The Lounge

What do we do when we 'observe'? What process or technique (method) do we 'apply' to this? Is it just something that 'happens', so we don't even need to think about it? What do you think observing is? What's an observation?

This note is as much for helping me organize my thoughts as it is for you helping me form a decision. The question regards what model smartphone should replace my current (admittedly basic) phone, and as I see it, I have two very good options from my carrier (Verizon Wireless): The LG Voyager and the Samsung SCH-i760. I am looking to consolidate my gadgets in an attempt to preserve crucial pocket space. Currently, I've got my Zire 71 Palm Pilot, my cell, and my iPod; as I see it, my best option is to replace both my cell and Zire 71 with a smartphone, rather than replace my iPod and cell with a multimedia phone (as none can offer me the kind of memory capacity that …

Who thinks they can explain why people believe, or don't believe, about something we call God? What does this word mean, exactly? Is it referring to a sentience, some being who has ultimate power in the World, and therefore over our lives? Or some sort of guiding principle? Or just an idea, so that belief in the ontological existence of an idea is therefore a delusion, since it must be belief without actuality?

Science is learning. Learning is an ongoing accumulation of experience. This is not a passive activity (knowledge and learning do not come to us, as such, but require some expenditure of physical energy, especially mental energy). Science is an accumulation of fact and (undisputed) belief in the existence of the set of accumulated 'facts' about the world, and the behaviour of things in the world: ultimately of the observer's own behaviour also (why do we learn, or how do we acquire knowledge?). A scientist necessarily must divorce their thinking from disputed, or unproven ideas, and cling to knowledge (belief) that is undisputed, or accepted as true, generally bec…

the sound is kinda messed up, but this video is pretty cool... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUDVZw-imes

I like Latin. Latin is a cool language. English, with its revved-up syntax, stripped and fully rebuilt verbs, overblown vocabulary, and extra luggage space, is certainly an impressive language. It can travel many roads to the same meaning or intent, whereas Latin, more the stately carriage, a marque among languages, whilst unable to follow, will get there with words that have a longer range, that give more linguistic mileage. Latin can be “pithy”, that way. English is overloaded with meaning and therefore has more “nuance-range” (there are more ways to say something). Latin can get to the point with a lot less effort.

"The lives of the slaves", said the Captain, "are of no value." "They are not slaves." "As I count, they are slaves, and worthless." "As I count, they are men and women, and must survive..." "That is a lie you tell me. A foolish lie. You are helpless here in space..." (1) Ain' no thang We think it's easy, and we think it's hard. But it isn't isn't and it isn't is. It doesn't matter what we believe or if we believe the wrong thing. We don't have to believe anything. Because we are compelled. Authority is a channel that allows the messages to arrive from the potentiality. You know, the infinite one. The quantum superposition of harmonic function, a reson…

I swear, I didn't photoshop this To all of you who don't know, "Expelled" is a new movie by Ben Stein, promoting Creation *against* science, and claiming Creationism is suppressed by 'mainstream science' as a sort of conspiracy against freedom of speech and the truth. Ironic, ain't it? So... how does this happen in a *science* forum? ~moo

To always have a great wise quote that applies to the situation, you need great wise quotes that contradict each other. I'll start: One man's food is another man's poison. What's good for the goose is good for the gander. Distance makes the heart grow fonder. Out of sight, out of mind. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. The quacking duck gets shot. Any others?

Is the notion of copyright, of exclusive authorship and ownership (especially of any financial benefit), an anachronism? Is this idea doomed to the scrap-heap of publishing history? Who hasn't 'helped themselves' (a legally proscribed action) to 'copyrighted' material that you know, you know? [mod note: moved out of medical to general discussion]

Hi, I have read this idom and surprisingly no one has managed to give one precise answer when asked what it meant . Why not you try and explain it: "Stupid is as stupid does" taken from Oliver Goldsmith quotes which actually was "Handsome is as handsome does".

