> We could request money to finally count the number of grains of sand on earth. <
I’m in. Unless I’m missing something, it should take about a month to get a decent estimate.
Step 1. Make a list of all the major beaches. Estimate their sand volumes: length x width x depth. Get the depth info. by calling a local guy.
Step 2. Count how many grains of sand are in, say, one cubic inch of beach sand.
Step 3. Multiply.
Step 4. Go on verification trips. Visit first-world resort beaches. Stay in luxury hotels only.
As I said earlier, it should take about a month to do the math. But we should apply for a five-year grant because of Step 4.