Tunneling Theory Of Sock Disappearance

The Truth Behind The Mystery

by Jonathan David Harmon (jharmon@mtu.edu)
written 13 Apr 1995

This article is classified "Fictional"


Tunneling is a far-out, isn't-physics-neat sort of theory which states
that, because matter is just plain weird, it's possible for matter in one
part of the universe to instantaneously transport to another part of the
universe.  This was worked out mathematically based on such fun things as
Einstein's Theory of Relativity, Wave Theory, and a six pack of beer.

It was originally believed that this theory was one of those unobservable
things that physicists could say they'd absolutely proven when their
research money ran out.  "Didn't you see that electron go?" they could ask.

Recently, however, it was theorized that perhaps this effect is observed
every day.  Everyone knows that it is highly improbable, if not impossible,
to get the same number of socks out of a dryer as were put in.  This
problem was basically ignored by the physics world, as they believed that
the dryers simply ate the missing socks.  Recent evidence suggests, though,
that Tunneling is actually to blame.

Why Tunneling occurs so often with socks has not yet been explained.
Initial data, however, suggests that it is most likely due to the unique
static to mass ratio of the socks.

This has stimulated physicists into a frenzy of activity.  Amongst the many
implications of this was an idea, suggested by an undergraduate student at
Michigan Technological University but immediately credited to his physics
professor, that this tunneling could somehow be harnessed.  Engineers and
physicists at MTU are currently working on a vehicle to utilize this
phenomenon.  Construction has begun on a giant dryer, and cotton has been
shipped in for the creation of the pair of socks.  The problem of
discovering which sock of a pair will tunnel has not yet been solved.

These events are being watched with wide eyes by hitchhikers world wide.
Such a device would make leaving the planet, and even leaving the galaxy,
extremely simple.  The probability of survival, however, is currently very
low.  The MTU research team urges any volunteers willing to test this
probability to write them care of Jon Harmon at jharmon@mtu.edu.

See also:
  • Harmon, Jonathan David
  • Universal Reduction Theory, The
  • Lost Property
  • Fairies

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