Article of the Week 24: Can we finally see Schrödinger's Cat? (Image)

The source for this week's image comes from the article Single molecule's electric charges seen in first image from the BBC. This x-shaped image is actually a photo of a molecule and the electrons surrounding it. This image, though seeming simple is an example of a breakthrough in research. Historically, electrons could not reliably be seen; one could not see them without a light and a light would change the position of the electron. Thus, observation changes the object itself (hence the cat reference in the title). This image shows not only the position of electrons, but also how electrons interact in a molecule. That is where this image becomes really exciting. It is one of the first images that will give insight to how molecules interact with each other on a quantum level. This image will revolutionize science because it will allow a greater understanding of how the molecular properties of materials work. The application? Nano-science. Armed with this knowledge, scientists can gain a greater ability to combat diseases such as cancer.

This image was displayed prominently in an article of about the same length as the picture itself. This really speaks to how much the image itself proves. Millions of data points themselves could not have provided such an impact on how successful this research has really become. These researchers know that others demand proof in a way that they can understand, and so imaging was used in order to convey their message to people who may not understand all of the scientific concepts behind such a discovery. Even without the science, the image has a beautifying quality.

Article of the Week 23: The Ballad Of The Tearful: Why Some Songs Make You Cry

In relation to the recent Grammys, an article, The Ballad Of The Tearful: Why Some Songs Make You Cry, was written on one reason why Adele's songs seem to pull on the emotion of the audience. This article said that her success in he song Someone Like You could be partially attributed to her use of an appoggiatura. This is basically a note in a chord that one does not expect, leaving the listener somewhat emotionally upset. Listeners of music are used to anticipating the next notes, and when they cannot this releases an emotional trigger. Written by a usually reliable source, this article actually had errors in defining the word appoggiatura, but it maintained the gist of the point when talking about the piece.

This article was well-written and certainly appealed to an immediate audience. Adele gained much fame when she won six Grammys in one night. While some attribute some of Adele's success to this particular strategy, many musicians claim not to know that style and claim it does not particularly work. One artist states, "Hey, if I had a scientific method for making a heartbreaking hit, I would do it every day." So, this article states a theory and later refutes it and by doing so, gives Adele more credibility. She did use this strategy in her song, but she also used raw emotion and skill on a topic with which most people can connect. The article makes sure to point out that Adele had just gone through a breakup herself and used this emotion to create her song. While proposing a scientific theory, the article mainly leans to a more emotion-based approach to tear-jerking songs.

Article of the Week 22: It’s Not About You, Facebook. It’s About Us.

Jenna Wortham of the New York Times wrote on the nature of Facebook in her article It’s Not About You, Facebook. It’s About Us. This article was particularly interesting because it showed the more personal views on a monopolistic social media. This article was written from a more personal point of view, so the author's experiences make her point valid. In a time of dubious online privacy, this article was written for anxious Facebook users, about 1/3 of the world.

This article was written well because it incorporates pathos in a logical argument. Many people can remember a time when they got into an argument with a friend online. Most of those times, this was just over a misunderstanding that could have been solved in person. She also quotes many experts online in order to increase her ethos. The author simplifies many complex ideas with statements such as, “As our social life migrates to the Web, our emotions move online, too.” The author takes this view while also balancing her love for the internet, therefore keeping herself out of the category of people who just hate technology. The author sees Facebook as a positive innovation because it makes the consumer feel like they are in more of a relationship with companies. Jenna contributes the success of this online site to its passive interaction with users, something other internet sites are just now trying to form.

The Inferno

The Inferno
Dante Alighieri

Section 1 - 0 -94
Section 2 - 95 -190
Section 3 - 191 -288

The inferno is a classic piece of literature constantly referenced in literary writing. It is important to read classic books like this in order to understand the literature that alludes to it. Also, this seems a compelling story and an interesting concept. Also, the poetic style of the writing promises to be interesting.