In case you’re unfamiliar with the TV sitcom series “The Big Bang Theory” (and we’re guessing you are) it’s about the relationship between two socially awkward physicists working at CalTech and their ditzy blonde neighbor. Basically, a sitcom version of Beauty and the Geek.

Apparently, our very own physics professor, George Smoot, wrote to the producers of the show and requested to be featured on an episode. Smoot won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1996 2006 for his work on cosmic microwave background radiation. He’s basically the man responsible for cementing the Big Bang Theory.

In the episode, Smoot plays himself, a god to the stars of the show, who travel up to SF to hear him speak. Smoot claims that he’s a fan of the show, since it’s about his life of work (and we’re guessing the only show to be, ever).

Editor’s Note: Post updated for accuracy.

The Big Bang Theory – Doctor George Smoot [YouTube]

In a time of economic crisis that seems to permeate every fiber of everyone’s being, Berkeley has managed to win a quantum of solace (you’ll see how cheesy that was in a second, here), in the form of an $11 million grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology to build a Center for Integrated Precision and Quantum Measurement. This center is planned for the basement of the new Campbell Hall, which will eventually take the place of the old Campbell Hall … which is still standing. Hm.

Anyway, Berkeley’s proposal proverbially drop-kicked the competition, beating out about 100 other applicants for the big Science bucks. Michael Crommie, Berkeley physics professor and the project’s main dude, told the Daily Cal that “The facility at Berkeley is targeting research in a bunch of delicate quantum measurements in the realm of physics … ” Ooh, that’s tender, brah. He also stated that another goal of the project is “to create a low-noise, high-stability facility.” Because, lord knows those physicists can get some major ragers going when particles start a-flyin’. The Clog approves.

Image Source: cayusa under Creative Commons
Technology Institute Awards UC Berkeley $11 Million Grant [Daily Cal]