February 6, 2011 – Page 3

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Arthur Lakes Library hides a piece of history

Near the back of the Arthur Lakes Library on the first floor, a rather large model steam locomotive sits, going largely unnoticed. Last week, petroleum engineering junior Paul Szuhay spent his afternoon cleaning the case and the engine itself. While many of us have noticed that the model is there, few know the story behind it, or that the locomotive is actually a fully-functioning live-steam model, capable of running with nothing more than coal and water.

Tech Break: Anticompetitive, much?

Apple just brought their iPhone to the US’s largest wireless carrier. Comcast is rumored to be upgrading Internet speeds for the second time in less than three years. So competition from other companies in each mega-corp’s field is moving the market forward, requiring no regulation to keep it on the right path, right? Maybe, but there are a few rather deep, dark secrets that seem to point to both companies being a little too big, with too few observers for their customers’ own good.

Tech Break: Google Cr-48 with Chrome OS

I am typing two of my three articles this week via web-based word processors not from Google. The reason? To test how well Google’s Chrome OS works as an alternative to desktop computing. The test was brought about by a package that showed up on my doorstep Tuesday; Google decided that I was worthy enough to be given the Cr-48, a test platform for their browser-based OS, Chrome OS.

The stars shine brightly above Mines: A brief look down at our beautiful home.

If there is one thing that the average reader should gain from this column, it would be an immense awe and respect for the universe. While Earth is not at the direct center of the universe as was once thought by scientists and philosophers of the past, it holds a tremendous and fantastic role in the cosmos. Despite the vast amount of planets that have been identified, so far few, if any, hold the niche that this marvelous sphere of rock and water holds. Sure, the planet is not all that special, other places have water, other places likely have life, and other places have huge billowy clouds and dramatic sunsets, but this week’s focus is under our feet.

Is the old better than the new? A review of “True Grit” (1969)

If what they say about remakes being worse than the originals is true, the amount of amazing reviews for the current “True Grit” should speak volumes about the original. The original “True Grit” exemplifies what a mountain western should be, unclassifiable. The characters are diverse and flawed; the content gritty and shocking at times; and the scenery unforgettable.

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Music Review: Iron & Wine Kiss Each Other Clean

The music of Sam Beam, better known as the motivating force behind Iron & Wine, is known for its soft beauty and constant reinvention. Over the last decade Iron & Wine has moved from acoustic lo-fi recordings to full band pop songs. As with any musical progression, the hope is that while fidelity may increase, the heart behind the songs might remain the same.

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Try someting new: Ballroom anyone?

The idea of ballroom dance can be daunting, but it does not hurt to try it with the Ballroom Dance Club. “If you like it at all, it’s an excellent way to exercise, be social, and be creative all in one motion,” said Ben Collins, president.

Scientific discoveries this week: 2-2-11

Various Villages, Burkina Faso – The common belief that malaria is spread by mosquitoes indoors may be proven wrong by a team of researchers in Burkina Faso, a small country in western Africa. Termed the “outdoor Mosquito,” this species is roughly 70% more likely to carry the malaria virus and, as its name suggests, spends it’s life outdoors. The common belief that malaria is spread by “indoor” mosquitoes may have come from the fact that mosquitoes are much easier to catch inside a house. Further study will hopefully show how much these mosquitoes actually contribute to malaria.

Barr explains moon structure dichotomies

Thursday, Dr. Amy Barr from the Southwest Research Institute unraveled the mysteries of the origins of Ganymede and Callisto to a crowd of space enthusiasts and geophysicists at 2011’s first Heiland lecture.

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Van Tuyl lecture: Redefining earth’s microbial past

No matter the scientific discipline, there will always be new data. It is when this data challenges models held for nearly a century that the fun begins. It was on this subject that Dr. James Hagadorn, Curator of Earth Sciences at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, came to speak for the Van Tuyl lecture this past Thursday.

Daily Archives: February 6, 2011