Kirbuk: So what else do they do in Kentucky?
Floyd: Let’s see. They have a big, big horse race, play very good basketball, have babies like everywhere else.
Kirbuk: Sounds like a nice place.
Floyd: Never been there.
They also, it turns out, host the Carnival of Space.
And their grass is blue! Weird.
If you went to BadAstronomy.com and found yourself here, never fear: the BA Blog has moved to its new home at Discover Blogs. The original BA site (with the Moon Hoax debunking and all that) is still online, too.
Phil Plait, the creator of Bad Astronomy, is an astronomer, lecturer, and author. After ten years working on Hubble Space Telescope and six more working on astronomy education, he struck out on his own as a writer. He has written two books, dozens of magazine articles, and 12 bazillion blog articles. He is a skeptic, and fights misuses of science as well as praising the wonder of real science.
Contact me: The Bad Astronomer "at" gmail "dot" com
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"Reading this book is like getting punched in the face by Carl Sagan. Frightening, but oddly exhilarating."
-- Daniel H. Wilson, author of How to Survive a Robot Uprising
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October 9th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
2010, a really great sequel. I still use it in my Physics class to demonstrate certain principles, it was that good. A shame that its about to be 2010 and we are no where near what is portrayed in the movie.
Been to Kentucky, but never seen the blue grass. Where are they hiding it?
October 9th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
They also launch satellites!
http://www.kysat.com/?43
One of my good friends was an engineer with KYSAT for a while. Kentucky may not have aerospace companies, but you’ll find die-hard aerospace enthusiasts and engineers in every state in the country.
I grew up in Kentucky, and I’m glad to see them kickin’ it Bluegrass style with a little space carnival action.
October 9th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
The Science Museum in Louisville has (had?) the control panel from Odyssey (Apollo 13 command module)–you know, that thing that was dripping water in the climatic scene from the movie…?
October 9th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
@James
Try the Cumberland Gap…it aint tobacco ya know
October 9th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Kentucky Bluegrass isn’t blue. Its just as green as any other grass. The seed heads are blue, but you only see them when you let the grass grow to it full height of 2 or 3 feet.
I’m somewhat disappointed that a scientist of Phil’s stature would so nonchalantly pass around an urban legend.
October 9th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
Two Kentuckians are walking down different ends of a country road towards each other, and one is carrying a sack. When they meet, the other one says, “Hey, Tommy Ray, what’cha got in da bag?”
“Jus’ some chickens.”
“If I guesses how many they are, can I have one?”
“Shoot, ya guesses right and I’ll give you both of them.”
“OK. Ummmmm … five?”
October 9th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
As a native of the Commonwealth, who moved to Texas at a tender age in order to find work, I am so proud of my countrymen when news comes of such endeavors. I am similarly exhausted with being asked whether I have had unlawful knowledge of my sister while in Texas, or the location of my horse while in Kentucky.
October 9th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
Ray: if you’re serious, you need a humor transplant. And if you’re not: good one!
October 9th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
STATE OF KENTUCKY RESIDENCY APPLICATION
Name: ________________ (_) Billy-Bob (last)
(_) Billy-Joe
(_) Billy-Ray
(_) Billy-Sue
(_) Billy-Mae
(_) Billy-Jack
(Check appropriate box)
Age: ____ Sex: M ____ F ____ N/A ____
Shoe Size: Left ____ Right ____
Occupation: (_) Farmer
(_) Mechanic
(_) Hair Dresser
(_) Unemployed
Spouse’s Name: __________________________
Relationship with spouse: (_) Sister
(_) Brother
(_) Aunt
(_) Uncle
(_) Cousin
(_) Mother
(_) Father
(_) Son
(_) Daughter
(_) Pet
(Check one box only)
Number of children living in household: _____
Number of children that are yours: _____
Mother’s Name: _______________________
Father’s Name: _______________________ (If not sure, leave blank)
Education: 1 2 3 4 (Circle highest grade completed)
Do you (_)own or (_)rent your mobile home? (Check appropriate box)
Total number of vehicles you own _____
Number of vehicles that still crank _____
Number of vehicles in front yard _____
Number of vehicles in back yard _____
Number of vehicles on cement blocks _____
Firearms you own and where you keep them:
Lounge _____
Bedroom _____
Bathroom _____
Kitchen _____
Truck _____
Shed _____
Outhouse _____
Model and year of your pickup: _____________ 194__
Do you have a gun rack? (_)Yes (_)No; please explain:
Newspapers/magazines you subscribe to: (_) The National Enquirer
(_) The Globe
(_) TV Guide
(_) Soap Opera Digest
(_) Rifle and Shotgun
Number of times you’ve seen a UFO _____
Number of times you’ve seen Elvis _____
Number of times you’ve seen Elvis in a UFO _____
How often do you bathe (check one box only): (_) Weekly
(_) Monthly
(_) Thanksgiving only
(_) Not Applicable
Color of teeth (check one box only): (_) Yellow
(_) Brownish-Yellow
(_) Brown
(_) Black
(_) Not Applicable
Brand of chewing tobacco you prefer: (_) Red-Man
(_) Timberwolf
(_) Skoal
How far is your home from a paved road? (_) 1 mile
(_) 2 miles
(_) 3 miles
(_) Don’t know
October 9th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
I thought it was The Moon that’s blue there?
