Star City Blog

Science Odyssey: If Climate Talks Fail, What Does the Future Hold?

By Clay Farris Naff

International climate talks are being held Durban, South Africa, to try to hammer out a new global accord on climate change to replace the soon-to-expire Kyoto Treaty of 1997. On today's program, we ask two climate scientists about what their models foretell in the event we continue on our present course.

In Part 1, Dr. Gerald Meehl, senior climate scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) talks about how computer models of climate have improved since the 2007 IPCC report, and what they show for the future.

In Part 2, Dr. Andreas Schmittner, associate professor of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences at Oregon State University, talks about research he and colleagues have just published in the online journal Science. It shows that our worst fears of temperature rise in this century are unlikely to come to pass. But, says Dr. Schmittner, that does not mean we can do nothing and get by. It only means that hope lives on.

Climate Talks, Part 1
Climate Talks, Part 2

Clay Farris Naff is (claynaff.com) is a science author and blogger whose weekly radio program, Science Odyssey, airs Saturday mornings from 8:30 to 9 a.m. CST on KZUM, Lincoln's community radio station. You can hear it over the air at 89.3 FM or on the web live at kzum.org. Clay's science and religion blog on the Huffington Post can be seen here.

Science Odyssey: Vast Stores of Geothermal Energy Discovered

By Clay Farris Naff

The search for green, sustainable energy has focused largely on wind and solar, but a new study suggests that one of the most plentiful sources may be right under our feet. Researchers at Southern Methodist University have found that the entire United States has plentiful stores of geothermal energy.

In Part 1, we talk with SMU Geothermal Lab coordinator Maria Richards about the potential for geothermal electric generation.

In Part 2, we talk with Dr. Jim Bose of Oklahoma State University about the use of geothermal for heating and cooling homes, businesses, and schools.

Geothermal, Part 1 (15547.8K)
Geothermal, Part 2 (11584.5K)

Clay Farris Naff is (claynaff.com) is a science author and blogger whose weekly radio program, Science Odyssey, airs Saturday mornings from 8:30 to 9 a.m. CST on KZUM, Lincoln's community radio station. You can hear it over the air at 89.3 FM or on the web live at kzum.org. Clay's science and religion blog on the Huffington Post can be seen here.

Lincoln Halloween Tradition "BOO at the ZOO", October 26-30

BOO at the ZOO is Lincoln's largest and oldest Halloween tradition.  Families from around the community experience the Zoo at night for this 'merry not scary' event and children of all ages enjoy trick-or-treating in a safe environment surrounded by the Zoo's animals.  This event is the Lincoln Children's Zoo's main fundraising activity and allows the Zoo to provide quality care to our animals throughout the winter.  

Tickets are available now to meet some of your favorite costumed characters and fill your bag full of treats.  They can be purchased at the Lincoln Children's Zoo office Monday through Friday, 9am-4:30pm.  On Saturday October 22nd and Sunday October 23rd tickets will be available for purchase at the Zoo's gift shop from 12-4pm.   Ticket prices are as follows:

• Admission: $5 per person (admission is FREE for Lincoln Children's Zoo members)
• Early Bird Tickets: $4 per person (early entry to Boo at the Zoo) 
• Treat Bags: $3 per person (must be purchased for anyone planning to trick-or-treat)
• Train Rides: $2 per person
• Children under 2 years of age receive free admission and free train rides

Admission increases to $6 per person after the event starts, so be sure to purchase your tickets in advance.

Trick-or-treaters will be able to visit 40 Boo Stations generously sponsored by local businesses and organizations, including Bryan LGH Medical Center, Verizon Wireless, R.U. Nuts?, Union College and Cherry on Top. 

Parking is available in the north lot of Antelope Park, Lincoln High School and QP Ace Hardware/Ideal Grocery.  Star Tran shuttle buses will be running from these parking areas to the Zoo every 15 minutes.

For more information on the event visit the Boo at the Zoo web page.  

 

2011 Lincoln Arts Festival Saturday & Sunday 9/24-25

Ready to "Fall for Art" Again?  Artists from all over the nation are hoping you are...

Artists from 17 states, including both coasts and a great selection from our own region are eager to show you their latest work. They'll be in the west parking lot at SouthPointe Pavilions this September 24th and 25th. Show hours are the same as last year, Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM till 5:00 PM. We're moving into our second decade with new food vendors, great music, and an expanded Patron Sponsor program. We've got a great mix of disciplines and you WILL find a lot of things you like.

