#di mainstone

[lila-kriegerin]

A pitch drop experiment is a long-term experiment which measures the flow of a piece of pitch over many years. "Pitch" is the name for any of a number of highly viscous liquids which appear solid, most commonly bitumen, also known as asphalt. At room temperature, tar pitch flows at a very low rate, taking several years to form a single drop.

The best-known version of "the pitch drop experiment" [pictured above, in summary] was started in 1927 by Professor Thomas Parnell of The University of Queensland demonstrates the viscosity of bitumen to students in order to show that some substances which appear solid are actually viscous fluids.

The pitch drop experiment is on public display on Level 2 of Parnell building in the School of Mathematics and Physics at the St Lucia campus of the University of Queensland.

Professor Parnell poured a heated sample of the pitch into a sealed funnel and allowed it to settle for three years. In 1930, the seal at the neck of the funnel was cut, allowing the pitch to start flowing. A glass dome covers the funnel and it is placed on display outside a lecture theatre.

Large droplets form and fall over a period of about a decade, depending on atmospheric conditions such as temperature and barometric pressure.

The University of Queensland pitch drop experiment, featuring its custodian, Professor John Mainstone is seen in the images above, taken in 1990, two years after the seventh drop and 10 years before the eighth drop fell.

The experiment was not originally carried out under any special controlled atmospheric conditions, meaning the viscosity could vary throughout the year with fluctuations in temperature.

The seventh drop fell at approximately 4:45 p.m. on 3 July 1988, while the experiment was on display at Brisbane's World Expo 88. However, apparently no one witnessed the drop fall itself because Professor Mainstone had stepped out to get a drink at the moment it occurred. Sometime after the seventh drop fell (1988), air conditioning was added to the location where the experiment takes place. The lower average temperature has lengthened each drop's stretch before it separates from the rest of the pitch in the funnel, and correspondingly, the typical interval between drops has increased from eight years to 12–13 years.

The experiment eventually began to be monitored by a webcam. Hundreds of thousands of Internet users check the live stream each year. The eighth drop fell sometime on 28 November 2000, allowing experimenters to calculate the pitch as having a viscosity of approximately 230 billion times that of water... but only after the outrage that followed when a brief interruption in power turned off the webcam and no one saw the drop fall.

In October 2005, John Mainstone and the late Thomas Parnell were awarded the Ig Nobel Prize in physics (a parody of the Nobel Prize) for the pitch drop experiment. Mainstone subsequently commented:

"I am sure that Thomas Parnell would have been flattered to know that Mark Henderson considers him worthy to become a recipient of an Ig Nobel prize. Professor Parnell's award citation would of course have to applaud the new record he had thereby established for the longest lead-time between the performance of a seminal scientific experiment and the conferral of such an award, be it a Nobel or an Ig Nobel prize."

Professor John Mainstone died on 23 August 2013, aged 78, following a stroke. Custodianship then passed to Professor Andrew White.

...The other pitch drop experiment, at Trinity College Dublin in Ireland, was started in October 1944 by an unknown colleague in the physics department of Trinity College. This experiment, like the one at University of Queensland, was set up to demonstrate the high viscosity of pitch. This physics experiment sat on a shelf in a lecture hall at Trinity College unmonitored for decades as it dripped a number of times from the funnel to the receiving jar below, also gathering layers of dust.

In April 2013, about a decade after the previous pitch drop, physicists at Trinity College in Ireland noticed that another drip was forming. They moved the experiment to a table to monitor and record the falling drip with a webcam, allowing all present to watch. The pitch dripped around 17:00 IST on 11 July 2013, marking the first time that a pitch drop was successfully recorded on camera.

Based on the results from this experiment, the Trinity College physicists estimated that the viscosity of the pitch is about two million times that of honey, or about 20 billion times the viscosity of water.

