robots in Melbourne

Oh man! It's almost enough to make me move back to Melbourne!

From the Australian Science Communicators (ASC) email list:

If you're in Victoria this weekend, we'd love to see you down at the Redback Hotel on Saturday for a fun discussion of robotics. From surgery and soccer, to tsunami and cinema, robots are part of life. Grab a beer and join Noel Sharkey (TV’s "Robot Wars"), Chris KP and friends for a fun discussion of the future of robotics. The event is FREE and kicks off on Saturday 13 August at 4:00 pm - what better way to spend a fine Melbourne winter's afternoon!

When: 4pm, Saturday 13 August
Where: Redback Brewery, 75 Flemington Road, North Melbourne
Cost: FREE

and one for Queensland

Again from ASC:

ONE small step, many GIANT myths

As part of National Science Week we have the fabulous UK Ken Skeldon performing his ONE small step, many GIANT myths - debunking the moon hoax theories. Brought to us from the UK by DEST.

Since astronaut Neil Armstrong's immortal "one small step for man" utterance on the ladder of Apollo11, doubts about the authenticity of the moon landings have persisted. Hoax advocates argue that all six lunar landings were fakes staged somewhere in the American desert.

Was there really a waving flag? ( the one the conspiracists said couldn't wave)
What about the stars that were supposed to be there, should we really be able to even see them?

and so it goes with fascinating insights into shadow angles and lighting, footage speed, disappearing crosshairs, dust anomalies, killer radiation etc etc.

And to accompany this I believe there's a snazzy side performance (Arcs and Sparks) he does with electricity which I'll email you about next week (seems I did not forward as much on to my home email as I thought!!!). More on that and Ken's credentials in a future email.

Come along to the Queenland Museum on Sunday 21 August at 2.30 - it's free.