They’re everywhere around you—the jagged repeating forms called fractals. If you know what to look for, you can find them in the clouds, in mountains, even inside the human body. A group of maverick mathematicians are determined to decipher the rules that govern fractal geometry. Watch now.
For almost a year, New Jersey News has been following developments in Nuclear Fusion research at Princeton University. Watch videos… (each story is approximately 2.5 minutes long.)
In the wake of the attacks on Mumbai, former Indian army officials have called for a shift in strategy and training to enable the army to better combat urban terrorists. Saskia Sassen, a professor at Columbia U., writes at OpenDemocracy about the growing phenomenon of urban warfare. Read more….
Temple Grandin, a leading advocate for encouraging autistic children to tap into their strengths, will be a keynote speaker at Thirteen’s Celebration of Teaching and Learning in March 2009. Diagnosed with autism herself, she has used her unique abilities to design structures for the humane treatment of slaughterhouse animals. She offers her comments on autism, creativity, and our school system…
In 1893, a bounty hunter named Ernest Thompson Seton journeyed to the untamed canyons of New Mexico on a mission to kill a dangerous outlaw: a wolf named Lobo. The ensuing battle of wits between wolf and man left a lasting effect on a new and growing movement in America: wilderness preservation. Watch episode. (also see other features from this program, including a web comic and turn-of-the-century photos) (Originally aired: 11/23/2008)
Singer Bette Midler was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, to the only Jewish family in the area, on December 1, 1945. She has won four Grammy awards, four Golden Globes, one Tony Award, three Emmy Awards, and sold more than 15 million albums. She is currently performing with Elton John and Cher in a new show called The Showgirl Must Go On in Las Vegas.
On this day in 1835, Samuel Langhorne Clemens, popularly known as Mark Twain, was born in Florida, Missouri. Throughout his career, Mark Twain published more than 30 books and hundreds of short stories and essays.
The U.S. is one of few countries to grant citizenship to children born on its soil, but many have suggested that the country revoke this right to deter immigration. See the different citizenship laws and requirements in each country. Read more.
* Economic woes spread around the globe
* Thai ship attacked by pirates
* Deadly street battles in Thailand
* Brazil emerges as an oil giant
Watch.
On November 26, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a bill officially establishing the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day. While it wasn’t until FDR’s declaration that the modern holiday was celebrated nationally, in 1789, President George Washington became the first president to proclaim a “Thanksgiving holiday”, and the tradition of celebrating the holiday on Thursday dates back even further, to the early history of the first U.S. colonies.