October 10th, 2008 at 1:54 am
STATE OF KENTUCKY RESIDENCY APPLICATION (REVISED)
Last Name: ______________________________
First Name:
(_) Billy-Bob
(_) Billy-Joe
(_) Billy-Ray
(_) Billy-Sue
(_) Billy-Mae
(_) Billy-Jack
(_) Billy-Beauregard
(_) Other; please state: ______________________________
(Check appropriate box)
Date of Birth: Year ______ Month ____ Day ____ (If not known, then leave blank)
Age: ____ (If unknown, then what is the earliest “Year” that you can remember? Now subtract that from the current Year and add 20 — you may have to take your shoes and socks off to do this calculation)
Sex: M ____ F ____ N/A ____
Shoe Size: Left _____ Right _____
Occupation:
(_) Farmer
(_) Mechanic
(_) Hair Dresser
(_) Unemployed
Spouse’s Name: ______________________________
Relationship with spouse:
(_) Sister
(_) Brother
(_) Aunt
(_) Uncle
(_) Cousin
(_) Mother
(_) Father
(_) Son
(_) Daughter
(_) Pet
(_) Other; please state: ______________________________
(Check one box only)
Number of children living in household: _____
Number of children that are yours: _____
Mother’s Name: _______________________
Father’s Name: _______________________ (If not sure, leave blank)
Education: 1…2…3…4 (Circle highest grade completed)
Do you (_) own or (_) rent your mobile home? (Check appropriate box)
Total number of vehicles you own: _____
Number of vehicles that still crank: _____
Number of vehicles in front yard: _____
Number of vehicles in back yard: _____
Number of vehicles on cement blocks: _____
Firearms you own and where you keep them:
Lounge _____
Bedroom _____
Bathroom _____
Kitchen _____
Truck _____
Shed _____
Outhouse _____
Model and year of your pickup: _____________ 194__
Do you have a gun rack? (_) Yes (_) No; please explain: ____________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Newspapers/magazines you subscribe to:
(_) The National Enquirer
(_) The Globe
(_) TV Guide
(_) Soap Opera Digest
(_) Rifle and Shotgun
Number of times you’ve seen a UFO: _____
Number of times you’ve seen Elvis: _____
Number of times you’ve seen Elvis in a UFO: _____
Have you ever been abducted by aliens? (_) Yes (_) No
If yes, how many times have you been abducted by aliens? _____
Have you ever been given an ass-probe by aliens? (_) Yes (_) No
If yes, how many times have you been given an ass-probe by aliens? _____
How often do you bathe? (check one box only):
(_) Weekly
(_) Monthly
(_) Thanksgiving only
(_) Not Applicable
Color of teeth (check one box only):
(_) Yellow
(_) Brownish-Yellow
(_) Brown
(_) Black
(_) Not Applicable
Brand of chewing tobacco you prefer:
(_) Red-Man
(_) Timberwolf
(_) Skoal
(_) Other; please state: ______________________________
How far is your home from a paved road?
(_) 1 mile
(_) 2 miles
(_) 3 miles
(_) Don’t know
Did someone fill in this form for you? (_) No (_) Yes (If yes, the person who did is required to write their name and address in the space provided below)
Applicant’s signature (or mark): ______________________________
October 10th, 2008 at 5:54 am
I live in Louisville and have for 2 years now. Prior to that, I lived about an hour south of the city for 3 years, having moved to KY from the NY metro area.
