Bridge collapse: Structural issue or plain old resonance?

Last updated on: August 2, 2007 at 7:09 pm By Desh Kapoor

The Bridge in Minneapolis collapsed yesterday evening, It was built in 1967 and was undergoing some repairs. And it just collapsed like a house of cars. So, 7 people died. Now, what could lead to the collapse of a very "healthy" bridge - as it was given a "clean bill of health". Here is what I think may have some explanation to its collapse. Two theories - Resonance and Flutter (or Aeroelasticity). This could be a work of aerodynamics or wind resonance. We know that there were some jack hammers plodding and the weather was about to take a turn as rain was expected - so maybe there was some wind? I think they need to look at it in a more scientific as in aerodynamics and torsion basics probably. Read more

Science and Exploration

Last updated on: August 2, 2007 at 10:38 am By Desh Kapoor

This is an interesting video of Ken Wilber explaining the 3 strands of science - or any body of knowledge. 1. Injunction (if you want to see that, you need to do this); 2. Experience/Datum (Seeing/experiencing the act); and finally, 3. Confirmation (someone else confirms the same experience). I think we should look at knowledge as a whole instead of looking at science vs non-science. And this is a good way to look at it: Read more

Levitation on a Punjabi song…

Last updated on: August 2, 2007 at 8:41 am By Desh Kapoor

Is this a camera trick or is this for real? This guy Chris Angel literally flies across buildings using some levitation methodology! Anyway, do listen to the nice Punjabi song in the video... it seems such songs help in levitation huh? Powered by Qumana Read more

Is America the New Roman Empire?

Last updated on: August 1, 2007 at 6:35 pm By Desh Kapoor

This is an interesting question that a lot of people are asking. The burden of being at the top also brings skepticism and vulnerability! Iraq war and its failure is bringing out that vulnerability and exposing things about America that no one could believe would be true one day. The dependence on China for even its most basic needs, vulnerability from oil, porous borders and rising corruption, Health system, messed up social finances as well as lower educational standards do paint a bleak picture on a very bright canvas. So what does future entail? Read more

Adam's Bridge (Ram Setu) is a Man-made structure: Top Indian Geologist!

Last updated on: August 1, 2007 at 5:52 pm By Desh Kapoor

Recently the Adam's bridge or Ram Setu has been in news and controversy, because the Government wants to get away with it and build a canal that can help the ships go around. Read more

Why do Identical twins differ from each other over the years?

Last updated on: August 1, 2007 at 5:36 pm By Desh Kapoor

Genes - which are the basic building blocks of living creatures - contain the code for our life. But genes are the "hardware". Epigenome are the software. As Vish explains here beautifully: In the genetics world, the genes are the “hardware” while the epigenome - a set of chemical tags which can turn the genes on/off or change their collective behavior - is the “software”. This is the reason behind the differences in identical twins. And how are these epigenomes handled? Read more

Faster Mathematics through Vedic Mathematics Rules

Last updated on: August 1, 2007 at 5:28 pm By Desh Kapoor

Here is a video where the author teaches an interesting multiplication trick using the Vedic mathematics rule: Human Calculator - For more funny movies, click here Powered by Qumana Read more

Seeking

Last updated on: August 1, 2007 at 11:13 am By Desh Kapoor

In my heart I am one.What is creation,Or dissolution?What is seeking,And the end of seeking?Who is the seeker?What has he found?-Ashtavakra Gita 20:7 Powered by Qumana Read more

Modern Indian History timeline

Last updated on: July 31, 2007 at 11:16 am By Desh Kapoor

Here is a very informative timeline of Indian history given in a comment by Harpreet on Shekhar Kapur's blog. I think it should be shared with all. Part One - the East India Company 1600 Elizabeth I grants a charter to the East India Company1612 The East India Company establishes a factory at Surat1640 The East India Company establishes a factory at Madras1661 Charles II receives Bombay from Catherine of Braganza as part of her dowry; the East India Company establishes a factory there1690 The East India Company establishes a factory at Calcutta1756-63 The Seven Years War1757 The Battle of Plassey - the British defeat Siraj Ud Daulah Read more

Ways of Fools and Masters

Last updated on: July 30, 2007 at 2:16 am By Desh Kapoor

The master's way is unfetteredAnd free of guile.He shines.But for the foolThere is no peace.His thoughts are full of desire.-Ashtavakra Gita 18:52 Powered by Qumana Read more