As for The University of Queensland pitch drop experiment, the ninth drop was observed on webcam to have touched the eighth drop on 17 April 2014; however, it was still attached to the funnel so everyone online and in the department began arguing that it could not drop if it was already touching the pile of earlier drops.

So, on 24 April, Professor White decided to replace the beaker holding the previous eight drops before the ninth drop fused to them (which would have permanently affected the ability of further drops to form). While the bell jar was being lifted, the wooden base wobbled and the ninth drop snapped away from the funnel. Outraged disappointment ensued.

However, everyone consoled themselves by noting that there is clearly "the other pitch drop experiment", which did record the first time pitch was dropped into a beaker on webcam.

As you can see from the above chart, 12.3 years has been the shortest interval recorded since climate controlled conditions were imposed on the Queensland pitch drop experiment.

So, some people are hopeful that the next drop will form and drop sometime after 12.3-13.4 years after 2014. In other words, they remain hopeful someone (maybe even themselves) may see the drop occur sometime between 2026-2028. Other, more hopeful fools, hope to see it occur before then.

Hundreds of thousands of people continue to observe the experiment online even now, despite the fact that a drip is not due to form for [as of the time of this writing] 3-5 more years.

If you loved reading about this, consider also reading about:

Oxford Electric Bell, which has been ringing nearly continuously from 1840, though twice interrupted;

Centennial Light, a light bulb which has been burning since 1901, though also not without interruption;

& The E. coli long-term evolution experiment (LTEE), a study in experimental evolution which has been running since 1988. (This tale doesn't seem to involve any dramatic interruptions, if that's your thing, you sick little freak.)

Okay, so here’s the pitch.

[chloehenderson]

ARTISTS I ADMIRE ---> DI MAINSTONE

Through my research into jewellery + performance, I’ve discovered a beautiful jeweller who is using technology and the human body to create wearable sound art: Di Mainstone.

At the moment this is especially relevant to what I am looking into for my project. I’m focusing on the world SPECTACLE and using that as a context to create my jewellery designs in. So, my work might embody sound, lights, movement, etc. to create a form of performance art... or performance object.

The first image relates to a project titled “Human Harp”

“Human Harp is a clip-on instrument that transforms suspension bridges into giant harps.”

The concept behind this work is really beautiful, and I really like the sounds that are created. It’s interesting that such ethereal music can be created from something as harsh and industrial as a suspension bridge. For my own work, I intend to look more at mechanical ways of making sounds, and spectacles, rather than digital... but I am always open to new technologies.

The second image is from a film/performance+jewellery collaboration piece titled “Holipophead”

“Holipopheads is a collaboration between Di Mainstone and Hollie Miller. The concept is of a wearable portrait. A girl appears in a space with a suitcase. She opens it to reveal a collection of intriguing paraphernalia. She pulls each piece out and they release a sound. She pulls out a mirror which has a negative cutout of a profile. The girl slides it on her head and we realise that this is a portrait of her profile. She moves through the space triggering sounds and creating unusual reflections of her own profile – sometimes her face looks thin and sometimes wide. Some times she looks cross eyed. Once the mirror is on her head, we hear inside her brain. Her thoughts are jumbled and complex. Ideas laid on top of thoughts.”

It’s an interesting piece, and yet again is pushing the boundaries of what we think of as jewellery. I like the description that the mirror is allowing us to look inside the woman’s head. It creates a spectacle of something that is personal, private, yet, in this way is still mysterious; and an intriguing performance.

The third, and final image on my little adventure through the work of Di Mainstone, is “Words & Numbers”

“The sleeping woman’s dreams and anxieties revolve around a mysterious man with elegant eyes. The sleeper appears to count details, days and memories of this man. These thoughts form complex equations to which there is no answer. Time passes and her recollections become confused as numbers mix with words and time appears to fluctuate. We wonder if this man is a figment of her imagination or someone she has yet to meet…”

I LOVE this piece. It combines a lot of things I’m attracted to: words, storytelling, stop motion film, performance, and body adornment.It takes me back a little to my Thought For The Day project. Combining words and the body is a notion I’d quite like to explore. I find visual storytelling fascinating, and when it makes use of the imagery of actual words, it very much sings to me. Perhaps this is an avenue I will explore on my SPECTACLE journey!!

