Physics Holiday Colloquium

Taking a break from final exams, faculty, staff and students in the Department of Physics took time to enjoy the annual Holiday Colloquium on December 14, 2011. Everyone enjoyed holiday treats in room 114 (starting at 3:30 pm), followed by various "plain demos", "minor miracles", "magic" exhibitions, and things that could only be classed as "other". Among the many show-stoppers: Dr. Dale Olson showed how static charge could move a plain wooden 2x4. Student Megan Reynolds entertained the audience with a pocket theremin, and gave a pocket history of how similar devices were used to create music in the 1930s. Dr. Jeff Morgan tested a Mythbuster's question about a sailing ship with a fan on board that blew air into the sail--it moved surprising more a than a few in the audience! Custodian Lyle Langstraat bloodlessly broke his nose in front of the audience and showed Dr. Mike Roth how to do so as well. (You will be pleased to know that their noses have recovered from this trauma.) Dr. Paul Shand created a minor miracle, showing how graphite could sometimes be "magnetic". Prof. Albert Einstein was present, as usual, and with the help of department head Dr. Cliff Chancey, asked two physics questions and then gave out certificates (in German) to several thoughtful physics majors. Fun (capital "F") was had by all.