Comments on: Neil deGrasse Tyson to host new series of Cosmos http://boingboing.net/2011/08/10/neil-degrasse-tyson-to-host-new-series-of-cosmos.html Brain candy for Happy Mutants Mon, 20 May 2013 20:17:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 By: dave w http://boingboing.net/2011/08/10/neil-degrasse-tyson-to-host-new-series-of-cosmos.html#comment-1187599 dave w Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:25:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=112720#comment-1187599 a nice, educated, smart man, and he's right;  as a species and a race, we should explore, forget all about the Somalians without birth control, we can't be dragged down by losers a nice, educated, smart man, and he’s right;  as a species and a race, we should explore, forget all about the Somalians without birth control, we can’t be dragged down by losers

]]> By: Jason Hill http://boingboing.net/2011/08/10/neil-degrasse-tyson-to-host-new-series-of-cosmos.html#comment-1185338 Jason Hill Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:57:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=112720#comment-1185338 The man is perfect for Cosmos. I can't wait to watch! Way to go Neil! The man is perfect for Cosmos. I can’t wait to watch! Way to go Neil!

]]> By: benher http://boingboing.net/2011/08/10/neil-degrasse-tyson-to-host-new-series-of-cosmos.html#comment-1185287 benher Thu, 11 Aug 2011 05:01:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=112720#comment-1185287 I feel the same. Tyson is as good a choice as any... but Cosmos made a lot of ballsy statements (by anti-evo-american standards) back in the day and that was BEFORE we were in the throes of an anti-intellectual orgy.  Plus, FOX? Really?  I fear for this show, I really do. I fear it worse than a Goonies remake. PS - Yes, I know that FOX and FOXNews are 2 different things. Though the fact that the former hosts the latter (as well as several other wing-nut) shows does little to assuage my skepticism. I feel the same. Tyson is as good a choice as any… but Cosmos made a lot of ballsy statements (by anti-evo-american standards) back in the day and that was BEFORE we were in the throes of an anti-intellectual orgy. 

Plus, FOX? Really? 
I fear for this show, I really do. I fear it worse than a Goonies remake.

PS – Yes, I know that FOX and FOXNews are 2 different things. Though the fact that the former hosts the latter (as well as several other wing-nut) shows does little to assuage my skepticism.

]]> By: Neural Kernel http://boingboing.net/2011/08/10/neil-degrasse-tyson-to-host-new-series-of-cosmos.html#comment-1185213 Neural Kernel Thu, 11 Aug 2011 01:30:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=112720#comment-1185213 I didn't check the link... but by definition once you achieve terminal velocity you are no longer accelerating, so yeah it will feel different. Ironically once you stop accelerating it will start to feel like you are, just in the opposite direction... I didn’t check the link… but by definition once you achieve terminal velocity you are no longer accelerating, so yeah it will feel different. Ironically once you stop accelerating it will start to feel like you are, just in the opposite direction…

]]> By: Stefan Jones http://boingboing.net/2011/08/10/neil-degrasse-tyson-to-host-new-series-of-cosmos.html#comment-1185163 Stefan Jones Wed, 10 Aug 2011 23:52:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=112720#comment-1185163 This is wonderful news. The original <I>Cosmos</I> was a cultural landmark of the time. Sagan was mocked for his earnestness, but the show still had an enormous effect. I think we really, really <I>need</I> a show like it now. "Family Guy" occasionally has some rather trippy science fantasy plots. Last season Stewie and Brian accidentally time-travelled to before the Big Bang, which they caused by detonating the power source of their time machine. Then they had to protect Leonardo from a another time-traveling evil toddler. A chase scene in the skies of Venice featuring DaVincish flying machines followed. This is wonderful news.

The original Cosmos was a cultural landmark of the time. Sagan was mocked for his earnestness, but the show still had an enormous effect.

I think we really, really need a show like it now.

“Family Guy” occasionally has some rather trippy science fantasy plots. Last season Stewie and Brian accidentally time-travelled to before the Big Bang, which they caused by detonating the power source of their time machine. Then they had to protect Leonardo from a another time-traveling evil toddler. A chase scene in the skies of Venice featuring DaVincish flying machines followed.

