14 June 2010
Posted in Dr. Phillips CineDome

Have you ever wondered how a wave is formed? In the new documentary film featuring nine-time world champion surfer Kelly Slater titled Ultimate Wave: Tahiti, premiering June 19 at the Orlando Science Center, viewers will get to see firsthand on a giant screen how waves are formed. In addition, the film will feature state-of-the-art animated sequences detailing the science behind how a wave works and the physical properties of the oceanic phenomenon. The film uses Slater and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as the backbone for its inquiry into the science behind the art.

Beyond just the rigorous science, the film also delves into the cultural aspects of waves and wave making, as well as the cultural history of surfers in Tahiti. The film uses Tahitian surfing legend Raimana Van Bastolaer to speak of Teahupo’o, the “Ultimate Wave” feared by many surfers around the world. It also goes into the history of the ancient Polynesian watermen.

The film ultimately comes down to a balance between science and tradition, between state-of-the-art and history. It uses Kelly Slater and Raimana Van Bastolaer as the personification of the two views, and not unlike the two friends, ultimately strikes a harmony.

14 June 2010
Posted in Dr. Phillips CineDome

In the surfing world, there is only one name: Kelly Slater. The nine-time world champion is unparalleled in the sport, taking the likes of Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky and Babe Ruth and wrapping them into one surfing god. As an unquestioned king in his sport, the legend garners respect from many. What isn’t widely known, however, is that the king respects the mayor; the Mayor of Teahupo’o.

Raimana Van Bastolaer may not be a household name (yet), but his surfing talent has already garnered the respect of the unquestioned king of surfing. While filming Ultimate Wave: Tahiti, premiering June 19 at the Orlando Science Center, Slater met up with Van Bastolaer to tackle the “Ultimate Wave.” While filming, the two bonded and formed a mutual respect for one another.

While Slater rides on state-of-the-art equipment in rigorously timed competitions, Van Bastolaer tends to the quiet, laid-back attitude of the ancient Tahitian watermen. Van Bastolaer explores the science and art of riding the wave, and speaks to the connections people make with the ocean. And while Slater may be the King of Surfing, at times, the King hails to the Mayor.

14 June 2010
Posted in Dr. Phillips CineDome

The word “Teahupo’o” may not strike fear into a layperson. It may not command the admiration and desire that it necessarily deserves. And yet, when uttered to the likes of nine-time world champion surfer Kelly Slater or Tahitian native Raimana Van Bastolaer, “Teahupo’o” means only one thing: respect.

Teahupo’o is home to what many consider the most dangerous and perfect wave to be found anywhere. In fact, its origin, strength and power are examined in the large format film, Ultimate Wave: Tahiti, premiering June 19 at the Orlando Science Center. The film explores the wave, as well as the Tahitian culture surrounding the buildup of the wave. But guests make no mistake when told this wave rests at one of the most sought-after beaches in the entire world; they know this wave is a beast.

14 June 2010
Posted in Dr. Phillips CineDome

Kelly Slater is one of the few names from the tight-knit surfing community to reach beyond the ears of the hardcore surfing fan. The Florida grown surfer is known to the world for his unsurpassed nine world championships, laid-back attitude and rugged good looks. But what many don’t know is that Slater’s biggest impact comes from saving the waves, rather than conquering them.

Through The Kelly Slater Foundation, Slater is one of the worlds leading advocates in ocean protection and ecological and scientific understanding. His devotion has always been to the ocean, and his influence attracts those sharing a concern for the ocean’s ecosystems.

Slater’s admiration for the science behind the waves is no more apparent than in his starring role in the film Ultimate Wave: Tahiti, showing at the Orlando Science Center. With the help of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration the film demonstrates how communities and people far from the ocean shore are affected by the ocean’s interplay within our ecosystem. Slater’s hands-on wave experience, coupled with the NOAA’s scientific insight provides a unique way for everybody to get on board and save the waves.

Ultimate Wave: Tahiti premieres at Cocktails & Cosmos, Saturday June 19.

07 June 2010
Posted in Press and Media

Orlando Science Center's Rock N' Roll Laser Light Shows Return

Every Saturday Night, June 12 - August 21

Tickets are $13 and include admission to exhibits and observatory

Orlando, FL - (June 7, 2010) - Are You Experienced? If you’ve got the Money to have a Wonderful Tonight, then the Orlando Science Center has your dose of that Old Time Rock and Roll. Light and sound will merge for an unforgettable rock n roll experience as laser light shows return for a limited engagement this summer. Featuring a lineup of rockin’ tunes backed by 28,000 watts of stereo sound and laser effects, these shows will blast through the Science Center’s Dr. Phillips CineDome every Saturday night until August 21.

Experience legendary sounds with a full color laser show from LightWave International. This year, the lineup includes two new shows: an 80’s mix featuring hits by Guns N Roses, U2 and Michael Jackson and a classic rock compilation with songs by Bob Seger, Queen, and The Doors. The schedule is rounded out by a Beatles laser show and the return of perennial favorite Pink Floyd with the iconic Dark Side of the Moon.

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Written by Jimmy Waldron | 01 June 2010
Posted in DinoDigs

It’s a great time for paleontology. I know, I’m the first guy to say “It’s always a great time for paleontology” but believe me, this time, it’s a great time for Paleontology!

In the last few weeks, we’ve made incredible leaps and bounds in our understanding of the natural world. Scientists in Canada, Australia, and Japan successfully cloned blood protein from a Siberian Wooly Mammoth, bringing us one step closer to successfully cloning an extinct animal (The Pyrenean Ibex, an extinct goat, was cloned in 2009, but did not survive.) Scientists are optimistic, some predicting oogenesis (living embryos) in the next two years, and giant fuzzy elephants in zoos in less than five years!

I know, right? But sit down, there’s more.

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