Congratulations on a Great Century, Gravity

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Science News has a big package in the current issue about Gravity’s Century. I’d just like to add a personal note of congratulations to this. I think gravity has had a great century. It has kept me from floating into space for 57 years. It’s kept our atmosphere intact so we can all breathe. It’s remained weak enough that Earth hasn’t spiraled into the sun. It’s helped produce thousands of adorable kitten videos. And black holes! Those are just awesome.

All in all, terrific job, gravity. You deserve all the kudos you’re getting. What’s more, I hope this makes up for our inexcusable neglect of your first big century in 1787. We’re really sorry about that. You deserved better. I guess we were busy with the whole Constitution thing and it slipped our minds. It won’t happen again, I promise.

On the constructive criticism side, though, what’s with all the fancy math? It makes you seem a little elitist. A little KISS could go a long way. Just a thought.

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Managing an independent, nonprofit newsroom is staggeringly hard. There’s no cushion in our budget—no backup revenue, no corporate safety net. We can’t afford to fall short, and we can’t rely on corporations or deep-pocketed interests to fund the fierce, investigative journalism Mother Jones exists to do. That’s why we need you right now. Please chip in to help close the gap.

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