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From: rwmurphr@uokmax.ecn.uoknor.edu (Robert W Murphree)
Newsgroups: sci.space,sci.psychology,sci.math,sci.med,sci.bio,sci.chem,sci.environment,sci.physics
Subject: Re: Help for science writer
Message-ID: <1991May30.181805.8611@uokmax.ecn.uoknor.edu>
Date: 30 May 91 18:18:05 GMT
Article-I.D.: uokmax.1991May30.181805.8611
References: <1991May29.054220.4963@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu>
Distribution: usa
Organization: Engineering Computer Network, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
Lines: 48

khcg0492@uxa.cso.uiuc.edu (Kenneth Holden Chang) writes:

>This summer I'm taking leave of my regular persona of physics graduate
>student to be a science writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. I'd like
>some help from net people about possible article ideas as well as general
>comments about the state of science journalism. More specifically:

>1) Do you know of neato-keen areas of research that haven't been
>reported widely? If so, please a) tell me what it is, b) tell me who
>to talk with and and c) tell me the relevant journal articles.

>2) If they let me, I want to do a science column about simple things
>that 99% of the people on this planet never think about, such as
>how do you convince yourself that the Earth is indeed round and that
>it's not actually one big practical joke? Any ideas for such columns
>gratefully welcomed.

>3) What do you think about the media's coverage of science? Most
>people I know regard as pretty mediocre (I've generally heard 
>favorable things about only Science News and Scientific American.)
>Science people complain journalists don't really understand what's going
>on and report something only if it is a "possible cure for cancer" or
>promises "to revolutionize our lives." I'd appreciate it if people
>could cite examples of good and bad science journalism. (Citations
>are sufficient; you don't have to send me the article.)

>Please reply through e-mail. If you do post, be sure to edit the
>header down to the relevant groups. (Sorry about the mass crossposting,
>but I did want to cover all of the fields.)


 >And thank you for your help.

 In reading through your last entry, I came up with the perfect idea
for an interesting subject for you to cover.  As an experiment in physics 
and specifically momentum, line people up in a line each approximately
150 lbs each -three feet apart in a line 2000 feet long.  Find an
automobile weighing 2000 pounds and bring it up to 60 miles per hours
and when you strike the first person in line take your foot off the gas.
Figure your stopping distance and be sure to take into account the fact
that someone may get caught in your wheel well and figure in the friction
caused.  good luck!

My friend robert posted this for me.  I am totally responsible for posting
this.

signed
Mark McMillan, junior