Another reason why Carl Sagan is bad ass ...

[Christina]

He advocated smoking weed.

And not only that, he wrote this in some essay:

"I can remember one occasion, taking a shower with my wife while high, in which I had an idea on the origins and invalidities of racism in terms of gaussian distribution curves,'' wrote the former Cornell University professor.  "I wrote the curves in soap on the shower wall, and went to write the idea down."

I don't really smoke anymore because weed makes me dumb(er), and I can't move faster than one-quarter speed the next day. But I always liked this tidbit about him, because he was clearly an awesome guy ... like right up there with Fred Rogers awesome. One of the most amazing people there ever was.

 

[JonFromMaplewood]

He advocated smoking weed.

And not only that, he wrote this in some essay:

"I can remember one occasion, taking a shower with my wife while high, in which I had an idea on the origins and invalidities of racism in terms of gaussian distribution curves,'' wrote the former Cornell University professor.  "I wrote the curves in soap on the shower wall, and went to write the idea down."

I don't really smoke anymore because weed makes me dumb(er), and I can't move faster than one-quarter speed the next day. But I always liked this tidbit about him, because he was clearly an awesome guy ... like right up there with Fred Rogers awesome. One of the most amazing people there ever was.

 

I'm adding that to my favorite quotations on Facebook.

[Trembling Eagle]

I bet he was a very giving lover.


nohomo

[crumbum]

I read that essay as well, and it almost made me want to give pot another try. I used to dabble and would sometimes have interesting insights that were worth holding on to, but gave it up cause it also made me paranoid and hyper self-conscious.

[Steve of Bloomington]

Now mushrooms, though...

[Pidgeon]

He advocated smoking weed.

And not only that, he wrote this in some essay:

"I can remember one occasion, taking a shower with my wife while high, in which I had an idea on the origins and invalidities of racism in terms of gaussian distribution curves,'' wrote the former Cornell University professor.  "I wrote the curves in soap on the shower wall, and went to write the idea down."

I don't really smoke anymore because weed makes me dumb(er), and I can't move faster than one-quarter speed the next day. But I always liked this tidbit about him, because he was clearly an awesome guy ... like right up there with Fred Rogers awesome. One of the most amazing people there ever was.

 

Weird; I was thinking earlier today about how much I appreciate both guys. Not an ounce of cynicism in both of 'em.

[Tor_Hershman]

Prof. Sagan's program was wonderful AND a splendiferously noble attempt, moi can really dig that.



Moi still enjoys watchin' Mr. Rogers, especially Mr. McFeelly's [SP?] videos, EXCEPT for one 'habit' of Mr. Rogers...as me wee song states.
http://www.icompositions.com/music/song.php?sid=112789
YIKES! Moi seldom, 'cause ain't nobody no-way ever doez one mostly, reads a review of moi's work, however.....me just saw this one on the page & it'zzzzz bad ass - for sure.....
"Couldn't resist the title - there are some strong elements of Frank Zappa and Frank Crumit as well - if you can imagine such a fusion - really enjoyed this nutty and entertaining track, so honest and inventive complete with quirky sound effects. So refreshing to get away from some of the pretentious arty farty stuff you seem to get everywhere. This would have fitted in perfectly with the mood of -We're only in it for the Money - by The Mothers. Great stuff."

Stay on groovin' safari,
Tor

[sparkatus]

I was just about to post that he was also an excellent bongo player, but that was the similarly bad ass physicist, Richard Feynman.

The BBC has just screened a series entitled Wonders of the Universe, which I would highly recommend, presented by perhaps the heir to Sagan's throne, Professor Brian Cox. He has the same sense of genuine awe about him when witnessing something remarkable, and succeeds in bringing the potentially dry subject matter to life. He invited UK comedians including Chris Morris to tours of the Large Hadron Collider facility at CERN, his day job, regularly does mini-lectures at gigs with comedians and indie rock bands, and also used to play keyboards in this band, before quitting to finish his PhD.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aj4wcuo9Mgo[/youtube]

[Pidgeon]

Tor, how much time a day do you spend doing those image mashups?

[Tor_Hershman]

Tor, how much time a day do you spend doing those image mashups?

Not enough!


Then, Pidgeon, check who's the #1 maker of parody sleeves @ Am I Right
http://www.amiright.com/photoshops/

[orator]

I was just about to post that he was also an excellent bongo player, but that was the similarly bad ass physicist, Richard Feynman.

The BBC has just screened a series entitled Wonders of the Universe, which I would highly recommend, presented by perhaps the heir to Sagan's throne, Professor Brian Cox. He has the same sense of genuine awe about him when witnessing something remarkable, and succeeds in bringing the potentially dry subject matter to life. He invited UK comedians including Chris Morris to tours of the Large Hadron Collider facility at CERN, his day job, regularly does mini-lectures at gigs with comedians and indie rock bands, and also used to play keyboards in this band, before quitting to finish his PhD.

Yeah, I just watched all of it this week. Besides being really interesting and informative, it was just gorgeous to watch. He's doing a followup to it that I think is going to air next year. Can't wait.

edit: Oh, and I think it's called Wonders of the Solar System.

[dave from knoxville]

Brian Greene's pretty great if you get interested in the other end of the telescope.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/elegant/program.html

[sparkatus]

edit: Oh, and I think it's called Wonders of the Solar System.

You are right, of course. I'll be awaiting the follow-up eagerly, I work with someone who has a massive crush on Professor Cox, so I'll be sure to hear about it in good time, I'm sure.

[JustSheaNo]

AC... He's also a member of the NJ Hall of Fame!