Chloe out.

Image and Media and Content Credits Di Mainstone

[loneberry]

The Human Harp

“Human Harp is an instrument that clips to suspension cables, enabling us to hear and play a bridge’s song. Founded by artist Di Mainstone, and now a global collaboration, Human Harp connects engineers, dancers, designers, musicians and bridge lovers from around the world…”

https://humanharp.org

https://vimeo.com/user17916885

[trendingzone]

The Most Disappointing Experiment Ever...

In 1927 Professor Thomas Parnell of the University of Queensland started what is known as the longest continuous laboratory experiment in history.

The pitch drop experiment.

He wanted to prove to his students that bitumen, although it has the appearance of a solid, is, in fact, a highly viscous liquid. So he filled a funnel with some hot asphalt and waited 3 years to let it stabilize and subsequently opened the funnel.

And he waited and waited

And waited.

Very, very slowly a drop was forming…

And waited.

After waiting for more than 8 years the first drop fell.

Unfortunately, nobody saw it, so the professor waited for the second drop.

And waited.

When the prof died in 1948 the second drop was completed, but he never saw a drop fall. His successor, Professor John Mainstone, was determined to be the first person that actually would see a drop fall.

With the emergence of new technology, he installed a webcam to make sure the event was recorded, but due to an unfortunate power failure, the camera did not record the occurrence when, in November 2000, the eighth drop fell.

Prof Mainstone died in 2013.

Needless to say that the next prof, Andrew White, was even more determined to see, or at least record, the next drop. A time-lapse camera was set up, with continuous video of the four most recent days, and two additional video cameras. Nothing was left to a chance.

On 17 April 2014, the 9th drop was about to fall: The drop touched the previous drops that were still in the beaker below the experiment, but it was still attached to the funnel. The previous drops were supporting the drop and it wasn't gonna fall.

Prof White decided to put an empty beaker below the experiment to make room for the drop. He carefully lifted the bell jar that protected the experiment. But he didn't know that there was a degraded seal between the glass bell jar and the wooden platform below the experiment. The wooden base wobbled and disaster struck: the 9th drop came loose.

We are now 2018, more than 90 years after the start of the experiment and nobody ever witnessed or recorded a drop.

It really must be the most unfortunate experiment in history.

Peace!

[johnboymoulton]

Sensory Soundpit from Di Mainstone on Vimeo.

Created by European City of Science Artist in Residence, Di Mainstone, this installation was inspired by the phenomenon of synaesthesia; the crossover of the senses. The artwork brings together sound, visuals, technology and sand, why not come along and experiment? Each Soundpit has its own personality, which will be your favourite? Di collaborated with musicians Mandy Wigby and Howard Jacobs, working alongside creative technologist Paul Miller and gaming duo Wetgenes as well as neuroscientists from the University of Salford and Manchester, we have created a synaesthetic machine that allows visitors to touch and see sound as well as hear it.

[alanfentiman]

Di Mainstone - Roof Shot 1

[sickeningbeauty-blog]

Owl is very important because it shows who lies inside the grave.

