[anymouse]

That explains a few things that have happened over the last few years - we got forked in time. ;)

[Bullish]

That really Stunes my Beeber!

[ari-freedom]

where is ockham’s razor when you need it?

[TASMANIANRED]

Parallel universe is still just a theory...No evidence exists....

[Red Badger]

...bush-like branching structure.....

I knew it was Bush's fault!.........

[edcoil]

“Parallel universes really do exist,”

I was just there, very nice but everything was backward.

[WorkingClassFilth]

Uh huh.

[Blue_Ridge_Mtn_Geek]

This is another good example of scientifically illiterate journalists converting an interesting story into a “gee whiz astounding science” fable based on a stupid claim about the relationship between physics and mathematics. Their work is an interesting step providing support for a particular interpretation of quantum mechanics. Nothing more. For a more realistic view of what’s going on in physics, read this:

http://www.amazon.com/Not-Even-Wrong-Failure-Physical/dp/0465092756
Not Even Wrong: The Failure of String Theory And the Search for Unity in Physical Law (Hardcover)
by Peter Woit

or this:

http://www.amazon.com/Trouble-Physics-String-Theory-Science/dp/061891868X
The Trouble With Physics: The Rise of String Theory, The Fall of a Science, and What Comes Next (Paperback)
by Lee Smolin

or both

[Diplomat]

Yea, infinite parallel universes, thats the ticket. If an infinite number of parallel universes is what it takes to make the math work, then it’s not much of a theory. In other words, it’s utter b.s.

I got a suggestion for these physicists, you’ve recently dumped 10 dimensions in favor of 11 dimensions, take another step and go to 12 dimensions.

[perfect_rovian_storm]

[jimmyray]

Romans 1:21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools. (NIV)

[Repeal 16-17]

That explains a few things that have happened over the last few years - we got forked in time.

Things could be worse. Imagine being in a universe where Al Gore won the 2000 election, or in which #42 won a third term.

[Son Of The Godfather]

I find it interesting to read about "parallel universe" theories...

I sometimes see someone writing about an infinite number of universes (universi?) that have all possible differentiations of the possible happening. Then there's an example given, such as "in one universe, so-and-so was killed in that accident, but in our universe, he lives."

I don't see why you would even attempt to give an axample if there are an "infinity" of universes... What of the universe where everything is EXACTLY the same, except that I mistakenly typed an "O" instead of an "I" in this sentence? "P"? "L"? Or the exciting, almost exactly the same universe, but in this universe, I blinked one extra time in a day? What an incredible waste of a universal existence!

Parallel universes? Perhaps... But I don't think I can get behind "infinite universes" theory. I'm hoping a Technological Singularity (Google it! :) will provide the ultimate answers.

Of course, this is only my belief in this universe.

[citizencon]

Case in point: the myriad personalities of Hillary Clinton...

[NormsRevenge]

Parallel universes really do exist

—

Been there done that

Great trips! :-}

.. but the interuniversal access fees’ll kill ya!

Pack for both cold and warm.

[bleach]

So in the other universe I’m holding a winnning Powerball ticket. Cool!

[RS]

Now if only I could get a few of me that hit the lotteries to send me a few bucks each ....

[Popocatapetl]

This understates parallel universes. To start with, Einstein pointed out that true parallel universes would have to be equivalent to this one. That is, not separated by time, but in coexistence, just with different energy, some of which transcends more than one, like say gravity, but most of which is limited to just their home universe.

But if “dark matter” is really parallel universes, it implies there are only a limited number of them, perhaps a dozen.

This is different from “possible” and “alternate” universes, *or parts thereof*, which are neither permanent or complete.

It is based on a membrane model of the universe, which can be imagined as if our universe was filled with bubbles, and within each are different energy and different rules. Every bit of “matter” is a form of energy made solid and equal to other solids by its surrounding membrane.

In “your” membrane, if you flip a coin, you get heads, and the heads outcome is the “official” outcome. However, the “possible” tails outcome is just as real, as a possibility. So the two outcomes remain real, until you put the coin back in your pocket, when they re-converge. Neither outcome had any real impact beyond that.

However, later in the day you make an “alternative” decision, in this case, you decide if you want to become a US Marine or a ballet dancer. An alternative possibility has outcomes that permanently diverge. Both are just as real, and stay that way. This is like the “endlessly diverging universes” idea, except the entire universe is not involved, just a piece of it.

Yet membranes can permit multiple realities in the same universe. After all, it’s just energy.

[Barnacle]

A motorist who has a near miss, for instance, might feel relieved at his lucky escape. But in a parallel universe, another version of the same driver will have been killed. Yet another universe will see the motorist recover after treatment in hospital. The number of alternative scenarios is endless.

You know... I thought I was reading this. Then, like a dream I realized I wasn't. I only thought that I was reading it. Just like you think you are reading these words right now... But, you're not. It's your imagination.

Now, for something completely different.

[Hot Tabasco]

But in a parallel universe, another version of the same driver will have been killed

Just reinforces my mother's insistance that I wear clean underwear every day.........

[my_pointy_head_is_sharp]

Good to know that as a person with terminal fatigue and insomnia in THIS universe, in a parallel universe my double falls asleep easily each night and wakes up refreshed every morning. Good for her! < :P