As they leave the solar system, the Pioneer spacecraft have anomalously decelerated, pointing to a possible gap in our understanding of gravity. Now, a computer graphics technique known as Phong shading predicts that the Pioneer anomaly is just a side effect of how the shape of the spacecraft reflects sunlight.
posted by jjray on Mar 31, 2011 - 57 comments

The way different people respond to Wikipedia may tell us more about them (or ourselves as we react) than it does about The Opus itself. Oh well, when you're rowing a boat, you're always looking at where you've been. At any rate, Atlantic has posted a nice selection of opinions on a worthy, controversial subject by mostly recognizable names.
posted by Twang on Jan 17, 2011 - 74 comments

Anish Kapoor turns the world upside down
posted by Artw on Sep 27, 2010 - 21 comments

Something to think about. (slyt) Nick Vujicic's website.
posted by infini on Jun 19, 2010 - 12 comments

"At this moment, I am proud to be a citizen of a country that has done more than most to help the US get rid of the Taliban and Saddam Hussein. And I think that it would do other Europeans some good to think again about what their countries have achieved, if anything, to try to stem the tide of dictatorships and terrorism around the world. They should wonder whether they are really asking themselves the hard questions. Or whether they are shrugging their shoulders and blaming America because that is what they have been brought up to do." A thoughtful & conflicted post from the anti-war Englishman in New York reflecting on the London bombings.
posted by dhoyt on Jul 16, 2005 - 119 comments

Daniel Rozin makes mirrors. But not the boring ones we're used to -- he prefers to make his out of wood, trash and occassionally, shiny balls. His works are a combination of artistic expression and computer vision, and have been on display around the world. Check out the quicktime videos of his mirrors in action and prepare your mind to be boggled. [via cool/lame]
posted by krunk on Oct 21, 2003 - 12 comments

An Audit for the Soul As we enter the Jewish High Holy Days--the 10 days between Rosh Hashanah (the new year) and Yom Kippur (the day of atonement)--some examinations on how personal reflection and renewal is essential to a healthy life, whether continual, periodical, or annual.
posted by amberglow on Sep 27, 2003 - 6 comments

Naikan: A Practice of Gratitude, Self-Reflection, and Attention. The "concept" of self-reflection is one which is endorsed by nearly everyone - religious leaders, therapists, politicians, scientists, etc... Most people would say that self- reflection is a "good idea" just as most people support the good ideas of "love", "peace", "justice" and "healthy living." How do you actually reflect on yourself? What is the method for examining one's life? (from Utne.com)
posted by ColdChef on Apr 4, 2003 - 8 comments

Why are our images reversed from left to right and not up and down in a mirror? You can get mirrors that give a 'true' reflection.
posted by john on Nov 6, 2000 - 20 comments