Royston

Well we just moved house a few weeks ago, and we done the usual phoning energy suppliers, water supplier to inform them of a change of address et.c We are then told, after phoning Southern Water, that are bill is going to be £ 10 extra a month...the reasoning, because we're in a 'nicer' house. What the hell is that ! How does living in a bigger house constitute the amount of water we use...they won't budge with their reasoning, I can't believe they can get away with it. Am I missing something...or should I go to the 'office of fair trading.'

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LOL, (bold) you're telling me that ! That's something I've been putting people straight on in the philosophy and religion forums a number of times. I wasn't trying to debate it, just affirming my position RyanJ, I'm not sure you read my post properly....but no probs, like I said I've just started studying science seriously so I'll be weaning myself off the P & R forums soon.

Well for people like me that love SFN, but have only just started studying science seriously, the philosophy and religion forums are a good place for discussion and debate. I'm sure the further into my degree I get I'll be posting less and less in that area...agreed it is a science forum, but some of us aren't adept enough (yet) to debate e.g high energy physics...I do try and spread myself about as much as I can, I just find the topics (being very open ended) in P & R are never ending source for debate. As with what Gcol said, a lot of science is just a right or wrong answer...it's only with new theories (I'm not talking crackpot stuff) that there could be some room for healthy debate, however there's only a few people on here (Martin being a prime example) that really understand the new, cutting edge theories. I realise this isn't strictly true for all fields of science, but you only have to go by the number of replies you get in more open ended topics. EDIT: I just saw YT2095's reply...so errr, I'm scared now. EDIT 2: Yeah I agree, it does defeat the point of science...noted.

Well I'm 30 this year...though I did get asked id for a pack of tobacco a few months ago...I said 'wow, thanks very much', I don't think the shop assistant was expecting that reaction. Done a little hop and a skip as I walked out the shop...with hand on hip and pouting lips:D You're as young as you feel...thing is I seem to be taking that saying one step further...not trying to blow my own trumpet. Apologies to Martin for going off topic.

...and clearly the best avatar on SFN, partly because it is, and partly because LunarTick is a very good mate of mine.

Open University, because I work full time. I'll be doing various courses that are all geared towards physics...after which (and providing I do well) I'll probably study full time for a masters in astrophysics or QM - although both cross over in some respects I'll gauge what best suits me nearer the time. As for a Phd, again I'll decide nearer the time...but some recommendations would be appreciated though...if you don't mind. Apologies to IMM for going off topic.

Well as some of you already know, my name is Snail because I own some giant african land snails, one of which 'Sonic' is the huge achatina achatina species. 'He-Man' who unfortunately died last year was my other achatina achatina...and is now buried in my friends back garden. My avatar is my own work using photoshop...well not strictly my own work, it was originally a planet, but I rendered the image into looking like a nebula, and doesn't resemble the original at all. I'm currently studying towards a BSc in physics, and dream of entering the field of quantum cosmology...hence the avatar.

I've personally experienced that a lot...it's very annoying, to say the least. There's a lot of ego's flying around here, however there's plenty of people who 's arguments are just as apt as their opposition...you can spot the people with weak arguments a mile away, and they still take their stance because they're too proud to admit defeat. Some threads in this genre seem a bit petty...agreed, but some have spiralled into a debate that tackle larger issues, it doesn't always break down to POV.

With all due respect Martin placidity comes with age...I'd like to see a true academic as yourself destroy the opposition with logic...I can think of a couple of experts who don't hold back. The best debates come with those who stick to their guns..people like Severian, Bascule and IMM (there's plenty more that spring to mind...but you get the idea.) The best debates are fiery, but concrete with reasoning and logic...I've found that a strong POV has the best knock-on effect to the next post, and keeps the argument going.

The images of the plasma are awesome, I'd like to spark a cigar off that thing...'my work is done here.'

Admittedly pcs wound me up a bit at first...but on retrospect he's been playing devils advocate in a number of debates, and that's probably needed. I think it's a matter of a little give and take sometimes, and not being so quick to jump down each others throats...however I do enjoy heated debate on occasion, keeps you on your toes (good practice to stay coherent and calm when all you want to do is scream profanities at the opposition )

Thanks Bascule, very interesting...we've always referred to it as the 'black death' at school, so sorry for picking fault in your terminology.

That looks awesome ! Sounds like some very complicated modelling has gone into that. I thought the only way to see a black hole was if it went in the path of another star...providing you were looking at it at exactly the right angle. As for visualizing...I'm sure there's people that could probably do it. The only way I can begin to imagine what one looks like, is thinking of the photoshop pinch effect, but applying it three dimensionally in front of me...so everything caves in to a point...so you need to imagine it happening at every conceivable angle. Then you think of yourself skewing into it as well...because you need to account for space behind - in front and to the sides, and below - bit tricky really...but I'm sure it's possible.

Roughly a month into 1st year undergrad OU science...covers all areas, leading to a BSc in physics, so I'll be studying maths for the end and good part of next year. Just got more books through today...QM to start in a few months, can't wait...that's the field I'm really interested in.

I wish I stubbed my toe more often. I wish that ozone layer would hurry up and disappear...my tan's starting to fade. They really need to do another Jurassic Park film. Science is a fallacy, anyone knows you can't trust observations. I always put my faith in journalism. Look, it is important a celebrity has changed their hair colour.

Really ? What's it about then, it's just we we're taught at school it was. It's called the 'black death' just so you know...or 'the plague.' I'd be really interested to know what the rhyme is actually about.

Woohoo ! I want one. I managed to see some sloths in Bolivia, they're one of my favourite animals...pretty obvious what I think of snails. How about a rhino and a camel spider... the worlds scariest creature.

How about a domestic cat with a mouse...then watch it running away and chasing after itself.

No problem Martin...glad we're clear

Yeah I think leaving experts out is a good idea...due to the limited number (and the fact they've gained expert reputation already) they needn't be included. Not being funny...but, how come Silkworm's got the credit for my idea ?

That seems sensible, I think four categories would suffice...specialist in their field (whatever field that may be) best single post, best thread and best all-rounder (someone who covers many topics, and is good to talk to.) It would have to be strictly what the mods choose as nominations - 10 for each category maybe, so there's no...oh but what about this post and, this person should of got a mention et.c What would be nice is if the winner gets the title under their name until the next time - SFN Best Post Award or something along those lines. Of course with regards to SFN, the 'all-rounder' would be deemed the most prestigious.

You can imagine the 'side effects' on a future packet of migraleve... Don't operate machinery, it may start talking to you. Unlikely to induce nausea, but you may witness shifting fractal patterns and experience a 'oneness' with your environment. Don't take more than the recommended dose...seriously, thinking you're King of the Frogs is no laughing matter. Whilst on the medication you feel you've discovered the secret of the universe, retain from writing a book about it - this is a common and most worrying side effect. If symptoms persist speak to you doctor...or possibly your psychologist.