What's the Connection Between XKCD and Scientific Communication?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around participants sharing their favorite xkcd comics and exploring the connection between xkcd and scientific communication. The scope includes humor, personal anecdotes, and references to specific comics, with some participants expressing confusion about xkcd itself.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express their favorite xkcd comics, sharing links and personal connections to the humor presented.
  • There is a mention of the hidden jokes in xkcd comics that are revealed on mouse-over, which some participants find appealing.
  • Confusion about what xkcd is arises, with some participants questioning its relevance and humor.
  • Several participants discuss the themes of specific comics, such as angular momentum and the nature of scientific communication.
  • Some participants reflect on their experiences with the comics and how they relate to their academic or professional lives.
  • There are humorous exchanges about the comics and personal anecdotes related to them, indicating a light-hearted tone in parts of the discussion.
  • One participant notes the connection between xkcd and the motivations behind academic philosophy, suggesting a critique of originality in academic writing.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not reach a consensus on the humor or relevance of xkcd, with some participants expressing confusion while others share enjoyment. Multiple viewpoints on the comics and their meanings are present.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the humor in xkcd, indicating that understanding may depend on prior exposure to specific topics or cultural references.

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  • #32
tech_support_cheat_sheet.png
 
  • #33
This one has a bad word, but so true. I've added a few more to the graph. Mangoes would definitely belong in the upper left.
http://xkcd.com/388/
 
  • #34
Chi Meson said:
This one has a bad word, but so true. I've added a few more to the graph. Mangoes would definitely belong in the upper left.
http://xkcd.com/388/

Bananas should be just above the x-axis. They're nice and neutral and can be put on almost anything.

And what's he have against oranges. I like oranges. Especially those little ones called clementines. They even have a song about them that you sing while you eat them.

"Oh, my darling
Oh, my darling
Oh, my darling, clementine"
 
Last edited:
  • #35
BobG said:
And what's he have against oranges. I like oranges. Especially those little ones called clementines. They even have a song about them that you sing while you eat them.


Clementines are not oranges. Clementines are tangerines. Tangerines (C. reticulata) are just as different from oranges (C. sinensis) as oranges are from lemons (C. limon).
 
  • #36
Chi Meson said:
This one has a bad word, but so true. I've added a few more to the graph. Mangoes would definitely belong in the upper left.
http://xkcd.com/388/

I like Grapefruits. :-(
 
  • #37
I probably have never had a "good" grapefruit, living in New England. The few times I've been to Florida, I have learned what a really good orange tastes like. I found no time to experiment with any other citrus.

If you read the mouse-over text, you will find the comment on coconuts.

And I also would not place cherries that far on the "easy" side. I have a $900 tooth, thanks to a freaking cherry.

Also, fresh figs go in the upper left corner. You can eat everything but the stem.

Starfruit goes in the lower right. Persimmons go somewhere between peaches and seedless grapes.
 
  • #38
I like these:
Python: http://xkcd.com/353/
Purity: http://xkcd.com/435/

And here is Randall Munroe giving a talk:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zJOS0sV2a24&hl=de_DE&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zJOS0sV2a24&hl=de_DE&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>
 
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  • #39
I just got my new xkcd shirt yesterday (Wearing it now):

shark_shirt_300.png


based on this comic (too long to post as an image I think):
http://xkcd.com/585/
 
  • #40
My favorite XKCD is this one:

http://www.xkcd.com/386/

duty_calls.png


Probably because it reminds me of my boyfriend. He's addicted to ars technica.
 
  • #41
engkatiemarie said:
My favorite XKCD is this one:

http://www.xkcd.com/386/

View attachment 22595

Probably because it reminds me of my boyfriend. He's addicted to ars technica.

That comic is the story of 90% of my PF participation. It also describes the motivation behind academic philosophy. Rarely does anyone say anything new. Every paper written just points out something that someone else was wrong about :-p.
 

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