All those Jeff Foxworthy jokes are a lot funnier now that I’m here . . . but you’d be hard pressed to find nicer people. My partner is a chemical engineer who got his advanced degrees at UofK. Both of us have sons going to WKU. The universities have a lot to offer (although public school is a joke or worse.)
Come to Luhville (pronounce it if you dare) and check out the arts scene, the museums, the theaters . . . then head south and take in the bourbon distilleries, then move on to the utterly breathtaking countryside. Steer clear of the huge religious congregations that are simply extended Good Ole Boy networks. We call ‘em “Six Flags Over Jesus.”
Just don’t talk to the average citizen. It will make your head hurt *if* you can understand what’s being said.
October 10th, 2008 at 6:08 am
To IVAN3MAN:
tl;dr
October 10th, 2008 at 6:17 am
As a student at UofL (whose academic schedule has made participation in the KYSAT project impossible so far
), I’m really proud to see these guys get some air time. There are some smart people on the KYSat team, and they’re doing neat things.
Stick to Louisville and Lexington, and you won’t be able to tell you’re in Kentucky. Outside those areas, though, and especially into the east, and you’re likely to encounter some hill people.
October 10th, 2008 at 7:39 am
Don’t forget the Louisville Slugger bat factory! It’s now back in Louisville, and has been for some time. It moved to Indiana for a little while due to tax breaks. And the Louisville Science Center, or whatever it’s now called, used to have the Apollo 13 command module itself. I’m not sure what they still have.
I grew up in Louisville, and have to agree with some of the other folks. Louisville and Lexington are decent metropolitan areas. A large part of the rest of the state, while full of really nice, decent people (including a lot of my relatives) can be a bit like a Jeff Foxworthy joke (including my relatives). I’m glad KYSAT exists to balance out that Creation Museum they built.
October 10th, 2008 at 8:29 am
Hello from the commonwealth! I’m a student at UK, but have lived in KY for the past 16 years. Ruth above is right on. I love driving by the “Six Flags Over Jesus” when I’m heading through Louisville. They have a 4 lane bowling alley, weight room, expo center, and seats over 20,000 I believe. Here in Lexington we have a similar mega church that gets about 20k a week. I like to call it the “Jesus Annex” because the church itself is broken up into several buildings named sequentially starting with Building A, B, C etc. It feels so un-churchy.
Anyways, if all goes well this year, the bluegrass will be a blue state again like we were for Clinton and that anti-science, temperamental, plane crashing, Napoleon-complex having troll of a man won’t find support here.
October 10th, 2008 at 10:26 am
Ummmm. Blue grass,,,wonder how it smokes???
Stereotypes are one way people differentiate between themselves and the “Other”,,,We’re still monkey brained, limited critters who can usually only identify with about 250_300 people. Beyond that, we refer to whatever diminutives ( I am SO glad I have a spell checker) put those “Others” in their place,,,
I expect this is one of the reasons so many conservatives are uncomfortable with Obama as a potential president. He’s an “Other” they don’t know or understand. So they demonize him. I feel great compassion for their insecurities but at the same time I will hammer them on their inaccurate perceptions. McCain represents the old time values. Some of those are useful. Many are no longer adequate for the rapidly changing times in which we live ( like sex only for reproduction).
In the State of Georgia, we have representatives of every walk of life. Some are reflexive conservatives, some liberal/progressives. I work with both. ALL are loving, compassionate, human beings but sometimes the compassion is overwhelmed by fear of the unknown/different.
There is one in particular, who presents himself as just a big, dumb, good old boy. Yet he has a fine appreciation of applied technology(in which he replaces the engine in his truck himself), but he doesn’t understand the Three Laws of Thermodynamics, such that he electrolyzes water into Hydrogen, which he injects into his engine for “better milage”, while driving it off his alternator. I’ve tried to explain TANSTAAFL to him, but his eyes tend to glaze over and he goes ahead with his project regardless. It takes a true TEACHER(as opposed to an INSTRUCTOR) to explain such esoteric concepts and he obviously didn’t have access to such when he was being educated. That’s not his fault but it does explain why most people in the US have no love or comprehension of science. Our educational system is oriented toward “Memorize this and take my word for it” rather than “Understand these concepts and you can figure it out for yourself,,,”.