The Huskers will be in Wyoming so you'll have plenty of opportunity to shop for some new art for your life. Some past favorites will be there, including Wendell Turner with his amazing palm trees and Jonathon Stopper with jewelry to die for. And some new friends, like our emerging artist this year, Katie Frisch with her exquisite books and fabric works. It seems like we never lack for painters with a new take on things, and this year is no exception. Ben Schuh will reinterpret portraits for you, and Karen Heuton will once again dazzle you with her large scale landscapes. Come enjoy the festival, just because it really is a festival, but stay for the artists and savor their new works.

The Patron Sponsor Program: Everyone Wins!

For several years now we have been building our Patron Sponsor Program because everyone who comes in contact with it loves it. Lets say you're someone who loves arts festivals in general and, quite likely, ours specifically and you think that it's likely you'll spend $100 or more. Have we got a deal for you.

Pay us $125, and $25 of that goes to supporting the work of the Lincoln Arts Council. The remaining $100 is yours to spend at the festival. That in itself is a good deal, but only the beginning. At 9:30 AM on Saturday morning we'll serve you a breakfast, with live music and a chance to meet and mingle with many of your friends and fellow art lovers. For more fun, a raffle will distribute door prizes of art from this year's artists. All this is for Patron Sponsors only. (Okay, the Mayor will also be there and a number of luminaries in the Lincoln art scene.) More...

Give a little, Get a LOT!!

The Lincoln Arts Festival is just around the corner and we are calling out to all of you who would like to lend a hand in helping make this year's arts festival be the best yet! Last year more than 10,000 attended this remarkable event! We need your help have yet another fun, clean and successful festival! If interested in volunteering between September 23-25, please email Mollie at mollie@artscene.org.

Click here to see how you can lend a helping hand.

Music! Dancing! (Okay, not so much dancing.)

Of course it's fine if you do dance, we'll enjoy the show.

We know a festival isn't a festival without music, which is why we are lining up a great group of musicians to keep things lively. The FabTones, the Toasted Ponies, the Vince Learned Project and a number of other groups will keep your feet tapping at the entertainment pavilion. Food and drink to quench your thirst and tables and chairs to rest your feet will keep the entertainment tent a welcoming place.

Over by the children's tent you'll find Jim King once again charming the socks off the little ones. We have to admit that sometimes the adult crowd that gathered to watch Jim's young audience dance exceeded the crowd in the entertainment tent. It's all musical fun to make your experience at the Lincoln Arts Festival very good time.

 

Kudos to the City of Lincoln for Paving Over the 8th Street Railroad Tracks

By Dennis Kornbluh

On August 17th I wrote about how the Raised Railroad Tracks on South 8th Street are a Danger to Cyclists. A couple of days ago I noticed that the hazard had been eliminated.  The city's solution was to pave over the tracks, and the end result is a huge improvement in bicycling safety for those who ride this popular corridor that leads to and from the Haymarket.

As much as I'd like to take the credit for highlighting the issue, it's very likely that the wheels were already in motion to fix the problem.  I happened to witness two bicycle accidents in two trips to the Haymarket Farmer's Market this summer, but there were many more.  I have heard multiple accounts about accidents in this location since I wrote about the problem last month. I suspect that the numbers were alarming enough to bring the issue to the attention of city officials a while ago.

Kudos to the City of Lincoln for addressing this problem.  It's heartening to see government act responsibly on an important matter of public safety.

Op Ed: Raised Railroad Tracks on South 8th Street are a Danger to Cyclists

By Dennis Kornbluh

On my last two visits to the Haymarket Farmer's Market I drove home via South 8th Street.  Both times I found a bicyclist that had just fallen.  The two accidents occurred no more than half a block from one another, and both were caused by the same hazard: raised railroad tracks that run along South 8th Street at an angle to traffic.

The first victim was a young woman whom I found sitting on the ground with blood streaming down her chin. The second was a man who was lying unconscious in the middle of the road. Both had not realized the affect that the tracks would have as they attempted to ride their bicycles over them at an oblique angle.

