Brian Cox- Shall We Invite Him Here For Online Chat?

[Suzy]

I have a proposition for Mike and the moderators and would like to ask what everyone’s thoughts are as well….

As Professor Brian Cox is such a hot topic of conversation at the moment across a few threads, I think it would be fabulous (and timely!) to get him on this forum for an on line chat on a pre-arranged date. I realise of course that some of his views on his latest show, "Wonders of the Solar System" has led to some interesting debates here on the forum, so he may be hit with some negativity as well - but it will make for an interesting discussion I think. And he must be used to having to deal with that anyway. :shrug:
So... What do you’ll think? :question:

Now Mike, I see in the past you have interviewed Steve Squires (fabulous interview at that), http://www.iceinspace.com.au/84-352-0-0-1-0.html (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/../84-352-0-0-1-0.html) – so perhaps you have some connections to Brian as well (or a how to)? Or maybe Les D or Greg Bryant from AS&T may have some ideas. Or does anyone have any ideas on how to contact him – that’s if you’ll are happy to go ahead and have him here of course.

I had thought about putting a message on his facebook wall, but as he gets such a large number of posts per day on his wall, I just feel it will get neglected.

P.S. I'm after his brains on this interview, not his looks, so I will behave and not go goo goo. I'm sure Liz, Shelley, Nettie & Molly will behave too. :P :lol:

[astroron]

Suzy ,I think that is a good idea if it can be made to work:question:
Carl,Steven and Craig and of course myself plus yourself and most of the female members would be happy to join in a forum with him:)
Best of luck in your endeavor.:thumbsup:
Cheers

[iceman]

Great idea Suzy - let me see what I can arrange.

[CraigS]

What sort of questions would you ask him, Suzy .. and Mike ?

Specifically, what are the exact questions you'd ask him?
… Typically, these guys would like to understand what they're in for.

I would, if it was me.

(It may ultimately only be the questions that gets him interested in us).

Great idea .. give it a shot, I say !
:)
Cheers

[Octane]

Someone get Amy Mainzer in here.

H

[sjastro]

Hear, Hear (or is that Here, Here?)

Regards

Steven

[Osirisra]

Wonders of the Solar System(last Year) is the old series, his latest one is Wonders of the Universe which is currently running.

[ballaratdragons]

It would be interesting to know if Suzy would be asking the same request if Brian Cox was a 60 year old balding, cross-eyed Geek with a hooked nose and no personality.

:lol: :poke:

There are hundreds of Astrophysicists with even better Resume's.

Why this one in particular? :D

[AdrianF]

Why not invite him to the Qld AstroFest as a guest speaker?
Might have to invite QAS as well.

Adrian

[mswhin63]

maybe the interview can be conducted like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nptDP35Tb0&feature=related

[ballaratdragons]

:rofl: classic! :rofl:

[Jules76]

I feel like I've been living under a rock but I can honestly say that up until I read a thread about him yesterday, I had never heard of Brian Cox. Of course in saying that it means I haven't seen anything really of him apart from a few videos recently, but I can't really see what the fuss is. :shrug:

I'd rather hear from someone like Lawrence Krauss than some guy who looks like he stepped straight out of the band Oasis. :lol:

[ballaratdragons]

Well said!

I've known about him for almost a whole week now. Since I watched 'Solar System' on SBS the other night (by accident). I was channel surfing and I saw the opening title and though 'this looks cool' :lol:

How about Brian May. Ex Queen member and Astrophysicist :thumbsup:

[mswhin63]

I have to agree as well, Brian Cox is a good presenter. Unfortunately his mannerisms to leave himself open to a lot of ridicule. I have seen so many spoofs on him on youTube.

I think it is to the advantage that young people do get to take advantage of this type presentation to help continue science discoveries. It is fairly well-known that most young people today don't have much of an aptitude for science so it needs something to make that change.

[astroron]

[QUOTE=ballaratdragons;702783]It would be interesting to know if Suzy would be asking the same request if Brian Cox was a 60 year old balding, cross-eyed Geek with a hooked nose and no personality.


