What is the newest installment of 'Random Thoughts' on Physics Forums?

[Astronuc]

Wasn't there a similar case with some bridge in Washington state a while back with a bridge? I thought they would have learned to avoid the eigenvalues.

Yes, the Tacoma Narrows Suspension Bridge, which is a classic example. And yes, architects and structural engineers, should know this stuff.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tacoma_Narrows_Bridge_(1940)#Collapse

 

[DrGreg]

Wasn't there a similar case with some bridge in Washington state a while back with a bridge? I thought they would have learned to avoid the eigenvalues.

The Millennium Bridge, London, a pedestrian footbridge across the River Thames, started resonating on the day it opened and had to be closed for two years of remedial work.

 

[WWGD]

@etotheipi: Following up on sleep, something else I wonder is wether lack of sleep can be " repaired" by sleeping , say, 15 hrs in one day.

 

[Jarvis323]

I'm in the minority I expect, but after thoroughly analysis, I have determined with 100% confidence that a bowl of cereal with milk IS, or should be considered to be, a form of soup.

I won't go into the details, but ALL of the counter arguments fall short.

Ultimately, it becomes a matter of whether something, which does fit the rough description of a soup, should be discluded from the category based on bias subjective reasoning. However, IF we do not categorize cereal with milk as a soup, then we are left with a type of food that has no reasonably specific higher level category. Maybe this is OK, but it goes against the idioms of complexity management in language and communication to put cereal with milk (which is not particularly novel) in a sub category of food with size 1.

Typically, categories are hierarchical. If we find a new creature, we don't just make a new isolated tree in the animal kingdom. We find where it fits into the existing hierarchical/categorical models.

For cereal, I believe it belongs in the category of cold instant soups. Hypothetically, if a suitable subcategory of soup could not be found to classify cereal with milk, then we should add one.

 

[Rive]

I'm in the minority I expect, but after thoroughly analysis, I have determined with 100% confidence that a bowl of cereal with milk IS a form of soup.

This bring another interesting train of thought regarding coffee with milk as the 'sister' of tea with butter

By the way I think the difference is about the usage of salt. If it's with salt, then it's closer to soups. If it can be eaten sweet then it's... dessert

 

[Jarvis323]

This bring another interesting train of thought regarding coffee with milk as the 'sister' of tea with butter

By the way I think the difference is about the usage of salt. If it's with salt, then it's closer to soups. If it can be eaten sweet then it's... dessert

Hmm this is a good point.

I believe also it might be the case that pizza is a form of open face sandwich.

 

[WWGD]

Ah, the great philosophical questions: So when, if ever, does a can of beans with a light broth become a soup? Does it make a sound? ( just to throw in another philosophical question).

 

[Jarvis323]

Beans with water is definitely soupy. It would be hard to argue it's not a soup in my opinion. Maybe it depends on the viscosity.

Some canned chili is probably too viscous to be a soup while at room temperature.

 

[WWGD]

I remember a power breakfast I used to make using beef soup with barley, vegetables and eggs. But brutal for summer.

 

[BillTre]

There is a poorly defined line between soaps and stews. Just a matter of concentration.

My dog's kibble, with water thrown on, sounds like a soup from your point of view.

 

[WWGD]

There is a poorly defined line between soaps and stews. Just a matter of concentration.

My dog's kibble, with water thrown on, sounds like a soup from your point of view.

How about gravy? But I read the labels on soup : " Soup Concentrate". I concentrate but nothing changes.

 

[Jarvis323]

My dog's kibble, with water thrown on, sounds like a soup from your point of view.

One of the primary arguments that I've seen against milk and cereal being a soup, is that it's neither cooked nor processed together to form something more cohesive.

In the case of cereal, I say that cereal is preprocessed to react with the milk quickly. That reaction is an accelerated process, in which the cereal absorbs the liquid and is softened, while (in most cases) the flavor from the cereal is also imparted into the milk (forming a broth). So it can be seen as an instant cold soup in this regard.

I don't know if the "heating or processing" condition is necessary.

Kibble and water may coincidentally react together when mixed in a similar way as milk and cereal. Technically it may also meet that criteria, but at least with cereal it is by design.

 

[WWGD]

One of the primary arguments that I've seen against milk and cereal being a soup, is that it's neither cooked or processed together to form something more cohesive.

In the case of cereal, I say that cereal is preprocessed to react with the milk quickly. That reaction is an accelerated process, in which the cereal absorbs the liquid and is softened, while (in most cases) the flavor from the cereal is also imparted into the milk (forming a broth). So it can be seen as an instant cold soup in this regard.

I don't know if the "heating or processing" condition is necessary.