Experienced bicyclists know that railroad tracks have to be crossed with the wheels perpendicular to the rails (see photo above left).  If you approach the tracks at an angle, your front wheel may get caught on one or the other rail, causing your bike to be steered suddenly in a new direction.  Unless you're an acrobat, you're going to fall when this happens, and you could get hurt badly (especially if you're not wearing a helmet that is in good condition and properly adjusted for your head. See "Protect Your Cranium" below.)

A Sign is Not a Solution

The Haymarket Farmer's Market attracts many bicyclists each weekend.  South 8th Street is a logical route to use because it has little traffic, and it leads directly to the Haymarket.  There is a sign posted that is intended to alert people to the angular orientation of the railroad tracks, but it is so subtle, most people would never notice it.  It appears to be a fairly recent sign, which would indicate that the city is aware that there is a hazard.  This is a lawyer's solution, rather than a real one that will make people safer.  The railroad tracks that run along South 8th Street between N and M do not appear to be in use. The City of Lincoln should eliminate the tracks, or at least pave over them.  An interim solution is needed, as well, such as a barrier or more visible signage.

Protect Your Cranium

Incidentally, the man that I found lying unconscious on S. 8th Street was wearing a bicycle helmet. Unfortunately it was an old model, so it lacked the adjustable, skull-locking band that is now a common feature.  Also, the straps didn't appear to be tight enough, so it looked like his helmet slid up as he struck the ground, exposing his head.  The evidence was clear: a large welt on his left temple. If you've got an old helmet, you should consider investing in a new one. Ask your local bike shop to help you choose the right model, and have them show you how to adjust it properly.

Lincoln Green by Design Invites Community to Provide Lincoln Green Map Input

Lincoln Green by Design (LGbD) a volunteer group working to promote a sustainable Lincoln and Lancaster County, is extending an open invitation to all interested individuals, students, businesses, non-profits and government agencies to the next LGbD meeting Tuesday, August 9th as the group kicks-off the Lincoln Green Map project.

The Green Map is a community map-making project that has involved over 700 communities in 55 countries.  Lincoln Green by Design will be working with the City of Lincoln’s Cleaner Greener Lincoln initiative to map green sites and activities in Lincoln. The staff at Cleaner Greener Lincoln has provided much of the preliminary information for Lincoln’s Green Map.  Now the city has entered into a contract with Lincoln Green by Design to develop the Green Map as a tool for information and activities “including but not limited to energy efficiency, energy savings, renewable energy, sustainable building practices, transportation, recycling, access to materials, ‘green’ employment and other similar information.” Lincoln Green by Design will facilitate community input and involvement to help make the Green Map a useful tool for people seeking goods, services and things to do that are greening Lincoln in the process. Green Maps can be accessed through the Internet and through mobile applications for smart phones. Here is a link to the current version of Lincoln’s Green Map: http://www.opengreenmap.org/greenmap/lincoln-green-map

The next meeting for LGbD is Tuesday, August 9th from noon to 1:30 in the 4th floor conference room of the Bennett Martin Public Library. All LGbD meetings are open to the public. The meeting schedule can be accessed on the LGbD website, www.lincolngreenbydesign.com.

There will also be an informational Lincoln Green Map presentation at Think Green It's Thursday, Thursday, August 4 from 5pm to 6pm at the Eco Products and Services Center, 530 West P Street. Visit the website, www.ecoproductsandservicescenter.org or call 402 477-3606 for more information.

Science Odyssey: Shifts in Disease Boundaries

By Clay Farris Naff

New temperature data show that climate change is well underway in the US. As it takes hold, experts say the boundaries of diseases are shifting as well. That's partly because the carriers of disease, such as mosquitoes and mice, are finding new places to live.

But there's more to it than that. In  Part 1 we hear from Dr. Mary Hayden of the National Center for Atmospheric Research. In Part 2, we talk with epidemiologist Gregory Glass of Johns Hopkins University.

Climate and Disease, Part 1

Climate and Disease, Part 2

Clay Farris Naff is (claynaff.com) is a science author and blogger whose weekly radio program, Science Odyssey, airs Saturday mornings from 8:30 to 9 a.m. CST on KZUM, Lincoln's community radio station. You can hear it over the air at 89.3 FM or on the web live at kzum.org. Clay's science and religion blog on the Huffington Post can be seen here.

