Even if we did kick off a phase transition to another energy state or the like, doing it via those kinds of observations means we won't notice for a few billion years. And I don't really care what happens a few billion years from now. :p
Quantum phenomena are best discussed using math and sticking to the quantum scale. Trying to discuss them using English on the macro scale is almost doomed to failure.
I forget who I heard this analogy from, but it's true. You could, using English words, write out the entire contents of a symphony; and the result would be very accurate and yet complete gibberish. But in musical notation -- or in digitized signal -- that symphony has meaning. English isn't the right language for everything.
This is mostly an example of bad science reporting. Larry Krauss has been apologizing all around the internet: basically the reporter took a look at their preliminary drafts, saw a poorly worded conclusion, though it sounded sensational. He contacted Krauss, who waxed methaphorical without really realizing what the journalist's angle was. And hence... a crappy misleading article with an exciting headline.
It ended seven and a half minutes ago. Where were you?
11.29.2007 10:36pm
Commenting on Dean's World is a privilege, not a right. Dean is your host, you are his guest, and you should behave in that fashion. Dean is not your babysitter, nor is he your punching bag. Please remember this. In general, you are free to disagree with anyone on any subject you wish, but abusive behavior will not be tolerated.
Of course we all lose our tempers now and then. Dean freely admits to being imperfect in this regard, which is why regulars to this establishment will generally be cut more slack than people who we don't know very well.
Still: behave like an adult, or go find somewhere else to play. Thanks.
Or shorter: "Get over yourself, monkey-man."
I forget who I heard this analogy from, but it's true. You could, using English words, write out the entire contents of a symphony; and the result would be very accurate and yet complete gibberish. But in musical notation -- or in digitized signal -- that symphony has meaning. English isn't the right language for everything.
Now ya tells me!
And I have already cashed in my term life and blew it all on the Strip in anticipation of the heat death.
I wish you people would get your stories straight!
Are you saying the universe is crooked, or is that just our story?
You say that like the two are mutually exclusive. We live in a universe of superposition, where both can be true (and false) simultaneously.
Nah, I was just trying to see if we could get our stories straight.
But if you're saying that we both can and we can't, then I think there's a very good chance you're right about that.
Unless you ain't.
And then we're right back where we started.
Or are we?
Of course we all lose our tempers now and then. Dean freely admits to being imperfect in this regard, which is why regulars to this establishment will generally be cut more slack than people who we don't know very well.
Still: behave like an adult, or go find somewhere else to play. Thanks.