Monthly Archives: May 2023

Stop! It’s Hammack Time: The Engineer Guy returns

Bill Hammack of UIUC built and built-up the “Engineer Guy” Youtube channel into one of the most popular and respected technology-focused sites on the platform.

Then, he disappeared for four years.  His audience checked in periodically in the comments section but there was not much information to be had other than hints that he was still with us and might someday return.

In years past he had brilliantly explained the unsung inventions enabling coffee makers, microwave ovens, and injection molding.   His explanation of the prosaic aluminum beverage can and the 16-mm film projector are masterpieces – short stories as fine as any in written literature.  He also did longer-form works including a book on the history of British airships.

But now, he has returned and one hopes to stay, examining the “engineering method” as he describes it.  A complement to the much better-known scientific method.

In addition to the steam turbine below, he looks at cathedrals, turbulence, and revisits the microwave magnetron.

Welcome back, Professor.

Youtube Channel: The Engineer Guy

 

Talking Giants: Dirac and De Broglie in their own voice

Two founders of quantum mechanics speak.  Dirac is interviewed (and too frequently interrupted) by Friedrich Hund, himself an eminent physicist known to spectroscopists everywhere.  De Broglie lived to 94 and his post-Nobel career included the premier seat at Académie Française.  Dirac had a reputation as a man of very few words.  80 years old at the time of filming,  one senses that this discussion was difficult for him.

Youtube Channel: mehranshargh

Youtube Channel: Nomen Nominandum