Comedians are always the smartest people

George Carlin on Science and the Meaning of Life
[Via Cosmic Variance]

George Carlin, asked about the meaning of life, proclaims his love for astrophysics and particle physics. And the cyclic universe scenario, in particular.

The interviewer, sadly, is pretty clueless, and wears his cluelessness like a badge of honor. Carlin shows quite a bit of restraint.

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My theory is that good comedians, by the basis of their art, are very intelligent and very quick on their feet. Being adaptable is a key aspect, especially those who perform in front of live audiences.

So ill betide anyone who thinks they are just entertainers, as this particular entertainer demonstrates. Carlin talks deeply, passionately and with humor on something probably 5% or less of the population have even heard about.

And Carlin is actually so polite in answering the questions, even the inane ones. When someone has a chance to interview Carlin, does it really make sense to ask him questions about physics? In a real effort to know the physics rather than have George be funny.

Anyone who wants to understand today needs to read “Future Shock”

by seier+seier

Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of “Future Shock”
[Via Big Think]

On Thursday in Washington, several dozen futurists, military strategists, investors and journalists gathered to honor the inventors of futurism, Alvin and Heidi Toffler, and celebrate the 40th anniversary of Future Shock, first published in 1970. Future Shock is easily one of the most influential books of all time, shaping a generation on the verge of post-industrialism and unclear about its shifting economic, social, and moral foundations. Former Korean president Kim Dae-jung credits Future Shock with convincing his country to undertake new economic strategies to join the Third Wave of countries.

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You can not understand what is going on today with some of the important foundations built by Future Shock – which, interestingly, is not available for download at Amazon or Apple. He was prescient is describing human reactions to a rapidly changing world.

This should be an iPhone ad

Live: Four iPhones on a B train
[Via Brainstorm Tech]

Who needs instruments? When Atomic Tom’s were stolen, the rock band broke out their Apple (AAPL) iPhones. Here are they are performing “Take Me Out” on a New York City subway.

A more polished version, with guitars and drums, is available here. You buy the album on iTunes.

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Not only is it pretty incredible watching them improvise their song using iPhones but I really like the attitude of the New Yorkers. I guess rock videos are done all the time. And they give the band a nice smattering of applause at the end.

Here is some relevant information from the YouTube site:

Directed by Benjamin Espiritu. Produced by Atomic Tom and Benjamin Espiritu. Edited by Reid Carrescia. This video was filmed unannounced on Friday October 8, 2010 aboard the New York City B Train, over the Manhattan Bridge into Brooklyn and edited from 3 iPhone cameras. All footage is performed 100% live and executed in one take.

Filmed with iPhones also.