The safety briefing at the beginning of an airline journey is important, sure, but let’s face it, it’s pretty dull, especially if you’ve sat through many of them recently. The designers of these briefings – whether they are live, recorded video or a combination of both - have a delicate balance to achieve. The briefing needs to be concise and perhaps even a bit entertaining, but it can’t be too flippant. It’s a challenge of psychology that airlines have been working on for decades.

Having just experienced several Air New Zealand flights, I thought it was worth sharing their safety video. Even after 4 or 5 flights I was watching with great focus, partly because I am keen to understand the aeroplane safety procedures, but mainly because the actors featured are dressed only hats, shoes and body paint. The soundtrack is catchy too. Enjoy.

 

Luke Fitzgerald and Chris KP get to know the devil withinAs mentioned previously, I have recently been performing at the New Zealand International Science Festival. Accompanied by my good friends Luke Fitzgerald (music director and keyboard), Marty Lubran (guitar) and Jo Fitzgerald (cello) we had a great time presenting the world premiere of 'Dante's Laboratory'. We were very pleased (and perhaps slightly relieved) that the show was so well recieved. Nigel Benson came to the show on Friday night and wrote the following review for the Otago Daily Times.

Captivating Expose of Sin's Secrets

Sin was stripped of its sins at the Fortune Theatre studio last night.

Dante’s Laboratory – the Science of Sin by Melbourne science educator Chris Krishna-Pillay had a near-full house captivated as he explored the motivation behind lust violence, gluttony, greed, revenge and treachery in a fascinating 90-minute performance.

The lesson? It’s not bad to be bad.

In fact, we’re programmed to be naughty when it suits our ends.

Krishna-Pillay had the crowd in the palm of his hand from the moment he appeared on stage, dressed as half dog-collared priest and half demon.

“Who here has never sinned?” he asked.

Not a hand was raised.

Dante’s Laboratory – the Science of Sin was presented as a comfortably low-tech cabaret show, exploring human behaviours, morality and our inherent animal traits, which thousands of years of evolution have only managed to only lightly paper over the cracks of.

The show follows the teachings of medieval Italian poet and author Dante Alighieri (1265-1321) as he travels through the nine circles of Hell and was conveyed with a series of skits, audience interaction, projector and song, accompanied by a trio on cello, guitar and keyboards.

The New Zealand International Science Festival-sponsored show found all the answers to its questions in nature.

“Flowers are just  an advertisement for horny plants”, Krishna-Pillay said.

Despite the earthly subject matter the show was entertaining for young and old alike and delivered with genuine good humour and intent.

“Pride is the essence of all sin”, he concluded before launching into the final song, What’s Not To Love?

Dante’s Laboratory – the Science of Sin is on at the Fortune Theatre studio at 7pm today and 5:30pm and 8pm tomorrow.

Things have been pretty hectic of late, so it’s taken me a while to get around posting about our upcoming adventure in Dunedin. Ironically perhaps, some of the busy-ness has been due to preparation for the trip, but if history is any guide, it will be well worth it. We have been guests of the New Zealand International Science Festival twice previously with performances of ‘Pre-Coital’ and ‘Somnium’. Both trips were very successful and loads of fun. This year we’re performing the world premiere of ‘Dante’s Laboratory’. The NZISF is a really good festival and well worth the visit if you can make it, and we’re looking forward to catching up with friends across the Tasman again - join us if you can!



http://jcsmr.anu.edu.au/about/fenner/index.phpFrank Fenner – one of the men who worked on the myxomatosis program that nearly wiped out the feral rabbit population in Australia in the 1950s – thinks humans are the road to extiction. At 95, Prof. Fenner has spent a lifetime in science, and has a deep understanding the complex relationships between organisms and the planet. 

In an interview in The Australian, Fenner outlines how based on the world’s burgeoning population and the growing impact of climate change, he sees humanity’s days as numbered. He sees difficult days ahead characterised by food wars and more damaging weather events.

Of course there are plenty of people who maintain a more optimistic view of humanity’s future, and I’m sure – in fact I predict (don’t forget you saw it here first) – that the likes of Andrew Bolt will do their best to make light of Fenner’s suggestions. In my opinion when someone with Frank Fenner’s experience and skill speaks, it’s worth listening.



There are loads of great science events “out there” and there are an increasing number of people involved in making these happen. This is an excellent state of affairs, and there is now another very useul website for those interested in what’s on and how to contribute to it. If you’re interested in taking part in events I recommend www.re-science.org.au.

If you’re interested in developing your own event, re-science is also extremely worth visiting, because it gives great information and links to talented individuals, helpful organisations and tips on organising your event. See you there!