Nicholas Wade (former NYTimes science guy): Newton’s theory turned out to be a “special case” of Einstein’s (which itself is subject to change), just as the Ptolemaic was of the Copernican. Darwin’s is but another “grand narrative” of observation, subject to change as is any scientific scenario. "Creationists insist evolution is only a theory, Dawkins (the “Savonarola of science”) that it’s only a fact. Neither claim is correct."
Whoever, the next guy is that thinks of ‘inertia’ will do well to think it through and add the “unless the object is acted upon by an unbalanced force.” Arghh! Math on Sunday. My aching head…
The Laws of Physics and Math are NOT Universal since they don’t work on every Quantum Level. But they are certainly valid in the one in which we spend our lives.
In Mark Twain’s Letters from the Earth there’s a section on “Papers of the Adam Family” in which Eve expresses her irritation that Adam never got proper credit for discovering the Law of Downhill Water Flow. Somebody had to be the first to notice it, but now everybody just takes it for granted.
So, why is it that Wile E. Coyote (and other classic cartoon characters) can violate the Law of Gravity every time they sail off a cliff (or other high precipice) and hover for an inordinate amount of time before finally falling?
franki_g almost 5 years ago
“Ask for me tomorrow and you will find me a grave man” – Mercutio
enigmamz almost 5 years ago
I thought it was because their work wasn’t in the Bible….
Concretionist almost 5 years ago
Situational awareness and deep thought are seldom found together.
Dtroutma almost 5 years ago
A bird in the hand wouldn’t have given the push.
Bilan almost 5 years ago
The great physicists don’t stand under anything bigger than an apple
Charliegirl Premium Member almost 5 years ago
Darwin was at work even back then.
Alabama Al almost 5 years ago
Newton’s First Law of Motion.
hariseldon59 almost 5 years ago
The real question is how that boulder came to be precariously perched there in the first place. Shades of Wile E. Coyote.
Scorpio Premium Member almost 5 years ago
in both cases, he left out the most important part “unless acted up by an unbalanced force” ie, the bird. no points for a half effort
WGillete almost 5 years ago
Ba-dum-ching!
Lyons Group, Inc. almost 5 years ago
Sir Issac Newton will have better luck in the future. He’ll just get a headache.
Superfrog almost 5 years ago
The laws of physics are enforced with severe penalties.
eastern.woods.metal almost 5 years ago
" A body at rest will remain at rest ". Sounds like me
Masterskrain almost 5 years ago
“Rock on, dude!” Or is that “Rock, on dude”??
walstib Premium Member almost 5 years ago
I never knew seagulls laid such big eggs.
cu3yu almost 5 years ago
That is a lead up worthy of Stephan Pastis.
Squoop almost 5 years ago
Saw THAT one coming!
c141starlifter almost 5 years ago
Nice Pun!!
dflak almost 5 years ago
Inertia was not getting off his butt.
dot-the-I almost 5 years ago
Nicholas Wade (former NYTimes science guy): Newton’s theory turned out to be a “special case” of Einstein’s (which itself is subject to change), just as the Ptolemaic was of the Copernican. Darwin’s is but another “grand narrative” of observation, subject to change as is any scientific scenario. "Creationists insist evolution is only a theory, Dawkins (the “Savonarola of science”) that it’s only a fact. Neither claim is correct."
vaughnrl2003 Premium Member almost 5 years ago
Whoever, the next guy is that thinks of ‘inertia’ will do well to think it through and add the “unless the object is acted upon by an unbalanced force.” Arghh! Math on Sunday. My aching head…
Radish... almost 5 years ago
Entropy is speeding up.
Radish... almost 5 years ago
When the lord gets ready, you got to move.
Redd Panda almost 5 years ago
I had a girl land in my lap one day, married her. Does that count?
KEA almost 5 years ago
He missed the part about “unless acted upon by an external force”
Call me Ishmael almost 5 years ago
“..unless or until acted upon by an outside force.”
the lost wizard almost 5 years ago
You’ll never discover anything if you’re stoned.
COL Crash almost 5 years ago
The Laws of Physics and Math are NOT Universal since they don’t work on every Quantum Level. But they are certainly valid in the one in which we spend our lives.
Richard S Russell Premium Member almost 5 years ago
In Mark Twain’s Letters from the Earth there’s a section on “Papers of the Adam Family” in which Eve expresses her irritation that Adam never got proper credit for discovering the Law of Downhill Water Flow. Somebody had to be the first to notice it, but now everybody just takes it for granted.
DCBakerEsq almost 5 years ago
Science goes ‘BLORT!’
marilynnbyerly almost 5 years ago
Common sense tends to be lacking in many really smart people.
saltylife16 almost 5 years ago
There are 2 kinds of people. Them that move and them that wish they had a analyze the situation a little better
Fido (aka Felix Rex) almost 5 years ago
So, why is it that Wile E. Coyote (and other classic cartoon characters) can violate the Law of Gravity every time they sail off a cliff (or other high precipice) and hover for an inordinate amount of time before finally falling?
They never studied Law.
Michael macDonald almost 5 years ago
Sounds a lot like Congress
bakana almost 5 years ago
A Smarter Physicist would have moved as soon as he realized the Bird was using him for Target Practice.
EdmundBabe almost 5 years ago
Trumped by the 2nd Law
Enter.Name.Here almost 5 years ago
He didn’t know about the law of gravity, but then he never studied law.
Bicycle Dude almost 5 years ago
Great pun, Gronk!
russef almost 5 years ago
Too bad that’s not Trump under there.
dogday Premium Member almost 5 years ago
Droll…VERY droll! Congratulations, Wiley: A pun that needs no apology!