Tonight, the Perpetual Notion Machine has another group discussion with a few of the PNM nerds. In attendance are Kelly Schwartz, Aryel Clarke, Matt Blackburn, and Dennis Shaffer. First, Kelly gives us a preview of the Wisconsin Science Festival, running today, October 17, through Sunday, October 20. This is not just in Madison, but all across the state of Wisconsin. But, here in Madison on Friday night, Science on the Square occurs at various venues. For instance, Genna’s Cocktail Lounge will celebrate women in science. Also Friday night is the science trivia trolley ride. On Saturday, Kids in the Rotunda has dozens of presentations and demonstrations for the kids. One of the highlights of several main events during the festival is a presentation Saturday night by Kyle Hill on the Science of Star Wars. Kyle is a science communicator who likes to bust myths related to science. And he is the creator and host of the YouTube science show Because Science. So, Star Wars got us thinking about some science-related circumstances. Like, what is the Force and the Dark Side all about? Something mystical or genetic? What do you think?
Below is the audio clip from a PNM show which originally aired May 1, 2008. It’s part of an interview with Sidney Perkowitz, the author of the book Hollywood Science, and his take on science in movies. We hope you enjoy it!