The Geekest T-Shirt Of The Year.... So Far

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the sharing and appreciation of geeky t-shirts related to physics and engineering concepts. Participants discuss their experiences with specific t-shirts, the humor or confusion they evoke, and the connections to various scientific principles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares their experience of buying a t-shirt at the Adler Planetarium that references Newton's Second Law, noting that many did not understand the connection.
  • Another participant mentions a t-shirt they found amusing, suggesting that electrical engineers and physicists would appreciate it.
  • A participant discusses a t-shirt idea related to the Balmer Alpha line, indicating a personal connection to the topic.
  • Links to various t-shirt designs are shared, including historical references to MIT shirts and a humorous "Bob's School of Quantum Mechanics" ad.
  • Some participants express their intent to wear specific t-shirts during relevant lessons, highlighting the connection between apparel and educational content.
  • There is mention of a "gang sign" shirt that incorporates the Fleming Left Hand Rule, with some participants noting the variations in designs available online.
  • A suggestion is made for a t-shirt featuring a specific resistance value, indicating a desire for more niche designs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally share a common interest in geeky t-shirts and their connections to scientific concepts, but there are varying opinions on the humor and understanding of these designs among different audiences. No consensus is reached on the appropriateness or clarity of certain t-shirt messages.

Contextual Notes

Some discussions reference specific t-shirt designs and their historical context, but there are no definitive claims about their popularity or understanding among broader audiences.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in physics, engineering, and geek culture, as well as those who appreciate humor in scientific contexts, may find this discussion engaging.

ZapperZ
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I tend to buy at least 1 geeky t-shirt a year, just for the heck of it. I can't not buy this one when I saw it last week at the Chicago's Adler Planetarium during their Members Night.

IMG_3169.JPG


Most of the people I was with didn't get it. I mean, they knew that it has to be "Force", but they couldn't make the connection. So of course I had to explain to them that mv = p, and that the most general form of Newton's Second Law (F=ma) is F = dp/dt, which is F = d/dt (mv).

You could hear crickets after I explained that, and then followed by "oooohhh..." before they walked away shaking their heads.

Which meant that I just HAD to buy the shirt!

I wonder how many of the planetarium guests had the same puzzled look when they saw the shirt. Maybe that's why the shirt was on SALE! :)

Zz.
 
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ZapperZ said:
Which meant that I just HAD to buy the shirt!
Yep.
 
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ZapperZ said:
I tend to buy at least 1 geeky t-shirt a year, just for the heck of it. I can't not buy this one when I saw it last week at the Chicago's Adler Planetarium during their Members Night.

View attachment 243290

Most of the people I was with didn't get it. I mean, they knew that it has to be "Force", but they couldn't make the connection. So of course I had to explain to them that mv = p, and that the most general form of Newton's Second Law (F=ma) is F = dp/dt, which is F = d/dt (mv).

And they used the vector expression, which somehow makes it even geekier.
 
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Here's a wacky (and yes - appallingly precocious!) T-shirt idea I thought of and my sister-in-law actually designed. It goes with the Insights article I wrote on the Balmer Alpha line. The pots at the top are the family's unflattering opinion of me!

T-shirt Design.jpg
 
Where is the model showing off the 1963 shirt now? Probably close to 77 years old...

And what is a "'snow' gift"?
 
gmax137 said:
"'snow' gift"?
"Snow," transitive slang verb; to "blitz," as in "snow under" with erudition.
 
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https://www.cafepress.com/+bobs_school_of_quantum_mechanics_bbq_apron,64349543
1579649857267.png

1579649841701.png


When I was a summer student at Fermilab, I found this "ad" for "Bob's School of Quantum Mechanics" (i think it's originally from the "Purdue Engineering Magazine")... i think it was on someone's wall. So, I photocopied it... then later scanned it and digitally touched up what I could. I made a copy available on my university website when I was in grad school. I see it has made the rounds... and is now in someone's CafePress store.
(Someone must have a higher quality copy... maybe someone at Purdue can look though old issues of the magazine.)
 
  • #10
I just bought 2 more geeky t-shirts.

I'm going to wear this tomorrow since we will be doing Ohm's law.
IMG_3656.JPG


And then, in a few weeks, when we will do magnetic induction and force on currents, I'll be wearing this!
IMG_3658.JPG


See all the things we instructors do for our students?

:biggrin::smile:

Zz.
 
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  • #11
I don't think I've ever seen that second, "gang sign" shirt. That's really good!

EDIT: I looked for them on line. Quite a few of the offerings are done with a left hand :headbang: o:)
 
  • #12
gmax137 said:
I don't think I've ever seen that second, "gang sign" shirt. That's really good!

EDIT: I looked for them on line. Quite a few of the offerings are done with a left hand :headbang: o:)

There IS the Fleming Left Hand Rule, so that is correct as well.

Zz.
 
  • #13
ZapperZ said:
I'm going to wear this tomorrow since we will be doing Ohm's law.
I have a blue T-shirt with that message text, but no big Omega symbol. I got weird enough looks the first time I wore it to work that I decided not to do that anymore. It's now a workout shirt...

(The engineers who saw it at work smiled or smirked, but all the support folks were a bit intimidated by it, not understanding the humor...) o0)
 
  • #14
Someone should print ## 2.5\, k\Omega## on a t-shirt or 2 500 Ω
 

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