Comments on: The biology of physics http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/ I am an astronomer, writer, and skeptic. I likes reality the way it is, and I aims to keep it that way. My real name is Phil Plait, and I run the Bad Astronomy blog. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:11:49 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: ender wiggins http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/comment-page-1/#comment-89384 ender wiggins Wed, 21 May 2008 23:22:01 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/#comment-89384 response 1: "I thought apples were designed to fall downward." response 2: "No, God pushes them down." definitive response: "God pushes them down because THE FSM asked him to do so" :-) response 1: “I thought apples were designed to fall downward.”

response 2: “No, God pushes them down.”

definitive response: “God pushes them down because THE FSM
asked him to do so”
:-)

]]> By: Nerdy Science Blog » Blog Archive » Physics for Biologists http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/comment-page-1/#comment-89383 Nerdy Science Blog » Blog Archive » Physics for Biologists Wed, 21 May 2008 09:49:34 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/#comment-89383 [...] [via]) addthis_url = 'http%3A%2F%2Fscience.kukuchew.com%2F2008%2F05%2F21%2Fphysics-for-biologists%2F'; [...] [...] [via]) addthis_url = ‘http%3A%2F%2Fscience.kukuchew.com%2F2008%2F05%2F21%2Fphysics-for-biologists%2F’; [...]

]]> By: Physics for biologists | Seeing Beauty http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/comment-page-1/#comment-89382 Physics for biologists | Seeing Beauty Tue, 20 May 2008 21:20:13 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/#comment-89382 [...] Via Bad Astronomy [...] [...] Via Bad Astronomy [...]

]]> By: Torbjörn Larsson, OM http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/comment-page-1/#comment-89381 Torbjörn Larsson, OM Fri, 16 May 2008 02:03:23 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/#comment-89381 It's a little known detail, but that apple tree (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flower_of_Kent" rel="nofollow">an old and wise <i>Flower of Kent</i></a> had to retreat to dropping a bucket load of apples before Newton, historically lazy, woke up and got the message. This is suspected to explain Newton's early retirement into alchemy and religious speculations. <blockquote> A farmer hires a theoretical physicist to find out what’s wrong with his chickens. </blockquote> The one I have heard goes something like this: A leading diary company hires a couple of theoretical scientists in order to get higher production milk cows. The scientists study a farm, tells the company they need a year to develop a working theory, and gets to work. After a year they meet with the expectant company directors. The leading scientists walks in front of an empty black board and begins: "Assume a spherical cow...". It’s a little known detail, but that apple tree (an old and wise Flower of Kent had to retreat to dropping a bucket load of apples before Newton, historically lazy, woke up and got the message. This is suspected to explain Newton’s early retirement into alchemy and religious speculations.

A farmer hires a theoretical physicist to find out what’s wrong with his chickens.

The one I have heard goes something like this:

A leading diary company hires a couple of theoretical scientists in order to get higher production milk cows. The scientists study a farm, tells the company they need a year to develop a working theory, and gets to work.

After a year they meet with the expectant company directors. The leading scientists walks in front of an empty black board and begins: “Assume a spherical cow…”.

]]> By: Dave Morton http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/comment-page-1/#comment-89380 Dave Morton Thu, 15 May 2008 21:03:56 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/#comment-89380 Rinzewind - my mate in Manchester has a Spanish woman working for him (where I assume he got it from), passed it to me in Southampton, I passed it to the BA and then you read it! Rinzewind – my mate in Manchester has a Spanish woman working for him (where I assume he got it from), passed it to me in Southampton, I passed it to the BA and then you read it!

]]> By: Nails67 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/comment-page-1/#comment-89379 Nails67 Thu, 15 May 2008 17:49:26 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/#comment-89379 Actually, I thought each apple flew off in all directions simultaneously (possibly into multiple universes if you subscribe to the many granny-smith interpretation), and it was only when Newton was underneath the tree observing that the fruit wave function collapsed onto his head. :) Actually, I thought each apple flew off in all directions simultaneously (possibly into multiple universes if you subscribe to the many granny-smith interpretation), and it was only when Newton was underneath the tree observing that the fruit wave function collapsed onto his head. :)

]]> By: Tatarize http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/comment-page-1/#comment-89378 Tatarize Thu, 15 May 2008 13:38:34 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/#comment-89378 Apples and apple trees are made of standard matter. Standard matter is naturally selected to "come down" after "going up". We know this because all matter which didn't come down isn't here anymore. Apples and apple trees are made of standard matter. Standard matter is naturally selected to “come down” after “going up”. We know this because all matter which didn’t come down isn’t here anymore.

