What is the Funniest Research Proposal Ever Described in Physics Today?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying a humorous research proposal mentioned in Physics Today, with participants recalling details and attempting to clarify the specifics of the article. The scope includes references to historical context and the nature of the proposal itself.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants recall an article from Physics Today discussing a funny research proposal, possibly from Harvard.
  • One participant humorously misinterprets the title, thinking it refers to a wedding proposal.
  • A participant mentions that the proposal was described in connection with cosmic background radiation measurement and remembers it being very brief and amusing.
  • Another participant provides links to the article, suggesting that it is easily accessible online.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that a humorous research proposal exists in Physics Today, but there is uncertainty about the specifics and details of the article.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express frustration over the lack of clarity in the initial inquiries, indicating that more specific details would be helpful in identifying the proposal.

qnach
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Iremember saw such an article somewhere...perhaps Physics Today?
Saying someone in the early days...Perhaps at Harvard or so...
Has anyone any idea?
 
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qnach said:
Iremember saw such an article somewhere...perhaps Physics Today?
Saying someone in the early days...Perhaps at Harvard or so...
Has anyone any idea?
Could you be less clear? :wink:

Seriously, you'll have to give more details about what you are looking for.
 
When I read the title, I thought wedding proposal.
 
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qnach said:
Iremember saw such an article somewhere...perhaps Physics Today?
Saying someone in the early days...Perhaps at Harvard or so...
Has anyone any idea?

Yes! It was described (and shown) in a recent Physics Today, I believe in connection with the cosmic background radiation measurement, I remember the proposal being like, a single paragraph. Hilarious!

Edit: found it! http://physicstoday.scitation.org/doi/10.1063/PT.3.3053
 
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Andy Resnick said:
Yes! It was described (and shown) in a recent Physics Today, I believe in connection with the cosmic background radiation measurement, I remember the proposal being like, a single paragraph. Hilarious!
Then someone has very bad Google-fu. First hit of "physics today research proposal" is https://www.aip.org/history-programs/news/physics-today-archives-perfect-proposal-january-2016, which links to the actual article: http://physicstoday.scitation.org/doi/full/10.1063/PT.3.3053
 

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