Logicomix

If you like graphic novels, math, philosophy, logic, or anything, really, you absolutely must read Logicomix: An Epic Search for Truth.  The graphic novel, written by Apostolos Doxiadis and Christos H. Papadimitriou and illustrated by Alecos Papadatos and Annie Di Donna, is an amazing look at the life and work of Bertrand Russell.  As a computer science major who also dreams of being a graphic novelist, I am mesmerized both by the story itself and by the ways in which the storytellers present it visually.  Unlike most graphic novels I’ve read, Logicomix features illustrated scenes of discussions between the book’s creators, and the interweaving of their storyline with that of Russell and his fellow logicians is especially intriguing.  Logicomix is an excellent read – no wonder it made the New York Times Bestseller list!

Fibonacci Series

When you visit this Fibonacci Series Tumblr page by Anthony Bowyer-Lowe, you can scroll down indefinitely to see an ongoing list of numbers in the Fibonacci sequence.  Amazing!

Barbie is a Computer Engineer

Mattel recently announced Barbie’s 126th career: Computer Engineer.  Apparently, Mattel asked Barbie fans to help pick Barbie’s 125th career (News Anchor), but so many people wanted her to be a Computer Engineer that Mattel decided to introduce two new careers.  As a female computer science student, I am thrilled to hear the news!  I haven’t bought a Barbie doll in over a decade, but I might just have to get this one.  You can read more about Computer Engineer Barbie on all sorts of blogs around the internet (such as Chip Chic and NYTimes Bits) and on Barbie’s official media website.  (Image below from PC World.)

1964 Modem

Recommended by Carolyn, and found via Retro Thing.  I love combinations of old and new, and I love the internet, so imagine how delighted I was when I saw this video by YouTube user PhreakMonkey.  In the video, he hooks up a 1964 modem to a modern computer and manages to successfully visit a webpage.  Slowly, but successfully.  How incredible is that?  I also like the visual juxtapositions of the technology featured in the video – the standard black modern laptop, the garish yellow telephone from the 1980s, and the beautiful wooden box that houses the over 40-year-old modem.

Viktor Deak

I am absolutely in awe of Viktor Deak, a paleoartist whose work I saw a few days ago at the Lucy exhibit.  Combining his passion for science and human evolution with his incredible artistic talent, Deak creates models of our ancient ancestors.  The New York Times published a profile about him a few months ago, including an interactive panorama of his studio and this video interview:

I Love Lucy

Lucy, perhaps the most famous skeleton of all time, is on view at the Discovery Times Square Exposition until October 25th.  Go see “Lucy’s Legacy: The Hidden Treasures of Ethiopia” before she’s gone!

Cénotaphe a Newton

Étienne-Louis Boullée‘s design for a 500 foot tall spherical cenotaph in honor of Newton is astounding.  Sadly, it was never built.