Showing posts with label Chicago. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chicago. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 04, 2011

Which Manhattan Project scientist won the betting pool to determine the explosive yield of the first atomic bomb?

Trinity test (LANL)Image via WikipediaRemember when those wacky Los Alamos boys inaugurated the nuclear arms race by detonating the world's first atomic explosive?

Well, as humans are wont to do, those Manhattan Projectors laid out a little wagering action as to exactly how explosive said atomic gadget would turn out to be. So the question becomes: Who won the Trinity Test betting pool? 

You can find out one of two ways:
  • Audio, via one of my appearances on TechTalk radio in Chicago (which includes some additional content about Chip Bell and John Patterson's new book Wired and Dangerous)
  • Text, via a recent Geek Trivia column (which includes pithy commentary from my Geekend readership)
Hint: The guy who won the pool is probably more famous in medical circles than he is in the halls of physics. Maybe.
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Monday, May 02, 2011

TechTalk Trivia: What medieval poet and author is responsible for the modern day celebration of April Fool’s?

91/365 Happy April Fools Day!Image by Mykl Roventine via FlickrAnother Saturday, another horrifying example of my radio non-talent, courtesy of TechTalk WRLR in Chicago. This week, I enthrall listeners with the knowledge of which medieval poet and author is responsible for the modern day celebration of April Fool’s. Thankfully, the show is rescued from my pedantry with a discussion of how to recycle your old cell phones in service to a good cause. Give a listen.

Friday, April 29, 2011

TechTalk Trivia: What 2 types of propulsion was Mariner 10 was the first spacecraft to use?

Mariner 10 (The Mariner 10 was a probe sent to...Image via WikipediaYet more damning evidence of my radio ineptitude courtesy of TechTalk on WRLR Chicago. This time around, I divulge what two types of spacecraft propulsion that Mariner 10 was the first spacecraft in history to use. If that sounds like your cup of tea, I promise the info survives my bludgeoning attempts at being entertaining.

More importantly, Mike Kastler explains how to use the Internet to up the efficiency and honesty of your charitable donations. Listen for that service, if nothing else. Skip over my trivia nonsense, if necessary.

Monday, April 25, 2011

TechTalk Trivia: What famous rock band wrote the theme to the original “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” radio plays?

42, The Answer to the Ultimate Question of Lif...Image via WikipediaMy streak of radio appearances which have yet to draw FCC fines somehow continues with yet another appearance on TechTalk in Chicago. This week, I reveal which Hall of Fame rock band lent their music to be the theme of the original “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” radio plays. I also pimp Backupify rather profusely, but that wasn't my idea.

You'll probably get more out of the iPad 2 vs. Blackberry Playbook discussion, since I wasn't a part of it. Give it a listen.

Wednesday, April 06, 2011

TechTalk Trivia: What world-famous web site activated its domain name on Valentine’s Day 2005

...And Then Sometimes Valentine's Day Sucks!Image by Sister72 via FlickrAgainst all odds, I was once again allowed on broadcast radio -- and the podcast proof has finally surfaced from TechTalk on WRLR FM in Chicago. This time, I reveal what world-famous web site activated its domain name on Valentine’s Day 2005. DOn't worry, the mental damage is minimal and the rest of the broadcast redeems my babblings. Give it a listen.