Physicists create a bizarre new quantum state called a fractional…

What BBN said about it

1. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorPhysicists have created a new quantum state called a fractional fermi sea, and our guest says he represents every side of it.

2. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorMortimer Szczepanski, which side is that?

3. MS

   Mortimer SzczepanskiBoth, Vera. Strictly speaking, I represent the fermions and the fractions, and I bill the sea separately for being wet.

4. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorBut those two sides want different things. Isn't that a conflict of interest?

5. MS

   Mortimer SzczepanskiOnly if someone observes it, and my invoices never get observed.

6. MS

   Mortimer SzczepanskiStrictly speaking, I also represent the observer, so nobody is watching in a way I haven't already billed.

7. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorSo the observer is your client too?

8. MS

   Mortimer SzczepanskiYes. And strictly speaking, these glasses are for the fractions, because the fractions can't see the whole number.

9. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorYou've got one lens out of those glasses. I'll ask again, who is actually paying you?

10. MS

    Mortimer SzczepanskiThe taxpayer funded the lab, so the taxpayer pays me. Strictly speaking, I'm also representing the taxpayer, against myself.