Clint,
Thank you for another entertaining Wonder of Physics show. This 30th anniversary special had a lot of great demonstrations: the ping pong atmospheric pressure gun (around the 17 minute mark), the fixed length flute with 4 types of gases playing 4 different notes (24 min. mark), the electromagnetic induction gun that sends rings higher when they are cold or if there is an iron core present (41 min), the slow-motion free fall of a magnet above a cold conducting plate (46 min), the laser being jiggled by a flame (48 min.), the sunset in the aquarium (51 min.) and the colored balloon being blown up by a laser inside a clear balloon (53 min.).
On a more critical note, as I noted in my post about your 25th anniversary video, I felt that the physics behind some demonstrations was note sufficiently explained (the bowling ball pendulum at the 3 minute mark could have benefited from a discussion about energy conservation, the principle of the protecting metal cage at the 31 minute mark is not really explained, and the water being deflected by a charged rod at the 34 minute mark is not that intriguing when you do not mention that it is attracted although it is not itself charged). I also found that it was not made clear enough that the statement around the 44 minute mark that magnetic energy can increase the nutrition value of "Martian Dew" was a joke (I am nitpicking, I know!).
Once again, good luck in the contest!
Marc
P.S. If you have a chance to view, comment and vote on my trilogy of videos entitled "This Is Physics" --- where I try to convey the "fun of physics" by focusing on some of the greatest moments of its history --- it would be quite appreciated!
