics and Astronomy Department at USC, will explain the ideas behind string theory, showing its promise, strengths and weaknesses.
$6, or free for Friends of the Center.
The Center for Inquiry-Los Angeles, 4773 Hollywood Blvd., CA 90027
-cvj
Hi E,
Thanks so much for coming, and for your thoughts and very kind remarks. I’m glad you like the mission statement! I enjoyed giving the talk and the audience was excellent. Thanks for your question.
Best Wishes,
-cvj
Hey, Clifford!
I was at the CFI lecture Sunday, loved it. (back row, female, asked a question at end)
Just now read your Asymptotia “about” page.
I am NOT a scientist but at 46, I have developed a voracious appetite for learning science as a hobby. It grew out of my lifetime love of nature… one begets the other!
So I want to tell you – having read much on String Theory, watched TV shows that talk about it, and still not having a clue – your lecture finally made sense of it to me. THANK YOU! what joy!
and I agree 100% w/your “about” mission statement – if the average person on the street knew more of science, the world would be in much better shape all around. (Plus, it adds dimension – like seeing things in the world in color after having only seen them on a black-and-white TV. but you’re probably not old enough to know B&W TV…)
and yes, my nickname really is E. ciao
Bummer! I’m in Canada, but would love to have come.
Wow, I’d like to attend….have a flight scheduled, but if we are grounded, I shall! Nice to see you IRL yesterday!
Wow! That will be a remarkably long piece of string!!!
-cvj
speaking of string, i will be doing an art project at LACMA on November 15th that involves connecting my home base in echo park to LACMA with a long piece of string. i will arrive at LACMA at noon or 1, and there are about 20 other amazing projects going on that day. should be lots of fun! http://machineproject.com/2008/10/16/lacma-artists/ come!