We thought "They pelted us with rocks and garbage!" was going to see us through the 80s, only for it to be surpassed by "Whaddaya want? Wicker?".

Tales of the Gold Money, starring Ron Paul.

@avclub-6c6094f256f51e83fe02bce6091163e7:disqus You forgot "household cleansing spokesimage".

In that picture, Sharon Stone is also his beard.

She's a witch! Burn her!

@avclub-3c23902822283144c09d87f123545c87:disqus I'm sure we're all glad that you're here to defend America's honor, Steve. The dulling of the public with empty calories and mindless distraction can safely continue behind a smokescreen of patriotism.

@avclub-7cf12ec23b16390f64b0f52e65a7ac1d:disqus Agreed, and I think many actual working scientists also agree, but there are still some out there who see popularization as demeaning to the real work of science. When it's done poorly, I agree with those critics. But I think Tyson does a good job.

@avclub-100a2a14a7f2903d29db0dc435c0cfe8:disqus There certainly are some people who maintain passion for their field while still doing active research, but at least in academia, there is the grinding chase for funding that occupies so much of the time and energy of anyone running a research program. I don't know if…

Well, the NSF and everyone else who looks at the issue agrees that we are pumping out way too few STEM graduates who are also American. Many, many of the advanced science degrees in this country are going to foreign students. They can't get enough Americans.

David Lynch directed a video for Sparks' song "I Predict" back in 1982. It is not very literal.  But it is somewhat disturbing.

As a PhD-school dropout (cue Grease), my observation is that studying anything at that level of detail is really, really tedious. You have to either be completely stoked about that particular problem or really committed to doing the damn job. It is, after all, a job. There's a reason they call it work, etc. (EDIT:…

@avclub-afb3db554421c1063bacd4f410510a5d:disqus Forgive @avclub-9acf7344ec50993b012999f76196c4c6:disqus ; he has a cold.

I'm a Regulus on these boards, and I'm no Mizar when it comes to puns, but really!

N.B.: I don't think all astrophysicists have the same attraction as Drs. May and Tyson to pull admirers into their orbits. They just don't have the star power.

I just reviewed his Wikipedia article. While he was in grad school, he won a gold medal…. with the U. of Texas dance team in International Latin Ballroom style.

Jimmy Carter vs. Gymkata

PR#6

Fine. Both Homer and Sherry Bobbins have a similar viewpoint on the American work ethic. I still like saying "Thank you Sherry Bobbins!'

Giving it 30 seconds thought, The Blues Brothers is just escalating ridiculousness plus, as you mention, some outstanding musical performances. I enjoy the Blues Brothers, but I like "piling on" if it's done with some skill.

It could be someone different every week.