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VOL.448 NO.7152 DATED 26 JULY 2007
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Exclusive: Science in Springfield
An exclusive interview in this week's Nature Podcast with Simpsons head writer Al Jean, also includes Homer, Lisa and, er, Stephen Hawking. Together they explain why the Simpsons is the most scientifically literate show on TV, and now at the movies. The interview is supported by a feature in this week's issue of Nature.
Al Jean, also Producer of the Simpsons Movie, out this week, reveals the impressive scientific pedigree of the writing team, and how they try to sneak science and maths gags into the show. These include making sure the millionth digit of Pi is correct (Homer's response: "mmmm...pi"), the hidden secret of Springfield's baseball attendance figures, Lisa's vocal defense of evolution over creationism, and Homer castigating her for breaking the laws of thermodynamics. On which other sitcom can you hear Stephen Hawking expressing sadness for failing to find a unified field theory?
Contact for background information:
Michael Hopkin (Journalist, Nature)
Tel: +44 20 7843 4594; E-mail: [email protected]
Media contact
Ruth Francis (Senior Press Officer, Nature)
Tel: +44 20 7843 4562; E-mail: [email protected]
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