Cambridge's fantastical new clock even tells time

[CielOnTap]

Fri Sep 19, 4:14 PM
By Robert Barr, The Associated Press

LONDON - Most clocks just tell time, simply and reliably. Not the $1.8 million "time eater" formally unveiled Friday at Corpus Christi College in Cambridge.

The masterpiece, introduced by famed cosmologist Stephen Hawking, challenges all preconceptions about telling time. It has no hands or digital numbers and it is specially designed to run in erratic fashion, slowing down and speeding up from time to time.
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/080919/world/britain_chronophage

So time literally flies on this clock! Not one for the visiting room, as the sound effects can make guests squirm. My first thought was "who had $1.8 million to spend on such an odd clock?" Truly something for the 21st century and maybe fans of Harry Potter books.

[fishandchips]

The clock looks like a doorknob with a huge bug on it. Let me get a fly swatter!

[yukon]

I can think of a few reasons that its a waste of 1.8 million. Why build something that is noisy and
disturbs people so much that they cant be in the same room with it. Sort of takes away the idea
of putting it on display when no one can be around it for too long. Wonder how bad that noise is?

Probably built it just because they can without thinking if they should.

[CielOnTap]

It could be a fabulous party piece for Halloween. The chain sound, the coffin box lid dropping, etc. But it would be eerie nonetheless.

[CielOnTap]

Look who is coming to Ontario in 2009:

Physicist Stephen Hawking accepts post at Waterloo institute
Nov 27, 2008 12:27 PM
THE CANADIAN PRESS

WATERLOO, Ont. – Renowned scientist Stephen Hawking has accepted a research post with the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Waterloo, Ont.

The new role will see Hawking make regular visits to the Ontario city beginning next summer.
http://www.thestar.com/News/Ontario/article/544640

Talk about news out of the blue-very surprising!

[fishandchips]

Could Mr. Hawking be persuaded to bring along the Cambridge clock for the meet-and-greet reception likely to be held in his honour? The local and major presses would show up for interviews with him, faculty, and students.

For whom the bell/clock tolls/chimes?

[CielOnTap]

Waterloo institute's big bang
Stephen Hawking accepts research chair at facility founded by BlackBerry inventor Michael Lazaridis
ELIZABETH CHURCH

From Friday's Globe and Mail

November 28, 2008 at 4:07 AM EST

Science superstar Stephen Hawking is making Canada his "second research home," with plans to spend several weeks at the Perimeter Institute of Theoretical Physics each year, the latest signal of the growing global clout of the Waterloo research centre.

Prof. Hawking will be the first Distinguished Research Chair at the institute, a unique independent organization founded by BlackBerry inventor Michael Lazaridis. He is expected to spend about six weeks there next summer working with other scholars and likely will deliver a public lecture during that time.

The institute's director, Neil Turok, who worked closely with Prof. Hawking at Cambridge University before moving to Waterloo this fall, said the high-profile scientist is excited by the research mission of the centre, which he describes as tackling "the most ambitious questions in science."

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081128.whawking28/BNStory/campus/home

A longer article from a second source detailing the significance of Hawking's new position in the science world.

[CielOnTap]

Update on Professor Hawking's relationship with the University of Waterloo-he's set to visit in the summer of 2010.

Renowned physicist Hawking in Waterloo this summer
October 17, 2009
THE CANADIAN PRESS
WATERLOO, Ont. — Stephen Hawking confirmed he is coming to the University of Waterloo’s Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics next summer for a month.

Hawking, 67, based in the United Kingdom, said in a video news conference Saturday that he would arrive in Waterloo, Ont. this summer.

Arguably the world’s best-known living physicist was to have come this summer to assume duties as a research chair at the institute.http://www.thespec.com/News/BreakingNews/article/655543

[CielOnTap]

Stephen Hawking will visit Waterloo this summer
Published On Sat Feb 6 2010
The Canadian Press
WATERLOO, ONT.–Stephen Hawking will conduct research at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Waterloo, Ont., in June and July to make up for a visit he cancelled last summer due to illness.

The institute says that the renowned physicist will also present a televised lecture June 20 that will be broadcast by TVO and be available across Canada.
http://www.thestar.com/news/sciencetech/science/article/761523--stephen-hawking-will-visit-waterloo-this-summer

TVO can get a good town hall filled in Toronto if the speaker or topic is strong enough. The lecture will be held just a few days before the G-something summit takes over downtown Toronto.

[pysanky]

TVO is agency of Ontario government-expect many smiling faces from government in audience when Hawking speaks. Waterloo is tech area.