Daedalus's definitions

Photon

A wave (or particle) that makes up electromagnetic radiation, or 'light.' This particle is also the quantization of the electromagnetic force. A vibrating electron will release a photon.

Scientists are still not sure whether photons are particles or waves. In reality, they have characteristics of both, leading some to suggest that they are particles which ride on an electromagnetic wave like surfers. One wonders what would happen if they fell off their hypothetical surfboards.

"Photon" is also used in The Hitchhiker Trilogy as a curse word, as in "What the photon is it, Ford?"

Photons make up light.

by Daedalus January 7, 2004

spam

What this is.

This is spam.

by Daedalus January 7, 2004

agnostic

1. Strictly, someone who believes that it is impossible to know whether or not God exists. Note that they may still be either an atheist or a theist, they simply do not believe it is possible to prove beyond all doubt that God does or does not exist.
2. Someone who neither believes fully that God exists nor that s/he does not exist. This is the more common usage. Note that such a person can be neither an atheist or a theist.

Most agnostics are open-minded people, but there are always exceptions to the rule.

by Daedalus January 7, 2004

government

An unfortunately necessary evil designed to solve prisoner's dilemma-type problems. The various systems of government include:
Monarchy
Democracy
Republic (called a Representative Democracy in America)
Dictatorship
Communism
Socialism
Anarchy (Note: technically lack of government)

And various mixes of all the above.

The United States is a republic, or representative democracy.

by Daedalus January 7, 2004

something

Some-thing. Very simple, really. The name says it all.

Something is poking me.

by Daedalus January 7, 2004

taxes

Another necessary evil perpetrated by the government, which is itself a necessary evil. While many people disagree over just how much taxes they need to pay, it is stunningly obvious that we need to pay some taxes. Running the country, after all, isn't a part-time job.

The general reaction to taxes is high, usually because people are very attached to the small green slips of paper they call 'money.'

1: I'm a Democrat! I want higher taxes!
2: I'm a Republican! I want lower taxes!
3: I'm an Urban Dictionarian! I want no taxes!

by Daedalus January 7, 2004