Planning the Tuesday measurement

Ruslan called at 10:00. We talked for two hours about Tuesday.

Two retired scientists planning an intensive measurement day. If my younger self could see me now, he would be… actually, he would probably not be surprised at all.

The Plan

We have agreed on the following protocol:

  • Measurements every 15 minutes instead of hourly
  • Both of us measuring simultaneously (him: pressure, me: frequency)
  • Video call open from 06:00 to 22:00
  • Backup equipment ready

“What if we find something?” Ruslan asked.

“Then we will have found something,” I said.

“And if we find nothing?”

“Then we will have very detailed documentation of nothing. I have thirty years of experience in this.”

He laughed. I was only partially joking.

The Equipment Check

I tested everything today:

Equipment Status Notes
Frequency counter Working  
The Ambassador Working Still warm from cat
Backup multimeter Working Ц4353, immortal as always
Laptop Working 73% battery health
Notebook Ready New pen acquired
Tea supply Adequate 400g remaining

Ruslan is bringing a second barometer. “For comparison,” he said. We both know it is because we do not fully trust any single instrument. This is either good scientific practice or paranoia. After enough years, these become indistinguishable.

The Existential Intermission

I found myself wondering: what happens if Tuesday shows a clear anomaly?

I would have evidence. Real, reproducible, witnessed evidence.

Then I would write a paper. It would be rejected by three journals. Someone would suggest my equipment is faulty. I would explain. They would not listen. I would post it on my blog.

So essentially, nothing would change. This is strangely comforting.

Day 10 Data

Time Pressure (hPa) Frequency (Hz)
06:00 1019 49.96
12:00 1018 49.97
18:00 1018 49.97

A calm Sunday. The calm before the measurement.

Current status:

  • Days until Tuesday intensive: 2
  • Equipment checked: All functional
  • Emotional state: Cautiously prepared
  • Ruslan video call test: Successful (his camera points at ceiling, but audio works)

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