In light of the recent earthquakes over on the east coast, I think this would be a good time to take a moment to talk about an issue that is near and dear to WE’s heart, the issue of Base Isolation Awareness. Base isolation is an ancient technology that is used to prevent buildings from toppling over in the event of an earthquake. Unbeknownst to most be people, much like the silent superhero, base isolation technology has been saving lives for centuries. Thank God for base isolation, amen.
A few years ago, WE were approached by an actual earthquake engineering scientist to create a song that would bring base isolation awareness to the forefront. He paid us $18 for our song writing services and WE delivered a whopper! The scientist was so impressed that he sent us a copy of a book he authored about seismic technology. WE use to read it sometimes before band practice to pump ourselves up (as pictured above).
The scientist expressed his thanks in an email:
Dear We Wrote the Book On Connectors,
Pardon me for addressing you formally, and collectively, as “We Wrote the Book On Connectors,” but since we have never met, I am hesitant to address you with the more familiar “WE” nickname employed by fans with whom you are on more personal terms.
Well, the first time I heard the song I was blown away, as I was on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and subsequent listenings. HOW DID YOU DO IT?!?! You captured the essence of seismic base isolation theory in song, and you didn’t even use any equations!! I have to use a lot of equations to describe the same thing, but you did it with music!! Wow. Such a great song. And the funky Rasta break is brilliant.
I sent the song to a number of my professional colleagues around the U.S. who are also specialists in the design of, or research on, seismic isolation systems. They all thought it was a great song, too. In expressing their enthusiasm, they also noted that probably our other colleagues in base isolation research aren’t hip enough to “get” the song. They all said the same thing about each other. Strange how we never think other people could possibly be as hip as we are, and they think the same thing about us. Well, as far as I’m concerned, everyone is hip in their own special way.
As a small token of my appreciation for bringing seismic isolation to life in music, I would like to send you a copy of a short book I co-authored on seismic isolation theory and practice. I can’t find your mailing address on your web site, though. Where should I send it? Or should I leave it in a dumpster at a specified time and place for you to retrieve without detection by the Authorities?
Keep on doing whatever it is that you do so well,
With kind regards and admiration,
Andy, Ph.D.P.S. In turning 50, I weathered my mid-life crisis by buying an accordion, rather than a red sports car.
After you listen to this song, you will have a new found appreciation for something you probably didn’t even know existed. WE hope you will find it as entertaining as it is educational.
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