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Einstein and Old Harry

By Hamish Johnston

I have just heard what has to be the longest string of physics jokes ever uttered on the radio.

I was listening to the BBC Radio 4 programme “Old Harry’s Game”, in which the comedian Andy Hamilton plays Satan and is set in hell.

Early in the episode we learn that Einstein is detained at Old Harry’s pleasure — indeed all deceased scientists are there it seems.

What follows is a string of gags on everything from Schroedinger’s Cat to Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle — and a joke of dubious taste about Stephen Hawking’s ability to play table tennis.

You can listen to it here — the physics jokes start about ten minutes in.

CULTURAL WARNING: Like most early-evening broadcasts on Radio 4 this programme could be a bit too “jolly-hockeysticks” for the non-British listener.

Posted by Hamish Johnston on Feb 26, 2009 8:10 PM | Permalink