Want a NOOK? Explore Now
A playful and entertaining look at science on The Simpsons
This amusing book explores science as presented on the longest-running and most popular animated TV series ever made: The Simpsons. Over the years, the show has examined such issues as genetic mutation, time travel, artificial intelligence, and even aliens. "What's Science Ever Done for Us?" examines these and many other topics through the lens of America's favorite cartoon.
This spirited science guide will inform Simpsons fans and entertain science buffs with a delightful combination of fun and fact. It will be the perfect companion to the upcoming Simpsons movie.
The Simpsons is a magnificent roadmap of modern issues in science. This completely unauthorized, informative, and fun exploration of the science and technology, connected with the world's most famous cartoon family, looks at classic episodes from the show to launch fascinating scientific discussions mixed with intriguing speculative ideas and a dose of humor. Could gravitational lensing create optical illusions, such as when Homer saw someone invisible to everyone else? Is the Coriolis effect strong enough to make all toilets in the Southern Hemisphere flush clockwise, as Bart was so keen to find out? If Earth were in peril, would it make sense to board a rocket, as Marge, Lisa, and Maggie did, and head to Mars? While Bart and Millhouse can't stop time and have fun forever, Paul Halpern explores the theoretical possibilities involving Einstein's theory of time dilation.
Paul Halpern, PhD (Philadelphia, PA) is Professor of Physics and Mathematics at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia and a 2002 recipient of a John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Fellowship. He is also the author of The Great Beyond (0-471-46595-X).
"...a book that can be enjoyed by all ages." (Physics World, December 2007)
"[The book] is a fun introduction to some aspects of science that will appeal to anyone curious about some common science..." (concatenation.org, Wednesday 16th January 2008)
PART ONE: IT’S ALIVE!
1. The Simpson Gene.
2. You Say Tomato, I Say Tomacco.
3. Blinky, The Three-Eyed Fish.
4. Burns’ Radiant Glow.
5. We All Live In A Cell-Sized Submarine.
6. Lisa’s Recipe For Life.
7. Look Homer-Ward Angel.
PART TWO: MECHANICAL PLOTS.
8. D'ohs Ex Machina.
9. Perpetual Commotion.
10. Dude, I’m An Android.
11. Rules For Robots.
12. Chaos In Cartoonland.
13. Fly In The Ointment.
PART THREE: NO TIME TO DOHS.
14. Clockstopping.
15. A Toast To The Past.
16. Frinking About The Future.
PART FOUR: SPRINGFIELD, THE UNIVERSE, AND BEYOND.
17. Lisa’s Scoping Skills.
18. Diverting Rays.
19. The Plunge Down Under.
20. If Astrolabes Could Talk.
21. Cometary Cowabunga.
22. Homer’s Space Odyssey.
23. Could This Really Be The End?
24. Foolish Earthlings.
25. Is The Universe A Donut?
26. The Third Dimension Of Homer.
Inconclusion: The Journey Continues.
Acknowledgments.
The Simpsons Movie Handy Science Checklist.
Scientifically Relevant Episodes Discussed in This Book.
Notes.
Further Information
Index.
Anonymous
Posted December 29, 2012
I beleive that the simpsons tv show is both wity and fun.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 7, 2012
Awesome
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 16, 2012
A rewiew
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 26, 2011
BBBBBBBBOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNGGG
1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 12, 2007
This book did for modern science what 'The Gospel According to The Simpsons' did for Christianity: gave it a Homer-hyper-boost that elucidates in an enjoyable way. In this book, Dr. Halpern uses episodes and topics from the popular TV show 'The Simpsons' to illustrate important current topics in the world of science. Particle physics, robots, cosmology, and the origin of life all get their due in this fascinating look at science. Halpern, a physics and math professor, writes with a breezy, conversational style - it almost feels like you're having a pint of ale with him in a pub after attending one of his college classes. He comes up with some memorably funny writing: 'Although it was not surprising for (Stephen Jay) Gould to guest star on the show, his role was unexpectedly anticlimactic given his great scientific stature.' To say the least. All in all a great read if you're interested in keeping up with scientific developments but want to be entertained as well.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
Overview
A playful and entertaining look at science on The Simpsons
This amusing book explores science as presented on the longest-running and most popular animated TV series ever made: The Simpsons. Over the years, the show has examined such issues as genetic mutation, time travel, artificial intelligence, and even aliens. "What's Science Ever Done for Us?" examines these and many other topics through the lens of America's favorite cartoon.
This ...