]]> By: Ethan Bernard http://boingboing.net/2011/08/10/neil-degrasse-tyson-to-host-new-series-of-cosmos.html#comment-1185125 Ethan Bernard Wed, 10 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=112720#comment-1185125 I wonder how this will turn out.  NGT's radiolab bit on terminal velocity was completely wrong: Falling at speeds near terminal velocity produces a sensation very different than the "weightless" sensation of free fall at slow speeds. http://www.radiolab.org/blogs/radiolab-blog/2010/nov/29/vertigo/ Starts 18 minutes in. I wonder how this will turn out.  NGT’s radiolab bit on terminal velocity was completely wrong: Falling at speeds near terminal velocity produces a sensation very different than the “weightless” sensation of free fall at slow speeds.
http://www.radiolab.org/blogs/radiolab-blog/2010/nov/29/vertigo/
Starts 18 minutes in.

]]> By: amanicdroid http://boingboing.net/2011/08/10/neil-degrasse-tyson-to-host-new-series-of-cosmos.html#comment-1185112 amanicdroid Wed, 10 Aug 2011 22:47:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=112720#comment-1185112 Pro: Neil is awesome guy perfect for explaining things on the TV channels. Con: the TV channel will be Fox and I won't watch it as I don't support corporations that spy on dead children. Feelin' like a 90s Southern Baptist hankerin' for a ride on Space Mountain :( Pro: Neil is awesome guy perfect for explaining things on the TV channels.
Con: the TV channel will be Fox and I won’t watch it as I don’t support corporations that spy on dead children.

Feelin’ like a 90s Southern Baptist hankerin’ for a ride on Space Mountain :(

]]> By: Brainspore http://boingboing.net/2011/08/10/neil-degrasse-tyson-to-host-new-series-of-cosmos.html#comment-1184895 Brainspore Wed, 10 Aug 2011 20:01:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=112720#comment-1184895 My wife (a teacher) still refers to him as "that guy who killed Pluto." I still think she secretly thinks he's a pretty cool guy, though. My wife (a teacher) still refers to him as “that guy who killed Pluto.” I still think she secretly thinks he’s a pretty cool guy, though.

]]> By: Nancy J Gill http://boingboing.net/2011/08/10/neil-degrasse-tyson-to-host-new-series-of-cosmos.html#comment-1184861 Nancy J Gill Wed, 10 Aug 2011 19:44:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=112720#comment-1184861 Loved his description of the reception he got from grade-schoolers who blamed him, personally, for demoting Pluto from planet-hood. Wonderful news that he will be hosting a reprise of "Cosmos" - hope it will be in addition to, not instead of, NOVA Science Now. Loved his description of the reception he got from grade-schoolers who blamed him, personally, for demoting Pluto from planet-hood. Wonderful news that he will be hosting a reprise of “Cosmos” – hope it will be in addition to, not instead of, NOVA Science Now.

]]> By: allium http://boingboing.net/2011/08/10/neil-degrasse-tyson-to-host-new-series-of-cosmos.html#comment-1184747 allium Wed, 10 Aug 2011 18:43:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=112720#comment-1184747 According to Wikipedia he rowed crew and lettered in wrestling at Harvard. Definite example of a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/GeniusBruiser" rel="nofollow">Genius Bruiser</a>. According to Wikipedia he rowed crew and lettered in wrestling at Harvard. Definite example of a Genius Bruiser.

]]> By: Drew from Zhrodague http://boingboing.net/2011/08/10/neil-degrasse-tyson-to-host-new-series-of-cosmos.html#comment-1184681 Drew from Zhrodague Wed, 10 Aug 2011 18:02:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=112720#comment-1184681 We love you, Neil! Keep showing us stuff on television from space. Do not stop! We love you, Neil! Keep showing us stuff on television from space. Do not stop!

]]> By: Morrigan http://boingboing.net/2011/08/10/neil-degrasse-tyson-to-host-new-series-of-cosmos.html#comment-1184640 Morrigan Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:20:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=112720#comment-1184640 I'd hit it. I’d hit it.

]]> By: Clemoh http://boingboing.net/2011/08/10/neil-degrasse-tyson-to-host-new-series-of-cosmos.html#comment-1184622 Clemoh Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:59:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=112720#comment-1184622 I don't even know who the other 'Neil Tyson' might be, that NDT had to add 'Degrasse' to his name to be able to distinguish himself from the other one... I don’t even know who the other ‘Neil Tyson’ might be, that NDT had to add ‘Degrasse’ to his name to be able to distinguish himself from the other one…

]]> By: Sekino http://boingboing.net/2011/08/10/neil-degrasse-tyson-to-host-new-series-of-cosmos.html#comment-1184613 Sekino Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:52:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=112720#comment-1184613 Cool-gasm... Multiple cool-gasms. Cool-gasm…

Multiple cool-gasms.

