Conference tidbits

I really enjoyed Strings 2010 this week, for the physics and for the people. But there were also a number of random fun bits to share. For example:

* I got to ride a Segway for the first time. (Very briefly.) Takes a little getting used to, but I can see that it could pretty quickly feel quite natural. It's quite remarkable that it works.

* Less surprising: keeping up with a technical talk is difficult if the audiovisual staff are on the phone two rows back trying to fix the camera. More surprising: it's also difficult when someone's snoring halfway across the lecture hall.

* A few choice quotes by the speakers (I won't pretend they're verbatim, and profuse apologies if I've misquoted anyone): (I'm happy to explain the context in the comments if necessary.)

( I'll hide most of these behind a cut. )

Liam McAllister: "Since I'm in Texas I can feel safe using the phrase, 'You can't get lard unless you boil the hog.'"
Eva Silverstein: "Aren't you a vegetarian?"
Liam: "Yes, so perhaps I've missed the point. I was given to understand that getting lard is something good."

( One more. )