Ken, Nobody would want the person you describe never mind Suzy, it wasn't till Carl Sagen came along that science became cool to the public.
Brian Cox is only following in his footsteps.
Hundreds of Astrophysicists are not employed by media companies to sell their products and probably couldn't do it as well as Brian Cox anyway
Astronomy and Science need the likes of Brian Cox to keep the public informed
That the post was couched in fun terms, was none the less was a serious attempt at getting a well known and fun person to come and join us on iceinspace .
I think Suzy's Request to mike is a good one with plenty of merit and would be a great Coup for iceinspace :thumbsup:



And I for one hope it comes to fruition:)
Cheers

[Jen]

:lol::lol: lol Suzy i noticed you didnt mention that i would behave :rofl::rofl:
:wink2:
:evil2:

:evil::evil:

[Suzy]

1) We have been following the whole series and reviewing each episode in the astronomy books & media forum. Yes, there is a lot of fun banter, but if you read the thread in it's entirety you will see many intelligent responses regarding the science content of the show.

2) If he was a 60 year old balding, cross eyed geek with a hooked nose - the information he presents will be valued on its merit. Though if he has no personality, he can't expect to have a show. I watch many astronomy documentaries, I would hate to think that I was that shallow that I wouldn't watch a show because of the way a person looked.

3) The on-line discussion I am proposing is for a serious discussion.

4) I am not the only female on here that has enjoyed the fun banter regarding his looks, the guys have enjoyed the banter as well and their input has been a lot of fun. Brian has broken the mold really as far as male presenters are concerned, so yes, we are having a bit of fun with it.

5) Asking him to join us on line is not purely for my benefit - he does have a large following, both male and female, many here have watched his show, and many have made comments on the "Wonders of the Solar System" thread in the Astronomy Media & Books forum. It just seemed a natural progression upon the ending of the series that we have been so closely following.

6) Yes, there are hundreds of physicist out there - but they don't all have a hit series show. The added bonus- yes, Brian is easy on the eye. He appeals to the masses, to the young and to the women. His show explains physics in a simple, easy to understand way. All this, is a recipe for success in getting science out there and educating people, so naturally it's going to be a hit show. It is a very different kind of show. If you read the thread that I mentioned earlier, running in the Astronomy Media & Books section on his show, you will read all of this and why we like his show.

[Suzy]

Making you behave would be difficult and fruitless :lol: We need you just the way you are- you have the most wonderful wit. ;)

[ballaratdragons]

Suzy, you didn't need to justify your request, or get all serious :lol:

I was having a dig :rofl:

[ballaratdragons]

Geez Ron, you need to settle down too.

Where has everyones sense of humour gone tonight.
Such a defensive lot! :rolleyes:

And you say "Nobody would want the person you describe".
What about Prof Julius Sumner Miller? He was a hit.

Why single me out for using Humour.

[Suzy]

;) :)

[jjjnettie]

Oh oh, Julius was fantastic wasn't he. I grew up watching his show.
He has a lot to answer for too,
From Year 1 in primary school, I was that geeky girl with glasses that the Teachers called "The Professor".

[CraigS]

I'd dare anyone to model their hairstyle after Sumner-Miller's !

Man .. the archetypal mad professor hair !!
A man's man .. (not this Cox 'carefully' sculpted look)!

And how about that collection of pens, etc in the top pocket of his standard mad-professor-issue shirt ?

Man, that thing had everything in it !!
... 'Twas like Batman's utility belt .. all in his top pocket !!
:)
What a man !
What a legend !

Onya Julius !

:)
Cheers

[sjastro]

He was my inspiration as well. That's why I got into Physics, Mathematics...... and Cadbury Chocolate.:)

Regards

Steven

[astroron]

I agree he was fabulous, and and I suppose Dr Karl is the closest person to him :)
But I don't think Dr Karl would have a world wide audience like Brian Cox does :shrug:
Anyway I hope we can get Brian Cox :thumbsup:

[shelltree]

I was just about to throw Lawrence Krauss' name into the mix. He is one amazing theoretical physicist :D

But I would love to have Brian Cox join this thread and have a chat with us folk about all manner of science and I will try my hardest to behave :D If he does end up joining us here, I hope to have some thought provoking questions to ask him and just to generally read his views and witness his enthusiasm :)



I also love Doctor Karl :D We listen to his Triple JJJ podcasts on the way to and from the coast for photography. He is fantastic and I love his wit :lol:

[ballaratdragons]

Here he is, the Master at work ;)

Julius Sumner Miller

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwkUNrSCNMg&playnext=1&list=PL37CA81206D07805D

[CraigS]

Ahhhh … that voice !!!