]]> By: Marc http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/comment-page-1/#comment-89377 Marc Thu, 15 May 2008 05:25:33 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/#comment-89377 Actually, this isn't too far from some thinkers... Quentin Smith and Lee Smolin (in that order) have formulated "Natural Selection Cosmologies" (or, Cosmogonies). Check them out; very interesting. Actually, this isn’t too far from some thinkers…

Quentin Smith and Lee Smolin (in that order) have formulated “Natural Selection Cosmologies” (or, Cosmogonies).

Check them out; very interesting.

]]> By: Frett http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/comment-page-1/#comment-89376 Frett Thu, 15 May 2008 03:25:04 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/#comment-89376 Hey I found this other cartoon, maybe PZ would like this one better: http://www.thescientificcartoonist.com/?cat=4&paged=1 Hey I found this other cartoon, maybe PZ would like this one better:
http://www.thescientificcartoonist.com/?cat=4&paged=1

]]> By: Buzz Parsec http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/comment-page-1/#comment-89375 Buzz Parsec Thu, 15 May 2008 03:11:42 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/#comment-89375 Alex, I bow to your logic, and I for one welcome our new Apple overlords. Alex, I bow to your logic, and I for one welcome our new Apple overlords.

]]> By: Alex http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/comment-page-1/#comment-89374 Alex Thu, 15 May 2008 02:44:53 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/#comment-89374 Don't believe this apple-gravity nonsense. Where are the transitional apples? If you cannot show me an apple in every stage of growth AND fall, I could never believe that apples fall from trees. If you want to believe that apples fall from trees, that is your religion and I resent paying taxes for it to be taught in public schools. Don't get me wrong, I love science. If you define gravity by the apples and apples by the gravity, that's circular logic! Don’t believe this apple-gravity nonsense. Where are the transitional apples? If you cannot show me an apple in every stage of growth AND fall, I could never believe that apples fall from trees. If you want to believe that apples fall from trees, that is your religion and I resent paying taxes for it to be taught in public schools. Don’t get me wrong, I love science.

If you define gravity by the apples and apples by the gravity, that’s circular logic!

]]> By: Mooney http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/comment-page-1/#comment-89373 Mooney Thu, 15 May 2008 01:49:35 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/#comment-89373 This is ridiculous. Obviously, the first apples to hit the ground did so with such force that their seeds were deformed, an acquired trait which was passed on to successive generations, thus making apples that are shaped to hit the ground the most common sort. That's right, I believe in Lamarckian Horticulture! This is ridiculous. Obviously, the first apples to hit the ground did so with such force that their seeds were deformed, an acquired trait which was passed on to successive generations, thus making apples that are shaped to hit the ground the most common sort.

That’s right, I believe in Lamarckian Horticulture!

]]> By: animedevildog http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/comment-page-1/#comment-89372 animedevildog Thu, 15 May 2008 01:45:00 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/#comment-89372 It kinda reminds me that it all comes down to the perspective of the observer. Our own thoughts and beliefs shape the way we see things. A creationist might have thought of the apple falling on the guys head as the result of God commanding it to fall there. I really can't say that the creationist is wrong, but I have an easier time beliving the biologist's take on physics... It kinda reminds me that it all comes down to the perspective of the observer. Our own thoughts and beliefs shape the way we see things. A creationist might have thought of the apple falling on the guys head as the result of God commanding it to fall there. I really can’t say that the creationist is wrong, but I have an easier time beliving the biologist’s take on physics…

]]> By: Evolving Squid http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/comment-page-1/#comment-89368 Evolving Squid Thu, 15 May 2008 00:54:22 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/#comment-89368 <i>I thought apples were designed to fall downward.</i> No, God pushes them down. I thought apples were designed to fall downward.

No, God pushes them down.

]]> By: The Science Pundit http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/comment-page-1/#comment-89371 The Science Pundit Thu, 15 May 2008 00:25:47 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/#comment-89371 davidlpf, If you're referring to the theory of <i>"Intelligent Falling,"</i> then you actually have biblical evidence to back you up. After all, it was an apple that led to the <i>Fall</i> of Man. ;-P davidlpf,

If you’re referring to the theory of “Intelligent Falling,” then you actually have biblical evidence to back you up. After all, it was an apple that led to the Fall of Man. ;-P

]]> By: Shane Killian http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/comment-page-1/#comment-89370 Shane Killian Thu, 15 May 2008 00:10:08 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/#comment-89370 Geekoid: I was playing off an old physics joke. A farmer hires a theoretical physicist to find out what's wrong with his chickens. After a lot of diagrams and calculations, the physicist says, "Well, I've got a solution, but it only works for perfectly spherical chickens in a vacuum." Geekoid: I was playing off an old physics joke.

