Science In Real Life

On this page you will find the badges I have earned from the Order Of The Science Scouts Of Exemplary Repute And Above Average Physique.

The “I’ve Done Science With No Conceivable Practical Application” Badge

I am a theoretical physicist. This is what I do.

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The “has frozen stuff just to see what happens” badge (Level III)

Back in college, the Society of Physics Students would frequently play with liquid nitrogen. For a good time, put some LN and some water in an otherwise empty 2 liter soda bottle. Seal it, then retreat to a safe distance. Two words: frozen crater.

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The “I will crush you with my math prowess” badge

Like all (well, most) physicists, I can integrate a chicken and take the derivative of water.

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The “I’m a scientist who is fundamentally opposed to administrative duties” badge

Boring meetings are boring.

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The “experienced with electrical shock” badge (Level III)

Van de Graaf generators are fun! I have lost count of the number of times I have zapped myself on them.

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The “totally digs highly exothermic reactions” badge

As I once told my high school chem teacher: Physics makes the world go ’round. Chemistry makes the world go BANG.

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The “statistical linear regression” badge

This curve sure rings a bell …

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The “I’ve set fire to stuff” badge (Level III)

I have often said that thermodynamics is the slinky black dress of physics. In that they are both hot.

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The “I may look like a scientist, but I’m actually also a pirate” badge

Yarrr, it be true.

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The “quantum mechanics… I soooo get it” badge

Here’s the thing about quantum mechanics: if you think you understand it, you haven’t been paying attention. That said, I understand it about as well as anyone ever can.

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The “string theory… I soooo get it” badge

Yes, I get it. No, I don’t like it.

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The “I use twitter to spread science” badge

Self-explanatory. You can follow SiRL on twitter at http://twitter.com/reallifescience.