The benefits of working at CERN

One of the great things about working at this lab is the high profile guest speakers that come from time to time (fairly often) to give seminars and visit the experiments. Yesterday, I went with Joe (roommate) and Didar (another colleague) to see a colloquium entitled "The Creation of the Universe". The colloquium was advertised to start at 3:30. We decided to go to the auditorium right after lunch to ensure that we could get a spot. At about 1:40 we arrive there to see that the house is nearly packed in anticipation of this very famous guest speaker. We were able to find seats (about 20 rows up). About 20 minutes later, there were no more seats, and we still had an hour and a half to wait for the talk to begin. It was mayhem. There were 4 rooms set up for the audience overflow, where the talk would be broadcast.

Finally, the moment came, and it was quite the experience. What an impressive human being! It would have been nice if the subject matter was a little more thought provoking...I kid, I kid. It was freaking awesome. Here is a clip of this legendary scientist entering the auditorium. You should recognize him.