Category: video

The Science of Champagne Bubbles

This nice little video combines a bit of physics, chemistry, and biology as it discusses how bubbles form in champagne: the gas is carbon dioxide; carbon dioxide forms from the fermentation of sugars by yeast — it’s a byproduct of the reaction that produces alcohol; the bubbles form at tiny flaws or bubbles in the glass (so you can put in tiny flaws to control where the bubbles form); the bubbles rise because the gas is less dense than the liquid around it; and the bubbles expand as they rise because the pressure of the liquid becomes less and less the closer to the surface you are.

↬ The Dish

Empathy

Empathy is seeing the world through the eyes of others. Adolescents tend to look inward, not outward, but empathy is the basis of morality, so exposure to others and other points of view is an important element of their education. I find the following video interesting (much like the Bright Eyes video) because in its hints at so many hidden messages and meanings. It provokes thoughts about who these kids are, what is life like for them, and how do they see the world.

Note: David Brooks argues that while empathy orients one toward moral behavior, it’s really sacred moral codes that convert that orientation into action.

Dealing with Procrastination

To avoid putting off work:

  • Change your thinking; self-motivate: Convince yourself that you’re enjoying your work, or you’re being productive.
  • Change your environment: Put barriers between you and distraction
  • Disciplined breaks: start with 25 minutes working and then take a 5 minute break. Increase the work interval over time.
  • Deadlines: costly self-imposed or even external deadlines work.

↬ The Dish