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I want to add 137 to it as well.

To how many decimal places? (Yes, it has them. The claim on 137.com that "One hundred thirty-seven is the value of a number called the fine-structure constant." is not true:

1. 137 is approximately the reciprocal of the fine-structure constant;
2. the reciprocal of the measured value of the fine-structure constant is a little bit larger than 137.)

137 was rounded off for the purposes of physics promotion. Richard Feynman suggested that all physicists should display the number around their offices and homes as a constant reminder that there is still so much we don't know. Leon Lederman, Director Emeritus of Fermilab, chose 137 Eola Rd. for the address of his home while serving as Director onsite at the Lab. He even joked that if you are every lost, hold up a sign that says 137 and a physicist would come to your aid.

I enjoy physics education. A simple 137 is all you need to convey the complexity.

I've also convinced myself that the only guys worth dating are the ones who know what 137 means. Suffice to say, I haven't been on a date in over 2 years.

I want to add 137 to it as well.

To how many decimal places? (Yes, it has them. The claim on 137.com that "One hundred thirty-seven is the value of a number called the fine-structure constant." is not true:

1. 137 is approximately the reciprocal of the fine-structure constant;
2. the reciprocal of the measured value of the fine-structure constant is a little bit larger than 137.)

137 was rounded off for the purposes of physics promotion. Richard Feynman suggested that all physicists should display the number around their offices and homes as a constant reminder that there is still so much we don't know. Leon Lederman, Director Emeritus of Fermilab, chose 137 Eola Rd. for the address of his home while serving as Director onsite at the Lab. He even joked that if you are every lost, hold up a sign that says 137 and a physicist would come to your aid.

I enjoy physics education. A simple 137 is all you need to convey the complexity.

I've also convinced myself that the only guys worth dating are the ones who know what 137 means. Suffice to say, I haven't been on a date in over 2 years.

I want to add 137 to it as well.

To how many decimal places? (Yes, it has them. The claim on 137.com that "One hundred thirty-seven is the value of a number called the fine-structure constant." is not true:

1. 137 is approximately the reciprocal of the fine-structure constant;
2. the reciprocal of the measured value of the fine-structure constant is a little bit larger than 137.)

I want to add 137 to it as well.

To how many decimal places? (Yes, it has them. The claim on 137.com that "One hundred thirty-seven is the value of a number called the fine-structure constant." is not true:

1. 137 is approximately the reciprocal of the fine-structure constant;
2. the reciprocal of the measured value of the fine-structure constant is a little bit larger than 137.)

I have a replication of a bubble chamber photo on my wrist. I think there is so much beauty in science and math, and want to be reminded of this in everything I do....there is more to this world than the petty little things I find myself involved in from time to time. I want to add 137 to it as well. People ask all the time what it means, and it's an open opportunity to drop some knowledge on some people. Of course it helps if you can figure a way to dumb it down so they understand.

I'm surprised that no one has pointed out that they did this on their 137th year.... 137 is among the most interesting numbers in physics...I'm surprised that no one has pointed this out yet... I seriously doubt it was a coincidence

Leon Theremin (Lev Sergievitch Termen) actually developed his own version of television at about the same time, but it was appropriated by the Soviet government for surveillance purposes.

No, really. Read this book. Theremin was an interesting guy.

Mmm..

Here is a link to an interesting article on the fine-structure constant, and Sir Arthur's related exploits (5th para on).

Hmm, time for some slightly OT karma whoring...

The bug that was found in that seal was invented by none other than Leon Theremin, inventor of the instrument of the same name.

There's an excellent biography available about Theremin by Albert Glinsky called "Theremin: Ether Music and Espionage" - there's a review here. (No affiliate link here, just a review.)

Theremin was quite an inventor - Glinksy's book is a good read, managing to be interesting and informative in equal measures.

Go here for more about Theremins, or here to buy one.