Physics and Fashion
Not sure what to do tomorrow night? If Autolux isn't your thing, we have a few ideas that might be right up your alley.
If you feel like going highbrow on hump day, head over to Town Hall at 7:30 to see physicist and best selling author Brian Greene drop some knowledge about superstring theory. What is superstring theory, you ask? Well, it's the attempt to reconcile Newtonian-style physics and the subatomic particle level.
Newtonian physics is like playing pool. You hit the 8 ball with the cue ball and the 8 ball moves (unless we are playing, where the usual result is us scratching). Subatomic physics, on the other hand, is a world where particles and forces interact in a myriad of ways governed by equations of probability. You can't tell where something is, but you can calculate the likelihood of it being in a particular region and how it will act when it's there. Both of these worlds are mathematically provable, but the equations that govern them are contradictory. For almost a century, physicists have tried in vain to figure out how these two differing worlds co-exist.
Does this sound dull and kind of incomprehensible? It kinda is, but that's why you should go see Brian Greene. He is everything you high school physics teacher wasn't: charming, erudite and lovable (sorry, Mr. Bordick!). He can help explain abstract concepts in a way that will make at least some sense. It's better than all those dorm-room conversations after your first philosophy class and you don't even have to put a rolled up towel by the door to hide any odors.
If the word 'physics' causes you to have cold sweat flashbacks akin to Martin Sheen in Apocalypse Now, then Project Runway on Bravo at 9 might be your thing. In our opinion it's the finest show on television. The premise behind this reality show: 12 aspiring designers compete in various fashion-related contests where they are asked to create stylish outfits according to some theme. These designs are then critiqued by some of the biggest names in fashion. It's a fascinating look at an industry that is incredibly merciless and you can see some of the process in transforming a high-concept sketch into something wearable.
The remaining contestants are the flamboyant Jay, the stylish Kara and the evil and untalented Wendy (boo!). Project Runway is like American Idol except it doesn't suck. Plus, you're much more likely to pick up some style pointers from this show than you are to buy that Clay Aiken Christmas CD.
Read Slate's glowing review of Project Runway.