Kibble and water, may coincidentally react together when mixed in a similar way as milk and cereal. Technically it may also pass meet that criteria, but at least with cereal it is by design.

How about gravy? Or sauces of different sources? Or thick hot chocolate?

 

[Jarvis323]

How about gravy? Or sauces of different sources? Or thick hot chocolate?

I can't say for sure. I've only analyzed cereal in depth.

With hot chocolate we already have a category, which is drink. Some say a drink may become a soup if it is thickened.

Gravy I think might be a sauce? It might be enough to determine if a sauce is a soup. This is tough question, but I don't think it has s bearing on cereal being a soup.

 

[Rive]

Some say a drink may become a soup if it is thickened.

A soup may become a drink if served in a cup.

I've seen some coffee vending machines which had 'soup'.
I've checked it. It was ... well: 'something like that'.

 

[DrGreg]

One of the primary arguments that I've seen against milk and cereal being a soup, is that it's neither cooked nor processed together to form something more cohesive.

So is porridge a soup?

 

[fresh_42]

So is porridge a soup?

No. That's a torture instrument for sick kids.

 

[Keith_McClary]

There is a poorly defined line between soaps and stews.

Soap has a lot more lye in the recipe.

 

[dlgoff]

I've often said, "my biggest regret in life was not going to Graduate School."

Well, I decided to go to the https://physics.ku.edu/overview-physics-ms and printed out all the relevant documentation. I looked in my file cabinet and found my GRE Interpretation Booklet for Candidates 1972-73. My scores in Math and Physics were well above what's required but I'm wondering if they would be accepted or if I could do it again if I had to retake the GRE.

Thoughts?

I've now applied. Just waiting to see if my application is accepted.

edit: actually I applied to the School of Engineering's graduate program
http://eecs.ku.edu/prospective-students/graduate/masters

 

[WWGD]

Soap has a lot more lye in the recipe.

And none in soups; that's no lye.

 

[WWGD]

I've now applied. Just waiting to see if my application is accepted.

Good luck, keep us posted. I suggest if you have a clear, specific idea of your research topic you can start looking for someone to work with and save yourself a lot of time in completing your thesis. Others here that know more physics than I ( which is just about everyonr here) may be able to guide you in that regard.

 

[BillTre]

Using "a" or "an" before before another word, as I understand it, is determined (usually) by whether or not the following word starts with a vowel.
"An" goes before vowels, "a" goes before consonants (in the first position of letters in the following word).

Abbreviating of a word starting with an "m" makes an abbreviation (M), which would be spoken as "em" (beginning with a vowel).

Should it get the "an"?
Sounds better that way to me.

What's that relationship between the words called?

 

[WWGD]

Using "a" or "an" before before another word, as I understand it, is determined (usually) by whether or not the following word starts with a vowel.
"An" goes before vowels, "a" goes before consonants (in the first position of letters in the following word).

Abbreviating of a word starting with an "m" makes an abbreviation (M), which would be spoken as "em" (beginning with a vowel).

Should it get the "an"?
Sounds better that way to me.

What's that relationship between the words called?

Not sure. But I do remember this guy who would keep saying the likes of , "A hour" and " A accident" despite others suggesting he do otherwise.

 

[WWGD]

If auto ( in)correct is at the cutting edge of A.I, there should be no fear of machines rebelling and taking over any time soon.

 

[DrGreg]

Using "a" or "an" before before another word, as I understand it, is determined (usually) by whether or not the following word starts with a vowel.
"An" goes before vowels, "a" goes before consonants (in the first position of letters in the following word).

Abbreviating of a word starting with an "m" makes an abbreviation (M), which would be spoken as "em" (beginning with a vowel).

Should it get the "an"?
Sounds better that way to me.

It's based on how you pronounce it, not how you spell it. So, yes it is "an em".

Words that begin with "h" can go either way because some pronounce the "h" ("a historic victory") and some don't ("an historic victory"); either is acceptable.

 

[fresh_42]

Is it correct that there is a difference between an umbrella and a unique solution, despite the vowel?

 

[hmmm27]

IIRC, acronyms sposeta be pronounced as if the words are out in full, ie: "He has a MBA".

That could be just in writing, though. Doesn't make much sense for speech.

"h" is just a pain to figure out. Latest decision on my end is "an historical", but "a history"

"unique" is pronounced "you neek" (in English, well... American English), so "a".

 

[WWGD]

Jenner is doing an add for the Armani (S)Exchange.

 

[WWGD]

Is it correct that there is a difference between an umbrella and a unique solution, despite the vowel?

Umbrella and unique solutions ?

 

[Ibix]

If auto ( in)correct is at the cutting edge of A.I, there should be no fear of machines rebelling and taking over any time soon.

Any Tim's son, however, should probably keep his head down.