Priceless !! Even quoting the latin !!

"Watch !! .. watch !! .. watch !! … watch !!"

… Great Youtube, Ken.

:)
Thanks.
Cheers

[ballaratdragons]

and don't forget his fully loaded Batman Utility Pocket Protector :lol: :thumbsup:

Prof. Julius is to blame for my interest in Physics, followed by the Curiosity Show :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYoHGiNxp2E

Each generation has its own Physics Hero, Julius Sumner Miller & Curiosity Show were mine :thumbsup:

Now, they have Brian :)

[CraigS]

Ha !
The Curiosity Show ? … I remember this !!

.. Rob (someone or other ?) .. and Dean .. that's it !

Great show !
:)
Cheers

[sjastro]

Perhaps I am being pessimistic but I think we have a better chance of an interview with Julius Sumner Miller through a medium than Brian Cox participating.:P

Regards

Steven

[CraigS]

Yes … I think Julius' intellect was so immense he probably could communicate from the afterlife !

.. that voice !! .. .. all permeating !!, all pervading !!
.. (ear piercing !!)
:) :lol:
Cheers

[sjastro]

Better to have Julius......

Brian would have to explain why particle physicists have turned mathematics into squiggly little pictures that could have been drawn by kindergarten kids.;)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feynman_diagram

Regards

Steven

[CraigS]

Now hang on a minute !! .. Gotta be fair here, Steven !!

I'd rather have the Mr Squiggle drawings than the hideous term here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feynman_diagram#Scattering_of_fermi ons). What is that thing, anyway ?

Mind you, there's no evidence that Cox understands either of 'em.
.. The eternal search goes on ..

.. Perhaps a good one to add to Suzy's list of Cox questions !!
:)

Cheers

[sjastro]

Craig,

I think trying to explain the "thing" in a few lines is beyond the scope of the General Chat forum and the Science forum.

With regards to the diagrams this might help.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaWhWeBxQRQ

I can't comment on the video due to my ultra slow dial up.

If Cox is an experimental particle physicist he will definitely understand the diagrams. Even for theoretical particle physicists the maths is extremely complicated which is why the diagrams were developed in the first place.:P

Regards

Steven

[CraigS]

.. Just kidding … perhaps we could get him to strap on a crayon, and give us a few drawings ! We could auction 'em off to the highest bidder !

Julius used to scribble a bit on his blackboard, also.

Somehow, I just can't picture Brian with a piece of chalk in his mit standing in front of a blackboard, explaining this kind of mathematics !
(Even with the help of Kindy Squiggles !)

... We've seen him drawing with a stick in sand !
… But alas, no squiggles … :sadeyes:

:P :)

Cheers

[astroron]

You guys have made Suzy's thread into a joke :mad2:
If you don't want Brian Cox on iceinspace say so ,but show some respect for Suzy and what she is trying to do.:mad2:
Cheers

[ballaratdragons]

Ron, settle down mate.

1. No-one is picking on Suzy

2. No-one has said it is a bad idea

3. Mike has already said he will look into it

4. This is in the General Chat section

5. Get over it and learn to laugh.

Geez, even Suzy apologised to me via PM for accidentally taking my humour too seriously, and realised it was tongue in cheek.

[CraigS]

I don't get it …

I've noticed around here that there's a tendency for people to 'take ownership' of threads they initiate.

There also seems to be some kind of pride about the number of hits and responses a thread achieves, once it is published.

I suppose, I personally like to know that there may be folk out there who may be thinking along the same lines as myself when I initiate a thread.

And I suppose, I (usually) enjoy the conversation with other minds, who maybe thinking about similar subjects.

