December poll

I work in radiology and the helium shortages have been pretty worrisome, since it’s used as a coolant for MRI machines. It’s gotten to a point where vendors are starting to push “helium free” models (which aren’t actually helium free, but have a sealed cooling system so theoretically wouldn’t need replenishment). Not sure which direction you would take it and if you would touch on scarcity or industrial uses, but I would sure be interested to watch!

do not worry! It’s all down the stack! What’s gonna happen to the economy? It’s down the stack. Why worry it’s all just one big stack :)

as a 3rd year masters student disillusioned with the idea of doing a phd i am praying for that non-academic physicist video

Well fuck. Like Cras, I have low hope for the future (and am bitter). In better news, I stumbled upon your recent video today on the Feynman Sham (myth), and loved it. Had to sub and join your Patreon. I was SORELY disappointed by the heavily misogynistic YT comment threads, BUT after wading through, I was happy to find they were just algorithm-driven top of the pile, and the overwhelming bulk that followed were polite discourse, which I enjoyed. I vote for Devs, saw that back when it first aired and LOVED IT SO MUCH. (Pure sci-fi, pure entertainment, and I also loved the cast.)

Think many of these are interesting, f.ex. non-academic physicists, Helium, R. L., white holes (Book of the New Sun!). Maybe the runner up or more topics can be in the running for future months? Or be public videos?

Well fuck. Now I have to figure out who R.L. Walter is my damn self.

Have you seen this editorial suggesting that science should be politically neutral, in defiance (or perhaps ignorance) of the entire history of science as a liberating influence in society: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adu4907 Maybe a future video topic?

I'm voting my conscience (Devs, 3rd party). Even though I want to see what non-academic physicists do as it most closely aligns with my interests, but I'm not willing to switch to it to offset a vote from Helium which is winning. I'd never do this in real life.

Really want to hear about Devs (tho it's losing badly), because everyone seems to love it, but I had real problems with just the first episode and couldn't go on

Well fuck, indeed. I’m voting for Helium, because what’s up with that, huh? Goddamn weirdo element, it’s got no right being created in the Big Bang and being ejected from unstable heavy nuclei. It should be ashamed of it itself!

Well fuck is right... As for what non-academic physicists do, I didn't vote for it since I already know the answer kinda (i've worked with them). But on that subject I wonder if anyone here has a similar experience of me of wanting to pivot into a career in physics later in life. Getting into an academic position is damn near impossible as it is, much less if you're already "old" like I am. But I'm curious what other routes there could be... I got my masters in physics when I was ~30 just as an after-work "hobby" and was inspired to try to go for Ph.D. but other life plans interceded. Alas, also, what I'd most like to do is pie-in-the-sky theory stuff so options are extremely extremely limited there...

Well fuck. At least you have hope for the future. I do not. Will keep on watching supporting your content. Science museums seem like a nice topic. So does Helium.

Maybe something to take your mind off of things for 15 minutes: Braintruffle has a new video on Jupiter's influence on orbits. Absolutely beautiful animations as always. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zu41rrc_Ng

I'm increasing my Patreon pledge today, just because... it seems like the kind of thing people might need soon going forward.

Yes, fuck… When I was a teen reading a magazine in the 70s called The Unexplained, it spoke of what was known about black holes at the time. I was fascinated with the possibility that white holes were the other end of black holes. In my head, when a black hole formed I wondered if it created a new smaller universe at the white hole end with its own “mini-bang”, as all the matter poured out into a new bubble universe as part of a multiverse. Anyway, I remember reading in that article Einstein didn’t support the theory a white hole was a new universe, as there wouldn’t be enough mass for it or something, but it kept my teenage head spinning. That’s why I voted for white holes this time.

Probably better to talk about devs in real life, particularly those working in science and academia. Can we please stop framing everything through the lens of television? That's what got us into this mess, people! I get that Dr. C's content is a form of TV, but I subscribe to hear an astronomer/astrophysicist talk about her real world experience. I'm not really interested in her take (or anyone else's) on whatever popular on-screen fantasy narrative is currently grabbing people's attention.

I just read that he asked Elon Musk what Starlinks is. :-0

"Well. Fuck." That says everything.

Oh no I can't vote on multiple choices! :( That said, I find it hard to see a way to remain hopeful. And it's compounded right now because Devs is losing and I would really love your take on it. Even if it's just a 2 minute aside in whatever video actually wins.

As an old guy the only help and perspective I can give is that all things pass. In the meantime, did I miss something? I used to be able to vote for multiple topics, not I only get one choice. In any case I'm just happy with whatever you select.

Hugs for everyone who needs them in these trying times

“Well. Fuck” was my exact reaction that made me laugh. Coping with burying myself in Adrian’s Tchaikovskys new book (which has some fun alien biology concepts btw) Thanks for fighting the good fight

Devs it is for me as well, if only to provide some escapism during these dark times.

"That guy" is a catalyst, not a cause. Election interference accusations and court cases are important, but a distraction from the fact that 75 million of my fellow Americans felt that in spite of (or because of) the character he projects and the promises he makes, they believe he was the better choice to lead this country. They are unhappy with their current state and, rightly or wrongly, feel that America is not going in the right direction. There is a lot of work to do, and education is one of the most fundamental jobs, so thank you for your efforts. I hadn't heard of R.L. Walter, and haven't found any biographical information, so I voted for that option because I'm curious to know more about who they are and why you feel they would be a good topic to discuss.

Solidarity forever! I’m good with any of those topics so follow your whims, but I don’t speak for the entire community. Unless I do? Whatever, it’s fine. It’s fine.

I'm so sorry, but thank you for soldiering on. Also I think you should talk about Devs despite the smaller vote. Not everyone will have heard of the show, but I think you could easily get folks to watch it.

Yeah. Fuck. Anyway. Museums it is! Or DEVS, but it seems unpopular with your Patreon crowd.

Omg Superdeterminism a-go-go! DEVS DEVS DEVS DEVS

From a trans gal in NC, your ardent support means a lot <3

Helium, alpha particles, highest binding energy per nucleon, makes Bose-Einstein condensates, wonderful stuff.

The struggle continues. We'll keep organizing and keep fighting. Thanks for helping all of us keep up our spirits with your amazing work! Solidarity! ✊