Owl is very import free online movies nt because it shows who lies inside the grave. The gravestone says the living feelings towards the dead. The dead will definitely be satisfied if their gravestone looks nice. Understanding the importance of having a beautifully beautiful stone to express respect for the boring person, most people want to design a special gravestone for their loved ones. And many people have prepared for their deaths by designing their own grave stone. There are many different types of tombstone built in the world. However, you will feel incredible with gravestones in the following pictures because they are extremely strange. Let's see and consider what you like! Although this person has died, he still wants to chat with friends. The gravestone looks like a mobile phone. The tomb owner seems to have a humorous sense when he put three crew on his grave with the sentence "Laugh. Do not smile. It feels better" The funny tombstone is located in the New Buffalo cemetery, Michigan The gravestone inspires a light bulb Have you ever seen such a grave stone? A man and wife were buried in the same grave, and they turned into a unique tombstone. The gravestone looks so cute and funny. Automobile fighter turns the car into his gravestone. Hello Kitty's tombstone is sold at $ 1,700 in Tokyo. Related links: What To Be Caring About When Choosing Stonestone Stone The Best Tips for Caring for your Mainstone Creative Ideas for the Regeneration of Your Pet Peninsula

[hiddleswift-fanfiction-blog]

Owl is very important because it shows who lies inside the grave.

Owl is very import free online movies nt because it shows who lies inside the grave. The gravestone says the living feelings towards the dead. The dead will definitely be satisfied if their gravestone looks nice. Understanding the importance of having a beautifully beautiful stone to express respect for the boring person, most people want to design a special gravestone for their loved ones. And many people have prepared for their deaths by designing their own grave stone. There are many different types of tombstone built in the world. However, you will feel incredible with gravestones in the following pictures because they are extremely strange. Let's see and consider what you like! Although this person has died, he still wants to chat with friends. The gravestone looks like a mobile phone. The tomb owner seems to have a humorous sense when he put three crew on his grave with the sentence "Laugh. Do not smile. It feels better" The funny tombstone is located in the New Buffalo cemetery, Michigan The gravestone inspires a light bulb Have you ever seen such a grave stone? A man and wife were buried in the same grave, and they turned into a unique tombstone. The gravestone looks so cute and funny. Automobile fighter turns the car into his gravestone. Hello Kitty's tombstone is sold at $ 1,700 in Tokyo. Related links: What To Be Caring About When Choosing Stonestone Stone The Best Tips for Caring for your Mainstone Creative Ideas for the Regeneration of Your Pet Peninsula

[kellyturner1968]

oliviatobin published ​Tributes pour in for Bob Mainstone - 'One of the best councillor...

East Grinstead stalwart and former town mayor Bob Mainstone has died following a short illness.Tributes have poured in for the grandfather who has been hailed as 'one of the best councillors the town's ever had' after he died yesterday (Tuesday, August 29).The 71-year-old represented the Imberhorne ward on both East Grinstead Town Council and Mid Sussex District Council since 2007, was leader of the town council's Liberal Democrat group and was town may in 2016.Many people in the town will...

from Surrey Mirror All Content Feed http://www.surreymirror.co.uk/8203-tributes-pour-in-for-bob-mainstone-one-of-the-best-councillors-this-town-s-ever-had/story-30499448-detail/story.html

[chloehenderson]

SPECTACLE: MINDMAPPING IDEAS

I’ve never made a video with sound before…

It was quite terrifying… and I’m not sure I like listening back to the sound of my own voice... it was well weird!!... but it was ultimately quite exciting! A new tool has been opened up to me, and I can’t wait to apply it to my work more.

I’ve been quite into the idea of documenting my artistic process in new and engaging ways.

A large part of our course is focused on capturing the ways in which we learn, and being able to share that learning process with others.

I’m becoming more and more enamored with the idea of making films. Little documentary style videos to record how my ideas come to life, and how I manipulate my inspirations from a tiny spark of an idea, to turn it into a real physical piece of art.

I think my actual work of jewellery will involve a cinematic element… I’m not quite sure what this will be yet. Perhaps a performance on film, a stop motion, process as performance, a form of theatre, the possibilities are numerous. Using film to document my progress to figure out what I want my art to be will be great practice for my art, as well as helping me to discover exactly what I want that artwork to be.

As you can see from this little film clip, I’ve started to try and pin down my ideas, and be more specific in what avenues I want to go down to get to my final artwork.