A farmer hires a theoretical physicist to find out what’s wrong with his chickens. After a lot of diagrams and calculations, the physicist says, “Well, I’ve got a solution, but it only works for perfectly spherical chickens in a vacuum.”

]]> By: Mike http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/comment-page-1/#comment-89369 Mike Wed, 14 May 2008 23:42:23 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/#comment-89369 Naw. Gravity doesn't exist. The earth sucks. Though it's a bit hard to calculate solar orbits that way.... Naw.

Gravity doesn’t exist.

The earth sucks.

Though it’s a bit hard to calculate solar orbits that way….

]]> By: slang http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/comment-page-1/#comment-89367 slang Wed, 14 May 2008 23:02:06 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/#comment-89367 Nice Terry Pratchett reference in that blogname, rinzewind! Discworld rox :) Nice Terry Pratchett reference in that blogname, rinzewind! Discworld rox :)

]]> By: Sam http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/comment-page-1/#comment-89366 Sam Wed, 14 May 2008 22:56:19 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/#comment-89366 BTW, does anyone remember the "Dark Sucker Theory..?" The joke started like this http://home.netcom.com/~rogermw/darksuck.txt And all the parody sites that popped up in favor of "Dark Sucker Theory" remind me of the Creationist crowd. Sadly, THEY arent joking.. :-( BTW, does anyone remember the “Dark Sucker Theory..?”

The joke started like this http://home.netcom.com/~rogermw/darksuck.txt

And all the parody sites that popped up in favor of “Dark Sucker Theory” remind me of the Creationist crowd. Sadly, THEY arent joking..
:-(

]]> By: Brando http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/comment-page-1/#comment-89365 Brando Wed, 14 May 2008 22:51:29 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/#comment-89365 Lee Smolin made this, right? ;) Lee Smolin made this, right? ;)

]]> By: Richard H. http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/comment-page-1/#comment-89364 Richard H. Wed, 14 May 2008 22:49:42 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/#comment-89364 Funny cartoon. Funny cartoon.

]]> By: Geekoid http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/comment-page-1/#comment-89363 Geekoid Wed, 14 May 2008 22:49:39 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/#comment-89363 Nice. Shane - Why perfectly spherical apples in a vacuum? Since there would be no atmosphere for a spin to push against I wouldn't think there shape mattered. Nice.
Shane – Why perfectly spherical apples in a vacuum?
Since there would be no atmosphere for a spin to push against I wouldn’t think there shape mattered.

]]> By: Sam http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/comment-page-1/#comment-89362 Sam Wed, 14 May 2008 22:49:23 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/#comment-89362 What are you all talking about..? The apple doesnt fall down, the earth "falls" upwards to touch the apple.. Mother nature loves apples dontcha know..? She doesnt like feathers all that much thats why she doesnt rush to touch them but instead takes her own sweet time. :-) What are you all talking about..? The apple doesnt fall down, the earth “falls” upwards to touch the apple.. Mother nature loves apples dontcha know..? She doesnt like feathers all that much thats why she doesnt rush to touch them but instead takes her own sweet time.
:-)

]]> By: Las penas del Agente Smith » Y yo con el frac en la tintorería http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/comment-page-1/#comment-89361 Las penas del Agente Smith » Y yo con el frac en la tintorería Wed, 14 May 2008 22:34:04 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/#comment-89361 [...] no lo escribo, reviento: me ha enlazado Phil Plait por la viñeta que puse el otro día. Chincha, rabiña, y esas cosas. | Trackback [...] [...] no lo escribo, reviento: me ha enlazado Phil Plait por la viñeta que puse el otro día. Chincha, rabiña, y esas cosas. | Trackback [...]

]]> By: RinzeWind http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/comment-page-1/#comment-89360 RinzeWind Wed, 14 May 2008 22:32:10 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/14/the-biology-of-physics/#comment-89360 Mom! Look! My blog is on Bad Astronomy! :D Thanks, Phil. You made my day (and it's only 00:31 here, but I don't think anything will beat this). Mom! Look! My blog is on Bad Astronomy! :D

Thanks, Phil. You made my day (and it’s only 00:31 here, but I don’t think anything will beat this).

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