I had an electrician friend in Saudi Arabia who taught Saudi techs. There was an incident in which,,,Abdullah, one of his star students, knowledge was being displayed for a supervisor. When the Sup. asked,
“Abdullah, what is electricity?”
He replied ” It is the force that makes things work.”
When pressed for a more accurate analyses, he thought for a moment, then said,
” I don’t know man. I think it’s fraking magic,,,”
He was being educated with the “memorize this” technique, rather than the “Understand this” attitude. That was consistent with our general educational philosophy, one which is insufficient for our 21st century environment.
It ain’t magic folks. It’s “just” science.
Gary 7
October 10th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Some call it bluegrass, some call it purple
I’m-a call it home, take a shot of ‘trone
Lay back in the ‘Lac and take two to the dome
Ridin’ from The Ville to B.G. in my zone
October 10th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Fun fact: most Kentucky bluegrass isn’t from Kentucky at all. There’s tons of the stuff in the northwest.
October 10th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Gary,
Do you have any studies saying that the hydrogen injection thing doesn’t work as advertised? In other words, how do you “know” it doesn’t do anything?
NOTE: I’m not claiming anything about the hydrogen thing, just asking for proof.
October 10th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
ROFLMAO @ KY residency app!
I lived in Louavul 1979-1985. Very Strange Planet in a lot of ways, but it had an excellent classical music station, and the orchestra there was terrific. For many years it was one of the biggest names in commissioning and recording new music (and even had its own label for quite a few years). While we were there, they moved to a great new home at the Kentucky Center for the Arts. Fabulous concert hall, theater, and several smaller performance halls.
October 11th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Ray:
TANSTAAFL is a direct reflection of the Second Law of Thermodynamics, which IS a law because it accurately describes the way the universe works, ie, There Ain’t No Such Thing As A Free Lunch,,,which merely means you can’t get more out of the system(car engine, alternator, water, etc) than you put into it in the first darn place. It’s what prevents us from getting better milage from H2 injected into the engine, when it’s generated by the very gasoline we use to move the car.
You don’t need to study every specific application in order to know it won’t get you furthur down the road if you understand that it takes energy from the alternator, which is generated from the engine, which derives ITS energy from the gasoline, to break the energy bonds of the water, to retrieve the H2, to put back in the engine. At every step, we lose energy in the form of heat, so there is NO WAY to get more out of the system than we had there to begin with(in the form of the energy content of the gasoline). In a perfect system (one in which there are NO energy conversion losses) we could theoretically get AS much out as we put in, but there would still be no gain.
It (H2) MIGHT improve octane level, but higher octane is not more energy/gal. It just improves the smooth burn, ie, less knocking under load.
Having said all that, if you generate your H2 from a solar cell, store it in a tank and THEN add it to your engine, then yes, you could go furthur, but that’s introducing extra energy from the sun, stored in the H2.
Anyone who claims to be able to get more out of a closed system than they put in it in the first place is scamming you,,,that would be perpetual motion and I think most people understand that really IS impossible,,,
TANSTAAFL: It’’s a law of nature and even though it sucks, that’s what we have to work with.
Peace,
GAry 7
October 12th, 2008 at 5:37 am
In addition to gambling on horse races, we have Bourbon, methamphetamine, world-class marijuana, cheap cigarettes, and a really salty secret fried chicken recipe. And mountaintop removal.
Kentucky: global leader in things that are bad for you.
October 12th, 2008 at 5:37 am
However, it’s been about ten years since our basketball was all that great.
October 12th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
All hail Story Musgrave, astronaut who called Lexington home!
KENTUCKY VASECTOMY (I lived there 40 years so I know all the jokes. I think):
Wife sez, “Jeb, ten kids is nuff. You go get one of them vazzletomees.”
Jeb sees doctor #1 who sez to light an M-80, put it in a can and count to twenty. That sounds crazy so Jeb goes to see doctor #2 who sez the same thing, adding “There ain’t no need to pay for sich a simple thing.”
So old Jeb lights the firecracker and puts it in the can and starts to count to twenty. Five on the first hand, five on the other hand, but now he needs his toes, so he has to put the can between his legs to keep counting. And there you have a Kentucky vasectomy. Works everytime.
[This joke makes people laugh so hard they cry if you tell it well, pretending to hold the can, count and then place the can in your crotch.]