The starting point for each of these mind maps was a different artist, or inspiration that has influenced my thought process so far… - Di Mainstone’s “Words & Numbers” - John Moore’s “A World Away” - Maiko Takeda - Peter Chang - My experiences at the Edinburgh Festival, The Birmingham Weekender, and various other theatrical performances I have been inspired by, and found memorable. - Faerytales and Mythology

With each one I mapped different points about their work that I liked, and was drawn to when I researched/experienced them. Some patterns started to clearly emerge, and I tried to make this process as quick as possible so I could really get to the point of the ideas that I found compelling, and want to bring into my own work…

Performance & Film As I’ve mentioned, film is going to play a key role in my work. Process is performance, and that performance is going to be captured in a documentary style way. My actual film-making skills are limited. So, this will also create a form of learning experience for me, and it will enable me to pick up some key lessons for the future. I also want to make a piece of work that is a performance in itself, and I aim to capture that through film. I’m not exactly sure what I want the performance element of my work to be yet, but I do know that I want it to be a big part of it. How I get to this idea will be through the next point…

Fantastical Narrative The next step in my process is to discover my narrative. Basically, I’m going to read a bunch of faerytales and mythology books!! Once I’ve figured out what I want my story to be, I’ll be able to assess how my wearable art will take form in the physical world, and I’ll do that through…

Skills & Material Making is what it is all about. As well as an artist, I am a jeweller. I love to use my hands. Making is key to everything I create. The narrative, and the performance aspect will inform which materials I select to solidify my idea, as well as what skills I will use to do this. I would like to use unusual materials, and a mix of different materials… which I will manipulate in a variety of ways, from the highly skilled to the more bohemian. In this way, I want my work to be multi-faceted.

Spectacle Above all, I want my work to be visually striking. I want it to be memorable, interesting, and leave people both a little weirded out and wowed… a mixture of intriguing and thought-provoking. That’s quite an ambitious aspiration to work towards… hopefully I’ll get there!!

 Stay tuned…

Chloe out.

Image and Media Credits Chloe Henderson

[arthausfl]

oliviatobin published ​Tributes pour in for Bob Mainstone - 'One of the best councillor...

East Grinstead stalwart and former town mayor Bob Mainstone has died following a short illness.Tributes have poured in for the grandfather who has been hailed as 'one of the best councillors the town's ever had' after he died yesterday (Tuesday, August 29).The 71-year-old represented the Imberhorne ward on both East Grinstead Town Council and Mid Sussex District Council since 2007, was leader of the town council's Liberal Democrat group and was town may in 2016.Many people in the town will...

from Surrey Mirror All Content Feed http://www.surreymirror.co.uk/8203-tributes-pour-in-for-bob-mainstone-one-of-the-best-councillors-this-town-s-ever-had/story-30499448-detail/story.html

[speak-your-mind-rdn]

Another example was The Human Harp. 

“I worked with Di Mainstone to help develop the prototypes for her project, Human Harp. The Human Harp is an instrument that can be work by a performer, in this case the talented Hollie Miller, to create sound from motion.

My role was to develop the technology to fit inside each 'harp module' to monitor the movement of the performer and to relay it back to a computer, where the sounds would be generated.  

I worked on the circuitry alongside Becky Stewart from Anti-Alias Labs and on the enclosures with David Blair Ross and Anna Cassidy. The original design for the 'harp modules' was by Copenhagen Institute of Interaction Design (CIID).”

More details can be found at http://www.humanharp.org/.

[the-body-catalogue]

Human Harp. London artist Di Mainstone is developing an electronic instrument that enables performers to make music from the subtle vibrations of suspension bridge cables

[sound-art-text]

Di Mainstone, artist in residence at Queen Mary University of London, has created a project that enables her to transform bridges around the world into interactive instrumental art.

[bethalexandrabird]

Di Mainstone explaining the Brooklyn Bridge Harp Project.