Jody Gaines
Phys 212, F07
4/16/14
Website Project
The impact of "Futurama" has spurred
popular memes and catchphrases.
In the �Futurama� movie, �Bender�s Big Score�, Professor Farnsworth sees the following equation on a blackboard:
E=9.87sin(2B)-7.53cos(B)-1.5sin(B)
He says that this
equation explains paradox-free time travel. Ironically
Farnsworth finds it unsolvable. The Harlem Globetrotters
take a look at the problem and tell Farnsworth to �use variation of
parameters and expand the Wronskian.� The equation, however,
comes with a caveat: paradox-free time travel can bend the
fabric of time and space [1].
Viewers don�t really care what equation explains
paradox-free time travel. Sure, paradox-free time travel
would be nice to use, but we don�t expect it to be
represented as a trigonometric equation. Futurama is allowed
to have the freedom of doubt. It doesn�t matter why dark
matter can be used as a source of energy, as long as it
sounds like a reasonable material to use as ship fuel.
The genre of �Futurama� is science fiction. Its concepts should be taken with a grain of salt. Every now and then �Futurama� will meet with critical success in the academic field (Keeler�s Theorem), so the show has its moments of inspiration. Overall the show is made for entertainment purposes, which means it�s very popular with the younger demographic. With that being said, �Futurama� is hilarious, and a great show in general. I recommend that you, the person who is reading this website, watch this show for its entertainment purposes. I give the show an A+.