Fascinating video about some Japanese researchers who took the usual chimpanzee pattern recognition tests to a slightly higher level. Watch what happens about halfway through this video. Jaw-dropping, indeed! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khe9bXT-OHE The chimpanzees were never educated on the meaning of these symbols, so it seems fairly obvious that they're still just rote-learning the correct sequence, but isn't it fascinating that they are able to evaluate sequential order to this degree? Also the short-term memory angle is interesting. I wonder if the reporter here has a point in suggesting that if humans spent that many hours on it they'd be able to…

This probably doesn't mean anything to anyone...but I've just had my results back from the OU for my first course, and it's a pass !!! So I now have a certificate in natural sciences (9 months of work not down the drain)...woohoo. My exam for my current course is in a few weeks, and my 9 month maths course starts in January, so it's full steam ahead. OMFG I'm happy. And if it wasn't for you guys on here, I never would of even considered studying towards a physics degree seriously, I'd still be spouting lots of pseudo nonsense, so a huge thankyou to anyone who's helped me out on here !!! Sorry for being a bit cheesey, but I'm rather ecstatic at the moment.

Hi guys I would like to know if there are any existing means/organizations allowing non-scientists to give some help during scientific excursions anywhere in the world. I'm asking this because I would love to participate to such excursions. Thanks for the help!

Anyone who has had the pleasure of sitting through an incomprehensible talk might especially enjoy this presentation. Chicken.

You can watch it here:

I'd like to create a Hall of Shame for all of the infamously memorable people on SFN. People that are: Idiotic Strawmanners Trolls Twats Pseudoscientists Religion-spreading evolution-hating people And so on. Shall we begin? Make your suggestions here. (Please-just their names and what they did. No name-calling, flaming, or whatever. If you were put here and you disagree, hush.)

Hi, does any 1 in SFN knows any website or link which would offer a good and easy way to learn german. And it should be free 2. any help appreciated. didn't no where 2 post it so I thought its the place

This is my first post. this is a question thats been bugging me for quite some time, I would greatly appreciate it if anyone could answer ! Try to read it a bit thoroughly since this is very hard to explain. I just recently decided to post this online today. It started way back before I could talk, as long as I can remember Ive had an odd ability dealing with sticks. Whenever I grab 2 sticks of length between 6~ 15 inches and "drum with them" ( it doesn't have to be drumsticks. I often use tree branches )or tap them on a surface Im able to visualize any kind of reality I can think of in my right eye. Think of it as a tv placed in front of your eye and your left …

What's your favorite equation from chemistry/physics/mathematics? If yours isn't listed, choose other and reply with it!

Imagine if Gandalf the Grey had stood with his staff on the bridge at Khazad Dum, and spake thus unto the Balrog: "No admittance to public. I am authorised to inform you as employee of the Secret Fire and administrator of the flame of Anor, that you must return and exit via public access. No admittance! Authorised personnel only."

Heisenberg or why the electrons don't fall in the nucleus According to the classical Physics , electrons, being attracted by the nucleus of the atom, should fall inside it and so all matter should collapse. Heisenberg was the first to explain why this doesn't happen and the matter is solid. The answer was in his famous indetermination principle that can be "explained" in this way. The electrons have a kind of "vibration" that increases as we force them in a smaller space and the nucleus is so small that there is no way to force them there unless we use a very big force. It is as if we have a few people around in a room : they will move around doing something. If the roo…

I for one would like a gun that fires hot bricks. I have my reasons.

can some one please explain to me how to view an invisible file??? (widows XP) i have a virus and i know were it is. but i don't know how to get to it to delete it, because its "invisible".

Hey everyone, haven't been here for a while, I've been really busy with finales, but every thing is going well. Anything new that I should know about? Oh, not to mention Retrovirus Reasearch is awesome. Anyone who knows a lot about it should start a thread. In fact I should change my name to Retrovirus (Complementation)