But the reality is, there is no competition leading to a prize, as a result of the perceived success or failure of a thread, based on popularity measures.

Once an initial post is 'out there', we should acknowledge that we no longer 'own' it, (it in fact, belongs to IIS as a contribution from its members), nor can we be entirely directly responsible for managing the direction it takes, once published.

This is what the moderators are there for, isn't it ?

This would be a good topic for a new thread, as I am fairly sure there are many views to be voiced about it.

In this case, I for one, have total respect for Suzy's quest and I'm totally in support of it, (as I suspect, are all of my fellow 'teasers' .. why wouldn't we be ?). I also see that any 'banter', actually contributes to building awareness of her quest, thereby building support for the exercise.

Cheers & Rgds

[astroron]

You Don't get it?
Sure you don't:rolleyes:

You three guys have highjacked this thread and made a mockery of it:mad2:
If you want to Rubbish Brian Cox start your own b***** thread.
Have you noticed that only a couple of people have contributed since you have started your rubbish.

You guys have been rubbishing Brian Cox for weeks , which is now boardering on the ridiculous:rolleyes:
Leave the thread for what it was meant to do, A request to see if people wanted Brian Cox on iceinspace , not a thread to see who can make the smartest comment or post the funniest video.

Craig I don't give a hoot how many hits I get on my post:rolleyes:
But you seem to think that you can just sit on here and criticize and make smart comments.

Suzy deserves more respect for her thread than you guys are dishing up.
Cheers

[Octane]

Needs more Mainzer.

H

[shelltree]

I think we should all just chill out and get back on topic, eh? :)

How about we start adding in some questions we may want to ask Professor Cox in the event he does join us for a chat?

I for one would like to know if, in his spare time, he gets to do some observing of his own and what his favourite objects are to observe? I understand that he is a particle physicist but he is obviously very passionate about all things to do with the Universe so it makes me wonder if he is very similar to us IISers who are so awed by observing and imaging.

I would also like to know what his views are of the science programs being taught in schools and how he feels they could be improved so that more people are inspired to continue with science beyond school, as a career or a hobby. Does he feel the science programs are adequate or lacking? How does he feel communities should promote science?

I remember when I was in school we had an astronomy club but I feel that was more out of the passion one of the science teacher's had for astronomy, not the curriculum. Plus I don't remember much being said for astronomy in class except for the bare basics and I feel if they had been explained in far more detail, peoples interests would have peaked.

And I would also like to ask him if he always had trouble with Maths or whether is was because he wasn't applying himself during his music days? And what he would say to encourage others (such as myself) who have a lot of difficult with components of Maths and Science that are essential to persuing astrophysics and all other related sciences?

[Waxing_Gibbous]

He sort of reminds of that character on "The Fast Show" - the one who was always saying:"Brilliant!".
Which in his case, I suppose is true.

[ballaratdragons]

Don't lump me in that basket mister! :mad2:
I have only known about Brian Cox since a week ago and the 1st I have EVER said about him was in this thread 2 days ago.

GETS YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT BEFORE YOU GO ACCUSING PEOPLE!

Ron, what is ridiculous is the way you are going off about this!

If you want it to be left alone and no humour added, or any side-tracks added, then ask for it to be put in the 'science' or Media' section where it will not be spammed!
Or protest to have the rules changed so that General Chat is no longer for 'general chat'
Sheesh!

[Suzy]

Oh my goodness, what has been going on here the last couple of days. We are all getting angry at each other aren't we. :sadeyes:

Generally I enjoy some good light hearted banter (I’m sure you’ll have come to know that by now :D), but generally I stick within the topic at hand. :)
This thread asks a direct question, one in which I’m having trouble getting. :sadeyes: Ken was an unfortunate consequence of my frustration :sadeyes:.

Ron has actually made a very good point, the same point that has been grating at me since this thread was started. So far, I have gotten very little feedback regarding my initial request that started this thread. Many have commented with banter which is irrelevant to what I’m trying to achieve, so after three pages, I’m still none the wiser- I only have four responses (Mike, Ron, Shelley & Craig) acknowledging my request amongst three pages.