Lincoln Municipal Band to present "March Madness" July 31

The Lincoln Municipal Band will continue its 2011 Summer Concert Series on Sunday, July 31, 2011 at 7:00 p.m., with a concert entitled "March Madness." This concert, conducted by Bob Krueger, will feature marches by Henry Fillmore, Karl King and John Philip Sousa.

In addition the band will perform Percy Grainger's "Children's March" and Victor Herbert's "Naughty Marietta Overture." Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy a beautiful evening of music, family, and friends! The Lincoln Municipal Band will also be joined by trumpet soloist Dean Haist, trumpet professor at Nebraska Wesleyan University. He will be performing "Trumpeter's Lullaby" and "At the Beach." 

All Lincoln Municipal Band concerts are held at the John Shildneck Memorial Bandshell in Antelope Park and are FREE and open to the public.

Pinewood's "Oz" Showcases Talent Under the Stars

By Ladd Wendelin

Like a force of nature, no other theater space in Lincoln has the potential to literally transport audiences to another time and place like Pinewood Bowl (west on Van Dorn St.), which is nestled amidst the natural beauty of the surrounding pines and countryside. The eager masses packed the seating area Saturday night, despite quarter-sized mosquitos and oppressive heat, to see a full-fledged spectacle in one of Lincoln’s most revered and scenic parks. I couldn't help thinking that, somewhere over the rainbow, The Wizard of Oz, which runs through July 17, was being performed in an air-conditioned theatre, but an outdoor summer performance brings with it a certain magic.

Even with the less than ideal weather, director / choreographer Courtney Piccoli, who helmed last year’s festive hit White Christmas, has mounted yet another ambitious and crowd-pleasing production. With at least 100+ cast and crew members and numerous special effects, it takes more than a little brains, heart, and courage to meet the colossal and sometimes unyielding demands of the Bowl. In most areas, Piccoli and company meet the significant challenges set before them.

Piccoli’s choreography took centerstage. The razzle/dazzle of large group numbers (“Munchkinland“, “Merry Old Land of Oz”) eventually gave way to somewhat less dynamic numbers, such as the cluttered “Jitterbug”. Karen Jordan-Anderson's costuming was impressive, considering how many actors there are to costume in the show. Robert Wamsley doubles-up as both actor and scenic/set design, along with construction by Richard Imig. Compared to White Christmas, the majority of the set pieces have been scaled down for quick transitions between scenes. 

Dorothy’s faithful travel companions, the Scarecrow (Michael J. Corner), Tin Man (Wamsley), and Lion (David Claus) don’t stray too far from the classic portrayals seen in the 1939 MGM film. In fact, none of the principal actors seemed to eclipse the accepted depictions of these beloved and cherished characters. Since these characters are already instantly recognizable, I was a little surprised that the cast did not explore more empathetic interpretations to show what happens in between points A and B. Oz, afterall, is a coming-of-age story; a young girl’s journey from youthful petulance to an appreciation of the comforts of home she took for granted. Ultimately, Dorothy's road trip transcends physical distances, instead becoming an emotional and transformative trek across the marvelous land of Oz.

Claus, with his resonant baritone, embraces the opportunity to offer a fresh and new interpretation of the role that is almost cut to fit his talents. Next to Toto, he was a clear audience favorite. With a slightly less-than-wicked Witch (Eisler) and wonderful-ish Wizard (Jeff Bargar), much like the great Kansas prairie itself, Piccoli’s Dorothy arrives back home relatively unchanged, same as she ever was. 

Make no mistake, Piccoli is one of the few directors in Lincoln who understands the dimensions of the Pinewood Bowl. No matter who is telling the story, Pinewood's Wizard of Oz retains enough ruby-red power to marvel, mystify, and enchant audiences young and old alike, which in its best moments, it does - another fine example of the myriad of talents and hard work that it takes to put on an annual outdoor spectacular. 

The Wizard of Oz runs July 10 and July 14-17. Gates open at 6 P.M. with the performances starting at 8:00 P.M. Tickets for adults are $12 at the gate, $11 at Russ’ Market locations, and $10 with a Russ’ card. Children’s tickets are $5 for ages 6-12, while those 5 and under are free. Seating is general admission.  Park benches are provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own lawn chairs or blankets, bug spray and sunblock.

For more info, visit www.pinewoodbowl.org.