]]> By: Snig http://boingboing.net/2011/08/10/neil-degrasse-tyson-to-host-new-series-of-cosmos.html#comment-1184601 Snig Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:43:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=112720#comment-1184601 I think this would be great, as long as Fox's management don't insist the world and the Universe started 5,000 or so years ago. I think this would be great, as long as Fox’s management don’t insist the world and the Universe started 5,000 or so years ago.

]]> By: Matt Binkowski http://boingboing.net/2011/08/10/neil-degrasse-tyson-to-host-new-series-of-cosmos.html#comment-1184589 Matt Binkowski Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:32:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=112720#comment-1184589 I will definitely watch this. I will definitely watch this.

]]> By: Teirhan http://boingboing.net/2011/08/10/neil-degrasse-tyson-to-host-new-series-of-cosmos.html#comment-1184588 Teirhan Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:31:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=112720#comment-1184588 one of Tyson's books (i think it was "Just Visiting This Planet") was basically the volume that introduced me to astronomy.  This is amazingly exciting news for me. Though his twitter comes across as a bit bitter sometimes, I still have massive respect for the man and the work he's done to help open up science in general to readers old and young.  and check out those sideburns!  <strike>I hope this is actually a photo of him.  </strike> confirmed? one of Tyson’s books (i think it was “Just Visiting This Planet”) was basically the volume that introduced me to astronomy.  This is amazingly exciting news for me.

Though his twitter comes across as a bit bitter sometimes, I still have massive respect for the man and the work he’s done to help open up science in general to readers old and young. 

and check out those sideburns!  I hope this is actually a photo of him.  confirmed?

]]> By: Ahoj http://boingboing.net/2011/08/10/neil-degrasse-tyson-to-host-new-series-of-cosmos.html#comment-1184584 Ahoj Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:25:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=112720#comment-1184584 Actually, it's a small few who can talk as eloquently as Sagan and Tyson. Most physicist and astronomers I have heard come across in very different ways. Some are atonal, some are mildly autistic, some have entirely forgot what it's like to look up and wonder. Actually, it’s a small few who can talk as eloquently as Sagan and Tyson. Most physicist and astronomers I have heard come across in very different ways. Some are atonal, some are mildly autistic, some have entirely forgot what it’s like to look up and wonder.

]]> By: Ahoj http://boingboing.net/2011/08/10/neil-degrasse-tyson-to-host-new-series-of-cosmos.html#comment-1184579 Ahoj Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:13:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=112720#comment-1184579 Actually McFarlane is a giant space nerd. He's referenced to Cosmos at least once on Family Guy (look up Cosmos for rednecks).  As I've heard, Tyson introduced McFarlane to Sagan's widdow Ann Druyan and they hit it off. And it was Druyan who brought up the idea of a Cosmos remake and McFarlane loved it so much he pulled the strings to make it happen. *edited to fix typo Actually McFarlane is a giant space nerd. He’s referenced to Cosmos at least once on Family Guy (look up Cosmos for rednecks). 

As I’ve heard, Tyson introduced McFarlane to Sagan’s widdow Ann Druyan and they hit it off. And it was Druyan who brought up the idea of a Cosmos remake and McFarlane loved it so much he pulled the strings to make it happen.

*edited to fix typo

]]> By: Brainspore http://boingboing.net/2011/08/10/neil-degrasse-tyson-to-host-new-series-of-cosmos.html#comment-1184569 Brainspore Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:05:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=112720#comment-1184569 Look at that physique! And you thought his friends called him "Mister Universe" because of his field of study. Look at that physique! And you thought his friends called him “Mister Universe” because of his field of study.

]]> By: Thorfin http://boingboing.net/2011/08/10/neil-degrasse-tyson-to-host-new-series-of-cosmos.html#comment-1184556 Thorfin Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:48:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=112720#comment-1184556 BTW.  He has confirmed the picture is him.  Says he does not recall the event. BTW.  He has confirmed the picture is him.  Says he does not recall the event.