I’m actually surprised that there hasn’t been more support to have someone of Professor Cox’s stature invited here. Mike (Iceman himself) took the request seriously and was going to work on getting him here. Being fellow astronomers, I would have thought it would have conjured up a bit more excitement. :shrug:


Craig,
I have to disagree. :question:
I own my post, am responsible for what I post, and at any point I can delete my post. :thumbsup:

If I put up a thread, I feel it is my responsibility to steer it and moderate it accordingly before the moderators need to do anything. The moderators deserve a bit more respect than that, they have busy lives of their own without putting more stress and work on their plate. The way I see it, as long as my name is linked to a thread, whatever happens, falls back on to my own reputation. I want to have threads that I can be proud of, not embarrassed about, after all, masses of people around the world read this material.

A thread with a lot of hits doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a good thread. This thread is probably a very good example - it has gotten a lot of hits, but I feel this is my worst thread to-date. No one has really gained anything by it. :shrug: The most meaningful threads to me are the ones people can learn from, or the ones that makes people feel good/enjoy.

Regarding the banter on this thread, I feel there could be confusion- as other recent Brian Cox threads has attracted a lot of good humored fun. But this thread is different in that I'm asking a direct question- it's quite topic specific. So I do apologise for any confusion that may have eventuated out of this.

Shelley, I just love your questions- many thanks for your constructive input! :D :thumbsup:

H, Amy Mainzer needs to have a hit show and we have to spend two months etc out of our lives talking about the show after each episode before she can claim company with us. :P :lol:

I would like to see Mike steer the chat and ask lots of questions (as he's good at that and it's his forum after all). If Brian Cox is able to grace us with his company, I'll come up with my questions then.

Meanwhile, let's Please, let’s keep this on topic. :prey:

[ballaratdragons]

Suzy, I doubt anyone is deliberately out to upset you.

But this is in the 'General Chat' area where things do tend to go off track coz it's the only section they can.

I started this one for you in an area that is not allowed to be spammed, so it will be safe: http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=73676

:thumbsup:

[sjastro]

First of all apologies to Suzy.

While I do not know of any particle physicists personally, my sister who is a psychologist has been working at the Australian Synchroton interviewing some very disgruntled particle physicists.

Like astronomers, particle physicists form a small close knit community where everyone knows everyone else, so it is highly possible that someone in senior management would have had some form of working relationship with Brian Cox.

Now if Mike is pursuing his own avenues in tracking down Brian Cox, I don't want to cross paths with his activities. However if all fails, an invitation to Brian Cox through a work colleague may be the way to go.

Secondly to you Ron. If you want a sense of perspective on rubbishing Brian Cox, go over to the Thunderbolts forum. Over there Brian Cox is a brain dead ignoramus who can't string two words together. Mind you Cox gets off relatively easy compared to the disgraceful comments on Stephen Hawking.

The fact is no one has been rubbishing Brian Cox here. Perhaps it's a credit to Cox's on-screen persona that he comes across as a "nice guy" which fosters the friendly banter.

Regards

Steven

[Suzy]

I know that people weren't deliberately trying to upset me, I never thought they were. :)

You have made a good point Ken... posting this in "General Chat" wasn't a good move. I thought it would get more attention here for feedback.

Thank you so much for going to all the trouble in setting up the new thread for me in the science forum. It's a good idea that we all start from scratch. ;)

I'm so sorry that everyone was getting mad at each other- I feel terrible. :sadeyes:
Hopefully, the new thread that Ken has put up for me will allow us to all get back on track. :)

[Suzy]

Thank you so much Steven. :D

[jjjnettie]

I don't feel qualified to partake in the thread Suzy, as i've not watched any of the episodes of his show.

[Liz]

This isnt the thread on his show, but on the dear man himself, which does qualify you,as a Brian watcher. ;)

I hadnt commented either, cos I wasnt sure that it would be a serious thread, and pick on him too much. :sadeyes:

Am glad Ken has started another ... maybe more serious thread. :thumbsup:

[shelltree]

Please come and join us and add some juicy questions ;)

[Ric]

I think he is a fantastic chap.

I only wish that I will be able to think of a decent enough question for him.

When I do I'll post it in the other thread.