'MythBusters' visit, chat with crowd
Publication Date: 10/29/07
Almost 6,000 people flocked to Elliott Hall of Music Sunday for a "casual conversation" with the MythBusters about their philosophy on learning, their favorite myths and lighting flatulent emissions on fire.
An intimate backstage setting was the catalyst for the open conversation with hosts Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman before their appearance. The MythBusters chatted and took pictures with fans of all kinds: children hiding their faces behind their parent's arms and senior donors to Purdue Science discussing college "back in the day."
Students and other patrons were excited about the show, admiring the presence of esteemed science figures.
"These guys are teaching the scientific method through pop culture," said Michael Doud, a junior in the College of Science. "I think they might be the Bill Nye for the next generation."
"We're a couple of characters with an unusual job," said Hyneman, in his trademark black beret.
"It's an adventure with highs and lows in the road," Savage said, clad in black faded jeans and button-up shirt. "The whole experience is absolutely wonderful."
Hyneman explained the genesis of the show. An Australian filmmaker watched a robot war show, and, after watching Hyneman's unbeatable machine dominate other robots, recruited Hyneman to host a documentary investigating urban myths. The show grew from there, picking up Savage and a specialized team who now tackles burning questions such as "will a bullet penetrate flesh underwater?"
"The best part about doing the myths is that it's all about the science," said Savage after tinkering with his son Reilly's iPod. "The education is just indescribable."
Hyneman said it is a chore to balance family, friends, work and traveling to shows. Based in San Francisco, the two traveled to Indiana for just a few hours before heading back to the set.
While commenting on the fast-pace nature of their jobs, neither seemed to lose their ground.
"The only difference between us and some 14-year old pyromaniacs is that we call the fire department first," said Savage jokingly.
Although Savage and Hyneman don't have science degrees, they spoke in detail about their experiments, scientific and humorous. Audience members were shaking in their chairs with laughter when Savage said one of the most unusual things he had ever built was a special chair for testing flatulent emissions' ability to ignite.
The two earned huge applause and standing ovations, from entertained children and intrigued scientists alike, for their appearance.
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