]]> By: Thorfin http://boingboing.net/2011/08/10/neil-degrasse-tyson-to-host-new-series-of-cosmos.html#comment-1184553 Thorfin Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:46:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=112720#comment-1184553 High hopes for this.  Dr Tyson could pull it off.  He was a friend of Carl Sagan as well as a student.  However, Seth (family guy) McFarlane is involved? On Fox? Seriously, I hope it goes well, but I'm not holding my breath. High hopes for this.  Dr Tyson could pull it off.  He was a friend of Carl Sagan as well as a student. 

However, Seth (family guy) McFarlane is involved?
On Fox?

Seriously, I hope it goes well, but I’m not holding my breath.

]]> By: ill lich http://boingboing.net/2011/08/10/neil-degrasse-tyson-to-host-new-series-of-cosmos.html#comment-1184522 ill lich Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:24:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=112720#comment-1184522 Stars in his eyes, stars on his t-shirt.  Go figure. Stars in his eyes, stars on his t-shirt.  Go figure.

]]> By: deaduncledave http://boingboing.net/2011/08/10/neil-degrasse-tyson-to-host-new-series-of-cosmos.html#comment-1184510 deaduncledave Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:12:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=112720#comment-1184510 "Tell me, Professor, are you a fan of Ballistics? Cause it looks as if you've got TWO TICKETS TO THE GUN-SHOW!" *Strikes a pose* “Tell me, Professor, are you a fan of Ballistics? Cause it looks as if you’ve got TWO TICKETS TO THE GUN-SHOW!”

*Strikes a pose*

]]> By: deaduncledave http://boingboing.net/2011/08/10/neil-degrasse-tyson-to-host-new-series-of-cosmos.html#comment-1184509 deaduncledave Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:11:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=112720#comment-1184509 Honestly, I think most astrophysicists have been like this since Spinosa. Honestly, I think most astrophysicists have been like this since Spinosa.

]]> By: Thad Boyd http://boingboing.net/2011/08/10/neil-degrasse-tyson-to-host-new-series-of-cosmos.html#comment-1184505 Thad Boyd Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:09:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=112720#comment-1184505 Shortly after I met my girlfriend, she very excitedly E-Mailed me a photo of herself with Tyson, whom she'd met at a lecture. That was an early indicator that she was a keeper. Shortly after I met my girlfriend, she very excitedly E-Mailed me a photo of herself with Tyson, whom she’d met at a lecture.

That was an early indicator that she was a keeper.

]]> By: Juliana Letterie http://boingboing.net/2011/08/10/neil-degrasse-tyson-to-host-new-series-of-cosmos.html#comment-1184490 Juliana Letterie Wed, 10 Aug 2011 14:31:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=112720#comment-1184490 Brilliant AND sexy!! If only he were twenty years younger. Brilliant AND sexy!! If only he were twenty years younger.

]]> By: jerwin http://boingboing.net/2011/08/10/neil-degrasse-tyson-to-host-new-series-of-cosmos.html#comment-1184479 jerwin Wed, 10 Aug 2011 14:20:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=112720#comment-1184479 I came across this video of Tyson <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOzkEwaMnaE&feature=player_embedded" rel="nofollow">talking about humanity's "place in the universe"</a>, and I thought he sounded very Saganesque. Is this how astrophysicists "are", or is this how astrophysicists are expected to be, post Cosmos? I came across this video of Tyson talking about humanity’s “place in the universe”, and I thought he sounded very Saganesque. Is this how astrophysicists “are”, or is this how astrophysicists are expected to be, post Cosmos?

]]> By: sparkdale http://boingboing.net/2011/08/10/neil-degrasse-tyson-to-host-new-series-of-cosmos.html#comment-1184480 sparkdale Wed, 10 Aug 2011 14:20:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=112720#comment-1184480 This man rules, and that picture just makes me like him more. This man rules, and that picture just makes me like him more.

]]> By: Patrick Di Justo http://boingboing.net/2011/08/10/neil-degrasse-tyson-to-host-new-series-of-cosmos.html#comment-1184465 Patrick Di Justo Wed, 10 Aug 2011 14:05:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=112720#comment-1184465 I worked at AMNH for five years.  I think every upper-body article of clothing Neil had in those days had some combination of stars, planets, galaxies, nebulae, and comets.  Check out his necktie collection sometime. I worked at AMNH for five years.  I think every upper-body article of clothing Neil had in those days had some combination of stars, planets, galaxies, nebulae, and comets.  Check out his necktie collection sometime.

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